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On September 1, the division started a new two-year budget cycle. The 2015-16 budget is approximately $28.5 M (3.18% of NCAA budget). The budget includes approximately $7 million for non-championship initiatives Special Olympics; 360 Proof; conference grant program; diversity and inclusion initiatives, etc and the championship budget is approximately $21.5 million. The feedback and straw poll voting results from the 2015 Convention were shared with the Championships and Strategic Planning and Finance Committees (SPFC) and the Management and Presidents Councils. The Presidents Council also charged SPFC with developing Convention legislation regarding a membership dues increase. At their summer meetings both Councils approved a 2016 Convention legislative proposal recommending a membership dues increase, effective September 1, 2017. Institutional annual dues would increase by $1,100 to $2,000 annually and annual conference office dues would increase by $550 to $1,000. During its August meeting, the Board of Governors endorsed Division III keeping all of the additional revenue ($519,000) and will take a formal vote on that recommendation during its October meeting. The Council also endorsed a long-term budget model related to the dues increase that includes a championships per diem increase from $90 to $95 and a host per diem of $30 in 2017-18; increases the women s swimming and diving budget by $95,000 in 2017-18 to achieve equity with men s access; and increases the non-championships budget every two years beginning in 2017-18. The longterm budget model balances the championships budget through 2019-20, and outlines the division s budget through the current CBS/Turner contract (2023-24). Annually, SPFC will review the budget forecasts and make related recommendations, as necessary. The Council also endorsed a one-year pilot program that would fix charter flight tickets at a maximum of $350 per one-way ticket for all team sports. The Championships Committee believes that participating institutions will purchase more seats at the fixed rate versus the current prices (often $1,000 or more). The worst case cost scenario for the pilot, if no additional seats are sold it will cost approximately $65,000. The Council also approved a blanket waiver to coincide with this charter pilot program. For success of the program, institutions should have discretion in determining who would be granted the opportunity to purchase unused seats. Waiving the normal application of the extra benefits legislation ensures that institutions maintain appropriate discretion in selling the unused seats on championships charter flights. This waiver is effective for the duration of the pilot program. Similar to last year, the 2015-16 budget and the 2015-17 Division III Strategic Plan will be posted on the Division III homepage. 4
The referral of Proposal No. 6 at the 2015 Convention to the Playing and Practices Seasons Subcommittee has triggered a deliberate review that extends beyond contest limits and includes all rules related to playing and practice seasons including nontraditional segments, contest exemptions and the length of playing seasons. In early September a survey was sent to all Division III constituents, including presidents, athletic directors, faculty athletic representatives, senior women administrators, coaches and student-athletes as well as coaches associations. The survey is seeking feedback on scheduling priorities, non-traditional seasons, contest exemptions and out of season activities. The subcommittee will use the survey responses to frame roundtable discussions during the Issues Forum at the 2016 NCAA Convention. As of mid-september, there were over 3,500 survey responses with a majority from coaches; approximately 250 athletics directors and close to 1,000 student-athletes. Any possible legislative initiatives will not be voted on until the 2017 NCAA Convention. 5
At their Spring meetings, Management and Presidents Councils approved the format proposed by the WBB committee (to keep the championship structure the same with the exception of having the two teams advancing to the finals who will wait two weeks to compete; with the semis conducted at a predetermined site). 6
Based on a spring 2015 membership survey, the Convention Planning Subcommittee proposed, and the Council endorsed this programming for the 2016 Convention. A Presidential Luncheon and Summit will be conducted at the 2016 Convention. This two-hour summit will be an opportunity for the Board of Governors chair, Kirk Schultz of Kansas State University to discuss the implications of the August 2015 Division I Presidential Summit and related Association-wide issues in a roundtable format. 7
Key Governance proposals. 1. Membership Dues Increase. Institutional annual dues will increase from $900 to $2,000 annually and annual conference office dues will increase from $450 to $1,000. If adopted, the effective date will be September 1, 2017. 2. Conference Automatic Qualification. Allow institutions in years three and four of the NCAA Division III provisional or reclassifying membership process to count toward the requisite number (seven) of multi-sport conference and single sport conference members necessary to begin the twoyear waiting period before a conference is eligible for automatic-qualification (AQ) to NCAA championships. 3. Elimination of SAR Requirement for Use of Banned Drugs. Discontinue the need for the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement (SAR) to restore a student-athlete s eligibility in the following circumstance. The current process requires a student-athlete who has had a positive drug test at an NCAA championship to be reinstated, only after the student-athlete has served the legislated penalty and retested negative on a drug test administered by Drug Free Sport. SAR is simply verifying the negative drug test and has no discretionary authority on this type of reinstatement request. By eliminating this process, the proposal will reduce the burden on member institutions. Division I and II are forwarding this action as noncontroversial legislation. Key Membership proposals. 