UBC Vancouver NCAA Division II Consultation Discussion Guide and Feedback Form

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

k Form Feedbac Campus Community Consultation pages 21–23 UBC Vancouver NCAA Division II Consultation Discussion Guide and Feedback Form

www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa Fall 2008 consultation program

Through an extensive review process over the past five years, UBC Athletics and Recreation (UBC Athletics) has determined that seeking application for membership in the NCAA Division II, a division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), is in the best interests of student-athletes and the varsity athletic program. UBC Vancouver is seeking feedback from the campus community and other stakeholders regarding consideration of membership in the NCAA Division II. Feedback gathered through consultation will be considered by UBC Vancouver along with technical and financial input in deciding whether or not to apply for membership. DISCUSSION GUIDE & FEEDBACK FORM This Discussion Guide provides participants with background about the following, along with a Feedback Form: • UBC Vancouver’s varsity athletics • UBC Vancouver’s consideration of membership in the NCAA Division II • The potential benefits and challenges for UBC Vancouver associated with NCAA Division II membership • Consultation topics CONSULTATION GOALS UBC Vancouver’s consultation about potential membership in the NCAA Division II has the following goals: • Inform the campus community and other stakeholders about: (i) UBC Vancouver’s consideration of membership in the NCAA Division II, (ii) the implications for UBC Vancouver, including the requirements and specific opportunities for UBC Vancouver student-athletes, and (iii) opportunities to participate in the consultation process • Gather and summarize input and feedback • Consider input and feedback from the campus community and other stakeholders prior to finalizing UBC Vancouver’s intention to apply for membership in the NCAA Division II We Want to Hear From You Consultation with the campus community and other stakeholders will take place in fall 2008. Consultation materials will be available at www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa in September 2008. Input and feedback will be gathered through the following: • Focus Groups • Stakeholder Meetings • Open Houses (see schedule below) • Written submissions sent to: UBC Alumni Association, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 • Online Feedback Form: www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa Open House Schedule Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback and learn more by attending one of the following open houses:

Date Time Location September 29 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Multi-Purpose Room, Liu Institute, 6476 NW Marine Drive, UBC Campus October 14 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Arbutus Room, Ponderosa Centre, 2071 West Mall, UBC Campus October 15 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Arbutus Room, Ponderosa Centre, 2071 West Mall, UBC Campus *Please check www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa for any potential changes to this schedule. Correspondence and Inquiries: Don Wells Telephone: 604-822-6979 k Form Feedbac Fax: 604-822-8928 es 21–23 E-mail: [email protected] pag Web: www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa Mailing Address: UBC Alumni Association, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 Consultation Deadline Feedback from the campus community and other stakeholders will be received until October 22, 2008. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Consultation Program Consultation Goals ...... Inside cover We Want to Hear From You ...... Inside cover Introduction A Valued Tradition: The Value of Athletics to UBC Vancouver and its Student-Athletes ...... 1 Background ATHLETICS AT UBC VANCOUVER Where We Are Today ...... 2 FUNDING UBC ATHLETICS and recreation ...... 3 NCAA Divisions I, II and III ...... 4 ABOUT NCAA DIVISION II Introduction, Life in the Balance, Values ...... 5 NCAA DIVISION II Opening Its Doors ...... 6 UBC Vancouver’s Consideration of Membership in the NCAA Division II PURSUING EXCELLENCE Why is UBC Vancouver Considering Membership in the NCAA Division II? ...... 7 NCAA DIVISION II CONFERENCE OPTIONS Non-Conference Opportunities ...... 11 Championship Opportunities ...... 11 NCAA DIVISION II Rules and Regulations ...... 13 NCAA Division II Sports ...... 14 DUAL MEMBERSHIP CIS and NCAA Division II ...... 16 Comparing Athletic Associations Comparing the CIS, the NAIA and the NCAA Division II Comparing UBC Vancouver and the Average NCAA Division II Member Institution ...... 17 membership in the ncaa division ii Potential Benefits and Potential Challenges ...... 18 Consultation Topics Financial Aid ...... 19 Potential benefits and challenges of NCAA Division II membership (feedback) ...... 19 Level of support for UBC Vancouver’s application for membership in the NCAA Division II ...... 19 Advisory Committee ...... 19 Feedback Form ...... 21 INTRODUCTION

