REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON ATHLETICS
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 30, 2005
This meeting examined faculty and staff attendance at athletics events. At the start of
the academic year, faculty and staff received a "Great Beginnings" package encouraging
them to enjoy campus events. Charles Voelker from the athletics department reported his
perceptions of increased faculty attendance at athletics events and increased inquiries
from faculty members about attending athletics events. Some non-major sports also get
some good attendance, but certain sports have received light attendance.
There was a discussion of further efforts to encourage faculty and staff attendance at
athletics events. Some ways of getting the word out, including better distribution of
pocket schedules, were discussed. Also mentioned was continuing to include this effort as
part of broader efforts to get faculty more involved in campus events. One suggestion
was to have an open house where staff and faculty members could meet coaches. It was
also noted that winning helps, and Siena College was noted as an example where faculty
had become active in supporting the athletics program. There also were realizations of
obstacles in the culture and that people are busy. Even faculty and staff with children who
are involved in sports may find that such involvement makes them too busy to attend
campus athletics events.