FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ Website Responses
The Gender Equity Plan Task Force would like to thank the community for its interest and for its insightful questions and comments. The following are responses to the most frequently asked questions/comments by the public submitted to the Task Force via our website. All questions/ comments were provided to and considered by the Task Force members. The issues raised have been helpful in the overall assessment of the current athletic program and in formulating recommendations for future action through the Gender Equity Plan. Please note that all answers have been reviewed and approved by the full membership of the Task Force.
What is the definition of Title IX?
What is the test of Gender Equity as defined by the NCAA?
Where are the surveys used to question the coaches and student-athletes?
What was the charge to the Gender Equity Plan Task Force?
Does the previous Gender Equity Plan play a role in writing of the new plan?
What does Title IX say in regards to hiring coaches? /administrators?
Does the Fresno State Athletic Department participate in anti-discrimination workshops?
How were participants counted for purposes of Title IX compliance?
Do student-athletes annually have an opportunity to evaluate their student-athlete experience?
How is Fresno State looking to fund new sports in this time of financial hardship?
Did the Gender Equity Plan Task Force have any input on discontinuing sports in the past?
Why aren’t teams required to fundraise to meet operational costs?
Who on the Gender Equity Plan Task Force can I contact if I want additional information?
FAQ Site
Can you provide a thumbnail sketch of Title IX?
How does a university demonstrate compliance with the interests and abilities requirement?
What are the components of the Laundry List?
What is the charge of this Task Force?
How has the Task Force chosen to review the different areas?
At this time are there any concerns of which the Task Force is aware of?
Would the concerns lead to a change in programming?
What are some of the considerations when institutions add new sports?
What is the definition of Title IX?
Please refer to our website on the FAQs webpage. There are two questions relating to the definition of Title IX. Additionally, please refer to the REVIEW & FINDINGS webpage (www.csufresno.edu/taskforce/findings.shtml ). A definition of how to comply is found on Slide 6 of the PowerPoint presentation – Review & Findings. Further, the slides following (i.e. Slides 7 – 29) provide other information of how an institution may comply with Title IX.
What is the test of Gender Equity as defined by the NCAA?
An athletics program can be considered gender equitable when the participants in both the men’s and women’s sports programs would accept as fair and equitable the overall program of the other gender. No individual should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, institutionally or nationally, in intercollegiate athletics.
What does Title IX say in regards to women participating in male dominant sports such as football or men participating in women’s sports such as softball?
Title IX provides that institutions are not required to permit men or women to try out for a contact sport offered for the opposite gender. Therefore, for example, schools are not required under Title IX to allow women to try out for football.
Separate teams for men and women are permissible in non-contact sports. Where an institution offers a non-contact sport for one sex and not for the under-represented sex, Title IX guidance provides that members of the under-represented sex shall be permitted to try out for that non-contact sport.
Where are the surveys used to question the coaches and student-athletes?
Both the student-athlete and coach surveys may be found on the website. The survey instrument was developed by Christine Grant, PhD, a well known Title IX expert and advocate for equity in intercollegiate athletics programs. Dr. Grant formulated the questions while part of a similar review at the University of Iowa. Please refer to the ABOUT US webpage www.csufresno.edu/taskforce/aboutus/surveys.shtml ) or you may click on the left button "Surveys".
What was the charge to the Gender Equity Plan Task Force?
As detailed on the website, President Welty charged the Task Force as follows:
- review plans for meeting Participation and Scholarship Compliance (sport sponsorship);
- review the Laundry List;
- receive input from department staff, coaches and student-athletes;
- identify any areas that are deficient and create plans to correct;
- package a new 5-year Gender Equity Plan for the institution.
Please refer to our website on the ABOUT US webpage at http://www.csufresno.edu/taskforce/aboutus/index.shtml.
The charge is also found in the PowerPoint Presentation – Review & Findings on slide 5.
Does the previous Gender Equity Plan play a role in writing of the new plan?
As part of the NCAA certification process, the Fresno State Subcommittee on Equity and Athlete Well-Being will review the prior Gender Equity Plan. It is the charge of the current Task Force, however, to analyze the present status of the department and create a plan from this point forward into the future.
