3356-6-03. Governance of intercollegiate athletics

(A) Policy statement. The intercollegiate athletics programs at Youngstown state university ("university") will be managed to reflect the educational values and mission of the university, to achieve the academic success of student-athletes, and to develop pride and support among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community at large. The board of trustees will properly oversee athletics at Youngstown state university.

(B) Purpose. To delineate the roles of the university's board of trustees and university administrators in the governance of intercollegiate athletics consistent with leadership and oversight responsibilities.

(C) Scope. This policy applies to sports played at the collegiate level with eligibility requirements established by the NCAA.

(D) Oversight by the board of trustees. The board of trustees provides broad oversight of the intercollegiate athletics program's fiscal integrity, administrative structure, operational activities and the overall development and success of student-athletes to ensure consistency with the mission of the university, the mission of the athletics department, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policy. The board of trustees carries out this oversight by:

(1) Delegating administrative responsibility for intercollegiate athletics and its management to the office of the president and lending its full and public support to the president in the execution of these duties.

(2) Approving, with the president, standards of accountability, and benchmarks against which to measure the success of the intercollegiate athletics program; in particular, those related to the academic performance and progress of the student-athletes and reviewing the same at least annually.

(3) Holding the president responsible for the appropriate execution of those responsibilities, assessing presidential performance during periodic reviews.

(4) Reviewing and approving the intercollegiate athletics budget as part of the regular institutional budget process, including revenue, expenditures, compensation procedures for athletic director and coaches, debt capacity, and gift policies, in keeping with the board of trustees' overall responsibility as financial stewards of the institution.

(5) Reviewing and approving the intercollegiate athletics' mission statement that reflects the university's mission and academic values.

(6) Including in new board member orientation an overview of the intercollegiate athletics department and review of all policies.

(7) Ensuring the full integration of the intercollegiate athletics department into the administrative structure of the university.

(8) Periodically conducting a review of governance policies related to intercollegiate athletics.

(9) Ensuring the proper independent oversight of all funds raised and expended by booster clubs and affiliated organizations.

(10) Monitoring the compensation packages and contract terms of the athletic director and head coaches of major sports, and ensuring compensation policies are consistent with the university's overall standards.

(E) Responsibilities of the president of the university. The responsibilities of the president include, but are not limited to:

(1) Exercising ultimate administrative responsibility for the conduct and control of the intercollegiate athletics program.

(2) Overseeing the university's executive director of athletics.

(3) In conjunction with the executive director of athletics and appropriate athletics department staff:

(a) Establishing appropriate measures and benchmarks necessary to assess the success of the intercollegiate athletics program.

(b) Establishing and upholding academic and eligibility standards for student-athletes that reflect the university's mission and values.

(4) Appointing and establishing the term of the NCAA faculty representative.

(F) Responsibilities of the executive director of athletics. The responsibilities of the executive director of athletics include, but are not limited to:

(1) Developing the athletic department's mission statement and ensuring that it reflects the university's mission and academic values.

(2) Exercising day-to-day control over the activities of the athletic department, including but not limited to student-athlete educational programs and objectives, personnel decisions, corporate sponsorships/partnerships, broadcasting contracts, affiliated organizations and fund raising efforts.

(3) Providing information regarding accountability and benchmarks to the university president and board of trustees.

(4) Administering financial and managerial affairs with transparency and adherence to university business practices.

(5) Communicating clearly with the board of trustees, coaches, administrators, students, faculty, boosters, and alumni concerning compliance with institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations; the mission, values and goals of the athletics department; appropriate contact with donors and students.

(6) Establishing expectations for on- and off-field ethical and respectful standards of behavior for coaches and student-athletes appropriate to their positions and as representatives of the university.

(7) Monitoring and promoting compliance with all federal, state, institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations to which the university is subject, including provisions concerning gender equity.

(8) Reporting and responding to known and alleged NCAA violations according to procedures established by the NCAA and informing the president of such violations.

(G) Responsibilities of the NCAA faculty representative. The responsibilities of the NCAA faculty representative include but are not limited to:

(1) Ensuring and promoting the academic, health, and social welfare of student-athletes.

(2) Serving as the liaison between the faculty and the athletic department.

(3) Representing the university with the NCAA and with its conferences.

Replaces: 3356-6-03

Effective: 12/31/2018
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 3356
Rule Amplifies: 3356
Prior Effective Dates: 06/16/2003, 07/10/2010, 08/21/2010, 01/23/2012, 02/04/2013