A final report into a comprehensive review of Cougar Athletics has been released.
The review, conducted by four individuals, was done to reflect upon and evaluate the direction and performance of the Athletics department over the past decade and provide recommendations that foster progress towards the vision of creating a sustainable organization consistently characterized by excellence academically, competitively, and in the community.
The 21 page document highlights several areas:
-There is a lack of a clear strategy and vision and this has caused frustration among coaches and staff. Due in part to leadership issues, there is poor alignment between the athletic department, senior leadership and important internal university partners.
-The current departmental structure is not fit for purpose or able to keep up with
the demands of supporting 16 programs in an effective or sustainable manner. This calls for the possibility of some programs being eliminated to more effectively use resources to support competitive excellence and fund a structure that is able to support coaches, staff and student athletes for many years to come
-Members of the University community, even if they are not inherently supportive
of the varsity sport agenda, are committed to working with Cougar athletics in
order to create a more competitive program
-The student population has an apathetic attitude towards Cougar athletics.
Recommendations include:
-Hiring an athletic director which is something the University has not had since the retirement of Dick White
- Developing a new scholarship strategy
- articulate a mission and an objective for Cougar Athletics with a re-brand of Cougar Athletics occurring after that mission and objective is identified and created
The review states at present, there is no strategic plan for the athletic program and the majority of
people who participated in interviews commented on the lack of vision. This is an area
of significant concern that must be addressed before progress can be made.
It closes by saying the University of Regina has an unprecedented opportunity to take steps to set the
stage for success, both on the field of play and off, for years to come. This will require a
definitive mission and vision, a “fit for purpose” department structure and the
appropriate number of sponsored programs/teams, as well as a commitment to
regularly track the progress of the new plan and its alignment to strategic objectives.
The good news is that there is a desire to make changes and support this important
program. This extends from the athletes to the President’s Office and the motivation is
clear as well as ambitious.
The time is now to take action in order for Cougar Athletics to become an even
stronger point of pride for the University of Regina and the city of Regina.
8 comments:
In the end, has anything been accomplished here with the exception of the fact a new AD needs to be hired. I could have told you that before Dick White stepped away.
It says "consideration" must be given to eliminating sports. Why consider it? Just do it. Is there really a need for Cougar volleyball. That document talks about what makes a success. Cougar volleyball is not successful, and has not been for years. Eliminate the program and use the resources elsewhere. I am sure other programs could utilize the monies, scholarships, etc. etc volleyball is taking up.
Don't delay the inevitable. Pull the plug!
They can start by changing the football team name from Rams to Cougars.
I agree with Anon 2. Why wait to consider eliminating sports when it can be done now.
New Athletic Director--Jim Hopson!
What a colossal waste of paper! All that time spent to say hire a new AD and don't get rid of any teams------yet!
I agree more needs to be done to promote Cougar Athletics as a whole, but there is nothing really concrete in that document except to say a "plan needs to be developed". Does that plan come when the AD is hired? That should have been done a long time ago!
Very frustrating to see, especially as an alumni of one of the sports.
Yeah, because changing the Rams name to Cougars solves all!! Wake up! #stupididiot
Regarding the poor alignment between the athletic department,senior leadership and important internal partners. Here is a news flash...Strong athletic departments and winning sports teams
generate money, pride and a favourable view of the institution.This is well documented folks.
Education and athletics must work in concert with each other. Spending money on therapy dogs at exam time.....does not generate money!
Hire a competent Athletic Director and focus on results.
The Cougar Men's hockey program has been in free fall with only 3 wins this year.Stop with the excuses and drain circling. Get an ad in the paper, interview some people, make a portion of the salary based on performance. Give someone else an opportunity to better the program. Doing nothing is the wrong answer. In the real world even a Pee Wee coach would be replaced with that record.
Post a Comment