Developing a University Athletic Department from the ground up!

DII committee strengthens standards for new members - NCAA.org

2009-11-12T18:20:00.001-08:00

DII committee strengthens standards for new members - NCAA.org

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2009-09-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Mission Statement

Intercollegiate Athletics at CSUCI will support the mission of the University by providing a comprehensive co-curricular program through competitive sports. Intercollegiate Athletics will be Educationally based, Ethically sound, Fiscally responsible, Gender equitable and will imbue the values of sportsmanship and fair play.

The CI Athletics Vision

Develop the Athletic Vision and Plan

Athletic Steering Group – Internal/External members who help develop the strategic direction
Athletic Advisory Committee – Faculty chair with faculty, students, community leaders (develop strategic direction of the athletic program)
Athletic Booster Club (i.e. Dolphin Athletic Association-Annual Fund)

Integrate Campus Fitness and Wellness into the University

Strengthen campus recreation opportunities for students and staff, Encourage healthy lifestyle choices for campus members (i.e. Exercise, Nutrition), Partner with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to create academic programs (e.g. Kinesiology)

Create the Athletic Department Structure
Staffing (i.e. SWA, Compliance Coordinator, Development Director, Media Relations)
Facilities Development (i.e. Event Center, Soccer Fields, Baseball, Softball, Tennis)
Mission Statement (Vision Statement/Guiding Principles)
Strategic Plan (5 year/10 year)

The CI Athletics Vision
Promote Scholar Athletes and Campus Leaders
Demand strong academic achievement
Hold to the same standard as other campus leaders
Encourage leadership roles on campus
Ensure Program Integrity
Recruit coaches and staff that support the mission of CSUCI
Recruit student athletes that embody the mission of CSUCI
Foster a Booster Club that supports conference regulations.
Embrace Community Outreach Participation
Adopt local community schools and student athletes serve as mentors
Outreach to the community in civically engaged projects

Countdown to Competition!
Fall 2009 – Announce first two varsity sport teams
Winter 2009/10 – Head Coach candidates interviewed
Spring 2010 – Head Coaching positions offered and accepted.
Summer/Fall 2010 - Head Coaches begin building their programs.
Fall/Winter 2010 - Recruit prospective student athletes; work with current students interested in that sport
Spring 2011 – Plan for first competition
Fall 2011 - First varsity competition on campus

Possible Fall Sports
Men-Soccer, Cross Country and Water Polo

Women- Soccer, Cross Country and Volleyball

Possible Winter Sports
Men and Women -Basketball , Swimming and Diving andIndoor Track and Field

Possible Spring Sports
Men- Baseball, Tennis, Golf, Track and Field and Lacrosse

Women-Softball, Tennis, Golf, Track and Field, Sand Volleyball and Water Polo

Staffing Needs: It Takes a Village
Senior Women Associate AD for Internal Operations, Associate AD for External Operations, Business Manager, Accounting Specialist, Ticket Office Manager, Director of Marketing & Promotions, Director of Media Relations (SID), Facility Manager, Buildings and Grounds Personnel, Director of Compliance, Athletic Trainers, Coaches and Administrative Assistants

Traditional Sources of Funding
Student Fees, Guarantees, Gate Receipts/Ticket Surcharges, Entry Fees, Rentals, Concessions, Parking, TV/Radio Rights fees, Corporate Sponsorships, Conference/NCAA funding, Special Events, Summer Camps,
Development/Advancement, Marketing and Licensing, Capital Reserves, Endowments, Earned Interest on Income, Gifts-in-kind, Facility use agreements, Private/Public Partnerships, Matching Grants and Athletic Booster Clubs

Decisions to be Made

2009-07-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

I have been asked many times over the past few months, why has CSU Channel Islands decided to start its new Department of Athletics, at this time, considering the state of our economy here in California? My answer to that has been, "We are looking outside of the box, in terms of developing our athletic department and we are going to do things differently than other universities." The question that usually comes next is, 'How and what are you going to do considering that the state as no money and people are holding on to their money until the economy situation turns around?" My answer has been, "We are developing plans now, so when the economic situation turns around we are ready to hit the ground running and present those plans to individuals that are interested in helping us." If you develop long term plans, make sound judgments and have options, we will build an athletic program that will be successful.

