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President’s Athletic Advisory Committee Annual Report 2004-2005 Submitted by Susan Spiggle, Chair May 2005 Highlights from PAAC 2004-05 meetings Student athlete academic performance. 40% of the student-athletes had grade point averages of 3.0 or higher (including 13 student-athletes with 4.0). Eight teams earned semester grade point averages of over a 3.0 with an additional three teams earning over a 2.95. Of the 408 student-athletes receiving athletics grant-in-aid (out of a total of 650 student-athletes) during the 2003-04 academic year, the NCAA published a UConn Academic Performance Rate (APR) of 954. This APR represents a score that exceeds the average of all Division I institutions (948), Public Institutions (938) and Division IA institutions (944). University’s licensing program. Prior to 1986 no federally registered trademarks for the University existed. Currently 350 companies have licenses to produce UConn items. The University has received approximately $7 million in royalties since 1986, including a record $1.1 million in 2004 which goes towards funding for student-athlete scholarships. Since April of 2000 the University has been a member of the Workers Rights Consortium (workersrights.org) and UConn has had an established Code of Conduct for all of its licensed manufacturers. Apparel contracts. Universities use one of three primary methods to determine apparel contracts. 1) institutions allow their coaches on an individual basis to enter into apparel contracts directly with the vendor, 2) institutions have “all-school” contracts that encompass the entire athletic department where coaches are provided additional compensation by the institution for their participation in the apparel deal, 3) institutions have all-school contracts while coaches have separate personal contracts with the apparel company and are compensated directly by the vendor. UConn has used the first type. The State Ethics Commission has approved the UConn apparel contracts. Athletic Department Mission Statement. An Ad Hoc PAAC committee drafted a new mission statement for the Division of Athletics that will be finalized in near future. UConn Role in NCAA. In May Phil Austin assumes the role of Chair of the NCAA Board of Directors which approves all Division 1 policies and legislation. Student-athlete Panel. Six student athletes participated in a panel discussion with PAAC. Generally they face two major challenges as student athletes—time commitments to academics and to their sport and scheduling conflicts between courses and practices/competitions. They manage the former by developing time management skills and the latter with more or less difficulty depending on the flexibility of the major and the instructor. (PAAC is addressing the latter issue next year.) They believe that their athletic competition enhances their academic performance. The student athletes uniformly praised the University’s commitment to their academic success and especially the role of Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes (CPIA). They chose UConn because of its high level of academic and athletic excellence and the sense of family that they perceived on their recruiting visits. Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes (CPIA). CPIA reports directly to the Provost, not Athletics, but has a strong, positive working relationship with Athletics coaches and staff. This relationship has created a culture emphasizing student-athlete academic performance embraced by the coaches and student athletes. CPIA does not focus on the marginally performing student-athlete. It serves all student-athletes. In addition to enhancing student-athlete academic success, CPIA provides a life skills program to prepare student-athletes for life after intercollegiate athletics. CPIA in connection with Athletics sponsors a degree completion program encouraging and enabling student-athletes who left UConn without a degree to return and finish. Bruce Cohen, CPIA Director, said that his program generally has sufficient space and sufficient number of counselors (8 fulltime and 41/2 GAs), although the tutorial budget is constrained. He also said that his program director colleagues at other institutions complain that they get no support from coaches or faculty, in contrast to the supportive, academically focused climate at UConn.
