ATHLETICS FAIL

The following is an email that was forwarded to us last night, written by UWG's Vice President of Advancement, Michael Ruffner. While the format isn't the same as our traditional posts, this is definitely one of the university's biggest fails in a long time and is worth a read. 

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some important information prior to its public dissemination. The university has been the subject of a year-long NCAA investigation of our athletics program.  While this situation presents some challenges, it has given us the opportunity of refocusing and rebuilding our athletics program. We have new leadership and a new commitment to our student athletes that embraces scholarship and personal growth above all else.  The entire university administration is committed to this vision.

 The NCAA has noted problems with West Georgia Athletics that span a number of years.  Today the NCAA has found the University of West Georgia athletics program guilty of numerous major violations, which led 119 student-athletes to practice, compete, or receive financial aid or travel expenses while ineligible.  The university admits and takes full responsibility for these findings.

 The violations include provision of extra benefits, impermissible recruiting, unethical conduct, eligibility certification violations, non-compliance with degree requirements, failure to keep records of countable athletic related activities, failure to monitor travel and financial expenses, failure to provide adequate NCAA rules education and training, and lack of institutional control by University Advancement -- it is important to note that Athletics has reported to University Advancement for the past three decades, or longer.  The university maintains that except for the extra benefits infraction, the other violations were not intentional but, rather, resulted from sloppiness, inattention, and lack of oversight.   Those responsible for these violations are no longer employed by the university.

The penalties for these violations include a public reprimand and censure, four years probation, mandatory annual report and audit, vacation of all contests in which ineligible student-athletes competed, reductions in financial aid, recruiting limitations, a postseason ban, and a $2,500 financial penalty.

The university has taken numerous actions to mitigate these infractions and insure future compliance with NCAA legislation:

·         hired a full time compliance officer and academic advisor, instituted mandatory academic advising programs for all student athletes, and increased number of tutors to 12

·         appointed a new director of athletics with significant experience in coaching and administration

·         broadened responsibilities of coaching staff to assist in enforcement procedures through rules education, commitment to compliance, and ongoing monitoring

·         initiated mandatory rules and compliance sessions for all coaches, and instituted mandatory attendance for university staff at NCAA regional rules meetings

·         appointed new head baseball coach who has led highly successful and compliant D-II programs

·         initiated new academic intervention procedures for academic at-risk student athletes through the Office of Academic Affairs

·         clarified internal policies to be consistent with NCAA guidelines.

In the past, athletics has not always enjoyed a collaborative relationship with the larger university community.  This also will change.  In the months ahead Coach Dickey and I will meet with various groups on campus to discuss changes in the athletics program, answer questions, and address any issues that may be of concern.  Thanks for your attention.

Michael

Michael Ruffner, Ph.D.

Vice President, University Advancement

University of West Georgia               

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