UBC Vancouver is considering membership in the NCAA Division II, a division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

A VALUED TRADITION The Value of Athletics to UBC Vancouver and its Student-Athletes Student-athletes have always been vital members of our university community and athletics plays an important role in educating and developing healthy graduates. UBC Athletics’ mission and core purpose is outlined in its mission statement below:

To be Canada’s definitive provider of university sport, recreation and fitness programs for the benefit of students and UBC as a whole. UBC Athletics and Recreation is committed to the University’s Trek 2010 vision of enabling UBC to be Canada’s best university by focusing on people, learning, community and internationalization. UBC Athletics and Recreation is the primary provider of exercise and fitness needs of UBC students, staff and faculty. It is an integral service that, in addition to providing for the fitness needs of students through competition in high performance varsity sports or through organized events offered by Intramurals, contributes positively to a sense of community and belonging.

As UBC celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2008, one can easily conclude that varsity sport has contributed a great deal to the development of the University of British Columbia, to the lives of its graduates and to the vibrancy of campus life through the decades. The century-long flight of the Thunderbirds and the evolution of varsity sport at UBC mirrors well the development of the University itself from its humble beginnings to one of the most prestigious institutions of learning and research on the continent.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide BACKGROUND

UBC Okanagan currently competes ATHLETICS AT UBC VANCOUVER in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Where We Are Today UBC Vancouver currently competes in Canada in the Canadian Association (CCAA) — the Interuniversity Sport (CIS) and in the United States in the National governing body for college sport Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). in Canada. UBC Vancouver’s Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the national governing body of university sport in Canada, is composed of the majority of degree-granting consideration to apply for universities in the country. Fifty-two member institutions with over 10,000 student-athletes vie for 19 national championships annually. membership in the NCAA From British Columbia to Newfoundland, the CIS is organized into four Division II would have no impact regional conferences: Canada West Universities Athletic Association (Canada West), Ontario University Athletics, Quebec Student Sports on UBC Okanagan. Federation and Atlantic University Sport. UBC Vancouver is a member of the Canada West Conference, comprising teams from Victoria to Winnipeg. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a completely autonomous association based in the United States that administers programs of intercollegiate athletics for approximately 300 fully accredited colleges and smaller universities. UBC Vancouver currently offers 28 Varsity Sports: • CIS – 13 Sports: Football, Basketball (M/W), Field Hockey (W), Hockey (M/W), Rugby (W), Soccer (M/W), Swimming (M/W), Volleyball (M/W) • NAIA – 7 Sports: Baseball, Golf (M/W), Track & Field (M/W), Cross Country (M/W) • Non-affiliated/Varsity Club – 8 Sports: Alpine Skiing (M/W), Nordic Skiing (M/W), Field Hockey (M), Rowing (M/W), Rugby (M) There are approximately 40,000 students enrolled at UBC Vancouver. Of these, 23,464 are full-time undergraduate students and 650 full-time undergraduates are student-athletes.

Two-time Canada West player of the year Casey Archibald (Men’s Basketball), who now plays professionally in Europe, slashing to the hoop in his days as a Thunderbird.

FUNDING ubc ATHLETICS and recreation UBC Athletics and Recreation is dedicated to attracting the best student-athletes from around the world and considers athletic scholarships as an integral part of this plan. UBC’s Millennium Breakfast is the largest single-day athletic scholarship If UBC were to join the NCAA fundraiser in Canada and has raised in excess of $5 million since Division II, it is expected that 2000. Funds raised through this event go directly into UBC’s Athletic Scholarship Endowment, which ensures that athletes have opportunities there would be a modest to realize their athletic and academic goals in Canada for decades to financial impact from an come. UBC’s Athletic Scholarship Endowment is approximately $9 million. While the Athletic Scholarship Endowment is used to fund athletic operations perspective scholarships, the UBC varsity teams, as well as the Department as a whole, are funded through student fees (40%) and business operations depending on which conference (60%), which is revenue generated through facility rental, sport camps, UBC joined. Any increase in sponsorship and fundraising. costs would be financed by Donors to the Athletic Scholarship Endowment are connected to UBC Athletics and Recreation through sport — 90% of donors are former the Department of Athletics university, national or international athletes and the remaining 10% are and Recreation through its connected in some way to a current or former varsity athlete. UBC is in contact with more than 9,000 athletic alumni who are essential to UBC business operations. Athletics and Recreation’s campaign to raise $75 million for the Athletic Scholarship Endowment over the next 10 years, which will further enhance UBC’s athletic program.