Faculty/staff Breakfasts. The Facuty/Staff Subcommittee and CPIA organized breakfast/brunch meetings with about 8-10 faculty, staff, and representatives from Athletics, CPIA, and PAAC. These representatives provided candid and helpful information and responses to the frank questions and opinions of the participants. Anyone wishing to be invited to one of these meetings next year should contact Karla Fox, chair of the Faculty/Staff Subcommittee or Bruce Cohen, Director of CPIA. Athletic Division Budget. From an $8 million budget in the early 1990s the Division of Athletics current budget is $45 million (with $8 million in scholarships) and should hit $50 million in FY06 Resolution regarding Jeff Hathaway. Following a candid discussion with Jeff Hathaway, Director of the Division of Athletics, about recent negative publicity about certain longstanding practices in Athletics, PAAC unanimously passed the following resolution at its April 26, 2005 meeting. PAAC appreciates the terrific job that Jeff Hathaway has been doing and expresses confidence in his leadership and integrity. Subcommittee Reports Academic Subcommittee The Academic Subcommittee focused on two primary issues: 1) the drafting of a University of a policy on student activities and missed academic work; and 2) a recurrent and lengthy discussion about benchmarking academic indicators, especially as they relate to the new NCAA APR index. 1. University Policy on Students Activities and Possible Missed Academic Work After much discussion in PAAC Exec and the whole committee, the following proposed statement was forwarded to the University Senate for consideration. The work done on this project was accomplished in collaboration with Gaye Tuchman and the Student Affairs subcommittee. “Instructors and departments are responsible for establishing class policies regarding assignments, exams and grading. These policies must accommodate student participation in University-sanctioned extra-curricular/co-curricular activities. Students must inform their instructor in writing prior to the anticipated absence and take the initiative to make up any missed work in a timely fashion. Instructors must make reasonable efforts to enable students to make up work that must be accomplished under the instructor’s supervision (e.g. examinations, laboratories). In the event of problems related to this policy, individuals may appeal using established university procedures. Instructors are encouraged to post this policy on their syllabus.” The discussion in the various Senate committees centered on defining what is a “University-sanctioned” activity and remains unresolved at the present time. In consultation with Prof. Andy Moiseff, chair of the Senate’s Scholastic Standards Committee, we are moving forward and it seems likely that the proposed statement will not become a University by-law. Rather, it is more likely that the statement will be issued in some form as an advisory from the Provost’s office. We will continue to work on this issue next academic year to get it finalized. 2. Prospective list of Academic/Athletics Benchmarks: The following items were discussed as possible benchmarks for PAAC to examine regarding the academic progress of our student athletes. PAAC Exec is continuing to discuss this list and the rationale for collecting this data during the coming year. OIR is able to collect most of the data that is listed below, but PAAC Exec will need to refine the rationale and determine the exact items to be collected before we move forward on this project. • New Academic Progress Rate (APR) • GPA – Athlete vs. overall student body • Dean’s list • Post-grad activities • Graduation rates • Retention rates • Recipient of academic awards • Space devoted to academic support • Budget for academic support We also discussed the following potential comparisons: • Within institution overtime comparisons • Peer institution comparison Faculty Staff Relations Subcommittee 1.Faculty-Staff Breakfasts/brunches In cooperation with other subcommittees of the PAAC, the Faculty-Staff Relations Committee focused this year on identifying methods to facilitate communications between the Division of Athletics, the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes (CPIA), and faculty and staff in regard to academic issues involving student athletes. The PAAC and its Faculty-Staff Relations Committee held a series of “breakfasts/brunches” for faculty and staff members to facilitate dialogue within a relatively small group in a relaxed setting. The dialogue included representatives of the Division of Athletics, including Athletic Director Hathaway; PAAC members, PAAC chair, Susan Spiggle; CPIA Director Bruce Cohen; and selected members of the faculty and staff. These sessions were characterized by frank exchanges of opinion and conveyance of helpful information by representatives of the Division of Athletics and CPIA. 2. PAAC Website The Faculty-Staff Relations Committee also began work on helping facilitate construction of a PAAC website. The Committee has been working with University Communications to give input into the design and content of this website. We anticipate that the website will be operational by the fall semester