NOTE:
The following e-mail message was sent by President Robert A. Corrigan
to SFSU students, faculty and staff on March 19, 2004
Dear SFSU
Students, Faculty and Staff:
When our
students narrowly defeated the Athletics and Intramurals Fee increase
proposal in the recent fee referendum, questions naturally arose about
the future of our athletics program. Some have urged me to override the
vote, arguing that it was close and only advisory, and that athletics
are a valuable part of the collegiate experience. It was also suggested
that I restore general fund support -- even in the face of significant
and devastating cuts in other areas of the University.
I certainly
agree that athletics have much to offer college life, but as I said in
my earlier message concerning the referendum, I am respecting the students'
choice in this case, as I did with the other referendum items. Our students
voted to tax themselves to preserve classes and services they felt they
needed. With the strong likelihood of system wide fee increases, I am
not about to overrule them and add to their fiscal burden. At the same
time, I cannot further reduce general fund support for other campus programs
that are already struggling to absorb the cuts included in the Governor's
budget for the CSU. Without the fee increase or restoration of general
fund dollars, the Athletics program budget for next year will be about
half its former size.
In the recent
Town Hall meetings on the budget, I said that budget cuts of this severity
require us to redefine the University. In the academic arena, everything
from the number of colleges to the configuration of academic programs
is under review. Now we must take the same approach to the athletics
program. I propose that we use this time of change as an opportunity
to rethink athletics on this campus and to shape a program that continues
to model the ethical best of college sports programs while at the same
time meeting with success in an arena of our own choosing.
I am proud
that we have run a program that emphasizes the "student" in
student-athlete. But I believe it is time to look again at our program,
to see how it can provide the best possible fit for this campus and the
best possible experience for our students.
Why could
we not create a new, alternative model for athletics on this campus?
One that emphasizes sports students can enjoy throughout their lives.
One that matches our best athletics facilities with appropriate sports
activities. One that recognizes, and builds on, existing excellence.
And one that is willing to make choices so that we can compete strongly
in a carefully-selected package of sports. We can rethink everything.
Many alumni,
parents of athletes and other interested members of the campus community
have good ideas and a strong interest in the future of SFSU athletics.
I believe that we need to engage a great many people in our discussion
of our Athletics program. Accordingly, I am going to establish a Task
Force on the Future of SFSU Athletics, to include widespread representation.
I will ask this group to look with hope, but also with realism, at Athletics.
What can we do very well? How much can we afford? What kind of program
will serve this campus best? I will ask the Task Force to consult broadly
across and beyond the campus and to make its recommendations to me by
mid-fall.
Budget cuts
are providing the impetus, but in this instance, as in our many other
budget-related discussions across the University, I trust that we will
approach the task not as destructive, but creative; not disheartening,
but exciting. Athletics do have a place in the life of San Francisco
State University. In this, as in all our planning, I welcome your thoughts.
-- Robert
A. Corrigan, president
Robert A. Corrigan President
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