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May 20, 2009
Ask the AD (Issue II - May 2009) 1. What is the status of MEAC membership? Donell from Snow Hill, N.C. I would just like to say that your athletic staff, student-athletes, faculty athletic council, and the University leadership team did a remarkable job. We were able to highlight the wonderful academic programs and strong athletic programs during their visit. At this time, we are in the process of submitting an update to the original application, which was submitted in 2006. Our programs, both academic and athletic, have grown immensely over the last three years. The MEAC Spring meeting is at the end of May and we hope that the Delegate Assembly, which is comprised of the Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrators, and Faculty Athletic Representatives, will approve the membership subcommittee's recommendation for our membership. If this happens, the recommendation will be submitted to the MEAC Board of Directors which is comprised of all member Presidents and Chancellors. So to our loyal NCCU supporters... we will know something soon! 2. How is the revenue generated from game guarantees allocated? Frank from Detroit, Mich. The athletic budget is made up of six major areas of revenue: a. Student Athletic Fees b. Gate Receipts and Ticket Sales from revenue-producing sports c. Concessions, Vending, Rental of Athletic Facilities d. Annual fundraising campaigns e. Corporate Sponsorship f. Game Guarantees It is no surprise that our current revenue-producing sports utilize a significant portion of our revenue. However, we have placed heavy emphasis over the past three years increasing funding in all aspects of our Olympic Sports programs. This is important as we continue our progress towards NCAA Division I. Currently, all of our sports programs are being funded at approximately 75% of their maximum NCAA Division I limits due to our diverse revenue streams. For the past three years, men's and women's basketball and football have received significant increases in scholarships and recruiting. These three sports are integral to the success of our athletics program. Football scholarships have increased by $100k from 2007-08 to 2008-09 and will see similar increases for the 2009-2010 year. Men's and women's basketball are currently funded at 95% of their maximum limits. Additionally, our plans are to market our baseball program so that we can have another consistent revenue-producing program in the department.
While we look to continue increasing all program areas, we will push to meet the objectives in our NCAA Division I Business Plan, which is to meet maximum allowable scholarships in football, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball by 2011-2012. 3. I understand that there are plans to merge all of the existing booster clubs. Why is this necessary since a few of these clubs have been around for years and have supported the athletics department for years? Jim from Durham, N.C. One of the major issues surrounding this transition to NCAA Division I was the ability for us to increase our revenue without taxing our students with high student athletic fees. So, we must be aggressive in enhancing all of our additional revenue streams. One would be to increase attendance, thus increasing our gate receipts. But, most successful NCAA Division I programs (Football Championship Division and Bowl Subdivision) have sound fundraising and development strategic plans. They also have strong booster clubs. The Iptay concept started by Clemson University has been the cornerstone for successful athletic booster clubs. Today, they have over 25,000 members. These clubs have been the backbone of their respective athletic programs, providing over 80% of the funding for athletic scholarships. As we transition, we too must have structured giving programs and one way is to bring together all of the wonderful people who have represented our current booster clubs and implement strategies to bring solidarity and increase the membership of individuals who want to support our athletics program. Another major reason for the merger is to address issues the NCAA Division I Membership Committee had with regards to our booster clubs and development program. In 2006, we created two positions, Director of Marketing and Assistant Athletics Director for Development. These two positions have been essential to the growth of our annual giving programs. Now, it's time that we bring together the efforts of each individual club to grow the number of individuals who are definitely out there, to support our scholarship and facility goals. The new booster club will support, first and foremost, athletic scholarships. Thus, there will be no confusion as to what our donor's investment will be allocated for in athletics. There will also be opportunities for the club to assist the Department in its endeavors to upgrade and renovate facilities, as well as increase the number of endowed scholarships for athletics. More information about the new booster club will be released within the next month. We are truly excited and know that our Eagle family will support our efforts to increase the number of NCCU athletic supporters all over the country! Word from the AD: I hope that you have a great summer and stay tuned to our website for more exciting news and events coming soon. Please continue to email and send in your questions. The more you know, the more wonderful information you can share with the world about your FANTASTIC EAGLES! E-TOWN.........................FALL 2009....BE THERE! Ingrid Wicker-McCree, Ed.D. |
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