TWU Seeks First-Ever Athletic Fee

September 29, 2022 — Denton — In an open letter to TWU students, Dr. Monica Mendez-Grant explains the upcoming vote for the university’s first athletic fee and why Striving for Excellence matters…

Dear TWU Students,

Let me first say, there is never a good time to ask students to raise their fees. However, if there was a good time, this is that time. Not only does 2022 mark the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, but also TWU has seen tremendous growth over the last two decades. With an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students and the largest incoming first-year class this semester, we are poised to continue on this path. The TWU Master Plan was created to facilitate the development of buildings and infrastructure that supports the University's mission and vision. Phase One of the master plan for Texas Woman's University provides an organizational framework designed to unify the 257-acre Denton campus with the flexibility to accommodate a 31% enrollment increase over the next 20 years. Currently, our facilities are inadequate and are unable to sustain user demand. For this reason as well as others, we are asking you to consider these increases.

However, before you decide, it's important to consider the impact your decision will have on students who choose to attend TWU in the future. Students who came before you had to make similar choices. Students who voted in favor of previous increases saw the vision of what TWU could be. If it weren't for them, the current Student Union at Hubbard Hall wouldn't exist; it would simply be a sketch on paper. The Fitness and Recreation Center and outdoor recreational facilities would be dirt and grass. None of this would have existed without student support. The question that remains is what do you want your legacy to be?

When you return to visit TWU as alumni, you will see the results of the decision we are asking you to make. When you visit with fellow alumni, your former classmates, you won't talk about the grades you made in A&P or English. You're going to talk about the experiences you had because that's what lasts and that's what matters. You'll talk about your participation in student organizations, Pioneer Palooza, Maroon Madness, and gathering at the fountain. These experiences would not have been possible if the students before you did not see the vision.

Naturally, we would like you to support these fee increases as we believe it's time to expand the programs and services offered to TWU students. This isn't possible without your investment to support these functions. If you choose to vote in opposition, we ask that you base your decision on facts.

Please take a look at our Striving for Excellence site that explains the fee structure in detail, including how much it will cost and what the estimated change will be to your total out-of-pocket expenses when we add an athletic fee but discount the student service fee. We'll also be hosting open forums in October where students will be able to view a presentation that includes information about the fees, renderings of future facilities, the impact and benefits of the fee increases, but more importantly, you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and learn more about Striving for Excellence and what this means for your TWU legacy. Remember to vote on November 1-2!

With Pioneer Pride,
Monica Mendez-Grant, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life

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Page last updated 7:48 AM, July 30, 2024