Has this been discussed?
BOARD POLICY AMENDMENT; CHANGE OF ATHLETIC CONFERENCES
Julene Miller presented the proposed changes to the Board’s Changes in Athletic Conferences policy. The
amendments would require a state university to seek the approval of the Board Vice Chair as well as the Board
Chair and the Board President and CEO before entering discussions or negotiations to join another athletic
conference and before a final decision is made and communicated to any third-party. Regent Winter stated he
does not object to the proposed amendments but questions whether it is appropriate to delegate this responsibility
to two Regents instead of having the Board make the decision. He noted he researched other systems and
understands that timing can be a factor. Regent Rolph stated that the Board’s procedures allow any Regent the
ability to amend an agenda to add an item, and a Regent could add this item if it ever arises. Regent Dicus asked
for clarification on the amendments. Regent Rolph noted the amendments add the Vice Chairman to the process
and clarify that a university must seek approval from this group before entering discussions or negotiations and
before a final decision is made. Following discussion, Regent Winter moved to approve. Regent Kiblinger
seconded, and the motion carried. The following amendments were adopted:
CHAPTER II: GOVERNANCE – STATE UNIVERSITIES
. . .
F OTHER
. . .
9 ATHLETIC CONFERENCES
Any change by a state university in its athletic conference membership shall require expedited Board
Chairman, Board Vice Chairman, and Board President and CEO approval before entering into
discussions or negotiations relative to such change. Expedited Board Chairman, Board Vice Chairman,
and Board President and CEO approval shall also be required before the final decision to change is
made and communicated to any third party. The state university chief executive officer shall make a
recommendation to the Board Chairman, Board Vice Chairman, and Board President and CEO upon
full consideration of all relevant factors, including student competition in intercollegiate sports
appropriate to the institution, fiscal resources available, and sound standards of student academic
performance