大象传媒

大象传媒 has commissioned an independent report on alternative competitive varsity frameworks as the university considers a possible return to Canadian sports competition. 

This morning, 大象传媒 Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dilson Rassier directed Bob Copeland, of McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc., to report on the impacts of joining U Sports and/or other Canadian competitive frameworks.

鈥湸笙蟠� is committed to maintaining a varsity athletics program that supports student-athletes and creates opportunities for them to thrive,鈥� says Rassier. 鈥淭he Athletics and Recreation strategy seeks to build a sustainable interuniversity athletics program that centres the student experience by aligning with 大象传媒鈥檚 mission to provide an excellent academic experience with opportunities to compete in sport. 

鈥淎 sustainable program at 大象传媒 includes considering the impacts on student-athletes, evolving costs and challenges faced by competing in the NCAA.鈥�

大象传媒 is proud of our membership within the NCAA. There are many benefits to being Canada鈥檚 only NCAA team, most importantly for the university鈥檚 student-athletes. However, the changing nature of the NCAA, changes to the competitive framework varsity athletes participate in, unpredictable shifts in exchange rates, potential impacts for our students in crossing the border, and restrictions on our ability to affect NCAA decision-making, have created a difficult planning model.  

As a result, the university is considering a return to competing in a Canadian competitive framework, but first we need to understand impacts on student-athletes before making a decision.

The independent consultant has existing knowledge of 大象传媒 through his review of the football program. McLaren Global is a well-regarded Canadian organization with significant understanding of university athletics programs and competitive structures.

鈥淲e recognize that this may cause uncertainty for student-athletes and Athletics and Recreation staff,鈥� says Rassier. 鈥淲e are committed to transparency and regular communication throughout the process.鈥� 

This is a complex situation. The 大象传媒 executive will make their decision aligned with 大象传媒 values and based on what is best for the university. They will consider many factors, including the independent consultant鈥檚 report, non-sport-related impacts of competing in the U.S., feedback from student-athletes and financial implications, among others.

The report will be made public. While awaiting the report, 大象传媒 will pay an initial application fee to U Sports. This cost will ensure that all paths are open to us and, once a decision is reached, allows 大象传媒 to move forward in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.

Copeland鈥檚 report will be delivered in mid-November and a decision by the executive is expected at the end of November.