1. Deregulation of Electronic Transmissions. Deregulate the electronic transmissions legislation primarily by eliminating the requirement that all electronic transmission (including social media communication) be private and direct between the sender and recipient. The sponsors contend that because public discourse through social media has largely replaced traditional forms of publicity and news media, deregulating the electronic transmissions legislation necessitates simultaneous deregulation of the publicity legislation. AMA staff has received information that at least one conference may be interested in submitting an amendment-to-amendment that would deregulate the electronic transmissions legislation without deregulating the publicity legislation. 2. Football Nontraditional Segment Including Contact. Same proposal as last year to provide an enhanced nontraditional segment with football, including contact. The sponsors argue that the proposal provides opportunities for comprehensive skill development in a framework designed to maximize student-athlete safety. An acclimatization period similar to the outline in the traditional fall season; defined practice days, activities and equipment; and limits on-field practices and places caps on the amount of live tackling-allowing coaches to teach and students to develop skills. 3. Reservation of Facility by Strength and Conditioning Coach. The proposal has two essential components: (1) Allow student-athletes to access a student-athlete only weight room outside of the playing and practice season; and (2) Allow a certified strength and conditioning coach to reserve athletics facilities to conduct voluntary workouts outside of the declared playing and practice season. Regarding the first component of the proposal, NCAA staff has previously provided a restrictive response when asked whether a student-athlete can access a student-athlete only weight room outside of the playing and practice season. In July, the Interpretations and Legislative Committee (ILC) supported staff s interpretation and began to develop an official interpretation clarifying that the athletically related activities legislation would preclude a student-athlete from using a student-athlete only facility outside of the playing season. Upon review of this interpretation, Management Council expressed some concern with the restrictive position and asked that ILC revisit the interpretive question. As such, ILC will review this issue anew at its September meeting. In the event that ILC reverses course and indicates that a student-athlete would be permitted to use a studentathlete only facility outside of the playing season the first portion of this proposal would be rendered moot, but the second component of the proposal would remain necessary and would move forward. 8
Concussion management. Developed The Concussion Safety Protocol Checklist (The Checklist). The NCAA Sport Science Institute encourages all member schools to use The Checklist as a resource when evaluating their concussion management plans. The Sport Science Institute staff will provide guidance and education to member schools requesting assistance with their concussion management plans. Last year, SSI signed on to a three-year study with the Dept. of Defense (DOD) to study traumatic brain injuries. In the first year of the study, 16 Division I schools participated and the data is being analyzed by three research universities. The study looks at concussions, follow up procedures that include MRI testing and submits all data to a centralized database. This coming year, the study expanded to more schools including Division III institutions. Mental Health Best Practices Guidelines. CSMAS is working with several medical organizations to develop a mental health best practices guideline and checklist. Anticipate distribution to the membership by Nov. 2015. Cardiac Health. Currently 5-10 student-athletes die each year from cardiac arrest. Ethnic minority men in basketball have a 1 in 5,000 chance of having cardiac arrest. The recent Cardiac Task Force did not have any specific recommendations at this time. SSI will work on creating inter-association guidelines around sudden cardiac arrest best practices (e.g. AEDs) and emergency protocols. SSI will offer a set of best practices for how to do cardiac screenings IF an institution is doing or chooses to do them. SSI will also be taking action on increasing the presence of AEDs, enhancing the cardiac component of our pre-participation examination recommendations, etc.. Overuse injuries and early specialization. Collecting data, researching and determining next steps. Street Drug Testing. Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport (CSMAS) was contemplating forwarding 2016 Convention legislation that would eliminate the drug testing of street drugs (e.g. marijuana) at NCAA championships and replacing with more campus education including bystander intervention, campus drug testing and additional NCAA resources. In April, the Division III Management Council did not support, nor did the Division II Management Council. CSMAS has decided to pull this proposal until it can do further research. In the meantime, SSI will partner with Division III in promoting 360 Proof. Health and Safety Summit. October 20-21, SSI will conduct a Division III specific Health and Safety Summit. Approximately 20 Division III constituents, ranging from presidents to student-athletes and including legal and campus risk managers will spend a day and a half in Indianapolis discussing SSI s six areas of focus and have the opportunity to provide feedback specifically from a Division III viewpoint. 9
