Board of Trustees' Briefing Sept. 24, 2020 Strategic Plan for Intercollegiate Athletics
I. Relationship to mission, vision, values, strategic plan, annual plan and/or enterprise risk analysis: Xavier Athletics serves as the front porch for many alumni, visitors, and supporters. Xavier's affiliation with other Big East universities has connected the institution to an important new peer group, in addition to its fellow AJCU schools. A successful athletics program includes a combination of ethical decision-making, competitive success, academic achievements, and external engagement to raise Xavier's community and national profile. Done well, Athletics is a platform for other parts of campus to connect with, serving as an opportunity for admissions activities, alumni engagement, and vibrant campus life for students. Xavier's 18 sports involve 300 student-athletes and another 100 managers, student workers and interns. Collectively, the group achieves higher academic and retention measures than the overall student body, along with contributing $4 million in tuition, housing and board revenue from partial-scholarship and walk-on athletes.
II. Action requested of the Board of Trustees: Approval of MAGIS strategic plan update.
III. Summary Xavier's move to the Big East Conference in 2013 was a once in a generation opportunity. The impact of Xavier's affiliation, to compete at the highest level, to be exposed to national audiences with every game, to be counted among schools that include some of the nation's most storied collegiate basketball programs, will be felt at Xavier for decades to come. The MAGIS strategic plan that was completed in 2014 cemented Xavier's priorities and long-term direction. With the five-year traditional planning cycle wrapping up last year, a new committee was convened to look at an update to the MAGIS plan. The committee started with a look back at the successes and shortcomings in Xavier's first few years in the Big East. The group quickly assessed the fact that the foundational aspects of the plan were wellsuited to continue: Athletics' twin pillar objectives remain in place - serving as Xavier's platform for brand recognition and external engagement, while also focusing on the full development of the department's 300 student-athletes. The aspirational goal of the university's first-ever national championship remains in place, and the group spent time affirming Xavier's departmental alignment with Big East priorities. A "gap analysis" approach with this long-term plan is the crux of the document. How has each sport and departmental area performed? And how do these sports and areas stack up with Big East peers? This gap analysis quickly identifies areas of focus and attention in the coming years. This plan was completed last spring, but Covid-19 priorities prevented its presentation and approval at the May Trustee meeting. The enclosed plan will be summarized at the Trustee meeting.