CMU trustees add women's golf, lacrosse

Move ensures continued compliance with Title IX

December 06, 2012 —

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees met for the final time in 2012 to discuss items ranging from women’s athletics to a performance evaluation of President George E. Ross.

Trustees approved a recommendation from the university’s Gender Equity Committee that women’s NCAA Division I golf and lacrosse be added to provide equitable athletics participation and educational opportunities for men and women. The measure ensures the continuation of CMU’s long-standing compliance with Title IX. The resolution also calls for the addition of up to two more undetermined women’s sports at a later date.

The board action paves the way for 2014-15 to be the first competitive season for golf and 2015-16 for lacrosse. Faculty member Judy Chandler, who chairs the Gender Equity Committee, notes that both sports are extremely popular — Michigan has nearly 350 high school golf programs and lacrosse is the fastest-growing women’s sport in the state and nationwide.

In another matter, trustees discussed and approved a favorable review of President Ross, based on personal interviews with more than 60 individuals representing a cross section of campus. The review, available here, noted significant positive steps for CMU under Ross’ leadership including:

Revitalization of the university’s strategic plan,
Launch of a shared governance committee,
Solid financial stewardship during challenging economic conditions,
Academic prioritization and investment in select programs,
The launch of new academic programs including the College of Medicine, and
The recruitment and appointment of highly qualified deans and faculty.

The report noted concerns from some faculty, especially the leadership of the Academic Senate and the Faculty Association. It also cited ongoing efforts to enhance relationships with faculty.

Other action items approved by the CMU Board of Trustees include:

The university’s vision statement and strategic priorities.
$525,000 from university reserves for continued planning and design of CMED facilities in Saginaw, bringing costs related to the design development phase to $2,275,000.
Authorization to execute a lease for 16,000 square feet at $15 per square foot for administrative office space for CMED. Funding, not to exceed $240,000 a year, would come from the College of Medicine operating budget.
Authorization to execute a lease for 2,583 square feet at $15 per square foot to provide clinical space for Dr. Sandra Howell’s medical practice. Howell is a CMED assistant professor of surgery. The $38,745 annual lease would be funded from the College of Medicine operating budget.

During his regular report to trustees, President Ross recognized a number of students, faculty and staff for their contributions and achievements. Text of the president’s full comments can be read here.