Northridge Faculty Has Second Thoughts : Senate: Concern over funding for move to NCAA Division I cited by teachers.

The uneasy marriage of academics and athletics at Cal State Northridge took a turn for the worse Thursday when the university’s faculty senate approved a motion expressing concern over the intercollegiate athletic program’s move to NCAA Division I.

The motion, as presented by math professor David Ostroff, centers on finances. The faculty senate believes that the athletic program is receiving funds that could be put to better use in instructional programs.

While the motion leaves athletic program officials disappointed, it does not constitute an official action. CSUN will stay at Division I in all sports except football for at least three years. That is the minimum period required by the NCAA after a division change unless the university fails to fulfill the obligations of its divisional status.

Just two years ago, the senate unanimously approved the move, but the economic climate since has changed dramatically. Like all universities in the Cal State system, CSUN’s budget was cut this school year, by $6.6 million. As a result, the Oviatt and South libraries are closed on Sundays except before final exams, fewer classes are being offered and faculty research projects have been delayed.

During the hourlong discussion several senators gave impassioned pleas about spending money on athletics when students are on waiting lists for classes and cannot use the library. But CSUN President James W. Cleary assured the senate: “Not one red cent of lottery monies goes to athletics.

“There is at least some implication that the athletic department receives more funds than it is entitled to,” Cleary continued. “That simply is not true. It receives the state monies it is entitled to in the formula of the state system. In terms of this budget reduction, this department will expect to suffer every other cut that other departments are going through.”

But Louise Lewis, chairwoman of the Educational Resources Committee, wants to be sure that the faculty is carefully monitoring the athletic program’s dollars.

“We want to send out a signal that we want to be consulted and involved,” she said.

Cleary, however, already has established a watchdog that includes faculty members and students. The University Intercollegiate Athletic Oversight Board will be in place by Oct. 22.

It might clear up the misconceptions referred to by by one senator who was unsuccessful in his bid to have the motion tabled: “I am amazed by the lack of scholarship and research,” he said. “I don’t think there has been any clarification about what this whole thing is about.”

For example, several senators expressed concern that the athletic program is getting funds from the Cal State Northridge Foundation that should go to “instructionally related activities.” But the foundation can do what it wants with its money.

The foundation’s board of trustees decides where its money, gained primarily from food services and the campus book store, will go. And it comprises six faculty members as well as six students and three administrators, including Cleary. It not only grants funds to athletics, but it provides funds for everything from band uniforms to faculty research projects.

Another sore spot with senators is the full-time equivalent or FTE program with regard to the athletic program. The state bases its funding on the number of FTEs--students taking at least 15 academic units.

“Those people (coaches) are not earning their keep as far as FTEs,” senate faculty member Dr. Jane Bayes said.

She was immediately corrected. Not only do CSUN coaches gain FTEs by teaching in the kinesiology and physical education department but by coaching. In the Cal State system, participation in a sport is considered a course.

Bayes also said: “It is difficult to believe we are not going Division I in football when we are building a stadium.”

Cleary said the stadium has been in the works for 20 years and that it is needed for commencement exercises, football, soccer and concerts.

The voice of the students at the meeting came from Michelle Cooper, student body president.

“I am not an athlete but I still feel athletic programs benefit students. Many students who participate might not otherwise be able to attend a university and their athletic participation often provides their motivation for academics.”

Bob Hiegert, CSUN athletic director, was particularly disappointed with the senate’s motion.

“Emotionally, it is not a very happy afternoon,” he said. “A lot of the issues discussed in there were on an emotional level. What we do with regard to FTEs and meeting the formula of the state is our business. We’ve had it reviewed by the appropriate administrators.”

He added: “We’ve had a successful run for 20 years (in Division II). We’ve outlived our mode. Division II does not fit the pattern any more. We started this change five to six years ago. We worked through the proper channels.”

Hiegert and Cleary also noted that the difference in budget between Division II and Division I could not solve CSUN’s funding problems.