Prior to the 1996-97 academic year, the men's and women's athletics programs had separate organizational structures, with each having its own director. Before July 1991 the two directors reported to the President. From July 1991 to June 1995 the Directors of Men's and Women's Athletics reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs. In June 1995 the Directors reported once again to the President. The Director of Women's Athletics was responsible for all women's sports, women's sports information, men's swimming and diving and Alpine and Nordic ski teams (which train with the women athletes in these sports), sports medicine, academic support, and the athletic ticket office. The Director of Men's Athletics was responsible for the remaining men's sports, promotion and marketing, athletic department financial center, men's sports information, compliance, the athletic equipment room, weight room, and facilities.

In early spring 1996, the Athletics Advisory Committee proposed the consolidation of men's and women's athletics under a single Director of Athletics (AD) and the redefinition of structure and redistribution of job responsibilities within the Athletics Department. These recommendations were accepted by Interim President Walter Peterson and implementation began in the late spring and summer 1996.

New positions were to be added in the reorganization. The new positions support, direct, and provide accountability for compliance and finances and include the following: Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance, Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations, Assistant Athletics Director for Finance, and a Director for Athletics Development/Fundraising. Individuals in these roles report to the Director of Athletics, who now reports directly to the President of the University.

These structural changes have minimized duplication of services, increased the accountability and communication within athletics, and provided high level oversight. Redefining, clarifying, and in some cases creating positions has demonstrated the University's commitment to rules compliance and financial accountability and has moved UNH toward procedural and policy changes in these areas.

In August 1997 the organizational structure was once again modified. The position of Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations was eliminated. It was replaced by a new position and a new person, whose title is Associate Director of Athletics for Team Administration/Event Management. An External Affairs consultant was also hired to oversee promotions and marketing, tickets, media relations, sales and licensing activities (see Appendix A).

In addition to proposing structural changes, the Athletics Advisory Committee created a new mission statement for the Department of Athletics which better reflects priorities at UNH and the structural changes in recent years. The previous mission statement had also included Campus Recreation within its purview. This office, which reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs, has been removed from the current statement.

The Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance has been closely involved in redefining and clarifying departmental policy in the past year, focusing primarily on the area of communication within and between departments. Specifically, Athletics has improved the processes of tracking continuing eligibility with the registrar's office and tracking financial aid through squad rosters. Financial Aid and Admissions have recently updated their computer programs, which has greatly influenced improved tracking.

The addition of a new Assistant Director of Athletics for Finance and a Director for Athletics Development/Fundraising has prompted a review of the Athletics Department's financial policies. Recent policy changes regarding fundraising have resulted in the clarification of roles, improved internal and external coordination, and provided greater accountability.

The mission of the Department of Athletics is consistent with the educational mission of the University (see Appendix B). The University is committed to providing a broad array of quality educational experiences, both through the curriculum and through co-curricular activities provided by the University.

The University's mission statement identifies the importance of learning "inside and outside the classroom." Broad-based learning is assured through the provision of quality educational experiences, in academics and in athletics. Balancing athletics demands with a primary commitment to academic achievement is a goal of the athletics program. To accomplish this goal, the Athletics Department has established appropriate support structures to assist athletes as they strive to achieve excellence in a variety of areas.

As the largest institution in the state, the University of New Hampshire recognizes its responsibility for "enriching the quality of life for the University and the statewide community." This is apparent in both the University's and the Department of Athletics' mission statements. High quality athletics programs that are encompassed in positive educational programs are a source of pride for graduates of the University and for residents of the state of New Hampshire.

In 1995 Interim President Walter Peterson reconstituted the Sports Council, which had been dissolved in 1992, and formed the Athletics Advisory Committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff, and students. The primary charge of this committee is to "act in an advisory role to the President of the University in all matters pertaining to intercollegiate athletics." As part of the initial charge to the committee, the President requested that the committee reexamine the mission statement to reflect the priorities of the University.

The current mission statement of the UNH Department of Athletics was drafted in spring 1996 by a task force within the Athletics Advisory Committee. The statement came before the committee as a whole for revisions and was then presented to the President in December 1996. It was accepted in February 1997.