UBC Athletic Director Bob Philip with 2008 Millennium Breakfast scholarship keynote speaker Brian Burke, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks. The Millennium Breakfast has raised over $5 million in endowed scholarships over the past nine years.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide NCAA The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a voluntary membership organization through which American colleges and universities govern their athletics programs. The NCAA is the largest collegiate athletic association in the world and is divided into three divisions: Division I There are currently 342 member institutions in the NCAA Division I. The average annual athletics program operating cost for an NCAA Division I institution with football is approximately $35,756,000. Member institutions have to offer at least seven sports for men and seven for women (or six for men and eight for women) with a minimum of two team sports for each gender. UBC Athletics and Recreation Division II has determined that the NCAA There are currently 282 member institutions in the NCAA Division II. Division II is at this time the most The average annual athletics program operating cost for an NCAA Division II institution with football is approximately $2,740,000. Member appropriate division of the NCAA institutions have to offer at least five sports for men and five for women to which the university should (or four for men and six for women) with a minimum of two team sports for each gender. apply for membership. For the Division III purpose of this consultation, UBC There are currently 449 member institutions in the NCAA Division III. The is only considering an application average annual operating cost for an NCAA Division III institution with football is approximately $1,570,000. Member institutions have to offer to Division II. Division I currently at least five sports for men and five for women, with a minimum of two has a moratorium on membership team sports for each gender. until 2011 and has not changed its bylaws to allow applications from Canadian institutions at this time. If UBC Vancouver were to consider application for membership in the NCAA Division I sometime in the future, the University would first undertake a consultation process with the campus community.

Ben Hunt (Men’s Soccer) is mobbed by teammates after his bicycle kick goal in overtime sent UBC through to the 2007 CIS Championships final where they claimed their second title in the last three seasons with a 2-1 victory over Laval.

ABOUT NCAA DIVISION II Introduction The NCAA Division II is a group of colleges and universities of varying sizes and educational missions. Its members are committed to balancing the overall educational experience and academic success of students with participation in intercollegiate athletics.

Life in the Balance Higher education has lasting importance on an individual’s future NCAA Division II Mission Statement: successes. For this reason, the emphasis for the student-athlete To govern competition in a fair, experience in Division II is a comprehensive program of learning and development in a personal setting. The Division II approach provides safe, equitable and sportsmanlike growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning through manner, and to integrate high-level athletic competition, and development of positive societal attitudes through service to community. The balance and integration intercollegiate athletics into of these different areas of learning opportunity provide Division II student-athletes with a path to graduation while cultivating a variety of higher education so that the skills and knowledge for life ahead. educational experience of the

Values student-athlete is paramount. Learning: Multiple opportunities to broaden knowledge and skills Balance: Emphasis on collective knowledge; integration of skills Resourcefulness: Versatile skill set drawn from broad range of experiences Sportsmanship: Respect for fairness, courtesy; ethical conduct towards others Passion: Enthusiastic dedication and desire in effort Service: Positive societal attitude through contributions to community

Canada West player of the year and CIS Tournament MVP Carla Bradstock (middle) (Women’s Volleyball) led the T-Birds to the national title in her final season.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide NCAA DIVISION II Opening Its Doors UBC Athletics and Recreation began discussing the possibility of joining the NCAA in the 1990s during an internal review of the department. The internal review prompted the development of a Business Plan outlining NCAA membership as a future goal. At the 2008 NCAA Convention, In 1997, Simon Fraser University applied to the NCAA but was denied application due to an NCAA bylaw restricting participation to American the NCAA Division II membership institutions. In 2005, UBC began talks with the NCAA regarding the voted to accept a 10-year Pilot possibility of changing this bylaw. Project to allow Canadian At the 2008 NCAA Convention, the NCAA Division II membership voted to accept a 10-year Pilot Project to allow Canadian institutions to apply institutions to apply for membership for membership in the NCAA Division II. An overwhelming 97% of in the NCAA Division II. members voted in favour of the Pilot Project. After 10 years, the NCAA will undertake an evaluation of the costs and benefits of participation. Should a Canadian institution become an active member of the NCAA Division II prior to this evaluation, it would be allowed to maintain its membership regardless of the evaluation’s outcome.

