Student Council representatives presented a proposal Tuesday night that would allow students to vouch for themselves at athletic facilities on Grounds.
Architecture Rep. Kevin Hanlon and College Rep. Sandy McArthur sponsored the proposal, which Council will vote on Nov. 27. For the proposal to go into effect, it would need the ultimate approval of the department of athletics.
The proposal states, "Students without an identification card will be allowed to use their school identification numbers to gain admittance to all athletic facilities at the University of Virginia."
Students are now unable to vouch for themselves at the athletic facilities without paying a $5 refundable fee.
"We feel there shouldn't be a price put on trust at the University of Virginia," McArthur said.
Intramural Recreation Director Mark Fletcher does not think the University is trying to earn money through the current vouching system.
"It's not something we're trying to make a buck off of," Fletcher said. "We're just trying to maintain the integrity of a system."
The proposal says a self-vouching system is feasible because every recreational facility has the same equipment as dining hall facilities.
"It would be just like going to the dining halls," Council Executive Vice President Adam Swann said. "You would have a certain number of times you can vouch for yourself and you would sign a sheet affirming your ID number."
There has been no movement on the proposal by the athletics department, Swann said.
"We're supportive of the system in place," Fletcher said.
IM-Rec officials are worried about an increase in liability issues because of an increased risk factor surrounding heightened athletic facility use.
"We have to be aware of this from a risk management and liability standpoint," he said.
However, some Council members do not believe there would be much of a liability increase.
"I don't feel the liability concern is serious enough to warrant the burden placed on students," McArthur said.
IM-Rec sees the issue as a cost versus benefit problem. Officials would like to see more of a student interest before they decide if the vouching system is worth the liability danger, McArthur said.
IM-Rec also cited a universal standard of care as a roadblock for the proposal. The standard of care issue states every athletic facility - even at other academic institutions - should have the same policies governing its use.
"This [policy] is not unique to U.Va. by any stretch of the imagination," Fletcher said.
Council members have reported a large interest from students to start a vouching system, with many students e-mailing comments and suggestions, Swann said.
Council plans on presenting the current feedback to IM-Rec.
The goal of Council is to see the proposal instituted by the spring semester.
"I would possibly like to have a trial period next semester," McArthur said. "If the trial period goes well I would like to see the vouching system implemented by the start of next year."
Students may e-mail their comments regarding the proposal to ask-studco@virginia.edu.
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