The teams will need to continue to raise funds necessary to sustain their program beyond the coming academic year. In effect, each of the four reinstated programs will be self-sustaining, with no University dollars used to fund their operations.
The full text of President Mitchell's statement follows.
Budget Context
Like most other agencies, institutions and entities that depend on support from the State of California, there continues to be significant uncertainty about funding for the CSU System and for CSUB for 2010-11 and beyond, as the Governor and legislature must make difficult decisions to close a $20 billion budget gap. Since I announced in February the CSUB plan to address this budget situation, there has been almost no action taken by the State, so the challenges remain (see the Feb. 11, 2010 press release).
Last week a delegation of University and community leaders went to Sacramento and met with our local senators and assembly members and their staffs to continue to advocate for their support of the Governor's proposed restoration of $365 million of "one-time" funds taken from the CSU budget as part of an overall $625 million reduction for this year. If we do not receive some of this proposed funding from the State, CSUB will be required to reduce our enrollment for next year by almost 700 students, and layoffs and program reductions will have a negative impact on the quality of our academic programs.
Priority-Academic Programs
While sports tend to receive more media attention, I want to re-emphasize that our first priority is always our academic programs. I urge all of our supporters to contact your legislators to advocate for their support of the Governor's proposed funding for CSU. CSU produces the highly-skilled graduates workforce that is necessary to fuel California's economic recovery and development. A recent statewide economic impact study shows that state support for CSU is an investment with a return of $5.63 for each dollar invested.
Athletics Program
Now, let me address our athletics program.
When we made the decision to transition to NCAA Division I five years ago, we could not have anticipated the downturn in the state and national economies. The resources available to support our athletics programs have been negatively impacted by (1) reductions in state support; (2) increases in costs due to State University Fee increases which have increased the cost of athletics scholarships; and (3) loss of student fee income due to constraints, and proposed reductions in student enrollment. Fund raising to support all of our athletics programs now and in the future is critical to our success in Division I. We will complete the transition to Division I at the end of this month.
Many people have noted that there have been two fundraising efforts going on simultaneously over the past three months. One is the annual Roadrunner Club campaign to raise funds for scholarships. The second is the "Save the Sports" effort to raise funds to support the four sports which I stated last February would be discontinued at the end of this academic year due to inadequate funding: wrestling, men's and women's golf, and women's tennis.
The Roadrunner Club campaign has been very successful and has added many new members. I am confident that they will reach their goal of $500,000 with a planned mini campaign in the fall.
The "Save the Sports" effort has generated significant community support and also garnered new donors. The great effort and enthusiasm have resulted in total fund raising of just over $700,000 to date toward a goal of $1.4 million. I want to express the University's appreciation to the leaders and supporters of "Save the Sports."
In considering where we are now in that effort, there are several options.
First, we could extend the fund raising effort until September; however, that would not be the right answer. It would prolong the uncertain status of the four sports for three more months. There must be a decision now that has long-term sustainability.
A second option would be to decide that since the goal of $1.4 million was not achieved, the sports should be discontinued.
In considering a third option, these are the issues:
A. Funds raised to date;
B. Whether or not the current momentum is likely to be sustained;
C. Prospects for reaching this year's goal;
D. Prospects for reaching the annual goal of $700,000 every year beginning next year.
At a time when prudence would suggest a risk-avoidance decision, I have given strong consideration to the goodwill and stated commitments of the leaders and supporters of the "Save the Sports" effort.
Based on my confidence in their ability to reach their goal this year and in the future, I have decided to "Save the Sports." I believe this is what our community wants the University to do. And it is what we want to do, as well.
I want to state clearly the ground rules for the future:
1. No state funding will be available for these sports. They must be self-supporting.
2. In any year in which fundraising does not achieve the goal the annual budgets for the sports will not exceed the amount of funds raised.
3. All future fund raising must be coordinated with the Athletics Department and University Advancement and must follow the University's Prospect Management Plan.
In conclusion, I want to thank the leaders and supporters of the Roadrunner Club and the "Save the Sports" effort. In addition, I want to thank all members of the community who provide support for our academic programs. All of these efforts allow us to continue to make progress toward realization of the University's vision in a down economy.
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