SUPPLEMENT NO. 14

REPORT OF THE

NCAA DIVISION III INITIATIVES TASK FORCE

1. ACTION ITEMS.

a. Assessment and Overall Review of Initiatives ? Recommendations for 2004-05 and 2005-06 Initiative Budgets.

(1) Recommendation. Approve the reallocation of resources for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 Division III initiative budgets. [Attachment A]

(2) Rationale. The task force reviewed and assessed the initiatives within the key priority areas: seven diversity programs, six membership education programs and four student-athlete welfare programs. The task force evaluation included an extensive review of the program goal; eligibility criteria; program overview; initiative dates; membership communication; process timeline; program impact and accomplishments; measurements of success; budget impact; evaluation and assessment; and initial staff recommendations for the future. It should be noted that the task force remains committed to the Division III allocation of resources to support the three priority areas for the next biennial budget. In its analysis, the task force recognized that some programs have been very successful while others have not been as highly sought; however, it determined that the Division III membership needs additional time to grasp the full value of the opportunities available through the NCAA programs and, given the time, will pursue the opportunities for funding to meet the established goals.

(3) Budget Impact.

(a) $4,270,220 for 2004-05.

(b) $4,069,000 for 2005-06.

2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

a. 2000-03 Three-Year Compilation of Results. The task force reviewed the summary results for the first three years of the initiatives program, noting that the overall goal to expand the reach of the membership to address the three key areas ? diversity; membership education and communication; and student-athlete welfare ? was being met with few exceptions. The allocation of resources to support nonchampionships initiatives for the first three-year period totaled $8,746,523 ($7,794,443 initiatives and $952,080 overhead). The task force noted its pleasure with the success of many programs. The task force also noted that the evaluation and assessment would provide opportunity for adjustments in preparation for the 2004-06 biennial budget process. [Attachment B]

b. 2002-03 Executive Summary. The task force reviewed the 2002-03 initiatives executive summary and grant recipients. It was noted that unallocated resources from the 2002-03 budget would be reallocated to replenish the Division III reserve. [Attachment C, Grant Recipient List]

c. 2003-04 Initiative Summary. The task force reviewed the 2003-04 initiatives summary, noting the previous action for reallocation:

(1) Reinstate $150,000 for 10 additional interns to the women and minority internship program.

(2) Reinstate $300,000 for initiative grant funds ($100,000 each to diversity, membership education, student-athlete welfare) and increase to $10,000 per institution, plus a maximum of four grants awarded at the discretion of the selection committee for up to $15,000 each. Increase collaborative grant to $25,000.

(3) Reinstate $150,000 to the conference technology grant and an additional $50,000 to accommodate 40 conferences.

(4) Add $20,000 to the conference student-athlete advisory committee grant to accommodate 40 conferences.

(5) Previously approved $350,000 for financial aid review.

(6) Use of $1,023,340 from the Division III reserve.

The task force also noted the budget impact: $4,553,750 ? ($3,919,750 Initiatives and $634,000 overhead). [Attachment D, Grant Recipient List]

d. Initiatives Task Force Transition. The task force discussed its role and transition of responsibilities as part of the ongoing Division III and Association-wide strategic planning processes. It was determined that the September 2003 meeting would be the final meeting of the group and that the responsibilities for monitoring and evaluating the initiatives program would be incorporated into the work of the Division III Strategic-Planning Subcommittee. It was noted that members

Task Force chair: John S. Biddiscombe, Wesleyan University