I would like to express my appreciation to those of you who took the time to share your views and concerns about intercollegiate atheltics at Cal State Northridge. I received a lot of thoughtful correspondence and I am convinced that members of the campus community fully understand that this issue represents a signficant decision for the university. Most of those who wrote, but not all, supported the continuation of intercollegiate athletics; differences, for the most part, related to what sports we should offer and how to pay for them.
The committee that formed to review the athleetic budget and to outline program options has concluded its work and submitted its report. The full report is available for the university community to review in the President's Office, in the Faculty President's Office, in the offices of the three Vice Presidents and in the University Library. The committee's report provides thorough and accurate information about the costs associated with various program options.
Attached is a synopsis of the options Dr. Koppita and I have discussed with the committee and with the athletics department. The four scenarios range from a comparatively more comprehensive Division I program to one that is less comprehensive. All of the scenarios achieve gender equity and continue our participation at the Division I level.
All of the options presume the continuation of funding from the university and from The University Corporation. Only the fourth option does not include a student fee. Because this information took longer to collect and analyze than we had expected, I will not make a decision in December as originally planned. I want to study the report, as I hope you will, consult with the Associated Students and the Faculty Senate, and make a decision in mid-January.
I have informed the Athletic Department that all athletic scholarship commitments will remain in place until the end of the Spring semester 1995. Coaches whose sports may be affected by program changes will have their contracts honored through the end of their contract period.
I am interested in your views about the scenarios outlined in the Committee report and ask, also, that you communicate your thinking to Faculty Senate or Associated Student representatives.
Thank you for your patience and your interest in this important decision.
Blenda J. Wilson
December 21, 1994
California State University, Northridge
1995/96 Athletic Program
The committee formed to review the Athletic Program's Budget and present options for funding a variety of scenarios has concluded its work and submitted its report. The full report is available Tuesday Secember 20, 1994 for the University Community to review in the President's Office, the Faculty President's office, the offices of the three Vice Presidents, and the University Library.
Financial data was provided by the Athletic Program. After analysis and extensive consultation, the committee presented four options, which are provided on the following page.
Each of the options assumes that revenues sources in plae during 1994/95 will remain constant in 1995/96 and that enrollment will be at the level of 24,000 students. Sources of revenue include:
- Instructionally Related Activity fee - $408,000
- University Corporation - $280,000
- General Fund - $1,309,502
- Associated Students fee - $4.00 per student
After discussion the committee recommended that returning the athletics program to Division II level of play would not be in the best interest of the University, nor would there be significant savings. In part, the committee was influenced by the range of options, both in terms of funding and competition, avaialable at the Division I level. Each of the scenarios presented meets the Division I minimum requirements of 14 sport offerings and 25 scholarship full ride equivalencies for both the men's and women's programs.
1995/96 Athletics Program - Funding Options
I. Enhanced Division I Athletic Program. This options increases current scholarship levles, adds women's soccer, and provides operational dollars to create a more competitive program. Emphaisis is on improving the quality of the student-athlete's experience without increasing administrative costs. The following sports are funded in this plan: Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Track/Cross Country*, Volleyball
Women's Sports: Basketball, Softball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track/Cross Country* Volleyball
* Counts as three sports: indoor track, outdoor track and cross country.
| Revenue | $3,129,897 |
| Expenses | $4,380,224 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | ($1,250,327) |
| Student Fee Required per Semester to Fund the Deficit | $27 |
I.a. Enhanced Division I Athletic Program without Football. This option maintains the emphasis on a quality student-athlete experience as presented in Option I, but eliminates football. This is a cost-control option, with an emphsis on a smaller, high-quality athletic program.
| Revenue | $2,974,877 |
| Expenses | $3,844,731 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | ($869,854) |
| Student Fee Required per Semester to Fund the Deficit | $19 |
II.Cost Containment Division I Athletic Program with Minimal Sport Losses. This option maintains 1994/95 funding levels, provides some enhancements in women's sports to meet gender-equity guidelines and adds women's soccer. While men's football would be eliminated, in this scenario, all other sports would be maintain.
| Revenue | $2,974,877 |
| Expenses | $3,670,142 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | ($695,265) |
| Student Fee Required per Semester to Fund the Deficit | $27 |
III> Cost Containment Division I Athletic Program with Minimal Sport Offerings. Maintains the program at the 1994/95 funding level to retain the current level of competition. No increased funding for men's teams. Minimal increased funding to women's teams to meet gender equity requirements. The following sports would be eliminated: Football, Men's & Women's Soccer, Men's Swimming, and Women's Basketball. Administrative cuts also need to be implements,
| Revenue | $2,923,050 |
| Expenses | $2,923,050 |
| Surplus/(Deficit) | $0 |
| Student Fee Required per Semester to Fund the Deficit | No Student Fee |
From the President's Desk listings
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