New Orleans Athletics launches Wake the Lake campaign to educate students about Nov. 9 Student Experience Fee vote

NEW ORLEANS – On Nov. 9, students at the University of New Orleans will decide if they want to bring college football to the Lakefront. The student body will have the opportunity to vote on an increase in a fee for an enhanced student experience to include football, marching band, women’s golf and women’s soccer. The fee, which would be a net increase of $300 for a full-time student, will also benefit intramural and club programs, student activities, diversity and student retention programs.

In advance of the vote, New Orleans Athletics has launched a #WaketheLake website to provide information to students and the community. The department has scheduled a series of 10 town hall meetings to answer questions about the proposal. The first eight meetings will consist of student, faculty and staff leadership groups. Town hall meetings on October 31 and November 8 will be open to the campus community.

In the spring of 2022, the Student Government Association (SGA) requested and received approval from the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors for students to vote on the Student Experience Fee. In its request, the SGA said it was important for students to have the opportunity to decide for themselves.

“Over the next six weeks, we will host 10 town hall meetings for students, faculty, and staff to discuss the benefits, concerns and opportunities of enhancing the on-campus experience for current and future Privateer students,” said Tim Duncan, vice president of athletics & recreation. “We are encouraging as many students as possible to vote and make their voices heard about the future of their university.”

If 51% of the student body approves the new Student Experience Fee, it will be implemented. Current timelines project enhanced student activities, diversity, retention and intramural programming to begin in fall 2023. In athletics, women’s golf would start in 2024, with football, marching band and women’s soccer to follow in fall of 2025.

The October 31 and November 8 Town Hall Meetings will be held at 6 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom and are open to all students and employees.

Fans can learn more about the #WaketheLake campaign by visiting unoprivateers.com/WaketheLake.

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