CSUB Referendum Passes

California State University, Bakersfield students have approved a referendum that will help fund a new $24 million recreation center and support the university’s move towards becoming an NCAA Division I athletics school.

The announcement was made at a news conference today by CSUB President Horace Mitchell and Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President Dan Gianoutsos. “It’s wonderful that the students share the vision to see the university grow,” Mitchell said. “It’s great they’re a part of this new endeavor for CSUB.”

Gianoutsos echoed Mitchell’s sentiment, “I’m thrilled with the results,” Gianoutsos said. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it for CSUB, my fellow students and the community.”

In addition to supporting the efforts for the move to Division I and the new recreation center, the fees will also provide extra financial support for CSUB clubs and organizations and funding for students of CSUB’s Antelope Valley campus to undertake major programs and student activity projects.

There were 1,759 votes cast on the referendum held Wednesday and Thursday; 893 students voted in favor of the fee increase, while 864 were opposed. Two ballots were invalid.

Here's the breakdown of student fee increases: Currently full time undergraduate students pay $51 a quarter for student union and student body fees. For the next academic year students will pay $168. The fee will increase in increments until the 2008-09 school year when the amount will cap at $224.

The new state-of-the-art recreation center will be built just north of the old gym. It will cover the existing Public Safety building and the outdoor basketball courts, with the entrance in direct line of sight to the Student Union. The 60,000-square-foot center will include a suspended track, fitness area with equipment, and possibly a rock-climbing wall.

The facility will be available only to students, faculty, staff and alumni of CSUB. Faculty, staff and alumni wishing to use the facility will pay a membership fee, but there will be no additional fees for students to use it. The center will employ students, and a student advisory board will oversee operations.

Media Contact: Mike Stepanovich, 661/654-2456, mstepanovich@csub.edu or Jaclyn Loveless, jloveless@csub.edu