Academic Affairs Committee Discusses Athletics; Creates Strategy for Budget Fix

*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."

"If you reduce Division I [athletics], you liquidate a brand's asset," said CRT/Tenaka Marketing Representative Christian Munson. He argued that demographic were not in anyone's favor, much less Longwood's. The problem is simply the economy. Munson was unable to present the numbers most of the AAC wanted to see to make a qualified decision.

Making possibly the biggest appeal was Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tim Pierson. Pierson has been at Longwood since 1990 and said he was "struck by Longwood's lack of self-esteem" when he first arrived. Pierson noted the momentum and student self-perception has improved drastically due to Dr. Cormier's concern over what students view as special about Longwood. Something they valued was the athletic program. The 2007 switch from Division III to Division I was a positive move, according to Pierson. "I think flip-flopping on a thing like this is a major decision," he said.

President of the Student Government Association (SGA) Cameron Patterson was also in attendance. He spoke on behalf of the SGA and what he personally believed was a decision being made in the "short-term" that could potentially hurt the university down the road. "The first thing we must do as [the] SGA is [to] decide how to approach this," said Patterson. He admitted, though, that Longwood has invested too much money in athletic fields, but not necessarily the intercollegiate sports program.

Director of Athletics Troy Austin said any cuts proposed to athletics should be taken seriously. He said the move to Division I athletics in 2007 was a step in the right direction for Longwood. Specifically media exposure has increased as has opportunities for student athletes. Dr. Wayne White said cutting athletics should be taken with the same caution as cutting any other program. "I don't want to single out athletics.it's an important part of our institution," said White.

Towards the end of the meeting, Bates' proposed draft of the recommendation for revamping Longwood's athletic division was brought to the floor for discussion. Head Basketball Coach Mike Gillian said he is, "emotionally invested" in the situation, since his job could be at stake. "I do everything I can for this institution. If you go down this path, you are just as well firing me," said Gillian. "No one in the athletic department is asking for anything except for support."

According to Patterson, the SGA will make it a priority that students have an opportunity to voice concerns and their opposition regarding the vote. Bates concluded the meeting by saying there is no logical way for Longwood to absorb the major budget deficit unless something is cut. "That could mean job elimination," said Bates. "There could be negative impacts on students either way.