Several University constituencies have reviewed the mission statement. In May 1997 the Faculty Senate and the Student Senate reviewed the revised mission statement and accepted it. While it has been circulated widely within the campus community, the mission statement of the Athletics Department is just beginning to be distributed outside the University. The mission statement was circulated for the first time in fall 1997 to all donors to the Athletic Scholarship Fund.

The NCAA Bylaws (6.01.1 and 6.1.1) state that "the control and responsibility for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics shall be exercised by the institution itself and by the conference(s) of which it is a member." Institutionally, "the chief executive officer has ultimate responsibility and final authority for the conduct of the intercollegiate athletics program and the actions of any board in control of that program."

Consistent with the aforementioned, the President of UNH serves as the final authority within the University administration for all standards and regulations of agencies that have legitimate authority to promulgate standards and regulations for intercollegiate athletics, including the NCAA, conferences, Federal Government, and the University System of New Hampshire Trustees.

Major decisions related to the Intercollegiate Athletics Program at the University of New Hampshire are under the control of the President and the Director of Athletics (AD). The AD reports directly to the President and is responsible for the planning, management, administration, and direction of the Intercollegiate Athletics Department and its programs within the mission of the University. A list of the Athletics Director's responsibilities will be available for the site visit. The organizational and reporting chart is included in Appendix A.

The Board of Trustees of the University System of New Hampshire has an oversight responsibility for intercollegiate athletics at the University in the same manner as they have for academic, financial, and student affairs, and for athletics at the other institutions in the system. The President advises the Board of Trustees of major decisions concerning intercollegiate athletics. The Audit Committee, a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees' Financial Affairs Committee, reviews the annual audit of the Department of Athletics finances in accordance with NCAA regulations. The composition of the Board of Trustees can be found in Appendix C.

The Athletic Advisory Committee (AAC) is comprised of faculty, staff, and students and acts in an advisory role to the President of the University in all matters pertaining to intercollegiate athletics. The committee is charged to (1) give an understanding of all aspects of the University's athletics program, and (2) make recommendations to the President regarding the overall management of UNH athletics. The committee regularly reviews the Athletics Department mission statement, ensures compliance with the Gender Equity Plan, and may recommend changes in the status of teams, facility renovations or budget when requested by the President. The Faculty Athletics Representative is the chair of this committee and the Director of Athletics serves in an ex-officio capacity. The purpose, organization, and function of this committee are presented in Appendix D.

The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is appointed by the President of the University and reports directly to the President. The FAR has numerous responsibilities both as chair of the AAC and representative of the University to the NCAA. The FAR's primary role in major decisions involves advising the President on NCAA and UNH athletics issues and making recommendations to the President on the UNH position on various issues. A description of the FAR's responsibilities is presented in Appendix E.

The Board of Trustees is advised of all major decisions concerning athletics at UNH. However, they must approve decisions associated with student athletics fees, compliance with equity, and expenditures exceeding $200,000. In the past three years, the Board of Trustees, or individual trustees, have been significantly involved in four decisions related to intercollegiate athletics at UNH.

1. On an annual basis, the Board of Trustees approves all mandatory fees for students, including the mandatory fee for athletics. Prior to approval, the Board solicits recommendations from the student government representatives regarding the impact of increases in student fees.
2. An athletics subcommittee of the Board of Trustees, formed in 1993, supervises University compliance with Title IX requirements.
3. In 1994 the Board of Trustees approved construction of the Whittemore Center (sports arena and convocation center). The Board of Trustees now approves all construction and facility projects (including athletics fields) with costs in excess of $200,000, following initial review by its Financial Affairs Committee.
4. The financial affairs committee of the Board of Trustees mandated that athletics have a more experienced and skilled manager of the financial center for athletics. The Assistant Athletics Director for Finance was hired in August of 1996.

