Rockhurst University Department of Athletics Strategic Plan. Rockhurst University Mission. Mission Alignment. Core Values Alignment

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1 Rockhurst University Department of Athletics Strategic Plan with AY Objectives Rockhurst University Vision Rockhurst University will be nationally recognized for transforming lives and forming leaders in the Jesuit tradition. Inspired by the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this Catholic university community seeks to make God s good world better through learning, leadership, service, and the pursuit of justice. Mission Alignment Rockhurst University Mission Department of Athletics Mission Rockhurst University exists to transform lives by creating a learning community centered on excellence in undergraduate liberal education and graduate education. Rockhurst is Catholic and Jesuit, involved in the life and growth of the city and the region, and committed to the service of the contemporary world. Rockhurst Athletics exists as an extension of the university and is committed to the development of the student-athlete, fostering leadership, and serving as stewards of the core Jesuit values including learning, leadership and service. Core Values Alignment At Rockhurst, core values are behavioral aspirations. They reflect fundamental beliefs about how faculty, staff and students intend to conduct themselves in pursuit of mission and vision, consistent with our Jesuit identity. Rockhurst University Core Values Department of Athletics Core Values Finding God in All Things Magis (i.e., Excellence in All Endeavors) Reflection and Discernment Cura Personalis (i.e. Care for the Whole Person) Contemplation in Action Wisdom (as the product of the search for God in all things, the striving for more, and the care of the whole person) The Department of Athletics is committed to the promotion of all six university core values. The Jesuit value of Magis is at the core of all athletic endeavors. Rockhurst Athletics = Magis in Action Other Athletics Core Values Include: Accountability: Rockhurst student-athletes must remain accountable to themselves as well as their teammates, coaches, instructors, and the university. Ambassadorship/Stewardship: Through our studentathletes conduct, athletics will serve as a steward of Jesuit values for the university. Leadership: Athletics will act as a furtherance of leadership which is at the core of a Rockhurst education. Development: Athletics is committed to the core Jesuit value of cura personalis. Our coaches and administrators care for our student-athletes and assist in their physical, mental, social, and spiritual growth.

2 Compliance: As a proud member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), athletics will faithfully observe the rules and regulations of those governing bodies. Quality: Athletics aspires to provide outstanding coaches, mentors, staff, facilities, equipment, and opportunities for our student-athletes. Integrity: Athletics will provide an environment of open, honest communication between student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the university, as well as promoting sportsmanship with our opponents, and exemplifying grace in victory and in defeat. Eighteen Pathways to the Vision Clustered Around Four Critical Issues In Fall 2006, over 500 university stakeholders during twelve Town Meetings helped discern eighteen Strategic Directions clustered under four Critical Issues. If our shared vision expresses where we want to be in five years, Strategic Directions express how we intend to get there. These "pathways to the vision," are broad directional statements of intent that provide a framework for more detailed planning. They are challenging but realistic, achievable within three to five years. Early each Fall, the Rockhurst Community identifies AY Objectives under each Strategic Direction. These objectives are crafted to be specific, measurable, aggressive [but attainable], results-oriented, and time-bound targets toward accomplishment of a Strategic Direction. Listed below under each Strategic Direction are the Athletics Department objectives for Critical Issue #1: Transforming Lives Consistent with Core Jesuit Values University Strategic Direction 1: Identify & celebrate how Rockhurst s Jesuit identify influences what students learn, how students learn, and why students learn; promote use of Ignatian pedagogies that both enrich student learning and differentiate a Rockhurst education on the basis of our Jesuit identity. Athletics Strategic Direction 1: Identify and celebrate Rockhurst s Jesuit identity influencing how student-athletes compete and promoting what differentiates a Rockhurst student-athlete from other institutions. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 1: Student athletes will be recognized for sportsmanship and be cumulatively ranked in the top third in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem and Head Coaches] Student athletes will be recognized for athletic performance and be cumulatively ranked in the top third in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Selected student athletes will also be recognized for athletic performance by the NCAA, Sports Governing Organizations and the media. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem, Sports Information Director John Dodderidge & Head Coaches] 2

