Athletics, Council on - Minutes - 2009-2010
Athletics, Council on - Minutes - 2009-2010
August 28, 2009
Members Present: Sam Pardue, Paul Williams, Jim Mickle, John Griggs, March Krotee, Terry Hill, Len Annetta, David Rainer, Carol Pope, Suzanne Weiner, Joanne Woodard, Fred Joseph, Dewayne Washington, Eddie Watkins, Jeff Johnson (Student Government), Emily Street (Women’s Golf, SAAC), Eric Davis (Men’s Track, SAAC), and Frideric Prandecki (Men’s Tennis, SAAC)
Members Absent: Keith Edmisten, Randy Ramsey
Ex-Officio Members Present: Jo-Ann Robinson, Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity; Phil Moses, Executive Director of Academic Support Program for Student Athletes (ASPSA); Lee Fowler, Director of Athletics; and Heather Murphy, Eligibility Coordinator
Ex-Officio Members Absent: Tom Honeycutt (Faculty Senate Liaison)
Coaches Present: Elliott Avent, Baseball; Keith Miller, Rifle; Mark Stevenson, Gymnastics;
And George Tarantini, Men’s Soccer
Guests Present: Jim Woodward, Chancellor; Art Cooper, FAR Emeritus; Michelle Lee, Associate AD for Compliance/SWA; Carrie Leger, Director of the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes; Diane Moose, Associate Athletic Director - Business Operations; Dick Christy, Associate Athletic Director/ External Operations
Meeting
The Chair, Sam Pardue, called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
Approve Minutes
The minutes of the April 24, 2009 meeting were approved.
Introduction and Welcome to New Members
Sam Pardue asked the new or returning Council members and guests to introduce themselves. New members of the Council included: Terry Hill, Assistant to the Vice Provost and Director of Libraries; Carol Pope, Curriculum, Instruction & Counselor Education; Suzanne Weiner, Associate Vice Provost for Library Advancement; Jeff Johnson, Student Government; Emily Street, Women’s Golf, SAAC; Eric Davis, Men’s Track, SAAC; and Frideric Prandecki, Men’s Tennis, SAAC
Chancellor Woodward’s Charge
Dr. Pardue introduced Chancellor Jim Woodward who thanked the Council for their willingness to serve. He stressed his commitment to an ethical and successful athletics program and emphasized the unique “faculty centered” nature of NC State’s Eligibility Review process. The Council was reminded of the important role it plays in insuring that student athletes are provided the opportunity to achieve their academic and athletic goals. The Chancellor specifically noted the importance of a summer “bridge” or transition program to assist incoming freshmen adjust to the academic expectations of the university. Finally, Chancellor Woodward noted the significance of the FAR and Council in the ACC relative to other conferences.
Introduction of Coaches
Coach George Tarantini [Men’s Soccer] reported that he is optimistic about this year’s squad. One reason for his optimism was the improvement in facilities and resources for soccer. He noted the importance of academic resources available to student athletes and his commitment to balanced goals both athletically and academically. Relative to competition in the ACC, he described the league as perhaps the best in the nation with three teams being ranked in the top 10 in a preseason poll. He reiterated that his goals for the program were to compete for championships
Coach Keith Miller [Rifle] indicated that the outlook for this year’s squad was good. Having lost only one senior and three freshmen entering in the fall, with an additional freshman slated to arrive in the spring, the overall talent level was improving. Last year the team was ranked 19th nationally and finished #1 in the South Eastern Air Rifle Conference (SEARC) for the fourth time since the 2003-04 season. NC State is also a member of the Great American Rifle Conference. Coach Miller reported that he has access to 3.6 scholarships and that approximately 70% of those are allocated to female shooters. Facilities continue to limit the team’s training. At present only air rifle practice can occur on campus. Lack of a facility also results in the team having to travel to all of its matches.
Coach Mark Stevenson [Gymnastics] brings to the gymnastics program more than three decades of coaching experience. Last year, the team recorded its third valedictorian when team member, Ms. Ashley Shepard, was awarded this honor. Coach Stevenson’s commitment to academics as reflected by his policy of a minimum 2.50 GPA required in order to participate at meets. With only three ACC institutions competing in women’s gymnastics (NCSU, UNC, & MD), NC State is affiliated with the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL). Although the previous season was described as a rebuilding year with six incoming freshmen joining the team, NC State won the EAGL Championship. “Graduating” only one routine out of 24, the team returns a veteran group with high expectations. Joining the team this fall will be three talented freshmen.