Since 1994, four individuals have held the office of President or Interim President. During that time, the President of the University of New Hampshire has been part of the decision-making process and has approved decisions related to the following eight items:

1. The President has approved strategies to reach compliance with Title IX. These decisions involved recommendations from the Athletics Director(s) and oversight by the Athletics Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees. (July 1993-ongoing)
2. The President approved the reduction of general fund support and subsequently created a mandatory Student Athletics Fee and recommended this course of action to the Board of Trustees. The University Planning Council initially recommended this action to the President. The decision was implemented in summer 1993 for FY 95.
3. The President recommended the construction of the Whittemore Center, which serves as a sports arena and convocation center. The project budget and design were forwarded to the Financial Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees in 1993. Since that time the President has been involved in all decisions related to construction and facility projects costing in excess of $200,000.
4. The President reconstituted an Athletics Advisory Committee (AAC) in 1995. As part of a larger University review, the President charged the AAC to review the athletics departments' mission, structure, the level of competition, fields and facilities, and number of sport teams and make recommendations regarding effective use of resources. (July 1995)
5. In response to recommendations by the Athletics Advisory Committee, the President reorganized the Department of Athletics by combining the Departments of Men's and Women's Athletics. (April 1996)
6. The President acted upon recommendations of the Athletics Advisory Committee to eliminate men's baseball, men's and women's golf, and men's lacrosse. While the AAC had recommended eliminating men's and women's skiing, the President retained these teams with reduced financial support from the University. (February 1997)
7. The President approved the mission statement of the Department of Athletics, which was drafted and recommended by the Athletics Advisory Committee. (February 1997)
8. The President has approved an initial draft of a five-year plan to eliminate deficit. (Dec 1997)

7. Describe the activities that the institution has established for its athletics booster groups and other representatives of the institution's athletics interests, as well as those organized or initiated by the booster groups. Also, describe how the activities of these groups and individuals are maintained under the clear control of the institution, including whether institutional personnel serve on booster-club or foundation boards.

Booster groups at UNH fall into three specific categories. The first involves Friends groups (i.e., Cat Club, Friends of UNH Soccer, Friends of UNH Track and Field) which support specific athletics programs. These groups are not constituted bodies and merely assist with program and fundraising needs under the direction of the coach of the specific program and the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance. A second type of booster group is constituted and under the financial control of UNH (i.e., Wildcat Winners Circle, 100 Club). A third category is a booster group that is constituted and possesses outside bank accounts (Friends of UNH Hockey).

Booster groups falling into the first category are not constituted and are under institutional control. The largest of these Friends groups is the Cat Club, which provides enhancements for the men's football team at UNH. The Cat Club, in conjunction with the football office, sends out an annual appeal mailing and hosts the Andy Mooradian Memorial Golf Tournament as its primary fundraising efforts. Social events have been limited to a pre-game tent prior to a major home game. The Cat Club in recent years has provided financial support for the Football Banquet and enhancement for the football program (i.e., computer, equipment, etc.). On a smaller scale, other Friends groups (e.g., Friends of Soccer) operate to provide support for athletic supplies. All financial activities of these groups fall under the accounting and financial control of UNH.

The second category of booster groups, which includes Wildcat Winners Circle and the 100 Club, are constituted and are under complete financial control of UNH. Wildcat Winners Circle has always operated on behalf of UNH women's athletics under the financial control of UNH. It is fully constituted and operates under its own Bylaws. This organization is primarily focused on improving the quality of athletic experiences for female athletes and is committed "to enabling our female student athletes to achieve their fullest potential" at UNH. This group has enhanced the Women's Athletics Program in the past through financial support for uniforms and facility upgrades. In addition, Wildcat Winners Circle annually honors current female athletes at a recognition banquet. Their annual induction ceremony into the Wildcat Winners Circle Hall of Honor provides recognition for outstanding former athletes and coaches. The Wildcat Winners Circle raises funds for scholarships and assists with the Jane Blalock UNH Pro-Am Golf Tournament, which also raises scholarship dollars for the Jane Blalock Scholarship Fund. Both the Athletics Director and a VP from the UNH Foundation (UNH's primary fund-raising organization) serve in an ex-officio capacity on the Winners' Circle Board of Directors. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Wildcat Winners Circle are included in Appendix F.