Now with all that said, where do we go? Over the past few weeks I have been reviewing budget numbers from other CSU athletic departments (Division II) to get a sense of how much each department is spending on their athletic teams. I'm looking at salaries, travel cost, scholarships, equipment purchases and recruiting costs. I am also review how successful the teams have been in the classroom and on the playing surface; whether that is finishing in the top half of the league to winning an outright conference championship to participating in and winning a NCAA National Championship. There is a misconception out there that says in order to win and to be successful, you need to spend more than everyone else. Success is defined in numerous ways: 1) Graduating your student-athletes, 2) Developing your student-athlete as a whole person 3) Winning.

I have received numerous phone calls and emails from students, faculty, staff and local community members wondering when the decision will be made on which sports we will start first. I can tell you that we can getting closer to making that decision. I have most of the financial information that I need to determine how starting sport "x" or sport "y"will impact our budget. The next factor that plays into this decision is what sport our student body will rally behind and support. I will be holding various discussions with students in residence halls and various brown bag sessions for faculty, staff and students during the month of September. It is our goal to have an announcement sometime this fall.

What still seems to be the million dollar question is what sports are we considering? The first few sports that we offer will have to be sports that do not require building a new facility on campus. With that said, we are currently reviewing the option to offer Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's Golf, Women's Volleyball and Men's and Women's Cross Country. Along with the sports that
I just mentioned, other sports that are under consideration to are: Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Tennis, Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving.

Membership Requirements for the CCAA (California Collegiate Athletic Association)

2009-07-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

It is our plan to apply for membership to the CCAA (California Collegiate Athletic Association) within the next few years as we build our new athletic department. Below is a listing of requirements needed to apply and to become a member of the CCAA. All information listed below has been taken from the 2008-09 CCAA Manual.

2.1 HISTORY
The CCAA was organized in December 1938. Charter members were California State University, Fresno, San Diego State University, San Jose State University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

2.2 NCAA MEMBERSHIP
To be a member of the CCAA, an institution must be an active member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and compete in Division II of the NCAA in all sports where CCAA status is desired.

2.3 PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Provisional members of NCAA Division II are considered to be provisional members of the CCAA until they are defined as an active member according to the NCAA.
2.3.1 In the first year of the NCAA four-year provisional membership status, CCAA member institutions shall not be eligible for individual awards (e.g., Players of the Week, All-CCAA Teams, All-Academic Team, etc.) and voting privileges at all CCAA meetings.
2.3.2 Beginning with the second year of the NCAA three-year provisional membership status, CCAA member institutions shall be eligible for individual awards and voting privileges.
2.3.3 Provisional members are not eligible for CCAA Championships until they are active members of NCAA Division II as defined by the NCAA.

2.4 REGULAR MEMBERSHIP
2.4.1 To be a regular member of the CCAA, an institution must participate in and sponsor five (5)sports for men and five (5) sports for women or four (4) sports for men and six (6) sports for
women, at least two being team sports with the following designations. Men - four (4) of the
following with one (1) being either basketball or baseball: basketball, baseball, soccer, cross
country, track and field, and golf. Women - four (4) of the following with one (1) being either
basketball or volleyball: basketball, cross country volleyball, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field.
2.4.2 If a regular member maintains an intercollegiate team in an active CCAA sport, then that team must compete in the CCAA, with the exception of the option of one men’s and one women’s team which may elect to participate in Division I.
2.4.3 A CCAA sport must be sponsored by six (6) CCAA institutions to have championship status.
2.4.4 Regular members will be issued CCAA athletics passes. These passes admit bearer and guest to all regularly scheduled CCAA events. The CCAA Commissioner shall distribute the appropriate number of passes to each institution by September 1, each academic year.

