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Intercollegiate Athletics
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If the institution participates in intercollegiate athletics, these programs and financial operations are consistent with the educational mission and goals of the institution and are conducted with appropriate oversight by the governing board, chief executive officer, and faculty.
Intercollegiate Athletics
Athletics serve an important role in the University by providing a range of opportunities for athletically inclined students. Athletics also serve as an effective bridge between the University and the community, and enhance student life by providing activities in which the entire university can take part as spectators and supporters.
The mission statement of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) is consistent with the overall university mission. The primary focus of the department is to provide a department that helps develop the whole person through both education and competition, while enhancing the intellectual, social, cultural and economic qualities of urban life. The Director of Athletics reports directly to the President, and the Faculty Senate appoints the members of the Intercollegiate Athletic Board (IAB). During the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Certification process in 2001, the IAB approved a revised mission statement.
In keeping with the overall mission, growth, and development of the university, the DIA made the transition from Division II to Division I in 1996 and joined the Big Sky Conference. The University has made every effort to enhance its athletic program over the past eight years by investing in facilities for athletics and recreations. The Stott Community Recreation Field, the Stott Center Main Gymnasium renovation, the Morrow Academic Center, Morrow Team Center, and improvements to the Training Room and Strength and Conditioning areas have enhanced the success of Viking Athletics and student recreation.
Periodic Review
The DIA complies with the NCAA certification process. The most recent review was conducted during 2000-2001 and resulted in several improvements in the areas of equity, budgeting, and external relations.
- NCAA certification report Available in hard copy
Faculty Senate oversees the Intercollegiate Athletic Board (IAB), which meets a minimum of four times per academic year to provide oversight and guidance related to the (DIA). The IAB reviews policies, procedures, student-conduct, budgetary issues, and Title IX related topics. The IAB consists of faculty, staff, students, and one community member. All are appointed through the Faculty Senate process. All athletic department budgets are set and approved through the university budgeting process.
Disclosure of Policies
Each paid and volunteer employee within the athletics department receives a contract for each year. The contract explains the expectations of all employees (paid or volunteer) as they relate to NCAA, Big Sky, and Oregon University System or Portland State rules and regulations. At the beginning of each academic year, Portland State legal council are invited to attend all DIA staff meeting to discuss areas of interest and clarification. This could include personnel, student-rights, or NCAA issues.
The Policies and Procedures Manual is updated annually and is available for review in the DIA office. In addition, the Athletics Departments published NCAA rules and regulations on its Web site for review by students, volunteers, and boosters.
Student Admissions and Requirements
All admissions requirements, academic standards, and degree requirements are coordinated and managed through the central student services offices on campus. Initial and continuing athletic eligibility is coordinated through a committee that consists of the Academic Counselor, Compliance Director, and the Faculty Athletic Representative (Dr. Robert Lockwood).
Athletic Budget
The DIA budget is developed to meet the standards set by the Vice President for Finance and Administration at Portland State. The budget is submitted on-line for approval and review. The process for development of the budget has changed in the past five years. By mid-February, all departments and programs within the athletics department have had an opportunity to present a "wish list" to the athletic budget committee. The committee consists of the Athletics Director, Associate Director, one coach, and the Athletics Business Manager. By mid-March all requests are reviewed and matched against expected inflation and projected revenue. In early April we provide the department with a realistic budget outlook and ask them to adjust their requests based upon revenue. Throughout the fiscal year, each program/department gets quarterly budget updates. We are planning to move this to monthly updates in the coming fiscal year.
During the NCAA Certification process in 2000-2001, it became evident that the booster group, Viking Club, was operating outside the direct control of the Athletics Director. The Viking Club was subsequently abolished and replaced by a new entity, the Viking Athletic Fund. The budget process and distribution process now fall within all NCAA and OUS rules and regulations. As part of this process, the Portland State University Bingo operation was also abolished in 2002.
Equity
Since 2000, Athletics has:
- Increased scholarship allocations for females from $582,030 to over $1,000,000 in FY 06'.
- Implemented consistent travel policies for all sports in 2001.
- Increased staff allocations for volleyball, soccer, softball.
- Increased support staff in the Training Room, Strength and Conditioning, and Academic Counseling.
- Developed a Resource Allocation Committee to allocate and review all trade (hotels, meals, media, etc.)
- Hired female Head Coaches in Golf, Women's Basketball, and Soccer.
- Developed a systematic scheduling plan to enhance practice and competitive opportunities for women's programs as it relates to facilities.
- Seen improvement in the Women's program from the worst program in the Big Sky to among the top three.
During the Fall of 2004, the DIA hired Lamar Daniels to conduct a Title IX audit and provide recommendations based upon his three-day visit.
Attendance Policies
The policy has never been put in writing, but it is understood that during Finals Week, Portland State athletes should be at home and not competing outside the Portland metro area. Teams are not allowed to travel during Finals week. Men's and women's basketball teams may choose to play a home non-conference opponent at the end of Finals Week, but need approval from the Athletic Director. A policy addressing this will be submitted for approval to the IAB during fiscal year 2005-2006 and added to the Policies and Procedures Manual.
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