3 Student athletes will be recognized for academic performance and be cumulatively ranked in the top third in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Selected student athletes will also be recognized for academic performance by the NCAA, Sports Governing Organizations and the media. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem, Sports Information Director John Dodderidge & Head Coaches] University Strategic Direction 2: Through our mission of learning, leadership, and service in the Jesuit tradition, Rockhurst University cultivates a learning and living environment that encourages cura personalis, care and development of the whole person, through reflection and discernment. Within that environment, Rockhurst creates an integrative experience for students to develop skills, competencies, and values in these seven areas: LEADERSHIP: The commitment to develop the gifts and talents of self and others to make a positive difference in the world. COMMUNICATION: The ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts and with awareness of purpose and audience. INTERNATIONAL AND CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING: The appreciation of cultural differences and commonalities, and the ability to interact with sensitivity and alertness as citizens of the world. CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING: The ability to search for knowledge, investigate questions, and apply information in a systematic, discerning, and innovative manner. ETHICS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: The commitment to create a more just world and to live with integrity, humility, tolerance, and empathy. ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE: The capacity to assimilate and apply a broad range of skills, knowledge, and abilities to a chosen field of study. SELF FORMATION: The discovery and cultivation of spiritual, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Athletics Strategic Direction 2: Through our mission of development and stewardship in the Jesuit tradition, Rockhurst Athletics is led by coaches and administrators who encourage cura personalis, care and development of the whole person. Within that environment, Rockhurst Athletics provides an experience for student-athletes to develop individual skills, competencies, and values in these five areas: LEADERSHIP: Develop the gifts and talents of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff nurturing their ability to lead. ACCOUNTABILITY: Instill pride and a sense of commitment by the student-athletes to themselves, their teammates, their coaches, their program, and their institution. SPORTSMANSHIP: Respect all opponents and accept nothing less than behavior that reflects the highest level of integrity. COMMUNICATION: Create the ability to effectively communicate amongst teammates even in the most difficult of environments. SELF-FORMATION: Discovery and cultivation of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 2: 3

4 University Strategic Direction 3: Achieve national recognition as a learning-centered institution that is known for excellence and challenges all students to realize their full potential. Athletics Strategic Direction 3: Rockhurst Athletics will provide outstanding coaches, mentors, facilities, equipment, and opportunities for all studentathletes to realize their full potential. This commitment to quality will put Rockhurst Athletics at the forefront of academic and athletic achievement at the NCAA Division II level. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 3: The majority of sports teams at Rockhurst will achieve NCAA DII Top 25 rankings in Team GPA for specific sports and achieve an 80% graduation rate. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem & Head Coaches] The majority of sports teams at Rockhurst will qualify for NCAA DII post-season participation. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem & Head Coaches] University Strategic Direction 4: Achieve national recognition for leader formation through integrative learning experiences that prepare the student for life-long transformational service. Athletics Strategic Direction 4: Rockhurst Athletics will provide experiences and promote opportunities for student-athletes, staff, coaches, and administrators to become involved in student and professional organizations and to become leaders within those organizations with emphasis on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 4: Athletics will participate fully in Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) programs within the GLVC and NCAA. [Responsible: SAAC Coordinator and Sr. Woman Administrator Cheryl McConnell] Athletics staff members will be encouraged to participate in GLVC, NCAA and professional organization committees, advisory groups and other leadership opportunities. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] 4

