Colonial States Athletic Conference

I. Introduction                                                                             

II. Letter from CSAC President & Commissioner                      

III. Purpose, Fundamental Principles, Vision & Motto             

IV. Organizational Structure                                                       

V. Strategic Action Plan

VI. Timeline

The mission of the Colonial States Athletic Conference is to provide quality, broad-based athletics experiences to the student-athletes of its member institutions. Consistent with the philosophy, values and goals of its members and (the) NCAA Division III, the conference provides for equitable treatment of all student-athletes, ensures every sport is valued, and places importance on participation and reaching one’s potential. The conference supports the educational missions of its members and the holistic development of the student-athlete.

In December 2006 the Colonial States Athletic Conference [CSAC] made the decision to create a strategic action plan to be named “Game Plan 2010.” This strategic action plan represents the ideas and thoughts of the various stakeholders of this conference regarding its future. The primary focus of this important plan is the CSAC student-athlete. Therefore the goals largely reflect the desire of the Conference to provide outstanding athletic experiences for each student-athlete in the Colonial States Athletic Conference.

The conference worked with a national consulting firm, Alden & Associates, Inc. in the creation of the plan. The firm specializes in assisting colleges, universities, and athletics conferences in numerous organizational management tasks, including strategic planning. Elizabeth "Betsy" A. Alden, Ph.D. has served as director of athletics at a number of colleges and universities, particularly at the NCAA Divisions II and III levels.

The “Think Tank Group” met with Dr. Alden and from hard work and serious thought emerged Game Plan 2010 that is presented in this document. Every primary area, as designated by the Think Tank Group, of the athletic conference was presented and discussed. Feedback, via a survey format, was requested from chief executive officers, senior administrators, faculty athletics representatives, coaches, athletics support staff and student-athletes. The Think Tank Group considered the survey results in the creation of this plan and upon close scrutiny of the document many of the survey response ideas can be found in the actual plan.

In addition, the Conference has made serious efforts to not only understand the current economic climate but to also present goals that will be realistic and obtainable in the next three (3) years. The Conference understands it is important to utilize institutional resources in an efficient way, i.e., to ensure fiscal confidence as it relates to the Conference budget. The Conference also understands the importance of preserving institutional autonomy as it relates to decisions regarding the Conference and its future.

It should be noted that this plan is more of an action plan for the Conference then a strategic document. The Conference is clear regarding its mission and overall needs from a strategic perspective. Thus, an actual action plan with specific goals and objectives was needed to provide direction through 2010.

An important emphasis within this plan is the desire to increase the visibility of the Colonial States Athletic Conference across its member campuses, the regional community, and the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. This three-year strategic action plan’s secondary mission is to take the Colonial States Athletic Conference to a new level. Integral to that goal is the need to become more competitive, to continue to develop the Conference Office, to gain increasing community support for the intercollegiate athletics programs that comprise the Colonial States Athletic Conference, and to build an identity and marketing niche through re-branding and specialized programming. This secondary mission can be measured utilizing varying existing “barometers” of success such as the Presidents’ Cup standings, conference/league championships, and post-season success.

The Colonial States Athletic Conference is poised to make positive changes regarding its organizational structure and conference programming. All of these changes will benefit the student-athletes who are served by this athletics conference. Game Plan 2010 provides growth and direction regarding the future of the Colonial States Athletic Conference.   

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To Members of CSAC,

With the landscape of intercollegiate athletics changing every day, the CSAC continues to evolve to include new and long standing members in its development as a NCAA Division III conference. These are exciting times for the Colonial States Athletic Conference -- the next three years will see tremendous growth.

This strategic action plan was developed with input from the varied constituents of our Conference. We thank the “Think Tank Group” and everyone who shared their perspective during the process of putting the plan together. Most importantly, thank you for your dedication and commitment to the Colonial States Athletic Conference.  

We hope you will find “Game Plan 2010” energizing and promising for the future. Our aspiration is that the plan will be a dynamic, living document that will direct our decisions, help us to stay on course, and, at the same time, free us to dream and envision the Conference’s future beyond the years of this plan.

Thank you and best wishes for a joyous end of semester on your campus.

