Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
On Campus Blog
Alex Friedrich

St. Cloud State students approve athletics fee

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Wow, just after U of M president declares his commitment to athletics, I get this announcement from the St. Cloud State student government, which has been trying to raise money so it won't have to cut sports such as football:

Record turnout approves athletic fee increase

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – A record number of St. Cloud State University students voted in Student Government Fall 2010 Elections that led to the overwhelming passage of a $1.74 increase to athletic fees. (Editor's note: That's $1.74 per credit)

Students approved two referendum questions that will increase student athletic fees for Fiscal Years 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The first referendum question for a $0.74 per credit increase passed by a 68 percent to 31 percent margin.

The second referendum question for an additional $1 per credit increase passed by a 58 percent to 41 percent margin. The first vote needed to pass in order for the second vote to pass as well. The increase is on up to 12 credits per semester.

Students who voted yes to both questions approved an additional $601,344 to the student athletic fee for a total of $1,361,644.

The vote was a huge boost for the University’s athletic department, which faces shortfalls of $550,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $600,000 in fiscal year 2013. Those shortfalls come as the University is cutting about $14 million from its fiscal year 2012 budget.

A total of 4,053 students, almost 20 percent of the student body, voted. A minimum of 8 percent of the student body needed to vote in this election to validate the referendum results.

“The student turnout was fantastic; it speaks to the increased student engagement on campus this year,” said Amanda Bardonner, Student Association president. “Our student body understands the issues and has a vested interest in the future of this University. Student Government hoped for a high student turnout since any increase would result in the increase of all students’ fees.”