INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC

COMMITTEE MEETING

March 20, 2007

 

ATTENDING:  Jim Antes, Charlie Bridgeford, Ron Brinkert, Tom Buning, Judy DeMers, Ray Diez, Cindy Flom-Meland, Sue Jeno, Amanda Kahler, Bruce Smith

 

Recorder:  Bev Hopman

 

Ray Diez called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m. in the Presidents Room of the Memorial Union.    

 

Minutes:  Sue Jeno moved the minutes from the February 20, 2007, meeting be approved.  Judy DeMers seconded.  Motion carried.

 

UND Faculty Athletic Representative Update:  Sue Jeno said there will be a DI committee meeting on March 27.  An update will be given at the next IAC meeting.  She will be participating in the NCAA rules conference in May.

 

Department Updates:  

 

Athletic Director Tom Buning: 

 

  • Tom Buning reported that the athletic teams are doing very well.  The men’s swimming and diving team finished 2nd and the women’s swimming and diving team finished 5th at the NCAA nationals.  Women’s basketball will be playing in the Elite 8 in Kearney, NE, and the men’s hockey team has advanced to regional playoffs.  Heidi Evans was named an All American in women’s track and field.  Both she and Donovan Alexander qualified for the NCAA indoor track and field championships.  Baseball and softball have started their seasons and are waiting for weather conditions to allow them to play closer to home.  Volleyball and soccer are ready to begin their spring mini seasons.

 

  • Conference Affiliation:  Since NDSU and SDSU have joined the Gateway Football Conference, the Great West will be looking for conference members.  UND will continue to be in contact with them.

 

  • DI Transition:  DI consultants Carr and Associates presented a rough draft of their report to UND in early March.  The draft clarifies that all teams need to be working with the same numbers; 2 student-athletes per room, $35/day per diem, etc.  The committee is now ready to move from “guestimates” to certainties when discussing costs.  The Athletic budget needs to be increased starting with the 2007-08 season.  Tom Buning stated that these increases could be managed within the 5% cap.

 

  • Facilities Master Plan:  Tom Buning said the DI and facilities master plan studies are coming together to address identified needs.  As Athletics works on the usage agreements with the Alerus and REA, practice times will be a major consideration.

 

  • Ticket Renewal:  Student season tickets will be sold electronically next fall.  Student single game tickets will be sold early to allow unsold tickets to be offered for sale to the public.  Non-student season ticket renewals will be mailed out the week of March 26 with a renewal deadline of May 1.  This will allow time for a sales campaign to market the unsold tickets.  The 20% faculty/staff discount on season tickets will remain in place.   The biggest change this year will be the requirement that all hockey season ticket holders in the lower bowl will need to belong to the FSC at the Captains Club level ($660) or above.  Judy DeMers and Ray Diez both indicated they had received calls from season ticket holders concerned about the change.  Judy DeMers asked if the calls could be referred to the AD’s office.  Tom Buning said that he would be willing to talk to season ticket holders about the change.  Amanda Kahler stated that since FSC dollars were used for scholarships, membership increases could be tied to increases in tuition.

 

  • Budget:  Tom Buning stated that UND did not make money hosting the NCAA Regional Women’s Basketball Tournament, but money was saved on travel expenses.  The two WCHA playoff games will have a positive financial impact.  Charlie Bridgeford asked if UND would receive any income from the Final Five.  Tom Buning said the proceeds are divided between the WCHA teams and the WCHA Office.   The payment will be dispersed at the April meetings.  Hockey game expenses may increase next year if the league moves to 2 referees and 2 linesmen.  Jim Antes asked if Athletics received any proceeds from the sale of REA suites.  Tom Buning replied that each suite requires a minimum FSC membership of $5500 (Emerald Club).  The balance of the suite rental goes to REA. 

 

Compliance:

Betty Ralston was not available for this meeting, but Bev Hopman thanked everyone on her behalf for their support of the Scholar-Athlete Awards program. 

 

New Business:

  • Schedules:  Bev Hopman passed out proposed 2007-08 schedules for men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s hockey, soccer, men’s and women’s swimming, tennis and volleyball.  She explained that men’s basketball is trying to add an additional 12-14 games and there may be some minor changes on the other schedules.  If/when additions or changes are made, the IAC will be notified.  Jim Antes moved the schedules be approved as presented.  Charlie Bridgeford seconded.  Motion carried. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.  The next meeting is scheduled for April 24 at 4:30 p.m.