3:30 pm

Present: Nate Maloney, John D'Argenio, Colleen Price, PJ Brun, and Ned Jones

Ned Jones and John D'Argenio presented their findings for Operating Principle 4.2 Minority issues.

Ned presented addressed Self-study item 1. He indicated that no "corrective action or conditions for certification" were raised during the initial certification, but discussed progress made on the two recommendations. Ned indicated evidence existed that the department had implemented both recommendations and his findings provide support.

Conversation regarding the exit interview process began with a question from Nate Maloney about the process for completing interviews. John spoke about the aggressive action taken by each administrator to reach out to graduation students and students who have completed their eligibility in order to get them to complete the study. The interview is one-on-one, and the student athlete can request another member of the department complete the interview if he/she is not comfortable speaking with the administrator assigned.

Colleen Price also indicated that students are called five or six times if they don't show for their initial appt.

John D'Argenio reviewed question 3. His report indicated the department has implemented strategies to increase the enrollment of minority students. He discussed progress made and the process for constantly improving upon prior year results. John indicated that they are currently working on the third revision/improvement of the plan first implemented in 1997. He also indicated that the plan to recruit diverse professional staff was having an impact. As of September 2004, 25% of the staff was diverse.

He indicated that the department has not made significant progress on implementing department-based programs to educate student-athletes on issues relating cultural awareness. He indicated that he department has relied on campus educational programming to heighten its student athletes' cultural awareness. He did indicate that the department did provide students significant opportunity, via work with an inner-city elementary school, for exposure to cultural diversity.

John indicates we should continue to revise and improve student recruitment plans, we should continue to aggressively recruit diverse professional staff and a program to address cultural diversity should be developed with in the S.A.I.N.T.S. Program.

Ned addressed question five and nine. With regard to five, Ned indicated that the institution is well organization to further its efforts to promote cultural diversity. Ned cited specific review by the Department, the Vice President and the Board of Trustees, which have all indicated progress has been made in addressing these issues. Issues related to question nine cannot be fully addressed until after the sub-committee begins to make its recommendations.

John and Ned indicated that the data we gather for student enrollment and professional staff would be expanded to data that is most current. The committee suggested that the data reported on the NCAA form be gathered from 2001-02 - 2003-04. We agreed. Ned will send Mary Ellen a request for clarification on the professional years. We hope to use 2002-03 - 2004-05. John indicates that data is available now.

Next up will be the report on Welfare. Meeting adjourned at 4:35.