UTSA is a great university, and we want the world to know it. That is why we were so excited when the university was designated as a Carnegie R1 institution — a world-class research university. It brought us instant esteem.
That is also why we were so excited to see UTSA Athletics rising to greatness over these past years — including our recent arrival to the American Athletics Conference, two Conference USA football championships and the soccer team’s C-USA championship.
In the classroom, on the playing fields and courts and now with a surge into the national television spotlight, UTSA is earning the admiration of our community and receiving the national attention that it rightfully deserves. UTSA is truly becoming a household name across Texas and the country.
Think about what this means for you as a student and as a future alum. The rising prominence and reputation of UTSA, in both academia and athletics, is increasing the value of your degree.
When you walk into a job interview, a prospective employer might easily start the conversation with, “I see you went to UTSA. That’s a great university — and how about those Roadrunners.” That affinity with UTSA increases the value of your degree and gives you a competitive edge in getting the job.
Wins among UTSA Athletics’ teams give us an opportunity to turn the spotlight on all of UTSA’s achievements, which bolsters the university’s ability to attract more talent — from students to faculty to staff. It is a reflection of a university that is on the rise.
Athletics is also vital to instilling a sense of belonging. Whether you are a student or an alum, the experience of cheering on your Roadrunners makes you a part of something greater.
The upcoming athletic fee referendum is your opportunity to have a lasting impact on UTSA for years to come. On Oct. 25-26, you are being asked to vote on a fee increase of $1.50 per credit hour each year for five years, capped at 12 hours.
This fee will help UTSA Athletics meet the rising costs of operating its competitive programs while also providing funding for additional enriching entertainment options for students, such as pre-game and post-game celebrations, watch parties and more game-day transportation options. The experience of being part of the Roadrunner team spirit and bonding with fellow fans will be more accessible to all students.
The fee also means more resources for the organizations that support the Roadrunners, including ROTC, the UTSA Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band, the Rowdy Crew and UTSA Cheer.
The fee increase will not impact investments in other university priorities that benefit students, including new academic programs, additional resources for the classroom and technology upgrades. It is not an ‘either/or’ proposal.
Support of the fee will also show prospective donors in the community that students are willing to invest in the university, inspiring those donors to also commit to the university’s priorities in academics and athletics.
Please carefully consider the athletic fee referendum. When you graduate and look back on your time at UTSA, you will feel proud of your degree from our world-class institution. And, as an alum, you will be coming together with thousands of other Roadrunners who share a sense of pride and belonging with this amazing institution.
Now and forever, you are a Roadrunner.