What does Title IX say in regards to hiring coaches? /administrators?
Title IX provides certain aspects of coaching shall be evaluated when comparing the overall athletic program for female student-athletes to that provided for male student-athletes. The Office for Civil Rights Investigators Manual provides that the review shall focus on whether or not male and female student-athletes’ are provided equitably qualified coaches. With regard to administrators, a Title IX review asks whether or not men’s and women’s teams are provided equitable administrative support and does not address the hiring of administrators. Fresno State complies with all federal and state laws with regard to the hiring of coaches and administrators in the Department of Athletics.
Does the Fresno State Athletic Department participate in anti-discrimination workshops?
Fresno State has provided workshop opportunities for its staff and student-athletes in the areas of anti-discrimination and harassment and it will continue to do so in the future.
Why did the Gender Equity Plan Task Force decide to comply with Title IX using Prong 1 rather than Prong 2 or Prong 3?
Please refer to our website on the REVIEW & FINDINGS webpage (www.csufresno.edu/taskforce/findings.shtml). The answer can be found on Slides 8 – 11 of the PowerPoint presentation. In short, Fresno State currently is in compliance with Prong I of Title IX in that it offers participation opportunities for male and female student-athletes in proportion to the current full-time undergraduate enrollment for men and women. For this reason, both Prong II (less than full compliance in light of a history and continuing practice of program expansion for the underrepresented sex) and Prong III (less than full compliance due to a determination that the underrepresented sex is not as interested or does not have the athletic ability to compete at the Division I level) do not apply to Fresno’s program.
How were participants counted for purposes of Title IX compliance?
The participant count was completed using the participant definition set forth in the 1996 Clarification of the Three Part Test published by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The Office of Civil Rights, the agency who monitors compliance, requires the number to be calculated by counting the number of active student-athletes on each sport roster on the first day of competition of that sport and the number of any medical "non-counters." In its review, the Task Force took into account whether or not current squad sizes ensure that all student-athletes have an equitable opportunity to participate and the recommendations for sport additions reflect their findings. Please understand that the Equity & Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) requires the count to include student-athletes whose eligibility is exhausted, but who continue to receive athletic scholarship aid.
Does Fresno State have an admissions policy to ensure the percentage of male and female students is proportional to that of the general population?
University admissions policies cannot by design discriminate based upon any "protected status" including gender, race, etc.
Do student-athletes annually have an opportunity to evaluate their student-athlete experience?
Student-athletes annually evaluate their coaches and their athletic experience for the previous season. Additionally, at the end of their careers, student-athletes have the opportunity to complete an exit interview and meet with a senior administrator to discuss their experience. Further, administrators within the Athletics Department always maintain an "open door" policy. It should be noted that student-athletes served on the Gender Equity Plan Task Force and also serve on other committees within the Department.
How is Fresno State looking to fund new sports in this time of financial hardship?
The President’s Commission on Athletics Finances was formed in February 2007. Please refer to the link: http://www.fresnostatenews.com/2007/02/athleticscommission.htm for information related to this issue. The responsibilities of the Commission are outlined in the announcement. The Commission has recently become aware of the University’s need to expand our women’s sports menu.
How do participation and scholarships affect the final decisions regarding adding or discontinuing sports teams?
Please refer to our website on the REVIEW & FINDINGS webpage (www.csufresno.edu/taskforce/findings.shtml). The answer can be found on Slides 13 – 24 of the PowerPoint Presentation. This information is the cornerstone to our decision to add to our menu of women’s sports. It is clear we need more athletic scholarships for our female athletes. Because Fresno State offers the maximum number of NCAA scholarships for all existing women’s teams, the institution must increase the proportion of scholarships provided to women either by adding new teams for women with additional scholarships or by taking away scholarships offered in existing men’s programs. After careful consideration, the Task Force recommended to increase scholarship opportunities for women.
Did the Gender Equity Plan Task Force have any input on discontinuing sports in the past?