of 2005. Student Life Subcommittee During the academic year 2004-2005, the Student Life Subcommittee of the President’s Athletic Advisory Committee engaged in three activities: (1) Course Availability. Attending meetings of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, the chair of the PAAC subcommittee learned that the students were greatly concerned about the availability of courses. They stated that afternoon practice schedules made taking some courses particularly difficult. Conversely, the number of students taking afternoon courses was having a detrimental effect on practices, according to some coaches. Vice-president of Enrollment Management Dolan Evanovich and Registrar Jeff Munkwitz-Smith, both of whom are members of PAAC, addressed a meeting of PAAC to explain completed and contemplated actions designed to ease difficulties of access to major and Gen.Ed. requirements for all students. Both also attended a meeting of SAAC to discuss these matters and to learn how these particular students were experiencing such class options as on-line courses. (2) PAAC/SAAC Luncheon. The Student Life Subcommittee sponsored a luncheon with SAAC. In previous years joint programs involved a Sunday night dinner, which seemed to have had weak appeal to potential participants. The luncheon, held in February at Alumni House, attracted roughly 50 people, evenly divided between students and faculty/staff that promoted lively interaction between faculty, students, and Athletic Division staff. (3) Approved student absences. With the Academic Subcommittee, the Student Life Subcommittee prepared a policy-statement seeking to compensate for the impact of university sponsored/approved activities as athletic events, performances, and academic meetings on classroom activities. It was passed at the January 2005 meeting of PAAC and is now being considered by University Senate subcommittees. Budget and Facilities Subcommittee Facilities Two major building projects are currently under development: 1) Intramural, Recreational and Intercollegiate Facility – “The Indoor Field” – This project is being supported by funds from 21st Century UConn which provides $31 million of funding over the first 4 years of the plan. 2.) Football Facilities Building – This project is privately funded and will have a budget of approximately $8.5 million, $2.5 million of which was provided by a donation from Bob Burton after whom the facility will be named. Both of these facilities are intended to occupy the ground currently used for the tennis courts (which will be relocated) next to the parking garage opposite Gampel. The design work for these two facilities has been contracted for using private funds. The Division of Athletics has also engaged the same firm that produces the campus master plan to provide a similar assessment and plans for the athletic facilities on the Storrs campus. This will provide a planning document for the future for the department that will be consistent with the university master plan. One issue that we discussed during the year was the need for a larger student recreation facility that will handle the growing needs for recreation for all students at the university. Budget The subcommittee reviewed the budget of the athletic department over the most recent four year period. The first table below shows a comparison of revenues sources to the athletic department over the most recent fours years and a comparison to those same sources in 1990. Note that the athletics revenue sources have grown by approximately a factor of 5 over this fourteen year period. However, note also in the second table that the fraction of the revenues coming from the university have shrunk from 59% of the total revenues in 1990 to approximately 23% in 2004. The university contribution has grown in dollar terms from $4.9 million in 1990 to $9.2 million in 2004 but $2 million of that increase was mandated by Title IX. Without Title IX the university’s contribution grew to $7.2 million by 2004. This increase approximates the national inflation rate over this fourteen year period as well as the increase in state appropriations. It is far smaller than the increase in tuition that occurred during this fourteen year period which was in excess of 180%.
Matched with the revenues from the most recent four years were the following expenses:
Note that scholarships show up as expenses for the athletic department, but these amounts are transferred to the general university fund to cover the tuition costs of scholarship athletes and they are, therefore, revenues to the university. The subcommittee also looked at the specific result of the football program to assess the progress that had been made from a budget perspective. The following table illustrates that the program has nicely turned around from a net consumer of other revenues to a net producer of revenues in the budget for 2005. Notice that this table shows no revenues from the university. The revenues consist of ticket sales, Rentschler Field seat donations, game guarantees, radio/television and restricted donations. Also, embedded in the expenses are scholarships of $2.3 million in 2005 which, as we explained above, are revenues to the university.