The 100 Club had been a privately incorporated charitable organization and was created primarily "to raise funds for men's athletics scholarships which allow our student athletes to continue their success in the classroom and on the field, court or ice." Examples of 100 Club fundraising activities include parking cars at UNH football games and sponsoring the Bill Knight Memorial Golf Tournament. In addition, the 100 Club recognizes former standout athletes and coaches through induction into the 100 Club Hall of Fame. Until 1995 the 100 Club maintained their bank accounts outside the control of UNH. In 1995 UNH Athletics became a co-signer on all 100 Club checks, and as of July 1997, the 100 Club has moved all financial activities under the financial and accounting control of UNH. Three coaches and two institutional staff members serve on the Board of Directors. The Athletics Director serves on the board in an ex-officio capacity. The Constitution and Bylaws of the 100 Club are included in Appendix F.

One booster group is currently operating outside the financial control of UNH. The Friends of UNH Hockey, Inc. is a privately incorporated charitable organization whose primary function is to promote and enhance the men's ice hockey team at UNH. The Friends of UNH Hockey organize social and fundraising functions during the ice hockey season. Examples of social events include a pre-season cookout and post-game socials at home games. The Friends of UNH Hockey conducts an annual appeal for membership, hosts a golf tournament, organizes a 50/50 raffle at home events, and manages a merchandise concession stand at home games. The funds from Friends of UNH Hockey enhance the quality of the program by providing additional equipment and facility improvements and providing support for the Ice Hockey Banquet. The Friends of UNH Hockey operate their own bank accounts. In 1995, UNH Athletics became a co-signer on all Friends of UNH Hockey checks. There are plans to bring the Friends of UNH Hockey's financial activities under the complete financial and accounting control of UNH by April of 1998. The men's ice hockey head coach serves on the Board of Directors. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Friends of UNH Hockey can be found in Appendix F.

In addition to the established booster groups at UNH, Friends of New Hampshire Skiing is an organization that provides support for ski programs at all New Hampshire higher education institutions (including UNH) as well as for college graduates who wish to continue their skiing career. This organization provides support in the administration of skiing events in the State of New Hampshire and provides financial assistance to intercollegiate ski teams in New Hampshire. The organization maintains its own bank account, which is not subject to the financial controls of UNH. However, the organization does submit financial records to UNH. The organization is not dedicated specifically to promoting UNH skiing and therefore the Athletics Department does not have plans to bring this organization under the financial control of UNH.

Recently, the status of Friends of Baseball as a UNH booster group changed. The Friends of UNH Baseball was a privately incorporated charitable organization, which functioned to promote the UNH men's baseball team. The Friends of UNH Baseball helped establish baseball clinics for junior players around the state to raise funds for UNH baseball. In addition, baseball players sold 50/50 raffle tickets at home football games. The monies gained from these activities were primarily used to cover costs associated with the annual spring break training trip.

In February 1997 UNH decided to eliminate baseball effective in the academic year 1997-98. In spring 1997 the Friends of UNH Baseball initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at raising the money needed to fund the baseball program, with an agreement to donors that funds would be returned in the event UNH upheld its decision to eliminate the sport. In May 1997 UNH upheld its decision. It is believed that the Friends of Baseball organization is still holding the money collected in anticipation of possible legal action against UNH to reinstate baseball. However, the Department of Athletics at UNH accepts no responsibility for this organization and is not currently monitoring its financial activities.

The University has made efforts to inform and discuss with the UNH athletics booster groups, as well as anyone representing its interests, all relevant rules and regulations. Currently, the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance meets with members of booster groups upon request, providing information regarding the limitations set by the University and the NCAA. In addition, the Department has created a booklet entitled Wildcat Booster Guide which explains NCAA rules and regulations and acts as a reference to booster groups with specific questions about an action (see Appendix G). Many of the boosters and other supporters of UNH Athletics are former athletes and recognize the importance of abiding by the rules as they are set forth. These individuals take great pride in UNH and the integrity of the institution and the athletic program.

Prior to 1996, the men's and women's athletics programs at UNH operated separately. In July 1996 the two departments were merged into a single department under the direction of one Athletics Director. At that time the Associate Director of Men's Athletics was moved into the role of Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance (SAAD). This move also brought with it an increased emphasis on centralizing compliance oversight. In the past year, increased communication has occurred between the SAAD and the Associate Registrar and the Associate Director of Financial Aid and the tracking system has been improved in both areas.

