As the school year started, the Recreation and Wellness Center implemented policy changes, including the removal of guest passes, and a new model for intramural sports.
In years past, students would have two free guest passes per semester, allowing friends and family to enter the rec center without a fee. Those guests are now required to pay $10.
According to senior assistant director Jim Kraus, the rec center saw an opportunity for more income as most universities do not offer free guest passes.
The results have been positive throughout one semester of charging $10 for guest entry.
“Through October, we have sold 730 guest passes,” Kraus said. “This is about 375 per month, which is slightly higher than the amount of free guest passes used in the past.”
Another new policy implemented this season was the new formatting of the intramural passes. In previous years, students would pay $10 per intramural sport. This year they now have semesterly passes at $35 per pass. Students can also purchase a yearly pass for $60. To participate in any intramural sport, one of these passes must be purchased.
“The goal of the intramural pass is to get students to play more than one sport,” Kraus said. “If you are paying for multiple sports, you may consider playing more than the one to get your money's worth.”
Kraus said that overall participation has been the same, while revenue is up.
With these changes, students have not been pleased. Many of them have voiced their frustrations.
“I think all colleges should receive guest passes,” said sophomore finance major Ian Carter. “I have friends who would like to come play basketball or lift, but aren’t willing to pay the extra money.”
Senior exercise science major Joey Booth liked the idea of an intramural pass but thought the price was too high.
“Now the player is spending $35 instead of $10. It seems like a money grab,” Booth said.
With the idea of creating this pass, the intent was to encourage students to play more sports.
“If I have every sport available to me, I am going to try to play everything I can,” Booth said. “But a lot of people don’t have that mentality, or they just aren’t good at those other sports.”
“I want to play basketball and only basketball,” Carter said. “I don’t think I should have to pay for other things I don’t want to do.”
Kraus noted the student's frustration but said they are always looking for feedback.
“We are always looking for ways to improve, so if we see an opportunity, we will take it,” said Kraus.
Sources:
Jim Kraus - jkraus8@kent.edu
Ian Carter - 330- 389-1553
Joey Booth - jbooth17@kent.edu