The recently implemented Murray State Racer Experience Fee increased $50 from last year after the University announced student services enhancement goals during April’s Budget Town Hall meeting.
The Racer Experience Fee assists in funding campus life, and Jackie Dudley, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, said the now $150 fee will improve student services and programs.
The Murray State Athletic Department was one of the main programs expected to improve. Some of the goals included updating locker rooms, laying a new basketball court floor and repurposing the track.
Lily Burnett, sophomore Exercise Science major, is on the volleyball team for Murray State. She said she noticed the fee listed on her bill but never knew what it was used for specifically.
“I hope the fee can improve my time in the athletic department by continuing to improve our equipment and facilities.” she said. “I don’t have a problem using the older equipment, but there is a lot that could be updated”
Burnett said if the changes are made, the increase in the fee would be worth it.
“There have already been several improvements to the athletics department, such as updating the weight room and a plan to add (air conditioning) in Racer Arena,” she said. “If the upcharge of the Racer Experience Fee is part of the reason for these improvements, then I am for it.”
Caroline Murphy, a sophomore Marketing major, is on the track team at Murray State. She said she did not know what the fee was, but she noticed it increased for this academic year.
“I hope it will give the track team more opportunities,” Murphy said. “Sometimes it feels like the majority of the athlete money goes to the men’s sports and we get very little in comparison.”
Murphy said seeing a change in the Athletics Department would make the extra $50 justifiable, but without any improvements or new opportunities, she doesn’t see the point in the increased fee.
The $150 fee amount has been set for fall, winter, spring and summer terms within the following academic year. Details on the Racer Experience Fee and other tuition fees can be found at www.murraystate.edu/admissions/BursarsOffice/tuition/GraduateTuition.