INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC

COMMITTEE MEETING

January 22, 2004

ATTENDING: Brad Berg, Charlie Bridgeford, Judy DeMers, Ray Diez, Lillian Elsinga, Phil Harmeson, Susan Nelson, Sherry Penner, Mark Rudolph, Lowell Schweigert, John Sirignano, Bruce Smith, Roger Thomas, Paul Todhunter

Recorder: Bev Hopman

Committee chair Sue Jeno was out of town. Judy DeMers presided as acting chair. She called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. in room 1917 of the Medical School

Minutes: Lowell Schweigert moved the minutes from November 18, 2003, be approved. Bruce Smith seconded. Motion carried.

Class Scheduling: Roger Thomas had a listing of courses that student-athletes and coaches identified as conflicting with traditional practice times (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.). Most of these are upper level courses that are offered only once during a semester and are required for graduation. As had been discussed at a previous IAC meeting, this information will be presented at the Dean’s Council to see if some of the courses can be offered in an earlier time slot. Ray Diez said that a draft of the Fall 2004 class schedule has already been sent out to the academic departments for their approval, so it would be essential for the Dean’s Council to receive the information as soon as possible. Judy DeMers and Phil Harmeson asked for clarification as to the latest that a class could go and still allow student-athletes to attend practice. Roger Thomas said 3:00 p.m. Bruce Smith said he would present the request at the next meeting of the Dean’s Council, scheduled for Feb. 4. Judy DeMers will also help bring the information forward.

Women’s Hockey Schedule: Roger Thomas stated he received a letter from Shantel Rivard, the women’s hockey coach, requesting permission to play two hockey games on December 17 and 18, 2004. This is at the end of finals week and the coach indicated sufficient time would be allowed for studying and writing final exams. Roger Thomas indicated that the men’s hockey program was also negotiating to play two home games in the same time frame. Ray Diez moved that the IAC approve a home hockey series for both the women’s and men’s hockey teams Dec. 17 & 18, 2004. Paul Todhunter seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Fall Letterwinners: A list of student-athletes who have been recommended as letterwinners for fall sports had been e-mailed to all IAC members. Bev Hopman passed out information provided by the coaches stating the criteria used for nominating letterwinners. She indicated that the criteria list was not complete, but hoped to have the rest of the information soon. Bruce Smith moved to approve the letterwinners as recommended by their respective head coaches. The motion was seconded and carried.

Parking at REA Events: Ray Dietz talked about problems with parking at Ralph Engelstad Arena, particularly Friday, Dec. 12. A grass area that had previously been open for parking was closed that weekend with no advance notice. Vehicles that parked there were issued $100 UND parking tickets that were later reduced to $25. He was concerned about the lack of communication and the fact that fans had no warning. At a later game, snow was not removed from the north lot and limited available parking. He suggested that in the future an effort should be made to inform the public about parking problems and restrictions in advance through ads and radio announcements. Judy DeMers suggested that it could be included in the e-mail that goes out concerning Events at the Ralph. Lowell Schweigert stated that earlier in the season, the grass lot was closed due to rainy conditions. He felt that Engelstad Arena and the Athletic Department did a very good job of getting the information out to the public. Roger Thomas said he would take these issues to REA. But he warned that parking at both Engelstad Arena and the Alerus is an ongoing problem and may get worse with the construction at both locations.

Fan Behavior: Bruce Smith reported that during the football playoff game against Winona State, some of the visiting parents sat in the UND student section. They stated in a letter to President Kupchella that they were subject to harassment and inappropriate comments. An e-mail was sent from a football supporter in North Alabama indicating that they would not open up their home to UND fans or players because of UND fan behavior. Bruce Smith said he also heard many positive comments regarding fan behavior as well. He felt one solution may be to have the UND players sit in front of the UND student section during the playoffs with the visiting team placed in front of the season ticket holders. He also volunteered to help at workshops.

Roger Thomas said fan behavior is a problem nationwide and the NCAA is dealing with the attitude of “I bought a ticket, I’ll do what I want.” UND has tried to keep the students involved and has assigned them prime seats at football, hockey and basketball, but profane, sexist and racist comments can not be tolerated. He said our fans don’t match our teams.

Lillian Elsinga said we have to start treating visiting teams as our guests. Everyone should have the attitude, “Don’t embarrass the team, don’t embarrass yourself” and don’t embarrass UND. Brad Berg said students do police themselves. Roger Thomas said that as a whole, fan behavior is pretty good, but the actions of a few reflect on everyone. Lowell Schweigert said that fan support has turned into intimidation of the opposing athletes and coaches as well as the officials. Paul Todhunter said that workshops and discussions at Freshman Orientation may help.

Phil Harmeson said President Kupchella will be having meetings with several different groups, including the IAC, to discuss fan behavior. A special meeting date was set for Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3:00 p.m. in Gamble Hall, Room 118C (Marketing Conference Room).

Department Reports: Compliance/GPA - Bev Hopman reported that Jared Bruggeman indicated there were no NCAA violations to report at this time. Final grades for fall semester were not yet available, but the composite GPA information will be sent out via e-mail when it is received.

Financial Report: John Sirignano distributed a financial statement reflecting revenues and expenses through Dec. 31, 2003. He indicated the Athletic Department is about where they should be for this time of year.

Facilities: Roger Thomas reported that planning is underway to enhance the soccer field. He said that progress continues on the new basketball/volleyball venue. Talks continue on the best use for the old Engelstad.

PEXS Class Credit for Student-Athletes: Bev Hopman said that the PEXS Office has not contacted Jared Bruggeman regarding awarding academic credit for participation in varsity sports. She suggested it may be helpful if the IAC wrote a letter to the PEXS Department expressing their support. Judy DeMers asked her to draft a sample letter for the committee.

New Business: Ray Dietz asked if there were any plans to broadcast women’s hockey on radio. Roger Thomas said it was not part of the last media contract. He will carry the request forward.

Meeting Dates: Spring semester meeting dates will be Feb. 26, March 25, April 22, and May 27 (if necessary) at 3:00 p.m. in room 1917 of the Medical School.

The meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.