VCU coach Shaka Smart’s contract raises student fees

When Shaka Smart was given a $1.2 million contract, most students and fans were elated to keep him around.

Students may be less excited today.

Virginia Commonwealth University released plans to increase student fees to pay – in part – for the increase in the coach’s salary and other basketball related costs. The fees will make it possible to give the program nearly $733,000 extra, according to The Associated Press.

Given the figures VCU released, the new increase will push the total monies given to athletics to about $605 per student.

It isn’t all roses for the Rams, though. Compared to 2010, VCU will receive $41 million less in federal and state funding in 2011.