Both women’s and men’s basketball programs are net producers of revenue to the division. In 2004 they produced net revenues (i.e. after expenses) of $1.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively and in 2005 are expected to produce $1.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Note that these net numbers also reflect scholarship of $691,000 for the two programs combined which are expenses of the program but revenues to the university. Diversity and Equity Subcommittee The subcommittee looked into opportunities for women and minorities regarding: a. Employment policies and practices; b. Practices related to student life; c. Supportive and bias free academic and work environments; d. Access to and provision of resources, facilities, programs and services; e. Avenues and mechanisms for addressing concerns and obtaining input. Data provided by Julie Quinn, assistant to the Director of Athletics, presented statistics on demographic breakdown of employees in the Athletic Department. She noted that there are fluctuations but on average the percentages correspond to those in the broader UConn population. There were no situations or concerns raised throughout the year regarding issues of equity and access in the Athletic program. The committee communicated with students and staff to assure them of the availability of PAAC committee members for sharing ideas and concerns. The development of the PAAC website will enhance opportunities to communicate on issues pertaining to equity and access and may encourage increased presence of diverse students and staff. President’s Athletic Advisory Committee Standing and Ad Hoc Subcommittee Assignments 2004-2005 Academic Year
Executive Committee Susan Spiggle. Chair 486-2667 Scott Brown 486-0181 Bruce Cohen 486-5515 Neal Eskin 486-2725 Mark Boyer 486-0120 Rob Hoskin 486-1463 Karla Fox 486-1249 Gaye Tuchman 486-2265 Dana Wilder 486-2422
Summary of PAAC Faculty Staff Meetings
February 22, 2005 President’s Athletic Advisory Committee Breakfast Alumni House
In attendance from PAAC: Bruce Cohen, Karla Fox, Jeff Hathaway, Susan Spiggle, Paul Young
Invited guests: Cheryl Beck – Nursing, William Berentsen – Geography, Jeanine Caira - Biology, Davita Glassberg – Sociology, Ross Lewin – Study Abroad, Dave Palmer - Business, Evelyn Simien – Political Science, Ernie Zirakzadeh – Political Science
Topics that were raised and discussed:
Questions, concerns, comments: Jeff Hathaway encouraged the attendees to contact him at any time with questions, concerns, problems, etc.
Salaries: Salaries for all Division of Athletics employees, including Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma, are not paid through fundraising dollars. All salaries for coaches and staff are paid through athletic revenues generated through corporate sponsorships, Big East distribution, television fees, etc.
Community Service: The Division of Athletics is active in many community service efforts. They are currently working to bring all of these efforts under one umbrella. Coaches and staff try to instill in the student-athletes the importance of giving back. Recently, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has held a coat drive, food drives, toy drives and book drives to assist those in need. In addition, some student-athletes are involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters as well as other service organizations.
CPIA: Bruce Cohen and the CPIA staff were commended for their efforts in working with all student-athletes, including those who are doing well academically. CPIA works hard to help student-athletes prepare for life after college as only a few student-athletes each year will have an opportunity to pursue a professional athletic career. CPIA has developed a strong life skills program that contains a freshman class aimed at helping first year students adjust to college life and a junior class that works with students to explore opportunities beyond college and prepare for life after college.
At many institutions, the academic support program for the athletic department is part of the athletic department. However, at Connecticut, CPIA reports directly to the Provost’s Office which is important in ensuring that the academic support program works in conjunction with the athletic department but does not have a reporting line to athletics.
Sweatshops: The Division of Athletics is very in tune with the sweatshop issue. It is the main agenda item to be discussed at the 2/24 PAAC meeting. The Division also serves as a resource to President Austin’s task force dealing with college licensing issues.
Student-athlete graduation: The Division of Athletics and CPIA are committed to providing financial assistance to student-athletes who do not complete their degrees before finishing their athletic eligibility. Fifth-year aid is available to student-athletes. In addition, there is a degree completion for students who are beyond their fifth year.
NCAA assistance available to student-athletes: The NCAA has established a special assistance fund to help provide funds to student-athletes in need for the purchase of clothing, contact lenses, etc. Also, the NCAA now has a special opportunity fund which helps provide funds to student-athletes in emergency situations such as an illness or death in the family.
Class availability: The issue of class availability is of concern to the entire campus community, not only student-athletes. The topic has been discussed at a recent PAAC meeting. Additional athletic facilities and more summer courses would help in addressing this problem as it relates to student-athletes.
Health care for student-athletes: The Division of Athletics works hard to ensure outstanding health care for its student-athletes. They work closely with the UConn Health Center to identify appropriate care for a specific situation. In some instances, this may mean treating a student-athlete at another medical facility within Connecticut or out of state.
Concerns regarding student-athletes who do not have good attendance/are not responding in class: Bruce Cohen encouraged the group to contact him immediately with any concerns over performance, attendance, behavior, etc. so that the issue may be addressed immediately. Feedback is critical so that problems can be corrected.