The organizational chart of the Department of Athletics is included in Appendix A and illustrates the reporting structure within the intercollegiate athletics program. The Athletics Director reports directly to the President of the University. The President also appoints members to the Athletics Advisory Committee, whose primary function is to oversee the operations of the intercollegiate athletic program at UNH and to serve as a recommending body to the President of the University. The Senior Associate Athletics Director and the Assistant/Associate Athletics Directors report to the Director of Athletics. The reporting lines for coaches are either to the Athletics Director in the case of ticket-revenue producing sports (football, men's and women's basketball and hockey, volleyball, gymnastics) or to the Associate Athletics Director for Team Administration/Events Management in the case of all other sports.

The Athletics Director is the primary liaison with the NCAA and related associations. The Athletics Director is ultimately responsible for the department's compliance with University, Federal, State, NCAA, and conference regulations.

The purpose of the Athletics Advisory Committee is to act in an advisory role to the President of the University in all matters pertaining to intercollegiate athletics. To date, the work of the committee has focused on a review of the program and making recommendations for improvement. However, compliance issues related to gender equity and student issues are within the purview of this committee. At present, the committee consists of eleven voting members representing faculty (5), staff (2), student-athletes (2), and students (2), with the Director of Affirmative Action, the Faculty Athletic Representative, and the Athletics Director holding non-voting positions. The President of the University must approve all recommendations for appointment to the Athletics Advisory Committee. The role and make-up of the committee are documented in Appendix D.

The Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) is appointed by, and responsible to the President of the University. The FAR's primary responsibilities are to confer with and advise the President on NCAA and UNH athletics issues, attend the NCAA conventions, review all NCAA resolutions with the Director of Athletics and the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and make UNH position recommendations to the President.

In addition, the FAR has the following responsibilities associated with NCAA compliance:

• signs off/approves all NCAA documents including team rosters and eligibility forms;
• participates with the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance in annual discussions of NCAA rules with all coaches;
• administers the NCAA compliance test to coaches;
• reviews infractions with the Athletics Director and the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and makes recommendations for improvement;
• conducts exit interviews with senior or departing athletes.

The role and responsibilities of the Faculty Athletics Representative are presented in Appendix E.

The Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance (SAAD) is responsible for the overall administration and coordination of NCAA and all other compliance issues for the Department of Athletics. The duties associated with this position include coordinating, monitoring, documenting, and interpreting NCAA rules for the Department of Athletics.

More specifically, the SAAD is responsible for the following compliance functions:

• serves as the primary liaison between the Athletics Department and University departments which provide academic and general support services to all students;
• serves as the liaison for the University athletic booster groups and educates booster groups regarding NCAA rules and regulations;
• coordinates publication of the booster guide;
• coordinates departmental involvement with financial aid procedures;
• coordinates book scholarships;
• coordinates the national letter of intent;
• coordinates/monitors admissions of potential student-athletes directly with admissions office personnel;
• coordinates initial certification and continuing eligibility of student athletes with the registrar's office and admissions office;
• coordinates the institution's rules education program;
• monitors compliance for summer employment, sports camps, and clinics;
• serves as the liaison to the Affirmative Action Office and provides information requested by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) ;
• oversees the Student Athlete Support Services (SASS) Coordinator and the Life Skills Program;
• coordinates on-site NCAA drug testing;
• investigates and reports NCAA, conference, and institutional violations.

A job description for the SAAD will be provided during the site visit.

Head coaches are hired by the Director of Athletics, and report to either the AD or the Associate AD for Team Administration/Events Management. Coaches are expected to create programs in which student-athletes have the opportunity to compete successfully, while insuring the welfare of the individual. In so doing, coaches must observe all academic standards, requirements, and policies of UNH and encourage student-athletes to perform to their highest academic potential, obtain the highest grades possible, and graduate. Coaches are expected to appropriately represent the UNH Athletics Department. Coaches must know and comply with the laws, policies and rules governing UNH, conference affiliations (see Appendix H), and the NCAA. In addition, head coaches must sign a contract agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations of these governing bodies. Head coaches are also expected to ensure that assistant coaches and any other employees of their program comply with these policies. Coaches are expected to advise the SAAD if they have reasonable cause to believe any rule violations have occurred or will occur. Job descriptions and contracts for head and assistant coaches will be provided during the site visit.

