Spring 2018

Department of Athletics unveils its new strategic plan, “Together We Win.” The plan, which was soft-launched in 2017, builds on the “Carolina Leads” plan launched in 2012 and focuses on three priorities: Student-Athlete, Coaches and Staff, and the Carolina Community.

Fall 2017

Process Review Group (formally known as the Student-Athlete Academic Initiative Working Group) completes second cycle of reviewing and updating processes for student-athletes.

Department of Athletics begins first full semester of redesigned Carolina Leadership Academy.

Through Heel Camp, the Department of Athletics updates the way it welcomes student-athletes to campus and how it introduces them to departmental expectations.

As part of its constituent engagement initiative, the Department of Athletics creates a Data Governance Committee and structure in collaboration with Information Technology Services, the Office of University Development, The Rams Club and the General Alumni Association. This new approach ensures data security and appropriate uses of data in ways that support the campus community and enhance the department’s engagement with all University constituents.

Spring 2017

Department of Athletes hires first full-time psychologist for athletics.

Department of Athletics initiates new programming aimed at preventing sexual assault and interpersonal violence.

Spring 2016

Department of Athletics updates the student-athlete exit interview process and improves frequency of completed exit interviews.

Fall 2015

University launches Academic Processes for Student-Athletes website (www.apsa.unc.edu), which provides details of the Student-Athlete Academic Initiative Working Group’s review and analysis of 21 comprehensive processes related to student-athletes and academics at UNC.

Department of Athletics begins hosting annual joint meeting of Faculty Athletics Committee and Athletics’ Head Coaches and Administrative staff. The meeting agenda and format encourages open discussion of opportunities to support student-athlete academic progress and achievement. As a follow-up to meeting, the Faculty Athletics Committee and/or Department of Athletics assigns responsibility for post-meeting actions.

Fall 2014

The ASPSA team of professional academic support specialists who work with students to develop MAPs develops a Collaborative Support Model. This model serves as a framework that promotes collaboration among the learning specialists, academic counselors, and tutor coordinators in creating supportive and effective MAPs for each student-athlete.  The academic counselors work individually with the student-athletes to discuss their proposed academic plans, gathering feedback, making appropriate adjustments, and finalizing the MAPs.

The Provost’s Office and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) establish regular meeting including Department of Athletics, Registrar and ASPSA to improve communication and coordination. The CARE meeting (Compliance, Academics, Registrar for Excellence) facilitates discussion between key parties regarding current national topics, NCAA rule interpretations, educational scenarios, and processes that cross over several divisions.  The meeting is chaired by the FAR.

Summer 2014

ASPSA Academic Success Workshops are developed to provide opportunities over and beyond the University’s regular orientation program for new students. The goal of the workshops is to expose entering student-athletes to fundamental skills needed for the transition from high school to college.

Spring 2014

The Inaugural Scholar-Athlete Awards Luncheon is held in April 2014.  The annual event provides an opportunity to celebrate the high academic achievements of student-athletes with faculty, staff, and fellow student-athletes.

Summer 2014

University launches Complete Carolina, an enhanced degree-completion program providing financial support, academic advising and career counseling to former student-athletes who return to complete their degrees at any time. The goal is to encourage all student-athletes to graduate and makes the process more accessible. (Refer to http://unc.edu/campus-updates/complete-carolina-strengthens-commitment-to-former-student-athletes-undergraduate-education/.)

Fall 2012

Faculty Athletics Committee implements a plan to ensure consistent, sustainable outcomes and practices as part of a fact-based approach to evaluating the alignment of the University’s academic mission with athletics. Each committee member is assigned a topic area for review and monitoring (such as advising, admissions or student-athlete experience) and is assigned a sports teams to evaluate the culture and issues that affect student-athlete academic success. (Refer to http://faccoun.unc.edu/committees-2/elected-committees/athletics-committee/.)

Summer 2012

Department of Athletics reorganizes personnel to provide sport programs and student-athletes additional administrative support and oversight. With the reorganization, sport oversight increases from two people for 28 teams to 18 people with specific roles and responsibilities. The department is further strengthened with the hiring of two additional staff members: a senior associate athletics director who oversees the compliance staff and serves as the liaison to ASPSA with the clear understanding that academic functions are independent of athletics; and an associate athletics director with a legal background for risk management who leads Academic Progress Rate improvement plans and risk analysis. In addition, an associate athletics director for compliance, who leads an evaluation of compliance systems, is added in 2013.

Spring 2012

Department of Athletics completes a comprehensive analysis that leads to the strategic plan, “Carolina Leads.” Announced in January 2013, its mission is to educate and inspire through athletics with key strategic emphasis on University Alignment, Academic Achievement, Athletic Achievement and Administrative Engagement. “Carolina Leads” calls for additional resources and staffing to ensure greater support for student-athlete academic and athletic success. (Refer to http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205865095.)

As part of “Carolina Leads,” goals are required for each unit and sports program in the Department of Athletics. Each unit is required to provide goals in the following six areas: student-athlete experience, academics, competition, compliance, finances and service. These goals enhance record-keeping and progress.

Fall 2011

University hires new Director of Athletics, new head football coach and coaching staff. In effort to improve communication within Department of Athletics and between University community, Director of Athletics invites Faculty Athletics Representative to attend Head Coaches meetings and participate in department-wide functions.