Women’s and men’s hockey will now call the Thunderbird Arena home. This 7,000- seat state-of-the-art venue was built in partnership with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

UBC VANCOUVER’S CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE NCAA DIVISION II

World University Games team member Sammie Starr (Baseball) makes a play at second for the T-Birds this past season.

PURSUING EXCELLENCE Why is UBC Vancouver Considering Membership in the NCAA Division II? UBC’s Trek 2010 vision commits UBC to being one of the world’s best universities and to giving our students exceptional opportunities. UBC believes that the needs and interests of students come first. In the opinion of UBC Athletics and Recreation, this means giving student- athletes the choice and the opportunity to stay in Canada — and specifically at UBC Vancouver — where they can pursue their academic and personal ambitions, including athletics, at one of the world’s best universities. UBC Vancouver is a charter member of the CIS, has a rich history of participating in intercollegiate athletics in Canada and is considered to be a leader in Canadian university sport. However, to offer student- athletes the best opportunities possible, UBC Athletics believes change is needed. Changing Landscapes The landscape of Canadian Interuniversity Sport is changing. Recently, there has been an increasing number of newly accredited universities joining or seeking application to join the CIS, particularly within the Canada West Conference in which UBC competes. The addition of new schools such as Thompson Rivers University (Kamloops), the University of the Fraser Valley (Abbotsford) and in the near future, Vancouver Island University (Nanaimo), the University of Northern British Columbia

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide (Prince George) and UBC Okanagan (Kelowna) to the Canada West Conference reduces the number of games UBC Vancouver plays against top-tier athletic programs such as the University of Alberta, the University of Victoria and Simon Fraser University. It also dilutes competition and may influence student-athletes to pursue athletics elsewhere. Furthermore, in the past 10 years the NAIA has experienced a drop in its United States membership of approximately 40%, as many of the top NAIA institutions have moved their programs to the NCAA. It is widely acknowledged within Athletic Competition and Opportunities intercollegiate sport that the United In its pursuit of excellence, UBC Vancouver seeks the highest level of States offers the highest level of athletic competition and the very best competitive opportunities for its student-athletes. UBC Athletics and Recreation recognizes the NCAA intercollegiate competition in Division II as UBC Vancouver’s most suitable option in this regard. North America and provides the It is widely acknowledged within intercollegiate sport that the United most competitive opportunities for States offers the highest level of intercollegiate competition in North America and provides the most competitive opportunities for its its student-athletes. student-athletes. UBC Athletics has enjoyed considerable success in the CIS and is recognized as one of the premier athletic programs in Canada, winning 41% of national championships in the 13 CIS-sponsored sports it has competed in over the past six years. Intercollegiate competition in the United States has proven a greater challenge. Over the past six years, UBC Vancouver has won just 7% of national championships in the 7 NAIA-sponsored sports it has competed in.

2008 Bobby Gaul Memorial Trophy co-recipient Anthony Wright (Men’s Field Hockey), one of seven Thunderbirds to suit up for Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, seen on the field for Canada in a game against France in 2007.

Examples of comparative competitive opportunities for UBC athletes in the NCAA Division II

Track and Field1

Total Annual Indoor/ Regular Conference National Association Competitive Opportunities Outdoor Season Meets Championship Championship for Student-Athletes

CIS Indoor 0 1 1 2 NCAA Division II* Indoor 5 1 1 7 Outdoor 9 1 1 11

* The NCAA Division II offers both indoor and outdoor track and field. Student-athletes normally compete in both, resulting in an average of 18 competitions annually.