The Associate Registrar is the designated academic liaison to the Department of Athletics responsible for certifying eligibility of student-athletes as required by NCAA rules. The Associate Registrar works closely with the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance in interpreting University rules and policies as they interface with NCAA rules and regulations. In addition, the Associate Registrar provides academic reports and interpretations to the Athletics Director and coaches, consults regularly with the Athletics Director and coaches to prevent loss of eligibility, and provides direction and guidance to the Student Athlete Support Services (SASS) Coordinator. The Associate Registrar also chairs the Athletics Compliance Committee and serves on the Academic/Athletics Advisory Committee.

The Associate Director of Financial Aid is the designated liaison between the Department of Athletics and the Financial Aid Office and works with the SAAD. This individual is closely involved in the tracking of financial aid through NCAA squad rosters. The Associate Director of Financial Aid also serves on the Athletics Compliance Committee.

The Director of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Internal Audit oversees the annual NCAA Financial Audit. This audit provides an external review of both financial procedures and compliance concerns.

The Academic/Athletics Advisory Committee was created in 1995 to increase communication between the Department of Athletics and academic units within the University. The committee consists of associate deans of the various colleges, the Associate Registrar, university advising representatives, the SASS Coordinator, and the SAAD. This group discusses issues related to eligibility, academic concerns with athletes or coaches, and upcoming issues in the NCAA. The focus of this group is proactive in nature and attempts to anticipate academic eligibility concerns and create strategies for resolving them.

The Athletic Compliance Committee was created in spring 1997 to assist with compliance issues regarding compliance at UNH and with NCAA regulations. The Associate Registrar chairs the Committee. Committee members include the Athletics Director, the Senior Associate Athletics Director, the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Assistant Director of Admissions, the Associate Director of Financial Aid, the SASS Coordinator, two coaches, and two student-athletes. The committee had an organizational meeting in spring 1997 and started to meet in the fall of 1997. While a commendable step, this committee's contribution to the compliance process cannot be assessed at present.

The UNH Athletics Department is committed to the observance of NCAA rules and regulations. All members of the Athletics Department are encouraged to report concerns they have with NCAA rules to the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance (SAAD). If an alleged violation occurs, it must be immediately reported to the SAAD. All reports must be in writing. They should include the following items:

When the SAAD is informed of an alleged NCAA violation, the involved parties will meet with the SAAD. If the SAAD determines that a violation has occurred, he must do the following:

To date, UNH has not had a major violation of NCAA rules. However, secondary violations are frequently self-reported to the NCAA, as is the case with most institutions. The Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance regularly provides information to the coaching staff about compliance issues and provides information regarding the procedures for reporting violations.

Rules-education for student-athletes, coaches, department staff, and other institutional personnel associated with athletics is coordinated by the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance (SAAD) and is an important and ongoing process which improves compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.

Mandatory rules-education/compliance meetings are held at the beginning of each academic year, prior to National Letter of Intent Signing Periods (three times per year), following the annual NCAA convention, and prior to summer vacation for coaches. Other administrative staff members are required to attend the initial meeting of the academic year. Optional rules meetings for the coaching staff to discuss common concerns over rules occur on a monthly basis. Optional rules-education sessions also take place prior to the administration of the NCAA rules test for coaches.

In addition, all coaches receive a copy of the NCAA Manual and are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the manual. Coaches are encouraged to pay particular attention to bylaws associated with amateurism, recruiting, eligibility, financial aid, awards and benefits, and play and practice seasons.

