Charge
- The role of the Cornell Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education is to provide advice on how the programs of the Department of Athletics and Physical Education can best complement and support the overall educational objectives of the University.
- The committee will consult with the Athletic Director regarding how to assure an intercollegiate, physical education, intramural, and recreational program of the highest quality. In doing so, the Committee will become familiar with and provide counsel regarding the following matters:
- Areas of continuing interest to Cornell and the Department, including admissions, academic performance of student athletes, and the overall programs, goals, and objectives of the Department.
- Issues facing the NCAA, ECAC and Ivy League.
- Schedules for fall, winter, and spring seasons for each team and the guidelines for leaves and absences for intercollegiate teams.
- The physical education requirement for students (including administering the procedure of hearing appeals from students regarding their physical education requirement for graduation). Hearing appeals from students regarding their physical education requirement for graduation).
- In addition, the committee will review and help develop in conjunction with individual athletic academic advisors:
- A strong academic advisement system for student athletes.
- A series of seminars for all freshmen athletes to cover library skills, study and reading skills, expectations of a student athlete at Cornell, etc.
- A series of meetings with the captains of the intercollegiate teams to discuss athletics and academics, and the role of the captains as academic role models.
- Procedures for working with individual academic problem cases.
Composition
Nine members of the faculty, appointed with the concurrence of the Faculty Senate, by the Nominations and Elections Committee for three-year terms.
Two student members (of which at least one shall be an undergraduate) with voting privileges, selected annually by the Staffing Committee of the Student Assembly. Reselection of a student for a second year shall be permitted. Co-presidents of the Red Key Honor Society.
The Director of Athletics is ex officio.
Except as noted specifically the committee shall be organized and operate under the rules and procedures governing standing committees of the Faculty Senate.
Adopted by the Faculty Council of Representatives, December 9, 1987, Records, pp. 6530-44C, Appendices A and B. Changes in nomenclature from FCR to Faculty Senate, and to reflect amendments to Organization and Procedures of the University Faculty, October 1995.
Where not listed as a member or chair, both the Dean of Faculty and the Associate Dean and Secretary of the Faculty, shall be a ex officio members of each committee of the University Faculty and each committee of the Senate. (Faculty Handbook, Article V Section D Part 7) (Faculty Handbook, Article VI Section A Part 3)
To: Dean De Rosa
From: Frank Rossi, Chair
Date: June 30, 2024
Subject: FACAPE Annual Report
Executive Summary
This annual report highlights the achievements and activities of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education (FACAPE) for the academic year. Our efforts have focused on three primary priorities: staying informed of essential academic and physical education data, maintaining vital academic support systems, and revisiting our committee’s charge and responsibilities. We have held several executive meetings, committee meetings, and presented important findings to the Faculty Senate. This report also marks a transition in leadership as I step down after many years of service.
1. Establishing and Addressing Priorities
Priority 1. FACAPE has prioritized staying informed of key academic and physical education data, which is crucial for the academic performance of both students and student-athletes. To achieve this, we:
- Regularly reviewed academic performance reports of student-athletes.
- Analyzed physical education program participation rates.
Our data review revealed that the athletic department’s academic performance remains exceptional, with team GPA averages consistently between 3.3 and 3.4. Notably, 10 percent of our 1100 student-athletes have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA across all semesters, while only 0.01 percent have a GPA of 2.0 or below.
Priority 2: Maintaining Academic Support and Vibrant Physical Education Programs To maintain vital academic support, we focused on:
- Strengthening the role of team faculty liaisons to ensure they provide effective academic guidance.
- Refining accommodations policies to better support student-athletes in balancing their academic and athletic commitments.
- Ensuring the physical education program remains robust and engaging.
These efforts have led to continuous strong participation in our physical education program, surpassing participation rates at other Ivy League institutions. This reflects the program’s success in engaging students and contributing positively to their overall well-being and academic performance.
Priority 3: Revisiting and Revising FACAPE’s Charge and Responsibilities
In response to evolving needs and in pursuit of improved effectiveness, we hoped to conduct a comprehensive review of FACAPE’s charge and responsibilities. This included:
- Evaluating the current scope and impact of our activities.
- Seeking feedback from stakeholders, including faculty, student-athletes, and athletic department leaders.
- Proposing revisions to better align our responsibilities with current institutional goals and challenges.
This priority was discussed but not fully executed.
2. Meetings and Presentations
Throughout the academic year, FACAPE held:
- Three executive meetings involving the FACAPE chair, NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), and Athletic Department leadership. These meetings facilitated high-level discussions on strategic priorities and emerging issues.
- Three committee-wide meetings, which allowed for broader engagement with all FACAPE members and facilitated comprehensive discussions on our initiatives and progress.
- A presentation to the Faculty Senate on the Water Competency Assessment (swim test). This presentation highlighted the importance of the swim test in ensuring the safety and physical competence of our students.
3. Program Success and Academic Performance
Our analysis indicates that student participation in physical education remains robust, far exceeding participation rates at peer Ivy League institutions. This success is a testament to the quality and appeal of our physical education offerings. Additionally, the academic performance of our student-athletes continues to be exemplary, with the athletic department achieving team GPA averages between 3.3 and 3.4. The data further reveals that 10 percent of our student-athletes maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA, while only 0.01 percent fall below a 2.0 GPA.
4. Leadership Transition
This year marks a significant transition for FACAPE as I step down after 17 years as chair and 22 years as a committee member. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity and contribute to the success of our student athletes and the broader Cornell community. I am pleased to pass the reins to Dr. Ashleigh Newman, who brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to our mission. Dr. Newman will be working closely with Dr. Moore, the Cornell Athletic Director, to ensure a smooth transition and continued excellence in our programs.
Conclusion
FACAPE has made substantial progress in addressing our priorities, supporting academic and physical education excellence, and preparing for a seamless leadership transition. Our continued focus on data-driven decision making, strong academic support systems, and program vitality will ensure the ongoing success of our student athletes and physical education programs. We look forward to another productive year under new leadership and remain committed to fostering an environment where academic and athletic excellence can thrive.
