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Friday, March 29, 2024
The independent student publication of The University at Buffalo, since 1950

Affordable competition

Tuition, the cost of living and activity fees have been steadily increasing for students at UB. All the while, New York State budget cuts have been adding to student concerns.

In light of the difficult times, the Recreational and Intramural Services (RIS) have been doing their part to keep activities affordable for students.

Strapped with a $63,000 budget, RIS has not increased their fees for intramural sign ups in the past two years. However, this luxury has not come without a cost. According to Michelle Bernas, assistant director for intramurals, RIS was forced to make cuts this year due to a decreasing annual budget.

"There have been a lot of budget cuts going on in New York State," Bernas said. "But the one way we're [cutting costs] is just scaling down our staffing."

A majority of the budget goes to the payroll of staff members and intramural officials, as well as the cost of training and providing uniforms for their employees.

The amount of participation in each sport directly influences the amount of funding the activity will receive. According to Bernas, basketball had roughly 90 teams participate last year. Therefore it receives the most funding. Basketball brought in a good portion of the $32,000 intramural profit.

Due to the priorities of the budget, there is only around $3,000 left to spend on equipment for participants.

Also, in order to reduce spending, RIS sometimes gets equipment handed down to them from UB Athletics.

These cost-cutting measures have proven to be satisfactory for students. According to Bernas, there will be no increase in participation fees for students in the near future.

"If it were up to me and my supervisor [Director Marcus Hutchins], we would love for intramurals to be free," Bernas said. "Unfortunately, we can't."

While the steady cost of intramural leagues has benefited students, the same can't be said about the officials. RIS has tried to scale back on the number of people they employ, starting with officials.

"In a way, having less referees has put pressure on us to perform better and be more professional," said Brendon Barnes, a basketball official. "Mistakes will be magnified now… The referee position has become a lot more competitive. But we do become better referees because of that."

Despite budget cuts, RIS has found a way to succeed in satisfying the student body with competition and jobs.


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