UO Student Recreation Center faces cash crisis
The University of Oregon's Recreation Center is among the biggest student funded programs on campus but now the complex is facing a dilemma, it needs more money.
Officials say, if they can't find a way to bridge the financial gap, they may have to cut some of the services they offer.
Since opening in 2000, the Student Recreation Center has become a popular fitness facility. In fact, more than 3,000 students use the center every day.
But now the complex is facing a financial crisis. Officials say they are running low on funds to cover operational costs.
The center's $3.5 million budget is dependent on student fees and revenue from additional services, but it's not enough. For years, they've been dipping into a cash fund balance that's starting to run dry.
"So this year we're bringing to the attention of the students the need for a new and different funding strategy," said Dennis Munore, Director of the Physical Activity and Recreation Services.
One strategy on the table is to increase incidental fees. Students currently pay $23 per term to use the Recreation Center but Munroe says it isn't enough to cover costs. He says a similar facility like that at Oregon State University uses $53 of incidental fees per term to help fund their operational costs.
Many students say they wouldn't be discouraged if the incidental fee was increased because the Recreation Center is centrally located on campus.
"The facilities are amazing back home if I went to the gym I'd have to pay so much for something this quality," said Jeff Pollock.
"I think that most students, a large portion of students, want to have all the facilities that they have so I think maybe most people would support a small increase," said Clara Cedarblade.
Munroe says he's working with the student senate to find alternative funding sources so services won't get cut. He expects a plan to be presented by the end of March.
10.6% of student incidental fees go into paying for the operational cost of the Student Recreation Center.
Officials say, if they can't find a way to bridge the financial gap, they may have to cut some of the services they offer.
Since opening in 2000, the Student Recreation Center has become a popular fitness facility. In fact, more than 3,000 students use the center every day.
But now the complex is facing a financial crisis. Officials say they are running low on funds to cover operational costs.
The center's $3.5 million budget is dependent on student fees and revenue from additional services, but it's not enough. For years, they've been dipping into a cash fund balance that's starting to run dry.
"So this year we're bringing to the attention of the students the need for a new and different funding strategy," said Dennis Munore, Director of the Physical Activity and Recreation Services.
One strategy on the table is to increase incidental fees. Students currently pay $23 per term to use the Recreation Center but Munroe says it isn't enough to cover costs. He says a similar facility like that at Oregon State University uses $53 of incidental fees per term to help fund their operational costs.
Many students say they wouldn't be discouraged if the incidental fee was increased because the Recreation Center is centrally located on campus.
"The facilities are amazing back home if I went to the gym I'd have to pay so much for something this quality," said Jeff Pollock.
"I think that most students, a large portion of students, want to have all the facilities that they have so I think maybe most people would support a small increase," said Clara Cedarblade.
Munroe says he's working with the student senate to find alternative funding sources so services won't get cut. He expects a plan to be presented by the end of March.
10.6% of student incidental fees go into paying for the operational cost of the Student Recreation Center.