Rules-education is particularly important for student-athletes at UNH. The SAAD annually meets with each team prior to the start of its traditional season, or depending on the sport, early in the academic year. A UNH student-athlete is not allowed to practice or compete without first attending the NCAA rules meeting. At this meeting, the NCAA Eligibility and Drug Testing forms are administered. In addition, the SAAD provides information regarding ethical conduct, amateurism, initial eligibility, continuing eligibility, financial aid, recruitment, drug testing, gambling, professionalism, agents, and work opportunities. Each student-athlete receives the Summary of NCAA Regulations to use as a reference. At present, the department is in the process of revising the UNH Student-Athlete Handbook, which will further enhance rules-education efforts at UNH. The scheduled date for the completion of this handbook is August 1998.

Booster groups at UNH are encouraged to participate in rules-education programs. At present, coaches are encouraged to set up a meeting with the booster group and the SAAD to discuss NCAA, conference, and UNH rules and regulations. The department also extends the offer for rules-education directly to the booster groups. While several of the groups accept this offer, participation in rules-education efforts are still at the discretion of the booster group. The department has created the Wildcat Booster Guide to assist boosters with questions they may have. The booster guide is provided to each booster group.

The SAAD also conducts rules-education meetings with several offices on campus. Typically, these meetings have been initiated by the various offices (e.g., admissions, financial aid). As the Athletics Compliance Committee moves forward with its agenda, it is expected that education in these areas will become more systematic.

Prospective student-athletes (PSAs) are also kept informed of the NCAA eligibility rules. PSAs actively being recruited by UNH are asked if they have a copy of the NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete. If they do not have a copy, one is provided for them. Coaches are encouraged to provide all PSAs and their schools with NCAA eligibility information and materials.

Prior to the NCAA certification review, UNH initiated its own self-study of the Department of Athletics and has continued to implement many of the recommendations generated by that process. The NCAA Certification self-study has provided a more structured examination of the Department's activities. At the conclusion of this process, the University of New Hampshire believes that the activities of the Department of Athletics are in substantial conformity with the operating principles outlined in Governance and Rules Compliance section. While deficiencies do exist in particular areas, plans for improvement are in place and these plans are outlined in item 3 of this section.

The Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with all of the operating principles associated with the Institutional Mission. The mission statement was circulated for the first time in the fall of 1997 to donors to the Athletic Scholarship Fund, in the "Wildcat Wrap-Up" (section a). It was also included in the gymnastics media/recruiting guide. The mission statement of the Department of Athletics clearly relates to the educational mission of the University in its efforts to support broad-based learning opportunities (section b). This relationship will be made even more explicit as the University mission statement is evaluated and revised in the coming years. Further the mission statement supports the educational objectives and academic progress of student athletes (section c), and provides for equitable athletic opportunities (section d). A process is in place for continual review of the Athletics Department mission statement by the Athletic Advisory Committee, which represents a broad array of constituent groups (section e). As is evident throughout this report, the department's practices do reflect the values stated in the mission statement (section f).

The Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with this operating principle. The President has clear authority in the conduct of intercollegiate athletics at the University. Members of the athletics staff are fully aware of the behavioral expectations of UNH and the NCAA and understand the procedures for reporting rules violations. The program has recently begun regular evaluation by the Athletic Advisory Committee (AAC), which reports directly to the President.

The Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with the operating principle of Presidential Authority, Governing Board. The Board of Trustees provides oversight for intercollegiate athletics at UNH, similar to their function in overseeing academic, financial, and student affairs at all institutions in the system. The President of the University holds ultimate responsibility for the Department of Athletics, advises the Board of Trustees of major decisions in the intercollegiate athletics program, and seeks Board approval for fiscal decisions involving costs in excess of $200,000.

The Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with this operating principle. The Athletic Advisory Committee (AAC) is comprised of faculty, staff, and students whose primary function is to advise the President on matters pertaining to intercollegiate athletics at UNH. Further, the newly created Athletic Compliance Committee will help with evaluation from multiple perspectives.

The Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with this operating principle. The policies and procedures associated with rules compliance are clearly stated and available in writing to all coaches and athletes in hard copy and on the Athletics Department Web Page, beginning spring semester 1998. The Athletic Compliance Committee will serve as a forum for discussion of rules compliance procedures and decisions.