APPLICATION FOR CCAA MEMBERSHIP
2.6.1 Letter of interest is sent to CCAA Commissioner.
2.6.2 Commissioner forwards letter of interest to Presidents/Chancellors’ Group for approval.
2.6.3 Upon approval, formal application is submitted to the CCAA Commissioner from the
President/Chancellor of the applicant institution.
2.6.4 Upon approval of the Presidents/Chancellors’ Group, a nonrefundable application fee equal to 1.5 times a single year’s dues of all other regular full-time members will be submitted. The
institution will reimburse costs incurred by the Site Visitation Team.
2.6.5 Application shall include scholarship levels, sponsored sports, athletics mission statement,
strategic plan, admissions policy, basic philosophy, budgets, facilities, operations and staff, and
an organizational chart.
2.6.6 Review by Administrative Committee with recommendations following a campus visit.
2.6.7 Review by Executive Council with recommendations.
2.6.8 Institutions shall be provided one-year lead time for completion of the application. The
application must be accepted by September 1 of the year prior to the first year of competition.
2.6.9 Review by Presidents/Chancellors’ Group to approve or deny institution’s application for
membership. Presidents/Chancellors’ Group shall notify the Commissioner, and the Commissioner shall subsequently notify the applying institution.
2.6.10 The CCAA reserves the right to terminate or grant an extension to an institution subject to its CCAA and/or NCAA status.
2.6.11 A two-thirds majority of present and voting Presidents/Chancellors’ Group members is required to accept any future CCAA members.
2.6.12 Applicant institutions shall review the CCAA Membership Criteria (Appendix XVII) prior to submitting an application.

NCAA Double-A Zone: Do you have what it takes to be an AD? Take the quiz June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T16:42:00.001-07:00

NCAA Double-A Zone: Do you have what it takes to be an AD? Take the quiz June 12, 2009

This is a great quiz if you ever want to know if you are cut out to be an athletic director. Take it. I got 6 out of 7 corrected. So, I guess I made the right career move.

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NCAA Requirements for Membership

2009-06-10T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am six weeks into this new job and all I can say is wow!!! There is so much work that needs to be done to create and develop an athletic department from scratch. One of the areas that we have to be mindful as we move down this path is the requirements set out by the NCAA to establish membership at the Division II level. The following text is taken from the NCAA website for membership.

Division II has fourteen (14) membership requirements which must be met:

NCAA DIVISION II GENERAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Sports-Sponsorship - A) Must sponsor at least five sports for men and five sports for women (20.10.3) or four sports for men and six sports for women. B) Must have at least two team sports in each gender (20.10.3), C) Must meet minimum contests/participant requirements for a sport to count (20.10.3.5).
Must meet three-season requirement in each gender (i.e. must have at least one men's team and one women's team competing in the fall, winter and spring (3.2.1.4).
Must have eligibility certification procedures approved by chief executive officer (3.2.4.3).
Must utilize the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse for certifying freshman student athletes prior to receiving financial aid, practice and competition during the first year and thereafter of the provisional and reclassifying process (14.3.1).
Must publish progress towards degree requirements (3.2.4.10).
Must establish policy concerning missed class time (3.2.4.12).
Must meet composition requirements for an Athletic Board if one exists (6.1.2.1).
Must designate a Faculty Athletic Representative (6.1.3).
Must establish a Student-Athletic Advisory Committee (6.1.4).
Must have an annual athletics budget approved by the chief executive officer or designee (6.2.2).
Must have conducted by an outside agency, a financial audit of athletics revenues and expenditures at least once every three years (6.2.3.2).
Must conduct a institutional self-study of the intercollegiate athletics program at least once every five years (6.3.1).
A member of Division II shall annually provide financial assistance to equals one the of the following: A) A minimum of 50 percent of maximum allowable equivalencies in four separate sports, at least two of which must be women's sports, B) A minimum total expenditure of $250,000 in athletically related financial aid with at least $125,000 in women's sports or C) A minimum of 20 total full equivalency grants with at least 10 total full equivalency grants in women's sports (20.10.1.2).
Must certify insurance coverage for medical expenses resulting from athletically related injuries sustained by student-athletes (3.2.4.9)

So there you have it. This is a tall order that we will get through. In a best case situation (taking into account what is going on national as it relates to the current financial situation), we are looking at five to seven years at the most to fully satisfy the above requirements.