March 15, 2005 President’s Athletic Advisory Committee Luncheon Alumni House
In attendance from PAAC: Scott Brown, Bruce Cohen, Jeff Hathaway, Susan Spiggle.
Invited guests: Courtney Bell – Curriculum & Instruction, Ed Benson – Modern & Classical Languages, Jose Manautou – Pharmacy, Peter Nicholls – Provost, David Ouimette – First Year Programs, Richard Rockwell – Sociology, Krista Rodin – College of Continuing Studies, Jaci VanHeest – Kinesiology
Topics that were raised and discussed:
Questions, concerns, comments: Jeff Hathaway encouraged the attendees to contact him at any time with questions, concerns, problems, etc.
Class availability: The issue of class availability is of concern to the entire campus community, not only student-athletes. The topic has been discussed at a recent PAAC meeting. Additional athletic facilities and more summer courses would help in addressing this problem as it relates to student-athletes. Krista Rodin suggested that additional distance learning/on-line courses would also be helpful and that faculty look into evaluating the on-line options for their courses.
First Year Programs: David Ouimette commented that student-athletes have been tremendous leaders for the First Year Programs. Bruce Cohen suggested that David Ouimette attend a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee meeting and visit with the student-athletes about his interest in having more student-athletes involved with First Year Programs.
Concerns regarding student-athletes who are not responding in class: Bruce Cohen encouraged the group to contact him immediately with any concerns over performance, attendance, behavior, etc. so that the issue may be addressed immediately. Feedback is critical so that problems can be attended to right away.
Courses of study with time demands that are difficult for student-athletes to meet: There was discussion about certain courses of study including nursing, education and allied health where the required clinical experience can be nearly impossible for a student-athlete to accomplish. In some cases, it may cause a student-athlete to decide to stop athletic participation or change majors. It was suggested that the Academic Subcommittee of PAAC look at visiting with those departments to see if there are creative ways to get the clinical experience required while still allowing a student to continue their participation in an intercollegiate sport.
CPIA: Bruce Cohen and the CPIA staff were thanked for their outstanding efforts in working with all student-athletes, including those who are doing well academically. The Division of Athletics and CPIA have also been working to get more student-athletes involved with the national scholarship program at the University. CPIA works hard to help student-athletes prepare for life after college as only a few student-athletes each year will have an opportunity to pursue a professional athletic career. CPIA has developed a strong life skills program that contains a freshman class aimed at helping first year students adjust to college life and a junior class that works with students to explore opportunities beyond college and prepare for life after college.
At many institutions, the academic support program for the athletic department is part of the athletic department. However, at Connecticut, CPIA reports directly to the Provost’s Office which is important in ensuring that the academic support program works in conjunction with the athletic department but does not have a reporting line to athletics.
APR: Jeff provided the group with an overview of the APR data recently released by the NCAA. Some nuances in the system have been addressed and others will be looked at by the NCAA as they evaluate the system. Penalties will begin to be assessed to institutions that do not meet the required standards following the release of next year’s data.
PRESIDENT’S ATHLETIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING November 1, 2004
Members Present: Daniel Blume, Bruce Cohen, Neal Eskin, John Hatfield, Jeff Hathaway, Ursula Henwood, Linda Klein, Joel Legare, Dana McGee, Carol Polifroni, Xae Reyes, Nancy Rodriguez, Bill Shults, Suman Singha, Erling Smith, Susan Spiggle, Linda Strausbaugh, Ronald Taylor, Gaye Tuchman, Jeff von Munkwitz-Smith, Dana Wilder, Frank Wunschel, Paul Young.
Chair Susan Spiggle welcomed the group and thanked them for their participation as members of the President’s Athletic Advisory Committee. She then introduced President Philip E. Austin.
PAAC Charge – President Philip E. Austin President Austin visited with the group and thanked them for their involvement in this committee. He encouraged the members to capitalize on their connections to the various constituencies in the campus community and asked them to help keep these constituencies informed on significant issues that the committee discusses and reviews. He also expressed his excitement about the work of the committee and was pleased to see the timely and topical issues that the committee will address throughout the year. President Austin also commented on his confidence in the leadership of Jeff Hathaway as the Director of Athletics and stressed that the entire University community needs to maintain its commitment to compliance with NCAA regulations.