While certain deficiencies exist and will be addressed below, the Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with this operating principle. Rules education occurs regularly and systematically within the Athletics Department staff and with athletes attending UNH. The Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance reports all violations to the Athletics Director as part of the personnel evaluation process. At present, rules education with booster groups and with admissions and financial aid is less systematic and often occurs only at the request of the booster group or the office.

The Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with this operating principle. The annual NCAA Financial Audit provides an external review of not only financial procedures, but also compliance.

In 1997, the America East Conference Office added a compliance position. The Conference Office formed a Conference Compliance Committee comprised of one representative from each institution. It is hoped that this committee will establish a compliance evaluation model to be implemented at each institution. The Conference Compliance Officer has plans to review each institution's compliance procedures annually.

Additionally, an Athletic Compliance Committee, chaired by the Associate Registrar, was created in the spring of 1997 to serve as a forum for discussion of issues associated with compliance with UNH and NCAA rules and regulations.

The institutional mission is clear in stating the goal of providing quality educational experiences for students. The intercollegiate athletics program is one mechanism, which demonstrates the University's commitment to learning "inside and outside of the classroom." The activities of the department have demonstrated the integration of athletics with the University's mission and purpose. This is clearly evident in the department's commitment to the pursuit of excellence in athletics while maintaining academic integrity.

While the Department of Athletics is in substantial conformity with all of the operating principles associated with Governance and Rules Compliance, several deficiencies exist. Areas of concern include the dissemination of the athletic department mission statement, education with booster groups, and rules-compliance accountability. A resolution to each of these concerns is presented below.

At present, the mission statement for the Department of Athletics is circulated within the University, but it has not been disseminated consistently to outside constituencies. To increase the visibility of this document, beginning in the fall of 1998, the mission statement will be included in all media/recruiting guides and fundraising brochures. The Wildcat Booster Guide, which will be published by February 1998, will include the mission statement. The Media Relations Director and the Director of Athletics will be responsible for ensuring that the mission statement appears in each media and recruiting guide. The Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance will be responsible for ensuring that the mission statement appears in the Wildcat Booster Guide.

Rules-education efforts at the University of New Hampshire have been primarily focused within the department. Required rules-education meetings are held for student-athletes, coaching staffs, and staff members within the Department of Athletics. The approach has been both systematic and proactive. However, a similar approach has not been implemented with booster groups associated with the athletic program. To date, most rules-education efforts for booster groups have been initiated by the booster organizations. To remedy this, beginning in the winter sport seasons in 1997-98 the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance (SAAD) will establish a yearly meeting with each of the booster groups that regularly meet (Friends of Hockey, 100 Club, and the Cat Club). This contact will be initiated by the SAAD. At this required meeting, the revised Wildcat Booster Guide will be distributed and rules specific to booster groups will be discussed. Beginning in July of 1998, the Wildcat Booster Guide will also be mailed to all athletic donors, irrespective of the amount of the donation.

Similarly, rules-education with affiliated departments (e.g., Admissions, Financial Aid) within the University has occurred at their initiation. Beginning in fall 1997, an annual meeting with members of these departments was scheduled by the SAAD to discuss relevant rules. This practice needs to be continued into the future.

Finally, rules information will be available on the UNH Athletics Web Page beginning in the spring semester 1998. The SAAD will be responsible for establishing and maintaining this web site.

In the area of rules-compliance accountability, ensuring compliance with UNH and NCAA rules and regulations has typically fallen within the job description of the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance. To provide the necessary safeguards, the Athletic Compliance Committee was created in spring semester 1997. While this committee is in place on paper, a regular slate of meetings needs to be established, and a full reporting mechanism created. This responsibility will fall on the SAAD and the Athletics Director to have the Athletic Compliance Committee functioning by December 1997.

It is important to note in closing that progress toward all of these improvements will require input from the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance (SAAD) and further stretch the already lengthy responsibilities of this position. Due to the complexities of compliance and the demands on the SAAD, a coach will be appointed to assist the SAAD in designated areas to insure that compliance with rules and regulations is monitored. This appointment will begin in spring semester 1998. This appointment will be the responsibility of the Athletics Director in consultation with the SAAD. Click here to go on to the Academic Page Back to the Main Page