The University of Hawaii Board of Regents today approved a UH Mānoa student athletic fee of $50 that will go into effect in Spring (January) 2011.

“The goal of this investment is for our students to benefit from a strong, visible sports program that magnifies UH Mānoa’s image, along with encouraging greater student participation in athletic events—providing memorable experiences that connect them with UH Mānoa now and throughout their lives,” said UH Mānoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw.

“I’m grateful for Chancellor Hinshaw’s leadership on this issue. I firmly believe that today’s decision will provide a great long-term benefit to our University—both in the student experience and eventually in expanded philanthropy,” said Athletics Director Jim Donovan.

The projected $2 million raised annually by the fee will go to the Athletics Department for support of student-athletes, through scholarships, travel, materials and supplies, and other expenses—but not staff compensation or benefits.

The fee will also enable Mānoa students to attend home athletic events simply by showing their ID cards — a first for the campus.  For example, 5,000 seats (10 percent) of Aloha Stadium will be set aside for Mānoa students for Warrior football games.

In addition, 5 to 8 percent of the revenues ($100,000-$160,000) will be set aside for student activities, as determined by a Student Athletic Fee Committee controlled by a student majority.

 “Our next step is to determine details of the student benefit package through working with a new Student Athletic Fee Committee that is predominantly students and represent different student organizations,” said Chancellor Hinshaw.