John D. Fox, Jr. is the UAF/NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative and an Associate Professor of Forest Sciences

I am writing to strongly endorse the recent increase in student fees to support UAF’s intercollegiate athletics and campus recreation programs.

I’m sure that the athletics program is only one of many UAF programs that struggle with annual budget deficits. And, I know many current students (and probably faculty) will object to an increase in student fees to support athletics. However, as Faculty Athletics Representative for nearly 5 years, I have had the privilege of getting to know the men and women in the athletic department, both student-athletes and staff.

I have come to realize the long-term importance of intercollegiate athletics, not only in providing an opportunity for excellent students to pursue their goals, but also in creating an important bond between the university and the Fairbanks community, and in contributing to the overall domain of student life. Supporting the athletic programs is akin to maintaining the physical and intellectual infrastructure necessary to even have a university. We must keep the long-term good of the institution in mind.

The quality athletic programs attract a cadre of local, national, and international students who otherwise would not come to UAF. That’s a fact. But, what goes largely unnoticed is that these highly motivated and talented individuals have a lasting positive impact on other students and community members via their individual friendships, their community service, and their being a source of healthy entertainment and pride so critical to mental and physical well-being in cold and dark days of the North. Can you imagine what UAF would be like without athletics, art, music, and theater?

I want to commend AD Forrest Karr for his diligent and sincere efforts to deal with the fiscal realities. He has been very open and honest about the situation and has worked day and night to increase external support and trim internal costs. He has put together a sound financial plan and has demonstrated his willingness to make tough decisions by trimming travel costs and scholarship support. The only feasible recourse is to increase institutional support for the programs. When comparing UAF’s programs with those of similar institutions across the country and even in comparison to our sister institution, UAA, one finds low institutional funding and within that level, a comparatively low contribution from student fees. Karr’s proposal suggests a creative and fair fee structure tied to credit-hours that would benefit the general student as well as significantly help the athletic and student recreation financial situation. Also, Karr should be commended for being in long-term communication with ASUA student leadership on this issue.

Given the demographic situation in this country, universities are struggling with enrollment declines. Even with a fee increase UAF will still be a financial bargain for most students. However, without an attractive student life and opportunities for a multi-dimensional education, why come here at all? We need to keep UAF a true university.