Coach Elliot Avent returns for his 14th season and begins practice September 22. He commented on the recruiting challenges associated with the timing of the Major League Baseball draft and the signing deadline. With the signing deadline occurring on August 17th, the staff is never sure “who is coming back” or what recruits might opt for turning pro. Coach Avent indicated that the team’s APR was in the 950 range and reported on the uniqueness of the hurdles that baseball faces in regards to academic progress. He noted the important role of ASPSA and expressed appreciation for their efforts. Coach Avent was pleased with the incoming class, noting that it was initially ranked 5th in the nation.
Athletic Department Update
Athletic Director Lee Fowler was pleased to report that Senior Associate Athletic Director David horning was back in the office this week and gaining strength daily. We wish David continued improvement in his recovery. On September 10th the Athletics Department will be seeking approval from the Board of Trustees for facilities upgrades. Mr. Fowler commented on the occurrence of H1N1 among some teams and indicated that 30 cases had been reported campus wide. The renovation of the field at Carter-Finley Stadium has been completed, removing the 24 inch “crown” resulting in a level playing surface. Saturday October 3rd, U2 will perform at the stadium. Written into the contract is a provision that requires the promoter to provide up to $250,000 to repair or replace the sod following the concert.
Diane Moose, Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations, brought a financial report to the Council. Last year an athletic fee increase of $16.50 was approved for AY 2009-10. For AY 2010-11, the department will only be requesting a $10 increase. The Council endorsed the request for the $10 fee increase and passed the motion unanimously. With the $10 increase, the operations fee will total $160.50. Student fees at NC State remain the lowest in the UNC System and 6th out of the 9 ACC schools reporting athletic fees. Within the ACC member institutions athletic fees generate between $1 and $10.4 million annually. NC State fees produce approximately $4.1 million. Athletics operating budgets in the conference range from $23 million to $51 million, with a mean of $43 million. NC State’s operating budget for athletics in 2009-10 is $38.4 million. In 2008-09, the department ended the fiscal year with a positive balance of $700,000. Ms. Moose reported that improvements to the tennis complex and Derr Track/Dail Soccer facilities were in progress. Renovations for Reynolds Coliseum include upgrading the scoreboard and installing a video board at Doak Field.
History and Purpose of the Council: FAR Emeritus Dr. Art Cooper
FAR Emeritus Art Cooper delivered a report chronicling the history of the Council. Dr. Cooper emphasized the “faculty-centered” nature of the Council being unique among our peers. A written copy of his comments is forth coming.
Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes
Mr. Phil Moses, Executive Director, and Ms. Carrie Leger, Director, of the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes reported on staff and programming changes. Some personnel reductions were noted as staff pursued other opportunities. A total of 149 new student athletes enrolled for the fall semester. Of those, 138 were incoming freshmen and 11 transfers. Thirty eight students enrolled in a summer transition program, MAGIC: Maximizing Academic Goals in College. The program involves students taking two courses and developing study skills.
An update on APR was presented. Data from 2005-2009 is to be submitted by September 30th. Current projections indicate that no teams will be below 925. The departmental goal is for all teams to be at or above 950. It is anticipated that three teams will be below the 950 metric.
The Reconnect Partnership (RP) with the Wolf Pack Club (WPC) resulted in three former student athletes completing their undergraduate degrees last year. Funding ($30,000) from the WPC provided earned aid to cover tuition, fees, and books in exchange for 75-150 hours of community service. Currently, five former student athletes are in the program.
Academically, NC State student athletes continue to receive recognition from the ACC. 178 student athletes were named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll. Ashley Shepard, from gymnastics was honored with numerous post-graduate awards: $7,500 NCAA, $5,000 ACC, and $2,500 Carolina Panthers. Both Rifle and men’s basketball received recognition for being in the top 10% in APR nationally. Eight teams had above a 3.0 composite GPA in the 2009 spring semester.
Committees:
Finance, facilities, & Personnel: Suzanne Weiner, Chair
No report
Student-life, Equity, & Sportsmanship: Len Annetta, Chair
A preliminary report concerning factors influencing retention and graduation rates was presented. Positive & statistically significant for retention factors were:
- First spring semester GPA 2.5 or higher
- More credit hours taken per semester (15 as opposed to 12)
- More advanced math courses in high school
- Passing AP foreign language test
Positive relationships with coaching staffs were also noted a crucial in retention.
Compliance: Keith Edmisten, Chair
No Report
Faculty Academic Committee: Paul Williams, Chair
No Report
Unfinished Business
None noted
New Business
None noted
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sam L. Pardue, Chair