PAAC Update The minutes from the April 27, 2004 meeting were approved.
Susan Spiggle provided the committee with an update on the plans for this year’s meetings. Susan, Scott Brown and Jeff Hathaway have met recently and are finalizing the spring meeting dates which will be forwarded to committee members soon. At the December 9 meeting, there will be a discussion regarding the Big East Conference and the recent change in membership. The spring meetings will include a presentation regarding the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletes (CPIA), a visit with a panel of student-athletes and an examination of the Division of Athletics mission statement.
A PAAC website is in the process of being developed. The website will provide increased communication with the university community and provide an avenue to easily disseminate information pertaining to the committee. In addition, The Advance has published an article about PAAC in its most recent edition.
There have been two faculty/staff breakfasts this semester. The breakfasts have provided an opportunity for an informational exchange of ideas and have helped in answering questions and clearing up misconceptions that some faculty and staff have regarding the Division of Athletics. If any PAAC members have suggestions of invitees for future faculty/staff breakfasts, please forward names to Bruce Cohen as he has coordinated the breakfasts along with Susan Spiggle, Scott Brown, Karla Fox and Jeff Hathaway.
The PAAC Executive Committee met October 28 and reviewed the subcommittee charges and the committee’s plans for the year. The Executive Committee is also going to look at the concept of benchmarking to determine if that would be a beneficial activity for the committee to address. A Task Force composed of Susan Spiggle, Scott Brown, Karla Fox, and Mark Boyer will make recommendations to the Executive Committee.
Athletic Director Update Jeff Hathaway provided the committee with an update on various activities within the Division of Athletics.
The Division recently underwent an NCAA compliance audit as well as a Title IX review. These reviews are helpful in providing a snapshot of where the Division of Athletics currently is as well as suggestions for improvements as necessary.
Men’s basketball student-athlete AJ Price is currently home in New York. He was recently released from the hospital and is undergoing rehabilitation at home. He has not been cleared to return to school as of yet. In addition, no determinations have been made regarding his future as a student-athlete.
The Division of Athletics budget for FY05 is $46 million. Included in that figure is $7.5 million for scholarships.
The University will have 23 regular season games on national television this year between football and men’s and women’s basketball.
APR – New Measurement of Academic Performance Bill Shults explained the Academic Progress Rate (APR) to the committee. The NCAA has recently adopted the APR to monitor academic success among student-athletes. The APR will look at the previous year’s data and analyze eligibility and retention. The calculation of graduation rates will also continue to be conducted though the process will be modified as needed. The APR method provides a more accurate and real-time assessment of graduation success rather than the data used to calculate graduation rates which is over a six year period.
UConn’s data was submitted in September. Our metric was 95.3% with a cohort of 408 student-athletes. Only student-athletes who receive athletic scholarship funds are counted (in those sports where athletics scholarships are not granted, data on recruited student-athletes is used). The calculation of the metric was a cooperative effort between the Registrar’s Office, Office of Institutional Research, CPIA, and the Division of Athletics to compile the data. We will be able to compare our metric with that of other institutions in the coming months. In January, academic progress rates for all institutions will be publicized. Any Division I team that scores below the APR cutoff, as determined by the NCAA, may lose scholarships. The NCAA is currently working to finalize these cutoff points and filters before the evaluation of scores occurs. Bill distributed three articles summarizing the new processes.
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
PRESIDENT’S ATHLETIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING December 9, 2004
Members Present: Daniel Blume, Mark Boyer, Scott Brown, Tom Callahan, Bruce Cohen, Dolan Evanovich, Karla Fox, Jeff Hathaway, Richard Hiskes, Rob Hoskin, Michael Martinez, Dana McGee, Bill Shults, Suman Singha, Susan Spiggle, Linda Strausbaugh, Ronald Taylor, Gaye Tuchman, Jeff von Munkwitz-Smith, Paul Young, Mike Zito.
The minutes of the November 1, 2004 meeting were unanimously approved.