The First Few Weeks

2009-05-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

ALL I CAN SAY IS AMAZING. The first few weeks on the job at CSU Channel Islands as the Director of Athletics has been truly amazing. I have be greeted with open arms, positive words and lots of support. From the students to faculty to staff to the local community members, there has been the constant welcoming feeling. It seems like everyone wants to see CSUCI succeed and are willing to provide a helping hand.

I had a chance to speak with two different groups of students on campus, and if this is any indications, we can and will have a successful athletic program. I have meet with students representing the Sailing Club, The Lacrosse Club, The Bike Kitchen (Bike Club), etc. In these meetings, there have been students that aren't connected to the various sports clubs but just students. One of the constant themes that I have heard from the students is "We don't care what sport, as long as we have a sporting team to get behind and support. The students have a better understanding of the process that we will go through to develop and create an athletic department, after I had a chance to explain it to them. Some of the students wanted to see us start fielding teams as early as September 2009 (three months from now). I told them I like their drive but that would be just about impossible for us. The reasons are pretty simple: 1) Have to review our budget to see what we can fund constantly over a two to three year period, 2) We need to make sure that we are in compliance with the NCAA policies and procedures, 3) We need to figure out what sports we can offer at this time based off of our lack of athletic facilities, 4)We need have a strategic plan in place that will chart our ramp-up to becoming a fully functioning department of CSUCI, 4) Need to confirm what sports are offered and sponsored within the NCAA and the athletic conference that we will belong to.

I also had a meeting with about 10 faculty members. I will have to say that I was nervous about meeting with the faculty because I just didn't know where most of the faculty members stood on the creation of an athletic department. Most of the faculty that I met with were recommend to me by various different administrator on campus. Overall, each of these faculty members were in support of athletics but did have concerns. One of those concerns were how practice and travel will affect which majors the student-athlete decides to take. This concern is a legitimate one because most of the classes on campus are between 11am and 4pm. As most of us know, practices times are typically anywhere from 12 noon to 6pm, depending on the sport. I mention to them that this would be something that we would have to work on. I did even go as far as to say is if the individual student-athlete had a class in the afternoon and that class was part of their major, that I would work with the coach to maybe have the student miss practice that day. I know this is a break from traditional athletic departments but I feel that we need to be different from most.

In my next posting, I plan to outlining the process that is set down by the NCAA (National Colliegate Athletic Association) on the steps that each school needs to go through in order to become a member of the NCAA at the Division II level.

Some History that you should know.

2009-05-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

The California State University Channel Islands just didn't appear out of thin air. The University took nearly37 years to become a reality. What you will read over the next few paragraphs comes from the 2009-2010 CSUCI Catalog.

"Planning for a public, four-year university began in 1965 when State Senator Robert J. Lagomarsino co-authored Senate Bill 288 with Assemblyman Burt Hansenm calling for establishment of a four year college in Ventura County. Later that year, Governor Pat Brown signed a bill authorizing a study for a state college in Ventura County. In 1974, Dr. Joyce Kennedy established in Ventura the UC/CSU Ventura Learning Center and went on to serve as director of the CSUN (California State University Northridge) Ventura Campus for more than 15 years."

"In 1996, J. Handel Evans began as Planning President charged with beginning development of a public, four-year university in the region. In September 1997, on the recommendation of the chancellor and a community task force appointed by the Governor, the CSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the former Camarillo State Hospital site for the purpose of transforming in into the CSU's 23rd campus. In July 1996, the CSU Board of Trustees formally accepted the name California State University Channel Islands for the new University. In September 1997, Governor Wilson signed into law S.B. 623 providing for the financing and support of the transition of the site for the use as a university campus. In 1999, the Ventura Campus moved to the Channel Islands campus and began a four year phase out of its academic programs."

