Facing the potential of having to cut the women's soccer, men's golf and women's swimming & diving from its program, the University of Idaho went before the State Board of Eduction Thursday to request more time to erase budget deficits and present proposals that would aid in doing so. Following the hearing the board voted to grant a waiver to the university.
"This board has no interest in harming students or slashing away programs that would harm the institution," State Board of Education President Linda Clark said. "But we do need to have a fair amount of time to look at the process and take into consideration all of the factors."The State Board of Education passes the proposal. Women’s swim and dive, men’s golf and women’s soccer are currently safe from budget cuts at the University of Idaho.— Joshua Grissom (@JoshuaGNews) April 19, 2018
The waiver gives the Vandals Athletic Department time now to work on fixing a budget that has saw a million-dollar deficit in 2017-18 and expects a similar tally at the end of this season. Saving the programs, though, was key as school Vice President of Finance told the Idaho Statesman that just cutting the three programs could just shift the athletic department's budget problem to the university as a whole due to the lost student revenue. More from Idaho Statesman [+]
Part of the issue revolves around the money spent on athletics versus the amount of revenue brought to the school itself by the department. The school will be looking to have the State Board review and change the way in which the economics are calculated, chiefly changing the accounting to recognize revenue brought in by non-scholarship athletes through things such as tuition, rent, school supplies and other living expenses.
To accentuate those new calculations, the athletic department is also planning to add three sports that will have no or limited scholarships such as men's swimming, women's triathlon and co-ed rifle. More from Idaho Statesman [+]
In the few weeks since news broke that the women's soccer program could be in danger, the team and community surrounding the Vandals has been abuzz with activity. A petition immediately circulated and organizations throughout the northwest showed support. In addition, United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) pledged support, and was represented at the hearing Thursday morning.
.@KellyDopke of @VandalsSoccer to @IdSBOE this morning: “Bear witness to the value that these young woman behind me, and those who follow in our footsteps bring to the great State of Idaho.” pic.twitter.com/wXeZIIXT58— Glenn Mosley (@GlennMosley1) April 19, 2018
.@VandalsSoccer and other @Idaho_Vandals athletes out for the @IdSBOE meeting in Moscow this morning. Discussion expected on @uidaho Athletics plan. pic.twitter.com/FmzzlsdoXG— Glenn Mosley (@GlennMosley1) April 19, 2018
The @IdSBOE meeting is underway. We're giving our testimony during the public comments period this morning.#SaveVandalsSoccer pic.twitter.com/6ZTLZO6D30— United Soccer Coaches (@UnitedCoaches) April 19, 2018
Six speakers addressed the State Board of Education during its open forum this morning, including soccer captain Kelly Dopke, men's golf coach David Nuhn, and parent Mona Haas.— Joshua Grissom (@JoshuaGNews) April 19, 2018
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