Cross Country1

Regular Total Annual Conference Regional National Association Season Competitive Opportunities for Championship Championship Championship Meets Student-Athletes

CIS 0 0 0 1 1 NCAA Division II 4 1 1 1 7

Swimming2

Regular Total Annual Conference National Association Season Competitive Opportunities Championship Championship Meets for Student-Athletes

CIS 0 1 1 2 NCAA Division II 8 1 1 10

1. UBC Vancouver currently competes in NAIA in track and field and cross country and this offers significantly more competitive opportunities than the CIS. 2. UBC Vancouver currently competes in the CIS in swimming; however, UBC Vancouver augments its competitive schedule with a series of non-conference invitational swim meets.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide It is important to note that Athletic Financial Aid In addition to the changing competitive landscape, one of the major membership in the NCAA ongoing issues in the CIS is the inability to increase financial aid to CIS Division II is an opportunity to student-athletes. Athletic financial aid at UBC Vancouver is currently limited by the national governing body of university sport in Canada to enhance athletic competition and tuition and fees. This limit on athletic scholarships puts UBC Vancouver opportunities for UBC Athletics at a disadvantage in attracting high-performance student-athletes. UBC Vancouver strives to recognize and reward the excellence of and Recreation. While UBC’s student-athletes in the same manner that meritorious students in other global academic prominence would fields are recognized and rewarded. NCAA Division II membership would allow UBC Vancouver student-athletes to receive aid covering bring a distinguished reputation the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and other to the NCAA in general, and to university-related expenses. the NCAA Division II specifically, Losing Elite Student-Athletes The high level of competition in the NCAA, coupled with increased the majority of NCAA Division II athletic opportunities and the lure of full scholarships, continues to attract a significant number of Canada’s elite student-athletes to institutions do not compare to UBC institutions in the United States. The financial support and level of in academic standing. athletic competition and opportunities in the NCAA Division II would enable UBC Vancouver to counter the current drain of talent to institutions in the United States by attracting the very best student- athletes in the country. Preserving Options If UBC Vancouver were to join the NCAA Division II, the following options would be available in the future: • Return to the CIS, provided that the CIS adopts a more liberal approach to athletic financial aid as well as a two-tiered system of competition • Remain in the NCAA Division II • Seek membership in the NCAA Division I

Erica McGuinness (Women’s Basketball) capped off her T-Bird career in style with her third CIS title and is the team’s all-time leading scorer with 2,523 points.

10 NCAA DIVISION II CONFERENCE OPTIONS

UBC Vancouver is considering invitations from two separate conferences — the Pacific West Conference and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Members of these two conferences are outlined in the charts on the following pages. For purposes of comparison, these charts are followed by a chart outlining the members of the Canada West Conference with whom UBC Vancouver currently competes. Non-Conference Opportunities NCAA Division II bylaws dictate contest minimums for member institutions across sports, regulating both conference and non- conference play. Non-conference competition is an essential part of a team’s schedule each season. Not only are non-conference results taken into account in the selection process for regional and national championships, but non-conference play also provides opportunity to compete outside the conference against some of the top athletic programs in the NCAA Division II. Championship Opportunities In a given season, regional and national championships provide additional opportunities to compete against the top athletic programs from across the NCAA Division II. Potential opponents could include NCAA Division II institutions such as Grand Valley State University (enrolment of approximately 23,000), University of California, San Diego (enrolment of approximately 25,000), and San Francisco State University (enrolment of approximately 29,000).

UBC men’s basketball taking on University of Victoria in front of a packed house in 2006.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide 11 UBC Vancouver

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrolment UBC Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia 1908 Public 43,114

Great Northwest Athletic Conference (NCAA Division II)

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrolment University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, Alaska 1954 Public 17,000 University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, Alaska 1917 Public 9,380 Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington 1891 Public 10,145 Montana State University – Billings Billings, Montana 1927 Public 4,600 Northwest Nazarene University Nampa, Idaho 1913 Private/Nazarene 1,630 St. Martin’s University Lacey, Washington 1895 Private/Catholic 1,628 Seattle University Seattle, Washington 1891 Private/Catholic 6,123 Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington 1891 Private/Methodist 3,773 Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon 1856 Public 5,000 Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington 1893 Public 13,069

Pacific West Conference (NCAA Division II)

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrolment Private/Non- Academy of Art University San Francisco, California 1929 8,646 sectarian Brigham Young University Hawaii Laie, Hawaii 1955 Private/LDS 2,400 Chaminade University Honolulu, Hawaii 1955 Private/Catholic 2,132 of Honolulu Dixie State College of Utah St. George, Utah 1911 Public 7,000 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona 1949 Private/Baptist 13,000 University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo, Hawaii 1941 Public 3,045 Private/Non- Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, Hawaii 1965 9,000 sectarian Notre Dame de Namur University Belmont, California 1851 Private/Catholic 1,600

