In a pivotal meeting Wednesday, the University Senate passed revisions to the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee that would require the University Athletics Department to consult the committee on a wide range of issues. The Senate also unanimously approved the Oregon Transfer Module, pending approval by the Joint Boards of Education.
The IAC is comprised of faculty members, students and classified employees and was created to “promote greater understanding, for the University community, of intercollegiate athletics and the relationship between academics and athletics,” according to the University of Oregon Committee Information Web page. It also advises the administration, the athletic director and the University Senate regarding policies within the University
Athletics Department.
Professor Suzanne Clark was the chair of the Task Force on Athletics from 2001 to 2004. She, along with the task force, helped formulate the recommendations added to the IAC responsibilities “to improve the integration of academics and athletics under the University’s mission.”
The revisions to the IAC substantially expanded the responsibilities of the committee. The sweeping revisions stipulate that the Athletics Department consults the committee before making “any proposed changes … in any practice that could affect the academic or financial standing of students who are athletes,” according to a memo titled “Revision of Intercollegiate Athletics Committee Charge and Responsibilities.”
The Athletics Department also must consult the IAC on “any decisions … that potentially change the financial landscape of athletics,” decisions regarding facility use, the scheduling of athletic events, the “addition or termination of sports teams” and the hiring of head coaches.
Professor Jim Isenberg, chair of the IAC, said the revisions should not be considered a vindication of the Athletics Department.
“The Athletics Department is generally doing … very good,” Isenberg said. “The recommendations are to help them continue doing a good job.”
He added that it “brings
faculty voices into Athletics Department deliberations.” The motion passed unanimously.
The Senate also passed a motion that articulated the reporting responsibilities between the University Senate and University Athletics Department. Under the revision, the athletic director will be required to provide a “State of the Athletic Department” report in winter term, according to a memo titled “Communication between University Athletics and the University Senate.” The chair of the IAC will be required to provide a report on the activities of the IAC and will also include “an assessment of the consistency of athletic policies and practices with the academic mission of the University” during spring term. In addition, the faculty athletics representative will be required to report on national and
local changes in athletics.
Also, the motion stipulated the reports be posted on the University Senate Web site before University Senate meetings.
The Senate also unanimously
approved the Oregon Transfer
Module pending final approval by the state’s Joint Boards of Education. The Oregon Transfer Module will make it easier for students in Oregon community colleges to transfer
credits to Oregon universities.
The module outlines a set of courses in three categories that must be completed with a C- or better to achieve the Transfer Module. The credits will transfer to the receiving university and will count toward a student’s general education requirements although students may have to take additional courses to fulfill the specific university’s general education requirements.
Some faculty members expressed concern that the courses offered at community colleges won’t be
comparable in quality to the courses at the University.
But University Senator Peter Gilkey, who spoke in support of the module, said the module actually raises the bar because it requires that students get a C- or higher, whereas transfer students previously had to achieve a D- or higher to achieve an Oregon transfer degree.
“It actually improves standards,” he said. “This is beneficial for
our students.”
In other business, Gilkey
nominated chemistry professor Paul Engelking to fill his position as representative to the Inter-institutional Faculty Senate. The Senate unanimously approved his nomination.

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