                                                                                                Rosalie Mirenda

                                                                                                Chair, CSAC Board of Directors

                                                                                                Amy J. Friedman

                                                                                                CSAC Commissioner

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ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE

2.1 This Pennsylvania non-profit corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. This Corporation will have the purposes or power as stated in its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, and whatever powers are or may be granted by the Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or any successor legislation.

2.2 The Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) was formed in 1992 to meet the needs of small, independent, regionally accredited, residential four-year colleges in Eastern Pennsylvania that share common academic philosophies and goals and that place primary emphasis on the academic progress of students. The purpose of the CSAC is to:

2.2.1 Operate as an athletics conference governed by the Presidents of the member institutions, who shall establish and enforce the policies of the Conference.

2.2.2 Foster and support the belief that the playing field is an integral aspect of the total educational experience imparted by each institution in the development of participants' skills in self-discipline, teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

2.2.3 Legislate through Bylaws and Operating Regulations, on all areas of concern to members in the conduct of intercollegiate athletics under the umbrella of the Conference, thus promoting harmony and uniformity among member institutions.

2.2.4 Enable members to schedule competition in a conference that meets the demands of the student-athletes and their academic programs and allows student-athletes to experience growth in physical and mental skills as well as an appreciation for the rewards of adequate preparation and superior performance.

2.2.5 Conduct CSAC Championships in team and individual sports under the rules of the NCAA which prepare participants for NCAA Championships participation. Encourage and promote the highest ethical standards in athletics participation.

2.2.6 Guide student-athletes to experience pride that comes with representing an organization and not just themselves, with the added responsibility of proper conduct, as a meaningful shared experience.

 

ARTICLE 3 – FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

3.1 Principle of Education. The concept of the true student-athlete is the basic precept of the CSAC. Members of the CSAC place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience of student-athletes and their successful completion of their education. Member institutions seek to provide an environment in which athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athletes' educational experience.

3.2 Principle of Compliance. The Conference and its members place confidence in the integrity of each member institution to abide by all Conference and NCAA Division III rules and regulations. All competitions shall be conducted with an expectation of a high level of sportsmanship.

3.3 Principle of Opportunity. Neither membership in, nor services provided by the organization will be denied to anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry or medical condition. Each member institution is devoted to providing equal opportunities in athletics for men and women on campus.

3.4 Principle of Institutional Control. The control and responsibility for the conduct of each member institution’s intercollegiate athletics program shall be exercised by the respective institution through the President of that institution. Member Presidents shall ultimately be responsible for the policies and directives of the Conference.

3.5 Principle of Institutional Engagement. Membership in the conference requires a level of institutional commitment and engagement in meetings of the Board of Directors, the Management Council and the Administrators Council. It is understood that participation of the President is essential and goes hand-in-hand with the Fundamental Principle of Institutional Control.

3.6 Principle of Amateurism. An amateur athlete is one who meets the definitions prescribed by the NCAA and any other limitation that may be required of the membership in this conference.

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CSAC Vision & Motto – “S - P - O - R - T”

Scholarship                  The conference supports the active recruitment of student athletes as a means of achieving the educational aims of each member institution. Student-athletes are integrated into the mainstream of the entire student body, receiving the same privileges accorded to every student. A student-focused approach viewed as an important element of a well-rounded education, CSAC institutions encourage widespread student participation in athletics and other campus groups and activities.

leadershiP             The conference stresses the values and benefits of athletics participation in leadership development. A fundamental belief that team and individual sports provide learning and leadership opportunities, CSAC institutions strive to create an athletics environment supportive of leadership through learning.

cOllaboration                   The CSAC seeks to promote keen competition, the highest level of sportsmanship and the strongest performance possible in each sport. CSAC members strive to continually develop and strengthen themselves with the goal of recognition and success in conference and NCAA regional and national competition.

service                              The highest service a college can render its students is to prepare them for life, emphasizing respect for individuals, concern for the environment, and social responsibility. The members of the CSAC encourage men and women of all backgrounds to shape their lives as leaders in service to others, thereby engaging students in lifelong civic responsibility, a commitment to ethical decision making and socially responsible community participation.

inTegrity                         CSAC institutions are responsive to the needs and interests of both female and male athletes, and are governed by principles of fairness and equity in their approach to funding, staffing and overall support for all sports. The highest standard of ethical conduct and fair play are respected among the CSAC members with each member expected to fully comply with all NCAA, CSAC and institutional rules and regulations in the operation of its athletics program.