12 Canada West Conference (CIS)

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrolment

Brandon University Brandon, Manitoba 1899 Public 2,280 University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta 1908 Public 33,370 University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta 1966 Public 24,400 University of the Fraser Valley Abbotsford, British Columbia 1974 Public 6,550 University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, Alberta 1967 Public 7,370 University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba 1877 Public 21,950 University of Regina Regina, Saskatchewan 1911 Public 17,760 University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 1907 Public 14,970 Simon Fraser University Burnaby, British Columbia 1965 Public 14,660 Thompson Rivers University Kamloops, British Columbia 1970 Public 5,510 Trinity Western University Langley, British Columbia 1962 Private 2,350 University of Victoria Victoria, British Columbia 1963 Public 13,100 University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Manitoba 1871 Public 6,230 Vancouver Island University* Nanaimo, British Columbia 1969 Public 4,930 University of Northern British Prince George, British Columbia 1990 Public 2,500 Columbia* University of British Columbia Kelowna, British Columbia 2004 Public 4,864 Okanagan*

*Vancouver Island University, University of Northern British Columbia and UBC Okanagan have applied to join the Canada West Conference and the CIS.

NCAA DIVISION II Rules and Regulations Member schools must adhere to the rules, regulations and operating bylaws of the NCAA Division II. The control and responsibility for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics in the NCAA is exercised by the member institution. Within the NCAA Division II, compliance regulations including recruiting, eligibility and financial aid are more comprehensive than the CIS and NAIA. For instance, if UBC Vancouver were to join the NCAA Division II, potential student-athletes would have to meet the NCAA Division II qualification status, which includes writing the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), a standardized test for post-secondary admissions in the United States. This is an expense that would be borne by the applicant. UBC Athletics and Recreation has been reviewing the requirements and believes that it can maintain compliance as it has done with the CIS and NAIA. In order to meet the requirements of membership for the NCAA Division II, UBC would also need to seek recognition and accreditation from a US-based university-accrediting body. UBC is currently accredited in Canada but has not yet sought accreditation in the United States.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide 13 NCAA Division II Sports The NCAA Division II offers 25 sports that have national championships. Of the 25 sports, UBC Vancouver currently offers 17.

ncaa division II sports Sports Offered at UBC Vancouver Baseball Football Swimming, M Basketball, M Golf, M Swimming, W Track & Field Basketball, W Golf, W (Outdoor), M Track & Field Cross Country, M Rowing, W (Outdoor), W Cross Country, W Soccer, M Volleyball, W Field Hockey, W Soccer, W Sports Not Offered at UBC Vancouver Lacrosse, M Lacrosse, W Softball* Tennis, M Tennis, W Track & Field (Indoor), M Track & Field (Indoor), W Wrestling

*UBC Vancouver will be starting softball as a club sport in September 2008.

Olympian Annamay Pierse (Women’s Swimming) rewrote the CIS record books this year with records in the 50, 100, and 200 metre breaststroke as she led the UBC women’s swim team to their 11th consecutive national title.

14 While the majority of sports offered by UBC Vancouver are offered at the NCAA Division II level, some sports are operated differently. Men’s Volleyball has no NCAA-sanctioned divisional structure; however, it is offered within the NCAA Championship structure, meaning that teams from all three NCAA divisions compete for one national championship. Ice Hockey is not offered at the NCAA Division II level. In addition, NCAA men’s hockey regulations are significantly different from the CIS regulations under which we currently operate. As a result, if we were to join NCAA Division II, men who play in the major junior hockey league (a common route to NHL participation) would not be eligible to be part of the UBC varsity hockey team. If we were to join the NCAA Division II, UBC Athletics believes that we would successfully field both men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams. Despite the absence of hockey in NCAA Division II, UBC Athletics and Recreation believes that there are two viable options to offering varsity-level competition in this sport. The options include: • Competing as an independent program in the NCAA. Men’s and women’s hockey would play against both Division I and Division II opponents, but would not be eligible to compete for the Division I national championship. • Continuing to explore the potential of becoming a Division I hockey program once the moratorium on Division I membership is lifted in 2011. Discussions regarding potential options for men’s and women’s hockey are ongoing.

