Academic Affairs Committee Discusses Athletics; Creates Strategy for Budget Fix
Corey Morris
Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: News
*Correction* In the article "AAC talks Athletics; Creates Strategy for Budget fix," (October 28 issue) it was incorrectly stated that the AAC proposal brought forth by the committee and Dr. Brian Bates sought to scale Division I athletics back to Division III. There is nothing in that proposal that states such language. This was simply a comment made by some of those in attendance. The resolution calls for the increases in tuition for the fiscal year 2011 may be made "cost-neutral...through a reduction in the Athletic component of the Comprehensive Fee, and that other components of the Comprehensive Fee remain level-funded." Again, there was no direct language regarding scaling back of the Division I athletic program. There was discussion regarding such a possibility at the meeting on Tuesday. The Rotunda apologizes for any misunderstanding.
The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) met in the newly renovated Virginia Room in Blackwell Hall on Tues., Oct. 27 at 5:00 to discuss a plan to manage an impending budget deficit of anywhere from $1.5 million to $3.5 million. On the table was a proposal to scale Division I athletics back to Division III. After presentations and discussion, Department Chair of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies Dr. Brian Bates presented his final draft to the board to vote on. The proposal passed with a vote of 13-1, with one lone abstention.
Managing a budget often involves cutting funding from departments and organizations or eliminating positions. The proposal set forth a strategic plan for Longwood to consider when Provost Dr. Wayne McWee, President Patricia Cormier and the Board of Visitors make the final decision on how to balance the deficit for 2012. The voting members present at the meeting were department chairs and the Dean of the Library.
The presentations began with Dean of Admissions Robert Chonko arguing the reputation of the athletic program is considered by students when looking to attend Longwood. The question was raised if intercollegiate sports influence academic fortitude. "Athletics is a visibility issue," said Chonko. "Most students choose a campus offering a package. Athletics is probably one of the top three issues considered."
The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) met in the newly renovated Virginia Room in Blackwell Hall on Tues., Oct. 27 at 5:00 to discuss a plan to manage an impending budget deficit of anywhere from $1.5 million to $3.5 million. On the table was a proposal to scale Division I athletics back to Division III. After presentations and discussion, Department Chair of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies Dr. Brian Bates presented his final draft to the board to vote on. The proposal passed with a vote of 13-1, with one lone abstention.
Managing a budget often involves cutting funding from departments and organizations or eliminating positions. The proposal set forth a strategic plan for Longwood to consider when Provost Dr. Wayne McWee, President Patricia Cormier and the Board of Visitors make the final decision on how to balance the deficit for 2012. The voting members present at the meeting were department chairs and the Dean of the Library.
The presentations began with Dean of Admissions Robert Chonko arguing the reputation of the athletic program is considered by students when looking to attend Longwood. The question was raised if intercollegiate sports influence academic fortitude. "Athletics is a visibility issue," said Chonko. "Most students choose a campus offering a package. Athletics is probably one of the top three issues considered."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
LongwoodGeek
Gerald (Gerry) Martin
posted 10/28/09 @ 10:23 AM EST
I personally have a problem with Athletics receiving a higher priority than Academics which it seems like is what is happening in this case. If I am wrong then I sincerely hope someone will say so and explain to me how I am not. (Continued…)
Athlete
posted 10/28/09 @ 10:49 AM EST
Athletics is a huge part of Longwood's recent success. With the jump to Division 1, we have helped gain recognition to this University. I am not saying acadimics are not important, but back tracking to Division 3 cuold hurt Longwood, not help it. (Continued…)
Chris
posted 10/28/09 @ 2:13 PM EST
The article doesn't mention it (I think it should have), but almost 50% of your comprehensive fee is sent to Athletics. That's $2,009 of your $4,200 that you pay! Also, I don't believe that the proposal is to backtrack to Division III, the proposal is to change "the current ratios existing between tuition and the part of the comprehensive fees going to athletics in a way that gives greater emphasis to academic priorities, while at the same time offsetting total costs for our students to attend this university. (Continued…)
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