STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Mr. Ben Hartung, Chief Information Security Officer and Chair of the Committee
• Ms. Sarah Cartmill, Head Coach for Women’s Basketball
• Mr. PJ Gondek, Head Coach for Men’s Soccer and Assistant Athletics Director
• Dr. Michael Jabot, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of Education, and Faculty Athletics Representative
• Mr. Michael Kelly, Vice President for Finance and Administration
• Ms. Angela Pucciarelli Rice, Assistant Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator
• Ms. Karen Rohr, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Fredonia College Foundation
• Ms. Kerrie Wilkes, Director of Reed Library
• Dr. Shaun Nelms, Alumnus athlete and Community Member
• Bernadette Gens, Student Athlete
• Dr. Tracy L. Stenger, Interim VP for Student Affairs
• Mr. Jerry Fisk, Director of Athletics and Ex-officio
MISSION
The mission of the State University of New York at Fredonia (“Fredonia State”) Department of Athletics and Recreation is to provide student-athletes a preeminent academic and athletic experience in NCAA Division III by placing the highest values on wellbeing, diversity and gender equity, sportsmanship, and excellence.
Our vision is to foster an elite student-athlete experience by providing the opportunities and environment for them to succeed in athletics and all aspects of life.
Section II
Wellbeing
Together we focus on the holistic wellness of student-athletes and the Athletic Department staff, ensuring a culture that values life balance, social, financial, intellectual, occupational, environmental, physical and mental health.
Diversity and Gender Equity
Together we foster an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative environment with opportunities that provide all student-athletes and Athletic Department staff the ability to succeed on and off the field.
Sportsmanship
Together we prepare student-athletes and Athletic Department staff to champion University values, promote the highest standards of integrity, and serve the greater community.
Together we enable our student-athletes and Athletic Department staff to be consistently competitive while striving for academic and athletic excellence at all times.
To achieve our vision and deliver on our values, five strategic focus areas have been identified. Each focus area has several strategic objectives designed to drive execution.
WELLNESS and WELLBEING
Provide a preeminent studentathlete model in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics through our continued commitment to the holistic wellness and wellbeing of our student-athletes and Athletic Department staff.
a. Create and sustain a sense of belonging with a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff and alumni.
b. Enhance our professional development programming for studentathletes with targeted internship programs, experiential learning opportunities, and building connections with external organizations.
c. Improve our professional development programming opportunities for the Athletic Department staff with participation in professional memberships, conferences, and training opportunities.
d. Develop partnerships and programming with student support and academic departments to support the overall wellbeing of studentathletes (e.g. early registration, priority advising, internships, interdisciplinary programs, credit for sports participation etc.).
e. Create a culture that fosters a strong sense of community; demonstrate appreciation and reward high achieving studentathletes and professional staff (e.g. Championship Rings, community service awards, etc.).
f. Evaluate and align departmental practices with the 2024 NCAA Mental Health Best Practices for Understanding and Supporting Student-Athlete Mental Wellness.
g. Enhance our support for the physical health and wellbeing of our student-athletes and Athletic Department staff.
h. Ensure there is on-going assessment and compliance with Title IX Equal Opportunity in Intercollegiate Athletics at Fredonia State.
ACADEMIC and ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
Optimize the ability of our studentathletes to consistently compete at a high level across our entire academic and athletic portfolio.
a. As part of the (new/upcoming) Facilities Master Capital Plan, engage in an assessment of athletic facility conditions and analysis of space needs to ensure that the safety of student-athletes remains campus’ highest priority and Fredonia’s facilities provide high-quality and competitive areas of play.
b. Utilize technology, innovation and partnerships with the campus and community to deliver an elite student-athlete and athletic event experience.
c. Continue to attract, retain and develop high-caliber coaches and staff to ensure the highest possible development of our studentathletes.
d. Implement an athletic program health assessment model and planning cycle to ensure the catalog of sports offered is current and sustainable.
e. Evaluate current and additional athletic programs to ensure that the catalog of sports offered at Fredonia State reflects NCAA Division III conference, recruiting, and the retention strategies of the University.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Consistently work with our partners across the university, alumni and the western New York community through regular communication, outreach, support, and engagement.