Assistant Director for Division III Governance Communications. In early September, Kate Broshears joined the Division III governance team. Kate was a DePauw student-athlete and graduate; a former NCAA governance intern and a recent graduate of Ohio University, where she received her master s in Sports Administration and an MBA. Kate s duties will include oversight of the Identity Initiative; management of the Division III social media platforms and website; and liaison for the Special Olympics partnership. Education and Promotion. With the identity activation now in its fifth year, the focus remains on high school guidance counselors, coaches and club coaches. Last year, a two-page recruiting resource detailing the differences among the divisions was developed and distributed. It has also been placed on a prominent location on the Eligibility Center s website, which received an average of 150,000 hits per month. Brand Enhancement. Requesting every Division III school has the Division III specific logo on its athletic site and hyperlink it to the Division III homepage. We are currently at 60 percent of the membership, with a short-term goal of 80 percent. This year, the assistant director for communications will develop a strategic plan to increase the Division III visibility on social media (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Purchasing Website. On September 1, a new $500 credit was provided for each Division III member school (including provisional members), multisport conference and single-sport conference to purchase items on the Division III Purchasing Website. A membership survey this summer provided direction on new inventory. Approximately 74 percent of schools and 86 percent of conferences used the purchasing credit last year. Division III Week. The fourth annual celebration of Division III Week was held April 6-12. Very successful many participated and celebrated. Raised approximately $4,300 for Special Olympics with a $1 for every new Twitter followers and Facebook likes. 2016 dates April 4-10, 2016. 10
Special Olympics. In 2014-15, 58 institutions and six conference offices reported Division III Special Olympics activities during the 2014-15 year involving approximately 4,600 Division III student-athletes and 9,100 Special Olympic athletes. The division dedicated just over 22,000 volunteer hours and raised a total of $18,650 as a result of these activities. The total amount donated to Special Olympics from fiscal year 2014-15 was 36,850. This summer, the Division III s Special Olympics web page was updated to make reporting activities easier for schools and conference offices. Further, staff will distribute a quarterly update that shows activities by conference office. Social media - As of this spring, the NCAA Division III Facebook page has surpassed 20,000 fans, while the @NCAADIII Twitter account has been growing, now with more than 25,000 followers. On the digital media front, the NCAA Division III YouTube channel has been steadily increasing viewership, registering 45,000 lifetime views. 11
Timing, location and Length: Annually in conjunction with the NCAA Convention. One and half days. Attendees would arrive on the Wednesday evening of convention in time for an opening, welcome dinner. On Thursday, the Institute would convene at 8 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Participants would be funded to stay for Friday s Issues Forum and conference meetings as well as Saturday s Business Session. The working group believes the full Convention experience is important to enhancing the Institute. Nomination process: Commissioners of multi-sport conferences will nominate one ADR from their conference for full funding. There is an also an opportunity for self-nominations. Eligible participants: ADRs who have held the position for at least one full academic year. Programming content: Sessions may address the following topics - athletics budgeting; managing athletics personnel; better understanding of student-athlete welfare; relationship building; conference office engagement; NCAA governance and philosophy; and opportunities for NCAA committee service. Facilitators: NCAA staff, experts, and current Division III ADRs. Extra benefit: All ADR participants will receive a registration fee waiver to the NCAA Convention. The intent is to allow participants to continue their professional development at the NCAA Convention. Best Practices: resource was sent to Presidents, ADRs, Commissioners, ADs and FARs, and is also on the NCAA website. Developed by the ADR working group and based on feedback from three surveys two to ADRs and one to ADs. 12
As we begin 2015-16, there are 186 Division IIII and NASPA Small Colleges and Universities enrolled in 360 Proof. Staff has publicized a chart detailing a list of Division III institutions, sorted by conference, that have registered for 360 Proof. Additionally, if you are interested in seeing actual program materials, there is now a portal tour video available on 360proof.org. Lastly, coaches can access the 360 Proof coach s modules without registering for 360 Proof. These modules serve to inform coaching staffs about the impact of alcohol use on athletic and academic performance, and provide coaches with tips on how to communicate with student-athletes about alcohol. 13
The working group s April in-person meeting included a sharpened focused on game environment (e.g., parents and spectators). The working group also met with the Championships Committee and noted that the level of decorum at NCAA championships events is higher than regular season contests. The working group will analyze if there is a way to mirror the championship decorum at all regular season games. The working group s outcomes will include developing best practices and resources around game environment and possibly creating a certification program for institutions. The working group will continue to engage the membership for feedback and provide an update at the 2016 Convention. 14
