Section 3: Comprehensive Standards

3.2.11 The institution’s chief executive officer has ultimate responsibility for, and exercises appropriate administrative and fiscal control over, the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program.

Judgment of Compliance:
Compliance

Narrative/Justification for Judgment of Compliance:
Christopher Newport University is in compliance with this comprehensive standard. Christopher Newport University participates at the Division III level in intercollegiate athletics. A member of the USA South Athletic Conference, the University’s athletic program adheres to all NCAA policies and regulations for Division III institutions as presented in the NCAA Division III Manual.

The Code of Virginia 23-49.28 states: “The board shall control and expend the funds of the University and any appropriation hereafter provided; make all needful rules and regulations concerning the University; appoint the president, who shall be its chief executive officer … and generally direct the affairs of the University.”

The By-laws of the Board of Visitors, Article IX state: “The President of the University shall be the chief executive and academic officer of the University.” The duties of the President, stated in Article IX, 2.b., 2.h., and 2.j. include the responsibility for the operation of the University in conformity with the purpose and policies determined by the Board, submission to the Board of an annual budget for the operation of the University for the following fiscal year, and the presentation of the annual financial statements of the University to the Board, the Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth, and under oath, to the Auditor of Public Accounts.

The Code of Virginia 23-1.1 requires the President or the Rector of the Board of Visitors to submit an annual statement of all athletic receipts and disbursements. The report is prepared by the University’s Comptroller, is kept on file by the Comptroller of the Commonwealth and is open to public inspection.

The President has delegated to the Director of Athletics responsibility for all policies and practices of the Department of Athletics including intercollegiate sports, their support, facilities, and resources. The Director of Athletics serves as the University’s compliance officer. The Director of Athletics serves at the pleasure of the President and reports to the Chief of Staff for day-to-day operations.

The President appoints the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative who co-chairs the 9-member Intercollegiate Athletic Advisory Committee (IAAC) with the Director of Athletics. The IAAC is a standing committee of the University and is appointed by and reports to the President. The committee consists of the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, the Director of Athletics, three faculty members, one administrative faculty, two students, one alumnus or alumna, and the Internal Auditor (non-voting). It makes recommendations on all matters relevant to the intercollegiate athletic programs; reviews athletic philosophy; considers matters related to athletic conferences and national athletic governing bodies; reviews the need for additional equipment for gymnasium and outdoor facilities; addition or termination of sports programs; scheduling and transportation; and monitors the athletic budget.

The recruitment of all student athletes is coordinated through the University Undergraduate Admissions Office to establish academic eligibility. Satisfactory academic progress for all student athletes is coordinated through the Office of the Registrar. All recruitment and academic performance standards for student athletes are governed by the admissions standards and academic performance standards for the University as stated in the University Catalogue. The Undergraduate Admissions Committee (UAC), seven elected faculty members, reviews a detailed annual report on the applications of all admitted and denied students and makes appropriate recommendations to the Provost. The UAC reviews current recruitment strategies and policies and recommends to the Faculty Senate new policies guiding student recruitment.

All fund raising activities supporting the athletics program are coordinated through the President and the Vice President for Advancement. There is no university-related foundation to support fund raising for athletics. The Captain’s Crew is the official support organization for athletics. All gifts and donations to the Captain’s Crew are coordinated through the Office of University Advancement.

Support Documentation:
University Handbook, Section II Board of Visitors By-Laws
Code of Virginia Section 23-49.28
Code of Virginia 23-1.1
University Handbook 06-07
University Organizational Chart
Director of Athletics Job Description

Additional Live Web Resources:
None