A controversial fee increase to help bail out athletics at East Carolina University is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Board of Trustees this morning unanimously okayed the $66 student fee hike that will bring another $1.1 million to athletics on Thursday.

Athletics will receive the bulk of the increase, $50, while education and technology will see an $8 hike, and student center operations will get $8.

The net increase in student fees will be actually $51 because a $15 student recreation center debt service fee is going away.

Other proposed increases include a $1,000 hike on dental school tuition, along with a 2.5% hike in both student housing and meal services, while a 2% increase in parking fees at the university.

The proposal now goes to the UNC Board of Governors for final approval.