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Athletics, Council on - Reports - 2008-2009

Annual Report

University Standing Committee             Council on Athletics        

Academic Year Covered by Report  ___2008-09 ________

Date Report Submitted  _____May 5, 2009_____________

Report Submitted by_______Donn R. Ward____________

Number of times committee met __7___________________

Recommendations

  • Ms. Diane Moose provided the Council with information justifying a proposed $55.50 increase in the student athletic fee beginning in 2009-10. The amount includes $25.50 for operations and a $30.00 debt service fee. After discussion, the Council voted unanimously to support the Athletic Department’s fee request.
  • The Council recommended bylaw modifications to Chancellor Oblinger. The modifications were primarily to make the bylaws current with the operational aspects of the Council. The Chancellor approved the recommended changes.

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION ITEMS/ACTIVITIES OF COMMITTEE

The terms of Dr. Paul Bitting, Dr. Toddi Steelman, Dr. Keith Edmisten, Dr. Paul Williams, Dr. Ed Lindsay (Faculty Senate Liaison), Mr. Fred Joseph (Wolfpack Club), Mr. Randy Ramsey (Wolfpack Club), Mr. Eddie Watkins (Alumni Association), and Mr. Dewayne Washington (Alumni Association) will end on June 30, 2009. Members of the Council joined in thanking all of these individuals for their dedicated service. During 2008-09, Dr. Joanne Woodard, Dr. John Griggs, and Dr. Jim Mickle joined the Council. During the year, Student Government was represented by Mr. Matt Garcia and Mr. Glen Moraven. Student-Athletes were represented by Mr. Ronnie Bouemboue, Ms. Kathryn Pegg, Ms. Jana Angel, Ms. Katie Siegert, Ms. Samantha Bullard, and Ms. Noel Keck.

Dr. Donn Ward announced that he would be stepping down as Faculty Athletic Representative on June 30, 2009, ending 8 ½ years of service in the position. Chancellor Oblinger appointed Dr. Sam Pardue to be the next FAR, effective July 1, 2009. Additionally, Dr. Pardue’s term as Chair of the Faculty Academic Committee ended on June 30, 2009, and Chancellor Oblinger appointed Dr. Paul Williams to that position.

The Council met seven times during the year. The January meeting was canceled because it coincided with the funeral services for Coach Kay Yow. In addition, the Faculty Academic Committee met in January and May to review the folders of all student-athletes to determine the continuing eligibility status for each student-athlete.

Issues addressed by the Council during the academic year included the following:

  • Chancellor Oblinger met with the Council at its initial meeting of the new academic year. He reviewed the relevant sections of the Council’s bylaws as they pertain to the Council’s responsibilities. He also specifically asked for the Council’s input on any issue (academic or competitive) as it relates to the institution’s status within the ACC or among its peer institutions.
  • Academic Support – Mr. Phil Moses, Executive Director of the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes, and/or Ms. Carrie Leger, Director of the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes, provided the Council with status reports at each meeting. This included information on Graduation Success Rates and Academic Progress Rates. The Council also heard reports on various programs associated with leadership development, counseling and tutoring programs.
  • Athletics Department – Mr. Lee Fowler, or his representative, provided period updates on the status of athletic facilities that were being constructed and/or renovated. In addition, the Council was kept informed of other activities within athletics, such as reorganization, major personnel changes, searches for head coaches, and budgets.
  • Compliance – Ms. Michelle Lee, Interim Associate AD for Compliance, was in attendance during most of the Council meetings and was able to respond to compliance-related issues whenever they arose. Additionally, during one of the Council meetings, she provided a presentation on the role of the compliance office and the NCAA rules that they must provide monitoring oversight.
  • The Faculty Academic Committee met in May and June for the purpose of conducting eligibility reviews for all student-athletes. In addition, the committee met in joint meetings with the Student Life, Equity, and Sportsmanship Committee to discuss the issue of student-athlete retention. These discussions are ongoing. These committee have requested data from UPA, which is expected in May (2009), that will serve as the basis for additional discussions in the 2009-10 academic year.
  • The Finance, Facilities and Personnel Committee worked with Ms. Diane Moose, Associate AD for Business Operations, and Ms. Beverly Armwood, Assistant Director for Business Operations, to review the budget request for the 2009-10 fiscal year.
  • Ms. Diane Moose provided the Council with information justifying a proposed $55.50 increase in the student athletic fee beginning in 2009-10. The amount includes $25.50 for operations and a $30.00 debt service fee. After discussion, the Council voted unanimously to support the Athletic Department’s fee request.
  • Student-Athlete Advisory Committee – SAAC representatives attended most Council meetings and informed the Council of planned and proposed activities.
  • Head Coaches attended meetings throughout the year and provided brief overviews of their respective teams. Head Coaches attending Council meeting in 2008-09 represented the following teams: Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Women’s Cross-Country, Men’s and Women’s Track, Rifle, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Tennis, Softball, Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Men’s Basketball, Football, Cheerleading, Volleyball and Women’s Soccer. In addition the assistant coaches who are working for the new Women’s Basketball Coach (Kellie Harper) were introduced to the Council (Coach Harper was on a recruiting trip).
  • The Council recommended bylaw modifications to Chancellor Oblinger. The modifications were primarily to make the bylaws current with the operational aspects of the Council. The Chancellor approved the recommended changes.

RECOMMENDATION FOR REVISION OF CHARGE AND/OR MEMBERSHIP CONFIGURATION (if applicable)