The Athletic Department at Cal State East Bay has a long history of supporting students in an important part of their higher educational experience, as well as being an integral part in advancing the mission of the institution. Athletics carries a unique ability to contribute to vibrant campus life, enhance and expand the footprint of the institution, and play a critical role in alumni engagement and philanthropic outreach.
History
Since 2008, the student fee on our campus has remained the same. In the 18 years since the fee implementation, the landscape of college athletics has changed, and standard operating costs have increased significantly. Member schools of the CCAA have shifted, necessitating different travel schedules and pressure to meet standards set by newer or more aggressively funded programs. Scholarship expectations for Division II have increased as well as staffing expectations in the 18 years that have passed since the initial fee was instituted.
Inflation Adjustment
The original documents establishing the authority to collect the Athletic Student Fee did not include progressive stairstep mechanisms, often found in long term athletic fee planning, nor did they include an annual inflation adjustment. Therefore, although costs of supporting an NCAA Division II Athletic program have increased over the years, the fees have not followed suit. Athletics is heavily dependent on goods and services for its baseline operations that fall prey to outside economic and political factors. The short-term solution for Athletics to attempt to manage the significant gaps has created an unsustainable reliance on philanthropic funding and revenue generation. While both avenues are an important part of a successful athletic department, an outsized reliance on unconfirmed recurring support creates a constant threat of deficits. What is ultimately recommended is the adoption of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI).
Alternative Consultation
In Spring 2026, the University began an 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 Cal State East Bay Athletics. Through this process, the University is proposing a phased increase to the student Athletics fee, with an additional $44 per semester in Spring 2026 to support Athletics targeted for 2026-27, followed by $25 increase per semester through 2027-28, and an increase thereafter for annual inflation adjustment through adoption of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI). This is a $94 total increase spread out over 3 semesters. Beginning in Fall 2028, an annual inflation adjustment would be implemented to ensure revenues keep pace with growing baseline expenses. The HEPI (three-year average) will be applied as needed based on an annual financial review.
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Current Year (Est.)
FY 2025-26 |
1st Projected FY (A)
FY 2026-27 |
2nd Projected FY (A)
FY 2027-28 |
Fall
|
64.50 |
64.50 |
133.50 |
Spring
|
64.50 |
108.50 |
158.50 |
Things to keep in mind when considering this information:
- 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.
- Supporting Athletics at a level that allows the program to be competitive positions the department to continue to be a valuable partner in the institution’s enrollment, retention, and exposure goals. Just to note a few current accomplishments that speak to this are:
- Cal State East Bay Men’s Basketball team garnered national recognition with their 33-1 record and competed in the NCAA DII Men’s Basketball Elite 8 in Pittsburgh, PA.
- For the first time in program history, Cal State East Bay had 4 nationally ranked teams!
- All Fall sports qualified for the post season for the first time in the modern era and 2 teams won conference championships
- Cal State East Bay has nearly 100 home events a year, and admission is FREE for students, faculty, and staff!
- Athletics plays an integral part in alumni and community relationship building, generating institutional engagement for campus-wide initiatives such as Giving Day, summer camps, and events that encourage Alumni to return to campus.
CAMPUS OPEN FORUM DATES:
As part of the ongoing alternative consultation process regarding a proposed phased increase to the existing Athletics Fee—the first proposed increase in 18 years—the University will host two 45-minute informational forums listed below. One will be in person and the other will be zoom to try and provide greater avenues for participation.
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Date
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Time
|
Location
|
|
4/15/2026
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12:00 – 12:45
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CB 159
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|
4/21/2026
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12:00 – 12:45
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Zoom
|
East Bay Athletics plays a critical role in student engagement, retention, and success at Cal State East Bay. Nearly all student-athletes come to Cal State East Bay specifically to compete, and they consistently outperform the general student body—with an average 3.4 GPA. 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.
Given the importance and complexity of this issue, President Cathy Sandeen 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.
