An article in the Raleigh News & Observer recently noted that the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill now claims 80 reforms have been implemented to address the deficiencies and shortfalls that contributed to the academic scandal and most recent NCAA infractions at UNC:
“Those 80 reforms – those things we put in place – I’ll put them up against anyone, for what is important and what is in place.”
~Carol Folt, UNC-CH Chancellor
Last April, I posted an article listing the 70 Actions and Initiatives UNC had published on its Carolina Commitment Web site, which corresponded to the previously claims of "70 Reforms." I hadn't noticed that since then, the University had posted 10 additional items, now bringing the total to 80. UNC has grouped them by category, but I was interested in seeing them chronologically. Informally, UNC refers to these collectively as "reforms." On their Web page, they are listed as actions, initiatives, changes and new practices, as well as reforms.
I've already listed 1-70 at the page linked above. The 71-80 are listed below:
Summer 2014
71. 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.
Fall 2014
72. 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.73. 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 2015
74. Department of Athletics implements a new Equipment Policy that more effectively governs issuance and retrieval of athletic equipment.
Fall 2015
75. 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.76. Two Faculty Athletics Committee designees participate in the process of examining student-athlete class enrollments.
77. 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.
Spring 2016
78. University establishes Student-Athlete Academic Process Review Group to regularly review each of the 21 processes described by the Student-Athlete Academic Initiative Working Group. Comprised of a broad base of University leadership, faculty and students, the Process Review Group will ensure oversight and effective monitoring of these processes.79. Department of Athletics refines athletic camp protocols to improve monitoring requirements for safety and risk management.
80. Department of Athletics implements enhanced policies and procedures regarding business and financial matters, including purchasing, receiving, transportation, budgeting and reimbursements.
This is the current list as of September 25th, 2016. Since the Carolina Commitment page states these "reforms and their adoption are ongoing," updates on this blog will be made as they occur.
