What process did the department and University undergo that led to the decision to reduce the number of varsity sport programs offered?
This process was very thorough, with University leadership, the Board of Trustees and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics analyzing the department’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats before reaching this endpoint. Long-term sustainability was the main focus that was woven into all thought processes and analysis done. COVID-19 accelerated the timeline of our decision. However, this was underway prior to the pandemic and the ensuing economic impact that it has caused.
All programs were reviewed based on criteria not limited to but including:
- Title IX compliance
- Net financial impact on the institution
- Competitive history of the program
- Future investment needed in capital/facilities projects
- Lasallian values
- Opportunity for future success at La Salle
- Alumni engagement and potential program brings to La Salle
- Endowment investments required to keep program at, or bring program to, a competitive level of support
Why announce this decision now?
It was imperative that we announce this as soon as possible. While there is never a good time for this type of an announcement, it was our intention to provide the student-athletes and coaches of each impacted program as much notice as possible so that they can make informed and optimal decisions regarding their future moving forward.
How was the determination made on the number of sports to continue?
There was no set number that we entered this process with, or any predetermined outcomes. We understood that any decision that we came to would greatly affect the individuals directly associated with the impacted programs. A major focus of our analysis was long-term sustainability and how we could strengthen our department. We analyzed data on our Atlantic 10 and NCAA peers, including the average of 18 sports per NCAA institution. With limited financial resources and 25 sport programs, providing all our student-athletes a transformational experience was just not possible and difficult decisions needed to be made.
What other options were considered other than reducing sports sponsorship?
There were alternative options discussed, but none were deemed viable enough to move forward in our analysis. Those alternatives included increased corporate sponsorships, ticket sales and alumni donations. To be competitive and field 25 sport programs would have required substantial investment. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty surrounding revenue streams and, like other areas of the University, a reduction in personnel and compensation. We are committed to our mission statement that pledges we provide a transformational experience for all our student-athletes. We feel this reduction of sports better allows us to fulfill our mission.
Was any sort of capital campaign discussed or suggested during the process?
Yes, we considered all options during the evaluation process. As currently positioned, La Salle sponsors the second-most programs in the Atlantic 10. George Washington has 27 varsity sport programs and announced it will downsize to 20 at the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year. La Salle has 21 sports that compete in the Atlantic 10, the most among the 14-school conference. The size and scope of a capital campaign necessary to sustain these programs in the long term was deemed to be far too large.
How do you plan to support impacted student-athletes?
This is an extremely difficult time for a group of student-athletes who have dedicated a lot of hours to their sport of competition at La Salle. Mental health and the well-being of students and student-athletes is of paramount importance across the University. The student-athletes of impacted programs will be supported appropriately, as will the remaining student-athletes who could be affected in other ways. The University’s counseling services remain available.
In addition to the mental health aspect, all student-athletes who choose to remain on their team’s roster for the 2021 season of competition – as long as it is deemed safe – will have full access to academic support, coaching, athletic training and strength and conditioning services provided they maintain eligibility and are in good standing in accordance with NCAA, Atlantic 10 and La Salle guidelines.
How much will the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics save as a result of the decision?
It's important to note that this was not a cost-cutting decision, but rather a strategic effort to reallocate our investment in a way that better aligns with our student-centered mission. This decision will allow us to reinvest existing resources and improve our ability to provide an exceptional student-athlete experience in a competitive, high-quality Division I program. It is difficult to provide financial savings in one total, as savings will be realized as student-athletes come off athletic aid over the next few years and varsity competition concludes at the end of the 2020-21 school year. Wage and operating costs will also add to the savings. These savings, however, were not the sole reason this decision was made. Our department has been underfunded with 25 sport programs, our facilities – which are shared with recreation – are being utilized beyond capacity, and our support staff in the areas of athletic training, strength and conditioning, equipment services, athletic facilities, academic support and athletic communications have been spread too thin. These represent additional forms of savings.
Is there a strategy on how to utilize the money saved?
The student-athlete experience is very important to us. With the savings realized, we will look to enhance critical student-athlete support areas, reallocate athletic scholarship funds to our women’s programs to better equip them for regional and national competition, and invest in other underfunded Olympic sport programs.
Will La Salle honor student-athlete scholarships?
Yes, no question about it. Any student who remains academically eligible as La Salle students will have their scholarships honored. The student must meet all NCAA progress-toward-degree requirements and maintain good academic standing, as determined by the University. Additionally, for student-athletes who have been granted an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA due to the impacts of COVID-19, their scholarship and aid will continue at the current percentage for an additional year if they choose to enroll in select graduate degree programs at La Salle.
Will student-athletes be able transfer to other schools?
We believe that by announcing our decision now, it allows the impacted student-athletes the opportunity to compete in their sport – if it is safe to do so – in 2021 and evaluate all options to transfer, if that is their desire. The University will honor all existing athletic scholarship aid of the affected student-athletes through graduation at La Salle and will help students transfer their credits and eligibility, if they choose to compete at another university. Under NCAA transfer rules, students are eligible for competition immediately when the students’ current institution discontinues the sport in which the student competed.
Are La Salle’s athletic programs funded to the same level as their peers in the Atlantic 10 Conference?
No. The majority of our sport programs are in the bottom-third of operating budgets among conference members. However, finances are only one part of the equation as it relates to this decision. Our top priority is the well-being of our student-athletes. In order to provide the experiences that this highly-motivated group deserves, right-sizing our department was a must.
How many athletes are impacted by this decision?
There are approximately 130 student-athletes impacted by this decision.
**Edited for Clarity: 10/1/20**