5 University Strategic Direction 5: Integrate, and implement ongoing and new educational programming for all constituents regarding issues of diversity, multiculturalism, global perspectives, economic inequality, and justice. Athletics Strategic Direction 5: Rockhurst Athletics will promote diversity and foster an environment of inclusion throughout our programs. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 5: Athletics will create a diversity statement that meets the Institutional Self Study Report (ISSG) requirements of NCAA DII. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem, Faculty Representative Pete Bicak and Senior Woman Administrator Cheryl McConnell] University Strategic Direction 6: Sustain programs and practices that strengthen the Jesuit and Catholic identity of Rockhurst University; make Rockhurst a model among Jesuit universities for passing on the Ignatian charism and sustaining its mission focus. Athletics Strategic Direction 6: Rockhurst Athletics practices and strengthens the Jesuit and Catholic identity of the university through healthy competition, respect for opponents, and full compliance with NCAA and conference rules by following both the letter and spirit of those rules. We will provide a quality, positive and rewarding game day and championship experience. All individuals involved with Rockhurst Athletics are expected to embrace these ideals. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 6: Athletics will follow best practices as outlined by the GLVC and NCAA for game-day management of all events. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem and assigned Game-Day Manager] University Strategic Direction 7: Rockhurst s commitment to assessment at the classroom, program, and university levels assuring that learning outcomes are achieved, student learning is improved, and satisfaction objectives are met or exceeded. Athletics Strategic Direction 7: Rockhurst Athletics will place measurable goals upon our studentathletes both on the field of play and in the classrooms and will strive to meet or exceed those objectives. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 7: All student-athletes will be measured based on NCAA initial and continuing academic eligibility standards. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem, Faculty Representative Pete Bicak] 5

6 Critical Issue #2: Enriching & Building Community University Strategic Direction 8: Increase enrollments while sustaining the high quality of incoming students; set enrollment targets that enable sustainable growth without detracting from students current Rockhurst experience, or adversely influencing student retention. Athletics Strategic Direction 8: Evaluate current squad sizes, related resource requirements/needs including coaching and support staff, and net revenue for various Athletic teams. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 8: Athletics will explore the possible addition of NCAA DII sports at Rockhurst e.g. Cross Country, Sand Volleyball, Football, and Bowling. Concurrently, Athletics will collect benchmarking data to move toward the establishment of reasonable squad sizes in all sports with particular emphasis on men s soccer and baseball. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] Athletics will explore the possible addition of full-time assistant coaches for men s & women s basketball; men s and women s soccer; and a part-time or graduate assistant coach for baseball. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] Athletics will explore the possible addition of a full-time assistant athletics director/senior woman administrator with primary responsibility for NCAA rules compliance (part of NCAA Division II best practices guide). [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] Athletics will formulate contingency plans for the upgrade of part-time head coaching positions to fulltime head coaches for men s and women s soccer. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] University Strategic Direction 9: Develop a comprehensive student retention plan with benchmarks and appropriate strategies; set annual goals for each stage of student retention as well as four and six year graduation rates; develop a corresponding graduate retention program for each graduate program; set appropriate annual goals and measure the progress towards these goals. Athletics Strategic Direction 9: Rockhurst Athletics will create an environment where all studentathletes receive the positive academic and athletic experience we have promised to assure retention of student-athletes within our program. We will utilize the uniqueness of the NCAA Division II model to establish Rockhurst as a destination for our student-athletes and ensure long-lasting stability in our athletics program. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 9: 6

7 University Strategic Direction 10: Identify resources and develop programs to celebrate and build up the gifts and talents of Rockhurst faculty and staff. Athletics Strategic Direction 10: Rockhurst Athletics will continue to provide resources to support the coaches and staff and to enhance their talents. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 10: During each academic year have at least two coaches be recognized as Coaches of the Year by the Great Lakes Valley Conference or the NCAA DII. [Responsible: Head Coaches] University Strategic Direction 11: Recruit and support a more diverse university community. Athletics Strategic Direction 11: Rockhurst Athletics will continue to meet the principles of gender equity and provide equal opportunities for student-athlete participation and employment within the athletics staff as put forth by Title IX of Education Amendments of Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 11: Athletics will continue gender equitable practices of financial aid distribution, budget allocation and venue scheduling. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem and Sr. Woman Administrator Cheryl McConnell] University Strategic Direction 12: Strengthen existing and build new strategic partnerships that both enhance a Rockhurst student experience and bring value to the community. Athletics Strategic Direction 12: Rockhurst Athletics will strengthen our partnership with our conference (GLVC) and fellow conference institutions while also remaining open to new opportunities of affiliation that would benefit the university both financially and through an enhanced presence in the region. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 12: 7