UBC alum Brian Johns is the most decorated athlete in CIS history, with 33 gold medals and one silver medal to his name. He is also a three-time Olympian and he set a world record at the 2003 CIS Championships.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide 15 Further discussion is required at DUAL MEMBERSHIP the CIS level before UBC will know CIS and NCAA Division II The CIS does not currently have a rule within its bylaws prohibiting dual whether dual membership in the membership across athletic associations. Several Canadian institutions CIS and in the NCAA Division II have dual membership, competing in both the CIS and the NAIA or the CIS and the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA). is an option. NCAA regulations would allow member institutions based in Canada to continue to play an NCAA-offered sport within the CIS, provided that teams and athletes adhere to NCAA eligibility rules. Further discussion is required at the CIS level, however, before UBC will know whether dual membership in the CIS and in the NCAA Division II will be permitted by the CIS.

UBC Football players celebrating their 1997 Vanier Cup win over the University of Ottawa.

16 COMPARING ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS

Comparing the CIS, the NAIA and the NCAA Division II The following chart provides a brief synopsis of three athletic associations: Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. UBC Vancouver currently has 13 varsity sports that compete within the CIS and seven that compete within the NAIA.

association factors cis naia ncaa division ii Number of 52 298 282 member schools Number of conferences 4 25 22 Tuition and fees Tuition and fees Athletic financial Books and supplies Tuition and fees Books and supplies aid limit Room and board Room and board Other university-related expenses

Must pass 18 credits in an Must pass 24 credits in an Must pass 24 credits in an academic year academic year academic year Basic academic eligibility Must be registered in a Must be registered in a Must be registered in a requirements minimum of 9 credits minimum of 12 credits minimum of 12 credits for student-athletes* No grade point average Must maintain minimum Must maintain minimum requirement grade point average of 2.0 grade point average of 2.0

Years of eligibility 5 4 4

19 13 25 Number of sports offered (UBC Vancouver (UBC Vancouver (UBC Vancouver competes in 13) competes in 7) offers 17)

*If UBC were to join the NCAA Division II, potential student-athletes would be required to write the SAT.

Comparing UBC Vancouver and the Average NCAA Division II Member Institution The information below includes only NCAA Division II sports; Volleyball (M) and Hockey (M/W) are not included.

average ncaa division ii factor ubc vancouver member institution Average number of student-athletes Men: 213 Men: 167 in NCAA Division II sports Women: 148 Women: 114 Average undergraduate enrolment 23,464 3,449 Average total operating expenses $3,700,000 $2,740,000 (w/football) Men: 8 Men: 6.4 Average number of teams per institution Women: 9 Women: 7.1 Number of sports offered 17 25

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide 17 MEMBERSHIP IN THE NCAA DIVISION II

UBC remains committed to Potential Benefits of Membership in the NCAA Division II Could Include: maintaining a vibrant and • Strengthening opportunities for student-athletes while fulfilling UBC’s commitment to the best possible educational experience. broad-based intramural sport • Improving competitive opportunities and athletic financial aid for and recreation program and athletic student-athletes: Keeping Canada’s best student-athletes in Canada facilities that ensure a wide range • Fostering greater alumni involvement of opportunities for all UBC • For all students: enhancing school spirit and pride students. These programs and • Raising and enhancing the profile of the University (media exposure, etc.) access to facilities would not be Potential Challenges of Membership in the NCAA Division II Could Include: compromised if UBC Vancouver • Pressure to take the next step and pursue membership in the NCAA Division I were to become a member of the • American (NCAA) vs. Canadian (CIS): the effect of UBC’s departure NCAA Division II. from Canadian Interuniversity Sport • Institutional reputation: Perception that the pressure to win at all costs is greater in the NCAA Division II • Uncertainty about how Hockey (M/W) would compete • Whether dual membership in the CIS and in the NCAA Division II will be an option • Economic impacts of joining NCAA Division II: Increased travel expenses Increased fundraising for scholarships for student-athletes • Competition for donations: academics vs. athletics • Increased level of compliance: rules and regulations

CIS Libero of the Year Blair Bann is a key member of the men’s volleyball squad that has finished in the top five in each of the past two seasons at the CIS Championships.

