(May 1, 2009, New Orleans, La.) - Several weeks ago, the University of New Orleans Student Government passed a resolution to create a student referendum on an increase in the athletics fee that would allow the University to keep and fund the Division I intercollegiate athletics program in the face of anticipated severe budget cuts as outlined in the Governor's budget proposal for 2009-2010.

On April 28, 29 and 30, 2,669 UNO students voted on the referendum to increase the athletic fee paid by each student. Of the total votes cast, 1,418 students (53.1 percent) voted against the proposed athletic fee increase, while 1,251 students (46.9 percent) voted for the increased fee.

The results of the student vote mean that the University of New Orleans will not ask the LSU Board of Supervisors to increase the student fee.

"The only hope we have to preserve UNO Athletics as a Division I program is now in the hands of the Louisiana Legislature," said Chancellor Timothy P. Ryan. "If the proposed budget cuts are not reduced through legislative action, the University will have no alternative but to eliminate the general fund support for Athletics. The UNO Division I Athletics program cannot survive without this revenue."

The University of New Orleans (UNO), the urban research University of the State of Louisiana, provides essential support for the educational, economic, cultural and social well-being of the culturally rich and diverse New Orleans metropolitan area. It opened its doors in 1958 as part of the Louisiana State University System "to bring public-supported higher education to Louisiana's largest urban community." Today, UNO offers 43 undergraduate degree programs, 37 masters, and 11 doctoral programs. The 340-acre main campus sits on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering easy access to all parts of the metro area. For more information, visit www.uno.edu.

Johanna M. Schindler

Director of Public Relations

(504) 280-6939

Fax (504) 280-1080

jschindl@uno.edu