8 Critical Issue #3: Ensuring Financial and Infrastructure Strength University Strategic Direction 13: Balance the university budget by AY without use of Seminar Corporation revenues or endowment resources in excess of the amount designated for operations. By AY , accrue surplus revenues of $2 million each year, and develop an effective debt management strategy. Athletics Strategic Direction 13: Rockhurst Athletics will work within out budget and explore opportunities to increase revenues. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 13: Athletics will complete a Budget Pro Forma document providing a recent history of both revenues and expenses with a projection for future years. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] University Strategic Direction 14: Enlarge and sustain a culture of philanthropy and stewardship in order to: [1] secure the necessary philanthropic resources to advance the Rockhurst University mission and achieve our shared vision; and [2] provide all stakeholders of the Rockhurst community, the opportunity to fulfill their own philanthropic interests and to see their endeavors benefit our university. Athletics Strategic Direction 14: Rockhurst Athletics will work to increase philanthropic support from individuals and local businesses to advance our mission and provide opportunities to develop our facilities and programs. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 14: Athletics will continue to work with the Advancement team to develop an integrated annual-giving program. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem & Head Coaches] University Strategic Direction 15: Develop and fully implement a Technology Plan that supports both Strategic Directions and the responsible stewardship of university assets. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 15: 8

9 University Strategic Direction 16: Eliminate $19.6 million in deferred maintenance by Spring By AY , accommodate deferred maintenance with budget allocations of approximately $4 million a year. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 16: Athletics will formalize facility maintenance needs priority list for inclusion in the University s deferred maintenance plan. Projects identified to date include: Entry Doors to Mason-Halpin Lobby; relamping lights at Soccer, Baseball & Softball Fields; electrical and air conditioning upgrades to Mason-Halpin. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] University Strategic Direction 17: Provide direction for the on-going creation of both five-year and 20-year campus master plans based on emerging directions from the overall planning process. Athletics Strategic Direction 17: Rockhurst Athletics will work with the university and participate in and provide input and feedback for the school s five-year and 20-year campus master plan. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 17: Athletics will continue to provide athletics facility projects priority lists for inclusion in the University s Master Plan and identify needs for potential donors and fund-raising events e.g Golf Tournament. Projects identified to date include: Baseball Dugouts, Mason-Halpin Lobby Renovation, Restroom & Concession Building for Baseball/Softball. [Responsible: Director of Athletics Richard Konzem] 9

10 Critical Issue #4: Establishing Rockhurst s Identity / Increasing Public Awareness University Strategic Direction 18: Increase the institution s capacity for sustainable strategic brand management. Athletics Strategic Direction 18: The President s Council will engage in a strategic discussion related to Athletics, especially related to future conference affiliation, sport offerings, and resource requirements that contribute to the overall mission of the University. Athletics AY Objective[s] Supporting Strategic Direction 18: Rockhurst Athletics will attempt to schedule non-conference contests in venues/cities to maximize awareness of Rockhurst University for prospective students and alumni. [Responsible: Director of Athletics, Richard Konzem & Head Coaches] Rockhurst Athletics will implement an Athletics Ambassador Program designed to let student-athletes introduce elementary school children to college athletics and Rockhurst athletics specifically. [Responsible: Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)] o o o The program will provide an opportunity to the student-athletes to gain experience in public speaking in a relatively low-stress, fun environment talking about a topic for which they have a passion. It also provides early exposure of the Rockhurst community to children and will encourage attendance to Rockhurst athletic events. The program will focus on local Catholic grade schools but will be open to any school interested in hosting a staff member and student-athletes. 10