"The CSU Board of Trustees appointed Richard R. Rush Founding President of California State University Channel Islands and he assumed his duties on June 2001. Dr. Rush's formal inauguration was held in April 2002. During the course of establishing the initial structures of the University, Dr. Rush has overseen and been directly involved in the hiring of faculty and the University's senior staff. In addition, he has directed the development of the University strategic, academic and physical master plans, infrastructure and road improvements, the acquisition of adjacent land, as well as successfully leading the University's efforts to achieve initial accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)."

"The formal opening of CSU Channel Islands was held on August 16, 2002. The public ceremony included participation by Governor Gray Davis, as well as educational and community leaders from throughout the state. Classes began on August 24 with approximately 1,320 full-time transfer students enrolled for the first year. The first freshman class arrived in fall 2003. At full capacity, CSU Channel Islands will serve more than 15,000 full-time equivalent students."

"The physical campus continues to grow at a steady pace to keep up with student and academic needs. The first major University construction project on campus was the Science Building completed in 2003. This structure provides much needed lab and auditorium spaces for students. The prestigious John Spoor Broome Library designed by world-renowned architect, Foster+Partners, opened in Spring 2008 and provides a state-of-the-art teaching and learning library for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Martin V. Smith Center for integrative Decision -Making opening in May 2009, and includes a 'case study' classroom equipped with advanced audio/visual equipment to show in real-time the indices of the major world financial markets."

"CSU Channel Islands is a student-centered University, committed to academic excellence, civic engagement, environmental responsibility and leadership for the 21st century."

Let the Challenge Begin!!!

2009-05-03T18:05:00.001-07:00

Well, here we go. I am beginning this blog to chronicle the development of the Athletic Department at California State University Channel Islands. The University is located in Camarillo, CA (Ventura County just west of Los Angeles, CA). Let take you back to the beginning. After nearly six years of working at Stanford University as the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities, Operations and Events, On March 16, 2009 CSUCI officially announced my appointment as their first Athletic Director http://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/2009_CSUCI_Names_First_Athletic_Director.htm . From that day, I have been thinking and writing down all thoughts that I have had or have had after discussing my new challenge with family, friends, co-workers and fellow workers within the collegiate athletic world. To those who have offer suggestions and help, I say thank you. For those who haven't, there is still time.

I will not be able to develop this athletic department by myself. It will take meetings with students, faculty, staff, donors and administrators at CSUCI. It will take many, many conversations, emails, meetings, lunches, dinners, phone calls, sleepless nights and weekend work. It will take discussions with industries leaders. It will take discussions with friends and family. It will take a village and a community that want to see us succeed at the task that is ahead of us.

Many people have asked, "When will you start competition? What sports will you add? Do you have a staff? How will you recruit student-athletes? Do you have a strategic plan? When will you post job openings? What budget do you have to work with?... These are all great questions that have be presented to me. I will give you a quick breakdown of how I plan to attack this challenge over the next few months:

1. Meeting with Students and Faculty: With Commencement a little under two weeks ago, I will be meeting with a cross-section of students prior to them leaving for the summer. It is my hope that with these meetings, I will get a better understanding of what the students at CSUCI at looking for in an athletic program. I also hope to meet with members of the faculty here at CSUCI and to understand any concerns that they might have about the new athletic department. I hope to engage the faculty to understand how we will work together in developing this program.

2. Developing an plan of Action: Currently working on developing a five to seven year plan that will chart the course of building the CSUCI Athletic Department from number of sports to our mission statement to how we will interact with the local community. This plan will be our guiding light.

3. Staffing: Yes, I need a hire a staff. My first hire will be an administrative assistant to help get organized and keep me on track. Hope to have this position posted within the next three weeks. From there I will like to hire one or two of my senior staff. This all depends on our budget and what I have to spend over the next few weeks.

4. Meeting the community: If it my plan to get out and meet members of the local community. Whether its an local festival to a local service club or to local business leaders, I plan on being an active member of the community and marketing CSUCI Athletics to the community.

This is just the beginning of a long and challenging process that will be fun to be a part of and follow. It is my hope to update this blog at least once a week, most likely on the weekend. If there breaking, exciting news between my posts, I share that information with you as soon as I can. I welcome your feed back and comments as this blog grows and grows.