University of Louisiana-Monroe students approve new athletic fee

“If you look at the other end of the spectrum, James Madison University in our league actually charges students $1,200 per semester.”

Only full-time, in-person students would be required to pay the new fee, which takes effect in the fall semester.

The funding would support various improvements, including a new video board in Fant-Ewing Coliseum and enhanced nutrition programs for student-athletes. Hartwell emphasized that the benefits would extend beyond athletics.

“What does this benefit? Yes, it benefits our men’s and women’s basketball programs and our volleyball program, all of which compete in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. But it also will enhance general student body functions like graduations, concerts, or various events in there,” Hartwell explained.

“There will be dollars allocated out of this for nutrition, for mental health, for strength and conditioning, and for our sports medicine program,” Hartwell explained.

The fee passed on a 711-650 vote. Hartwell says opponents to the athletic fee proposal said they do not attend athletics events or questioned the need to spend more money on sports. Hartwell says a successful athletic program improves the entire university.

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“The success of our athletic teams heightens the profile of the institution and therefore, I will say, in an abstract way, increases the value of your diploma,” Hartwell said.

To read the full story from KNOE.com about the University of Louisiana-Monroe athletics department, click here.