The Gender Equity Plan Task Force was created in August 2007. No sports have been discontinued since that time. The rationale for the discontinuation of wrestling in the summer 2006 may be found on www.gobulldogs.com go to the "For Fans" button on the top navigation link there is a drop-down box which includes Wrestling FAQs.
Swimming & Diving is very popular in the Central Valley, what would need to happen for Fresno State to add Women’s Swimming & Diving back into the Athletic Department?
The Gender Equity Plan Task Force has reviewed the need to broaden the base of the women’s sports program and to enhance the "scholarships to unduplicated student athlete participation ratio." Please note in reviewing the addition of new women’s sports local interests as well as the interests among high schools and club sports in California is a consideration to the process.
Why aren’t teams required to fundraise to meet operational costs?
In order to adequately and consistently budget for men’s and women’s teams, operation budgets are funded with institutional dollars. Although the department and individual sport programs work very hard to fundraise for additional costs, such as banquets, awards, certain outside competitive opportunities, and capital projects, the opportunities and goods funded in this way also are subject to Title IX equity mandates and are monitored accordingly.
Who on the Gender Equity Plan Task Force can I contact if I want additional information?
The Gender Equity Plan Task Force will be providing additional information to the public in the near future via the website. The Task Force will be dismissed from its duties anticipated to be at the end of the Fall Semester 2007.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 is the landmark legislation that bans sex discrimination in schools, whether it be in academics or athletics. Title IX states:
"No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid."
Can you provide a thumbnail sketch of Title IX?
Title IX as it relates to Athletics requires institutions to:
- Meet the interests and abilities of the under-represented sex.
- Assure that female and male student-athletes receive athletic scholarship dollars proportional to their unduplicated participation.
- Assure the equal treatment of female and male student-athletes in the areas know as the Laundry List.
How does a university demonstrate compliance with the interests and abilities requirement?
This is normally accomplished by the use of a Three-Prong test to:
- Prong One - Provide participation opportunities for women and men that are substantially proportionate to their respective rates of enrollment as full-time undergraduate students.
- Prong Two - Demonstrate a history and continuing practice of program expansion for the under-represented sex.
- Prong Three - Fully and effectively accommodate the interest and abilities of the under-represented sex.
What are the components of the Laundry List?
- Equipment & Supplies
- Scheduling of Games & Practice Times
- Travel & Per Diem Allowances
- Tutoring
- Coaching
- Locker Rooms, Practice & Competitive Facilities
- Medical and Training Facilities & Services
- Housing and Dining Facilities & Services
- Publicity
- Support Services
- Recruitment of Student-Athletes
Why was a Gender Equity Plan Task Force (Task Force) formed to review gender equity in the Fresno State Athletics Department?
To develop and implement a 5-Year Gender Equity Plan that will be included in the NCAA re-certification process currently in progress at Fresno State.
What is the charge of this Task Force?
The Charge to the Task Force is to:
- Review plans for meeting participation and scholarship compliance (sport sponsorship)
- Review all areas of the Laundry List.
- Receive input from department staff, coaches and student-athletes.
- Identify any areas that are deficient and create plans to correct.
- Package a new 5-year Gender Equity Plan for the university.
How has the Task Force chosen to review the different areas?
The Gender Equity Task Force review process is:
- Review the meaning of Laundry List items with a consultant.
- Divide the Laundry List among the Task Force members.
- Survey head coaches and student-athletes on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on the Laundry List items.
- Select Task Force members tour Athletic facilities and meet with representatives in the service areas of the department.
At this time are there any concerns of which the Task Force is aware of?
The scholarship to unduplicated participation variance is out of the acceptable range given by the Office of Civil Rights. For the sports sponsored by Fresno State in 2006-2007, the maximum scholarship amounts would cause a 9.5% variance when compared to the unduplicated student-athletes. The OCR would like to see the variance at <1%.
Would the concerns lead to a change in programming?
Women’s teams may be added.
What are some of the considerations when institutions add new sports?
- Current NCAA sport or Emerging (NCAA term) sport?
- Does the sport have appropriate participation to scholarship ratio?
- Practical scheduling and competition?
- Conference
- Region
- Facility access?
- Interest?
- Local
- California High Schools
- California Club Teams