Northridge Committee Has Its First Meeting

A committee formed to review the Cal State Northridge athletic department met for the first time Tuesday night and will convene monthly beginning in August.

The President’s Advisory Board on Intercollegiate Athletics consists of eight faculty members, three students, two alumni and is chaired by Jim Goss, executive associate to President Blenda J. Wilson.

Formation of the board was prompted by a task force recommendation last fall that the president’s office directly oversee the athletic department. The task force was mandated by the state legislature after Northridge temporarily cut four men’s sports.

Goss gave the committee a list of several areas of responsibility. Included are complying with gender-equity laws, ensuring that athletes make strong academic progress, reviewing budgets and facilities, and improving community relations.

“The committee will also have an opportunity to respond to any decision made behind closed doors before it is made public,” Goss said.

Faculty on the committee include: James Bracy of the Pan-African studies department; Sarah Hall, special education; Amir Hussain, religious studies; William Jennings, finance; Louise Lewis, art; James Sefton, history; faculty athletic representative Tom Shannon; and softball Coach Janet Sherman.

Track athlete Nick Hamlin is the only student selected so far. The other two will come from Associated Students. Alumni members are Laura De Valencia and Steven Parker.

The committee will be ongoing and appointments are for two years, Goss said.