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Oct. 22, 2001
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Continuing a dialogue that began almost a year ago, newly promoted Director of Athletics Craig Littlepage presented the University of Virginia Board of Visitors on October 19 with a five-year plan for improving the overall sports program while maintaining academic excellence, fiscal prudence and compliance with NCAA and federal regulations.
The five-year plan calls for $8.3 million in additional operating support by the 2006 fiscal year ($13.1 million when adjusted for the anticipated inflation). Of the $13.1 million figure, $3.8 million would be needed just to maintain the current level of operations. Another $6.3 million would go toward program improvements, with $3 million to establish a contingency and capital fund.
The bulk of the additional money would come from increased student fees ($3.7 million) and private support ($7.2 million). The latter figure includes $3.6 million in income from a $100 million endowment the department hopes will be in place by 2006, Littlepage said.
The plan’s priorities include maintaining at least the current level of performance, then providing additional support for academic advising, sports medicine, the strength and conditioning program, and budget increases for individual sports.