As you may know, in 2024 the University formed a task force to address ongoing funding challenges for San Francisco State Athletics. As a result of that work, we recently made the hard decision to eliminate three of our teams (Baseball, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Indoor Track & Field). However, the future of Gator Athletics is far from secure and needs additional revenues to become sustainable.
In Spring 2025, the University began anÂ
alternative consultation process to consider a proposed increase to the existing Athletics Fee (Category II). This proposed adjustment aims to strengthen the University’s ability to support the long-term sustainability of Gator Athletics. Through this process, the University is proposing a phased increase to the student Athletics fee, with an additional $32 per semester in 2025-26 to support Athletics targeted for
2025-26, followed by $25 per semester increases through 2028-29, and a 5% increase thereafter for annual inflation adjustment.
- The Athletics Fee was last increased in 2010 and, due to increasing costs and declining state funds and fee revenue, Athetics had to eliminate three sports this year.
- Approximately 80% of CSU students receive some kind of financial aid, and 60% of undergraduate students have their tuition completely covered by grants or other non-loan aid.
- Athletics is a founding member of NCAA Division II and one of the longest-running programs on campus – men’s basketball dates back nearly a century to 1929, and in 2025-26 the softball team will celebrate its 50th season.
- This season, the women’s volleyball team was the NCAA Division II National Runner-Up and wrestler Johnny Lopez was the NCAA Division II National Champion at 141 lb., generating excitement for the University in the community.
- SF State has nearly 100 home events a year and admission is FREE for State students, faculty, and staff!
HEAD TO THE SURVEY
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Athletics is an integral part of campus life and the college experience, especially on a campus that has historically been known as a commuter school. Athletics impacts more than just student-athletes but other areas including, but not limited to, BECA, Campus Recreation, Journalism, Kinesiology, work-study jobs. Gator Athletics plays a critical role in student engagement, retention, and success at SF State. Nearly all student-athletes come to SF State specifically to compete, and they consistently outperform the general student body—with an 80% academic success rate and a six-year graduation rate of 59%. The program also serves as a key access point to higher education for BIPOC, first-generation, and low-income students, contributing to overall enrollment stability.
Despite the department's successes, Athletics currently receives only $68 of the University's
instructionally related activities fees. This amount, which was last increased more than 15 years ago, no longer covers the escalating costs of maintaining a competitive and inclusive NCAA Division II program. Without additional support, the University faces losing its NCAA Athletics program and negative impacts on student-athletes who rely on these programs to complete their degrees.
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Given the importance and complexity of this issue, President Lynn Mahoney has authorized the use of the alternative consultation process to ensure meaningful, informed student input. This process includes open forums, presentations, and opportunities for dialogue, all designed to educate students on the implications and benefits of the proposed fee adjustment.
Current San Francisco State students are asked to fill out this short survey to show whether they support a
revised student fee that will help stabilize SF State Athletics for the next decade. This survey data will be presented to the San Francisco State University’s (SFSU) Student Fee Advisory Committee (SFAC) in May.
We’ve already seen other nearby universities’ entire Athletics departments cut, don’t let SF State be next! We are all Gators!
SURVEY LINK
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