A Diversity and Inclusion Working Group was formed after the 2015 Convention, with a charge to evaluate the current diversity and inclusion landscape in Division III (athletically and academically); evaluate current initiatives and propose next steps. The working group will have an in-person meeting in November to outline its goals and objectives as it prepares for a presentation at the 2016 Convention Issues Forum. Initial themes to discuss at the November in-person meeting include the following: 1. Continue to collect data to allow for informed decision making. 2. Develop benchmarks. 3. Initially focus on coaches. If coaches are more diverse, it may attract more diverse student-athlete participants. 4. Enhance current Division III grant programming (e.g., internship and strategic alliance) if the data shows these programs are successful in diversifying the division. Also include the NCAA s Inclusion Forum and its effectiveness on providing resources and preparing institutions. 5. Develop new Division III programming. 6. Create a best practices document that may include tips on how to create a diverse candidate pool; development of diversity advocates and other resources. 7. Research other higher education associations and affiliate diversity programming. 8. Educate the membership on the benefits and importance of a diverse population. The Diversity Spotlight Initiative started in September 2014 and will continue for the 2015-16 academic year. Each month a Division III institution or conference is highlighted for a diversity project or initiative in the Monthly Update; NCAA website and through social media. The recipient also receives $500 towards its next diversity project or initiative. Applications for the 2015-16 Strategic Alliance Matching Grant (SAMG) and Ethnic Minority and Women Internship Grants opened on September 15 and close on January 30. The committee selection process now mirrors the selection of legislated committees with an emphasis on geographic, ethnic and gender diversity. For 2015-16, anticipate selecting 20 internship and nine SAMG recipients, SPFC approved additional dollars for both of these programs. Staff developed a cohort and database of all diversity and inclusion past participants (e.g., ethnic minority and women internship, Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, Institute for Administrative Advancement mid-level administrators of color, and the NACWAA Advancement Forum mid-level female administrators). The database will be available to all schools and conferences looking to diversify their candidate pool. 15
The users group was established last spring. Its role is to identify areas for improvement within existing NCAA technology (e.g., compliance forms; MyApps; statistics reporting, etc.); offer suggestions to NCAA staff and help staff understand the impact of current technology on daily operations within a Division III athletics department or conference office. The group meets, via teleconference, three times a year (May/June; September/October and January/February). The group consists of seven individuals that are representative of the Division III membership (e.g., public and private, regional, etc.) as well as gender and ethnic diversity. 16
A staff led initiative. Last year staff created training videos for all Division III committee liaisons. This year, staff developed and released a committee member training video. All Division III committee members will be strongly encouraged to watch the training video and next year all new committee members will be expected to watch the video prior to starting their committee service. The end outcome is to provide better education and ultimately a fuller committee experience. 17
The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has engaged in discussions around inclusion for student-athletes within the LGBTQ community. Conversations focused on ensuring that all Division III student-athletes experience a quality and respectful participation experience, regardless of sexual orientation. SAAC took on this initiative and decided to create a You Can Play video. The You Can Play Project works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, and be valued only by what they contribute to their sport or their team s success. During the business session, SAAC shared their video with the membership and encouraged all delegates to take this video back to their respective campuses and start the discussion about LGBTQ issues and respect in general. The video is accessible on the Division III YouTube page. In August, the Division III national SAAC recently produced a video to highlight the power of the student-athlete voice, how the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee works within the Division III governance structure, and the value that conference and campus-based SAACs can have within Division III. The video is on the Division III YouTube page as well as the Getting in the Game compliance videos. Another goal of the national SAAC is to improve its efforts to bring awareness to the Association s partnership with It s On Us among Division III member institutions. 18
Big changes have come to the ISSG this fall. After conducting a year-long review, the Division III Membership Committee has created an all-new Institutional Self-Study Guide (ISSG) that will debut this September. Updates will also include additional opportunities to upload documents as well as have more in-depth conversations with all campus constituents. The self-study is designed to provide institutions a periodic assessment of their application of the Division III philosophy, and to identify successes and challenges in the operations of the department of athletics based on the institution's needs. This instrument is also a tool to review past initiatives that the institution has carried out in order to make informed choices in future decisions. The ISSG system itself will not change and will continue to be accessed via the Single- Source Sign-On My Application link on NCAA.org. Signatures will still be required from the institution s President, Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Faculty Athletics Representative and Athletics Direct Report (if applicable). 19
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