Feedback Survey
Current Cal State East Bay students are encouraged to fill out the short survey to share their thoughts on a revised student fee that will help stabilize Cal State East Bay Athletics for the next decade. This survey data will be presented to the CFAC committee on May 1, 2026.
Please note: To complete the associated survey, you must log in using your CSUEB e-mail address.
FILL OUT THE SURVEY HERE!
Survey will be closed on Wednesday, April 22nd at 5:00 pm
We have all witnessed the negative impacts that have unfortunately affected other Bay Area institutions' athletics departments and want to ensure that Cal State East Bay continues to stay ahead of the curve. Athletics is excited to continue to compete at an elite level, provide outstanding student-athlete experience, and contribute to the vibrancy of our campus. Your support helps us achieve this vital next step for the sustainable future of our institutional athletic programs.
Pros
- Increased funding would support Athletics programs competitiveness through improved resources and equipment, which may help attract and retain student-athletes and maintain competitiveness within the conference.
- Grows visibility of East Bay. The basketball team’s recent success has brought increased attention and significantly boosted social media engagement, signaling stronger interest in EB.
- Athletics events help to create a safer campus environment by encouraging students to stay on campus, reducing the likelihood of students going out to where risks may be higher. This not only supports student well-being but also creates a more engaged, connected campus community
Cons
- Raising fees at a time when inflation is already driving up the cost of attendance could make it harder for students to afford to stay enrolled. Economic uncertainty and global factors tied to inflation add to that pressure.
- Some students may not perceive the value of Athletics, and support may decrease during underperforming seasons.
QUICK FAQs:
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What is an Alternative Consultation?
Alternative Consultation is a CSU policy that allows campuses to use approved methods, such as surveys, forums, and advisory committees, to gather meaningful student input on mandatory fees when traditional consultation or referendums aren’t effective. This approach broadens participation and captures more representative feedback.
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Do Student Athletes also pay the increased fee?
Yes, fees to support Athletics are considered Category II mandatory fees. All matriculated students pay the mandatory fees in order to enroll at Cal State East Bay.
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Will Financial Aid cover the Athletics Fee increase?
A majority of Cal State East Bay students’ mandatory fees are covered by Financial Aid.
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How often will the fees to support Athletics be increased?
Beginning in the Spring of 2027, the Athletics Fee will increase progressively from $64.50 and capping at $158.50 by 2028. Given the current student fee, this is a total increase of $94 spread out over 3 semesters (Year 1 - $44, Year 2 - $25, Year 3 - $25). There would be an increase thereafter for annual inflation adjustment through adoption of the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI).
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What will the Athletics Fee Increase pay for?
The increased fees will support sustainability of a robust Athletics department on baseline operating costs on things such as equipment, goods and services, and travel. This approach balances fees and central funding to more closely align with peers and alleviate pressure from central campus.
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Why can’t the MacKenzie Scott $50M donation pay for the Athletics Fee Increase?
The Athletics Fee is designed to address annual baseline operating costs that have increased in the last 18 years and are part of our institution’s regular baseline budget. The MacKenzie Scott gift is intended for one-time investments in transformational change for CSUEB.
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Where does CSUEB fall in comparison with other schools we compete with in our conference (or other CSU’s)?
Currently, CSUEB ranks in the bottom fifth of revenue generated by Athletics Fees. Additionally, CSUEB ranks last in the timeline when institutional fees have been updated, increased, or adjusted.
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What campus groups will Athletics contact to receive feedback?
ASI, RHA, SHAC, Orientation Team, RAW/PAW, Perry’s Nest, SAAC. Athletics will also hold two open forums and post info flyers with a QR code to encourage participants to fill out the survey.
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Do Cal State East Bay students pay the same amount of mandatory fees as other CSUs?
No, mandatory fees are different at each campus. The chart below compares annual mandatory fees (spring and fall semester combined) across the CSU campuses. Mandatory fees at Cal State East Bay fall in the lower third of CSU campuses. Source: Campus Mandatory Fees (2025-26) | CSU
