MINUTES OF
BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY
EQUITY & STUDENT-ATHLETE WELFARE SUBCOMMITTEE
NCAA Certification
Olin Science 266
April 26, 2005
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Participants:
Amanda Backus, Associate Director of Athletics/SWA
Wayne Bromfield, General Counsel (chair)
Nathan Davis, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
John Hardt, Director of Athletics and Recreation
Kati Huber, Assistant Director of Athletics – Compliance & Student Affairs
Tim Pavlechko, Senior Associate Director of Athletics
Charlie Pollock, Vice President for Student Affairs
Alex Richman, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Alyssa Schneebaum, Softball Student-Athlete
Linda Thomas, Associate Dean of Students – Diversity Affairs
Not Present:
Chris Praylo, Football Student-Athlete
Kurt Thiede, Vice President for Enrollment Management
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Bromfield at 1:37 p.m.
1. Approval of April 14 Minutes. The subcommittee reviewed the April 14 minutes and
noted Ms. Thomas’ title should be Associate Dean of Students – Diversity Affairs. The
subcommittee APPROVED the minutes with that correction.
2. Objective of the Meeting. Mr. Bromfield identified the focus of the meeting was to
address (1) any remaining questions on the Gender Equity background materials when
addressing the Measurable Standards for Operating Principle 3.1 – Gender Issues; and,
(2) review the Department’s Minority Opportunities Plan that addresses the Measurable
Standards for Operating Principle 3.1 – Minority Issues.
3. Review of Gender Equity Background Materials. The subcommittee continued with
discussions from the previous two meetings regarding the gender equity materials
provided. Mr. Hardt indicated the need for the subcommittee to address the requirement
for the Gender Equity Plan to encompass a five-year future time period, given that the
current Plan was implemented one-year prior to beginning the self-study. Because of this
timing, the subcommittee discussed possible actions that would address this deficiency.
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April 26, 2005
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Mr. Hardt outlined some suggestions for the year 6 extension and indicated that the
Athletic Department would prepare an suggested outline for the subcommittee’s
consideration.
Mr. Bromfield closed the discussion after no additional questions or concerns were
raised.
4. Review of DRAFT – Minority Opportunities Plan. The subcommittee was provided
a DRAFT copy of the Minority Opportunities Plan for the Department of Athletics prior
to the meeting.
In order for the subcommittee to develop the self-study instrument in accordance with
this fundamental principle, the institution shall: (1) have implemented its approved firstcycle minority issues plan from the previous self-study; (2) demonstrate this it is
committed to, and has progressed toward, fair and equitable treatment of minority
student-athletes and staff; and (3) formally adopt a written plan for the future of the
intercollegiate athletics program.
Mrs. Backus reviewed the definitions of the outlined Program Areas and the parameters
under which the 14-person campus-wide committee drafted the Department of Athletics’
Minority Opportunities Plan. It was noted that this DRAFT is currently in the comment
stage prior to finalizing into a final draft for approval by the President’s Office.
The subcommittee reviewed a handful of specific initiatives outlined in the document.
Mr. Bromfield asked for clarification as to whether providing increased educational
support for a student-athlete as called for in the plan becomes an ‘extra benefit’ in
violation of NCAA rules. Mr. Hardt and Mrs. Backus clarified how educational benefits
such as tutoring or writing center assistance are not considered ‘extra benefits’. Further,
Mr. Hardt provided the example that the NCAA provides supplemental Academic
Enhancement Monies to member institutions, and in the case of Bucknell, these monies
from the NCAA are used to supplement the campus-wide Writing Center.
Ms. Schneebaum raised the question of the subcommittee’s role in the first two operating
principles that have existing plans in place through other campus-wide committees. Mr.
Bromfield expressed his appreciation to the other campus committees and the
Departmental staff for their proactive planning and work in these two operating
principles, while also recognizing that the subcommittee is still responsible for a written
self-study to ensure the work of other committees accomplishes the measurable
objectives. Mrs. Backus highlighted the DRAFT status of the Minority Opportunity Plan
and the opportunity for subcommittee members to provide any additional feedback prior
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April 26, 2005
Page No. 3
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to finalizing the document for University acceptance. Mr. Hardt also noted that future
subcommittee attention on the student-athlete welfare operating principle has historically
been the most labor-intensive of the three operating principles
Ms. Thomas asked for clarification as to whether it was an acceptable practice to provide
a lack of funding rationale when identified initiatives were not met in the expected
timeline. Mr. Hardt reviewed the self-study practices and explained the need for the
subcommittee to be prepared to provide corrective action plans to address any
deficiencies that were not accomplished in a previous plan.
Mrs. Backus encouraged subcommittee members to provide any additional feedback for
consideration prior to May 3, 2005.
5. Upcoming Meetings. The next meetings are yet to be scheduled for the Fall semester.
Mr. Bromfield indicated that data collection will continue over the summer, and after
surveying the subcommittee, requested that subcommittee members be provided any
appropriate materials via electronic mail over the summer months.
6. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 1:22 p.m.
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