18 CONSULTATION TOPICS

1. Financial Aid Despite lobbying efforts by member schools over the years to increase athletic financial aid to CIS student-athletes, the CIS limits athletic aid for student-athletes to tuition and fees only. The NCAA Division II allows student-athletes to receive aid that includes the costs of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses related to attendance at the University. The high level of competition in the NCAA, coupled with increased athletic opportunities and the lure of full scholarships, continues to attract a significant number of Canada’s elite student-athletes to institutions in the United States. The financial support and level of athletic competition and opportunities in the NCAA Division II would enable UBC Vancouver to counter the current drain of talent to institutions in the United States by attracting the very best student- athletes in the country. UBC Vancouver is committed to providing the best opportunities for our student-athletes and keeping the best Canadian student-athletes in Canada. 2. Potential benefits and challenges of NCAA Division II membership This Consultation Discussion Guide identifies some potential benefits and challenges for UBC Vancouver associated with NCAA Division II membership. Please identify other potential benefits or challenges. 3. Level of support for UBC Vancouver’s application for membership in the NCAA Division II Taking into consideration the information presented in this Consultation Discussion Guide, we are asking members of the campus community to indicate whether they agree or disagree that UBC Vancouver should proceed with an application for membership in the NCAA Division II. 4. Advisory Committee Should the University ultimately join the NCAA Division II, an Advisory Committee consisting of key stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, student-athletes, coaches and alumni) could provide ongoing oversight and input regarding UBC Vancouver’s membership in the NCAA Division II. It could report on community relations issues, media coverage, academic standard reports, benefit measures and other key topics. The Advisory Committee could also assist in the evaluation of UBC Vancouver’s membership after an initial period, such as after the first year of full membership.

The T-Bird women’s golf team has won an impressive 10 straight NAIA Region 1 titles, as well as national banners in 2001 and 2004.

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide 19 20 perf

k Form Feedbac

should UBc vancouver apply for membership in the ncaa division II?

For items 1, 3 and 4, please circle one of the listed responses to indicate your level of agreement. 1. Financial Aid Please indicate your level of agreement to the following statement: “Increased athletic financial aid for student-athletes through NCAA Division II membership is important.” Agree Agree Neither agree Disagree Disagree Strongly Somewhat nor disagree Somewhat Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Comments:

2. Potential benefits and challenges of NCAA Division II membership Please identify benefits you think may be associated with UBC Vancouver’s potential membership in the NCAA Division II.

Please identify challenges you think may be associated with UBC Vancouver’s potential membership in the NCAA Division II.

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3. Level of support for UBC Vancouver’s application for membership in the NCAA Division II Do you agree or disagree that UBC Vancouver should proceed with an application for membership in the NCAA Division II? Agree Disagree 1 2 Comments:

4. Advisory Committee Please indicate your level of agreement with the creation of an Advisory Committee responsible for advising UBC Athletics and Recreation regarding NCAA Division II membership in the event that UBC Vancouver decides to proceed with an application for membership. Agree Agree Neither agree Disagree Disagree Strongly Somewhat nor disagree Somewhat Strongly 1 2 3 4 5 Comments:

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Additional Comments Please provide any additional comments regarding UBC Vancouver’s potential membership in the NCAA Division II.

About you (optional) I identify primarily as (check the box which best describes you):

Alumnus/Alumna Student

Faculty member Student-Athlete

Friend of the university Thunderbird council member

Member of the public UEL resident

Staff member Varsity Coach

Please provide your contact information (optional):

Name

Address Postal Code

Phone Email

Any personal information that you provide on this form is collected and protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Consultation Deadline Feedback from the campus community and other stakeholders will be received until October 22, 2008. For further information or to submit your feedback form: UBC Vancouver NCAA Division II: Mailing Address: Telephone: 604-822-6979 UBC Alumni Association Fax: 604-822-8928 6251 Cecil Green Park Road E-mail: [email protected] Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 Web: www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa

NCAA Division II: Consultation Discussion Guide 23 perf THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

UBC Vancouver NCAA Division II: Telephone: 604-822-6979 Fax: 604-822-8928 E-mail: [email protected] Mailing Address: UBC Alumni Association 6251 Cecil Green Park Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 www.students.ubc.ca/ncaa