Minutes of the NCAA Self-Study Steering Committee

Meeting: 01-30-02

Present:        Elias Askins            Laura Mincy
                Kino Bectin                 Fred Obear
              Susan Cardwell
              Marvin Ernst            Matt Pope
              Leroy Fanning           Joanie Sompayrac
              Oval Jaynes             Bill Stacy
              Mike Jones              Rick Turpin
              Margaret Killebrew            Paul Watson
              Tom Losh                Gary Wilkerson
              Bob Martin              Isaac White


First matter of business was a welcome to all members by Dr. Stacy.

- Dr. Watson then introduced the Steering Committee Activities.
        - He asked members to consult with Fred Obear and Bill Stacy as resource
                persons.
        - He explained that the current report should not be just like the last
study
                that was written.
        - Everyone should pay very close attention to detail, pertaining to
gathering
                and sharing info.
        - The report has to be easy for everyone to read.
        - We must have total involvement of the university to be successful.
        - We need to listen and learn
        - We must seek out information.

- Oval Jaynes was called on for information about the history of the NCAA,
and
        changes in structure, and purposes of certification:
        - He explained the number of schools and divisions.
        - Division One Athletics has a total of 315 members.
        - Knight Commission report of the 90’s Board consisted of 15 college
                Presidents.
        - Each conference was represented
        - Management Council consists of 54 members who represent all division areas.
        - Cabinets consist of : Academic/ Competition/ Champion
        - These cabinets report to the Council.
        - Oval Jaynes explained the origin of the certification process in the early
                80’s.
        - First year, Second year ‘89. It originally had a five year cycle
                requirement.
        - In ‘98 the cycle of time between certification is 10 years.

- Dr. Watson: purpose of our meetings and the committee is to seek NCAA
        certification.
        - Our task is to open up ourselves(data) for the NCAA, and by setting
                standards for operation of a Division One program.
        - As well as the university community and the public.
        - The purpose is primarily to benefit our student athletes through a
thorough
                evaluation and precise reporting.
        - A time line was given :
                - August 2001 was the start of the Self-Study.
                - Late spring 2002 is the expected completion time for the written report.
                - Late winter 2003 is the time when we receive our certification decision.
                - Early spring 2003 is the time when we will evaluate the results.

- Leroy Fanning gave an overview of the Governance and Compliance Comm.
        - Operating Principles were:
                - Mission of the Athletic Program and the entire institution must be
congruent
                        with each other.
                - Institutional Controls and present authorities share in this
responsibility.
        - We must be certain that we are in compliance with the NCAA rules.
        - The litmus test is the Mission Statement and the Atheletic Mission
Statement
                for UTC.

- Mike Jones then gave an overview of  Academic Integrity.
        - Operating Principles were:
                - Do we compare well in graduation rates, GPA, and employment with national
                        averages?
                        - We must document our findings.
                - Academic Support: who is in charge of the tutoring program and is the
                        support system up to standard with the compliance requirements.
                - Scheduling deals with the documentation of the standard of principles
that
                        make sure student athletes are not in class less than on the field.

- Rick Turpin presented an overview for Fiscal Integrity
        - Operating Principles were:
                - Financial practices/ what we do with our funds and who and how often does
                        our budget get audited.

- Tom Losh gave an overview of Equity, Welfare, and Sportsmanship
        - Stated that his committee has already had a couple meetings.
                - In those meetings, they divided into three groups
                - They each will evaluate the gender equity plan.
                - They covered how to address any issues that may be present.
        - Minority Issues:
                - Access of opportunities for education and enhancement for minorities.
                - Evaluate the current system and document pros and cons.
                - Evaluate UTC values with respect to fairness, and equity for minorities.
                - Must have and document both gender and minority issues.
        - As well as evaluation and documentation of sportsmanship issues and
                guidelines.


- The student view was presented Kino Becton, SGA President
        - Stated that a successful athletic program promotes Pride, Quality,
Recruiting
                in that university.
                - Pride: Athletics are highly instrumental to our university.
                - Recruiting: If we have a respectable and successful athletic program,
                        students will be interested in attending.
                - Quality: must show a quality Athletic Program in order to help credit the
                        entire university.

- Dr. Watson presented the Self Study Plan and gave some final comments.
        - Stated that members must pick each other’s brains in the meetings.
        - We will derive our instructions from the Handbook and the Instrument from
                the NCAA.


- Dr. Stacy says that he wants everyone to leave no stone uncovered, and
        certainly not leave any information covered up.
        - The next meeting will be Feb. 27th at 3:30.
        - Meeting was adjourned.


Respectfully Submitted,

Isaac White