Student fee increase to fund new UAFS fitness facility

A new online university and many new degree programs were approved at last week's meeting of the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees meeting. But not much discussed was a fee to fund a new fitness facility at the system's Fort Smith campus.

A request from UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran was approved unanimously and will add a fee that equals $5 per credit hour to each class taken by a student.

According to UAFS.edu, the new facility will house a 5,800 square foot fitness area, a 2,600 square foot individual and small group fitness area, along with three studio rooms and a possible two-story rock wall.

Additionally, the facility will house two full-size basketball courts and a three lane track on the second floor above the basketball courts.

The new recreation center, as well as a new visual arts building, are the first two buildings to receive approval for construction as part of the university's latest master plan, which was revealed to the public in 2013.

The existing fitness and recreation facility was renovated and opened to the public in May 2006. A site for the new facility has not been announced.