Ref. No. 19

As part of its ongoing process of continual improvement, Memorial University is undertaking a review of its athletic programs. The review will be conducted by an external team led by Dr. Stuart Robbins of the University of Calgary. Dr. Evan Simpson, Memorial's vice-president (academic), has asked the committee to focus on ways in which the athletic experience can be improved for varsity athletes, and ways in which the athletic program can assist Memorial achieve its strategic goals.

"Memorial's varsity program has contributed to the lives of numerous athletes, to the life of the university, to the life of St. John's and to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador," Dr. Robbins noted. "The time has come to review these successes, to identify gaps and to plan for the future. It's important that MUN athletics plans its future direction, particularly in light of the fiscal situations in universities across the country, and at a time when universities are being forced to critically examine all of their offerings."

The review committee has been asked to provide its final report to the university by the end of December, and will be seeking input from a wide range of people involved with the varsity program. Dr. Robbins was enthusiastic that the broad backgrounds and experiences of the Committee members would enable them to complete their challenging task.

"It's crucial that the review process be open and provide adequate opportunities for everyone to be heard," Dr. Robbins said. "The committee is encouraging written submissions from anyone with views on varsity athletics at Memorial, and those submissions should be sent to the Athletic Review Committee at the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation. We hope to have submissions by the end of October if possible, but we are more concerned with receiving good information than in meeting artificial deadline."

There will be opportunities to make verbal submissions to the committee on Monday, Oct. 29, 2001, and Tuesday, Oct. 30. Individuals or groups are encouraged to make submissions to the committee, and should contact Vera Mitchell, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation , 737-8129, to set up a time.

Contact address for more information or to deliver written submissions:
Athletic Review Committee
c/o School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7
(709) 737-8129 (phone) (709) 737-3524 (fax)

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For further information, please contact Dr. Colin Higgs, director, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University, 737-8129.