Academic Subcommittee Mark Boyer circulated a draft statement that he and Gaye Tuchman had worked on regarding a proposed policy surrounding extra-curricular/co-curricular activities. Committee members made several suggestions for changes in wording. Mark and Gaye are going to revise the wording and circulate another draft to the committee electronically for their review. Also, it was suggested that the statement be very clear and concise.
Student Life Subcommittee Gaye Tuchman reported that a luncheon for PAAC and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) members will be held in February. Once the details are finalized, information will be forwarded to all members.
An issue that has been brought to Gaye’s attention by some students is the difficulty in getting access to classes. In addition, student-athletes have continued to voice their concerns in getting access to classes. When the topic was raised during a recent PAAC Executive Committee meeting, Jeff Hathaway suggested that Dolan Evanovich and Jeff von Munkwitz-Smith present the committee with an overview of this situation.
Dolan and Jeff spoke with the committee outlining how the situation affects the entire University community and discussing adjustments that have been and continue to be made to improve the situation including lengthening the span of hours per day that classes are taught and putting together “package schedules”. In addition, they discussed how student-athletes are affected. Due to the limited number of athletic facilities, practice times must be staggered throughout the day to accommodate all 24 teams, which can create conflicts with classes. The attached handout from Dolan and Jeff further explains some of the challenges for all students as well as improvements that have been made and suggestions for further improvement.
This is a university-wide issue which impacts the entire student body, including student-athletes, that continues to be discussed at the highest levels within the University.
Faculty/Staff Relations Subcommittee Karla Fox reported that the faculty/staff breakfasts continue to be productive in relaying information and answering questions. Names are currently being gathered for invitations to the spring semester breakfasts. Anyone with suggestions for invitees should forward that information to Karla Fox or Bruce Cohen. It was also suggested that minutes be taken at future breakfast meetings so that the PAAC would have an understanding of the topics and questions that are typically discussed.
Athletic Director Update Jeff Hathaway provided the group with an update on recent activities in the Division of Athletics. The Academic Progress Rate was recently updated. It is now 95.4%. Information on the APR from other institutions is expected to be available from the NCAA in January or February.
The Big East Athletic Directors met recently and discussed football scheduling. The topic of weeknight football games was addressed during these discussions.
The University had another successful fall season on the athletic fields winning three Big East Championships (men’s soccer, women’s soccer and field hockey). In addition, the football program finished the regular season with a 7-4 record and received an invitation to its first-ever bowl game, the Motor City Bowl, on December 27, 2004 in Detroit, MI.
Update on the Big East Conference Paul McCarthy, Assistant Attorney General, was scheduled to speak to the committee and provide an update on the status of the Big East Conference and in particular, the legal issues surrounding the change in membership. However, Paul was unable to attend the meeting. Jeff Hathaway provided the committee with a brief update regarding the legal issues currently in progress. There are three lawsuits pending/under appeal: 1) Rutgers, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Connecticut have a pending lawsuit against Boston College and Miami; 2) Miami filed a lawsuit which has been dismissed; 3) Boston College filed a lawsuit contesting their financial penalty for leaving and the date they were eligible to leave the Big East. Boston College won the lawsuit; however it is currently being appealed. The new members of the Big East Conference (University of South Florida, Marquette University, DePaul University, University of Louisville and University of Cincinnati) will begin competition in the conference for 2005-06. The University of South Florida, University of Louisville and University of Cincinnati will compete in all sports, including football. Marquette University and DePaul University will compete in all sports except football.
New Business Scott Brown asked the committee for their input on a legislative proposal that will be voted on in the next NCAA legislative cycle. The proposal would permit football student-athletes to engage in five seasons of competition within five years of the student-athlete’s initial full-time college enrollment. The proposal would not necessarily have a financial impact on institutions as most football student-athletes are already on campus for five years since typically they do not participate in games during their freshmen year (they are “red-shirted”). Another proposal that will be voted on would permit a 12th game in the sport of football. Many football coaches believe that the two proposals are parallel and believe that an additional game would create a need for additional student-athletes being eligible to compete. The committee indicated to Scott that they were not in favor of supporting legislation for a fifth year of eligibility in the sport of football.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
PRESIDENT’S ATHLETIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING |