DENTON - North Texas Athletics begins its 2018-19 membership campaign with the introduction of the Mean Green Scholarship Fund, the department announced Tuesday.

The Mean Green Scholarship Fund is a new, enhanced version of the former Mean Green Club and provides annual scholarship and program support for all Mean Green student-athletes and North Texas' 16 intercollegiate athletic teams. In addition to a new name, which more accurately reflects the mission of North Texas Athletics, members will receive increased benefits and communication efforts throughout the year. This year's membership campaign is part of the athletic department's Strategic Plan that was announced last August.

"Annual scholarship and program support for our student-athletes remains a critical component in our mission of building champions and preparing leaders," Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. "Donors at every level of the Mean Green Scholarship Fund will play an important role in raising the profile of our department, and we can't thank our supporters enough for the investment they continue to make on behalf of our student-athletes."

The Fund is getting its own website, MeanGreenScholarshipFund.com, which details the changes being implemented to improve the quality of service provided to members at all levels, in addition to better aligning the entire membership base. Most notable are revised membership levels and new member benefits, as well as the implementation of per-seat requirements in certain sections of Apogee Stadium and The Super Pit.

"The introduction of a per-seat model establishes a level playing field for our loyal season-ticket holders, ensures fairness for all fans in their financial commitment to Mean Green and brings our athletic fundraising methods in line with industry standards across college athletics," Baker said. "More importantly, these strategic changes will better serve both our fans and the student-athletes they so passionately support."

Effective January 1, 2018, donors are no longer able to deduct contributions directed toward the purchase of season tickets at college sporting events. While new legislation passed late last year removes the benefit of a tax deduction on seat-related contributions, what remains unchanged is the philanthropic commitment needed for all Mean Green student-athletes.

In the coming weeks, all 2017-18 members will receive renewal information in the mail with methods for continuing their support, while both current and prospective members have an opportunity to get a jump-start by joining online, which is designed to provide members greater flexibility in setting up a convenient payment schedule that best works for them. To take full advantage of the payment schedule options before the June 30 member deadline, fans are encouraged to make their gift early. To be eligible for all 2018-19 member benefits, including season parking passes for football and men's basketball as well as Priority Seating requirements for the 2018 football and 2018-2019 basketball seasons, all gifts must be fulfilled by June 30, 2018.

NEW FOR 2018-2019

110% Champions - 110% Champions consists of committed Mean Green Scholarship Fund members who increase their annual gift by at least 10 percent from the previous membership year, or any new member who contributes at least $110. Mean Green Scholarship Fund members who join 110% Champions will receive an exclusive gift.

Priority Seating - Mean Green Scholarship Fund members have the opportunity to purchase season tickets in premier sections at Apogee Stadium and The Super Pit. Beginning with the 2018-19 seasons, Priority Seating sections in both venues will require a minimum per-seat contribution to the Mean Green Scholarship Fund in order to purchase season tickets. All contributions made toward Priority Seating requirements count towards your annual Mean Green Scholarship Fund membership level and earn Priority Points.

New Member Benefits - Annual membership gift, a discount at the Barnes & Noble Team Store in Apogee Stadium, premium membership gift, Athletic Director's Dinner, pre-game field access and away-game travel opportunities.

For more information, please visit MeanGreenScholarshipFund.com, or contact the Mean Green Scholarship Fund office at 940-369-7284 and mgsf@unt.edu.

For more information on the athletic department's Strategic Plan, click here.