a. Focus on building strong connections and fostering rich engagement with our campus and surrounding communities.
b. Design and implement programming to increase attendance at sporting events making Fredonia State athletic events a destination.
c. Implement continuous process improvement practices and feedback mechanisms to ensure the Fredonia State Athletics experience is preeminent.
d. Leverage our athletics infrastructure as multi-use and multifunctional spaces to make the most efficient use of our resources while building strong relationships with the greater western New York community (e.g. regional sporting clubs, events, partnerships etc.).
e. Explore athletics-specific programming and structure for the campus community through additional sports club options, intramural and recreation leagues, sporting camps and events throughout the year.
f. Partner with other campus departments to bring a higher degree of structure and standardization to club sports offered at Fredonia State.
g. Enhance visibility on campus and throughout the region through local papers, social media, community service events, and alumni involvement (internships, employment opportunities, their professional experience, etc.).
h. Explore partnerships with Academic departments and Alumni to develop and implement value added experiential learning opportunities.
TRADITION
Raise the prominence of the Fredonia State Athletics brand and enhance our community impact by delivering an engaging studentathlete experience and strong lasting traditions.
a. Build school spirit through the establishment, planning, and promotion of traditions, creating a more vibrant and engaged campus environment, where everyone feels that they are part of the Fredonia State athletic experience.
b. Enhance the Fredonia State athletic event experience through updating pre-game and in-game promotion, programming leveraging new technology, and additional fan engagement opportunities.
c. Partner with the School of Music and other key stakeholders to develop and implement a premiere Pep Band that incorporates our elite student musicians and vocalists and enhances athletic events offered at Fredonia State.
d. Partner with Marketing and Communications to ensure that Fredonia State Athletics branding is clear, distinguishable across higher education, and accurately represents the department.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
Support
efficient and effective management of our financial resources that promote recruitment, retention, and an elite studentathlete experience.
a. Develop and implement a multi-year plan to adequately fund the Fredonia State Athletic department operations.
b. Identify, fund, and provide new technology to support services and operations to enhance the wellbeing of student-athletes and staff.
c. In consultation and collaboration with campus stakeholders, seek to increase external and self-generated funding by creating new revenue opportunities while improving existing ones.
d. Work with Facilities Planning and other stakeholders on an ongoing basis (e.g. at least annually) to ensure the Facility Capital Master Plan is in alignment with operational and strategic needs of the department.
e. Ensure that adequate staffing, support, and funding are provided for intercollegiate conference competition for student-athletes and the Athletic Department staff (e.g. equipment, meals, lodging, and transportation).
f. In collaboration with University Advancement, develop a strategic friendraising and fundraising plan.
• Completion of Projects, Initiatives, and New Programming
• New Hires and staffing adjustments
• Recruitment and Roster Size
• Athletic Program Records
• NCAA Academic Metrics (e.g. Graduation Rate)
• NCAA Sport Sponsorship and Demographic Report
• Equity in Athletics Data Analysis (EADA)
• Retention Rate for student athletes
• Sports Program Health Assessment Form
• End of season student-athlete assessments
• End of year staff feedback and assessments
• Alumni engagement percentage
• Fundraising levels and goals for the department and by sport
• Student-athlete wellbeing assessment (e.g. PHQ9)
• Prevalence and incidence health data
• Evaluation measures to ensure programs and services are effective and meeting the wellness and well-being needs of student-athletes
• Community service hours
• Tracking fan & student-athlete attendance at sporting events / Gate revenue
• Quality improvement measures and satisfaction surveys
• Engagement with external groups participation in specialized events / attendance at Fredonia State Athletics events
Section VI
• Fredonia Strategic Plan: https://www.fredonia.edu/strategic-plan-2023
• Fredonia Strategic plan implementation plan: https://sites.google.com/fredonia.edu/strategicplantoolkit/home
• NCAA Division III Philosophy Statement: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2013/11/14/division-iii-philosophy-statement.aspx
• NCAA Division III 3 D’s: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2014/1/13/the-three-d-s.aspx
• NCAA Division III 2023-24 Facts & Figures: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/about/d3/D3_FactsandFigures.pdf
• NCAA Division III Priorities: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2021/5/11/our-division-iii-priorities.aspx
