MINUTES

University Athletics Committee Meeting

26 January 2007

Pat Draughan Room

 

  1. Called to Order at 2 p.m. Attending:  Steve Estes, Chair; Marty Schultz, Doug Coonrad, Tim Metcalf, Mike Felts, David Dosser, Don Joyner, Terry Holland, Joseph Thomas, Jim Bass, Nick Floyd, Rosina Chia, Robert Kulesher, Alta Andrews.

 

  1. Approved Minutes of the 11 December 2006 meeting.

 

  1. Faculty Athletic Representative Report:  David Dosser
    1. Dr. Dosser reviewed the benefits he has recently received as FAR.  These include:  hotel room for Bowl game, 2 tickets to banquet.  Dr. Dosser makes a monetary donation to the Pirates Club which equals the benefits he receives.
    2. There are still some difficulties with faculty adherence to the university attendance policy.  Dr. Dosser shared a recent example and received confirmation by the Committee that this is indeed a violation.  Dr. Dosser will advise the student to negotiate with the faculty; if the student is unable to resolve it, Dr. Dosser will intervene on the student-athlete’s behalf.
    3. Conference USA Academic First Program—Dr. Dosser shared more information about this program which is a package of ways to strengthen educational success of student athletes and hold university’s accountable.  He shared with the committee that ECU is leading the way with efforts toward minimal missed class time by student athletes.

 

  1. Athletics Department Report:  Terry Holland and Nick Floyd
    1. Mr. Holland continues to emphasize to the Athletic Directors at their meetings that the minimization of missed class time for student athletes must be a top priority.  He is offering to schedule Saturday/Sunday back-to-back games with Houston/Rice in order to minimize missed class time.
    2. Our basketball team is working hard on and off the court and needs all Pirate family support right now.
    3. Mr. Holland shared an idea about the possible implementation of a leadership training course for student athletes.  Lt. Col. Donaldson, who is retiring from the ROTC program, has expressed an interest in teaching this sort of class.  The committee suggested that Lt. Col. Donaldson come to our next meeting and the Committee will offer some assistance in preparing the course proposal to enter the University channels for approval.  After reviewing the proposal, the Committee will offer suggestions as to the appropriate departmental home for the course.
    4. Mr. Floyd asked to have the student fees placed on the February agenda.

 

  1. Review of Student Development Office Report:  David Dosser for Nita Boyce
    1. Committee reviewed and discussed the proposal of critical needs of the student development office. 
    2. The report was approved by the Committee and forwarded to Mr. Holland for his use.  Dr. Dosser will prepare a cover letter for the proposal forward it to Mr. Holland.

 

  1. DE conveniences through the Web:  Steve Estes
    1. Dr. Estes asked for clarification of current resources for student athletes in relation to DE conveniences.  Currently there is visiting student access for library and computer labs in place.  The Student Development Office has some laptops students can check out when they are going out of town.  Doug Coonrad offered to check to see what the current usage is and whether additional laptops are needed.  He will report back to the Committee on his findings.

 

  1. Items for the good of the order: 
    1. The Committee moved to commend and support the Chancellor in the                              extension of Terry Holland’s contract.
    2. For information purposes:  There will be a compliance review by an external agency on February 21 and 22.  This is recommended and paid for by Conference USA.  Findings will be shared with the Committee at a later date.

 

  1. The University Athletic Committee adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

 

  1. The Academic Integrity Subcommittee convened at 3:20 p.m. 

·         Each athlete’s academic progress for Spring 2006 and Fall 2006 was                        reviewed.  Team averages and trends were reviewed and discussed. 

·         The Committee discussed issuing an invitation to some of our coaches to get their perspective on scheduling issues and how to deal with missed class time.

·         The Committee discussed how to build more faculty support for the grade reports process.

·         Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Alta Andrews, Secretary

University Athletic Committee