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CU Officials Announce Changes to Recruiting Policies
March 4, 2004
A plan for reforming Boulder campus football recruitment policies and practices was announced today by University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman and CU-Boulder Chancellor Richard L. Byyny.
The announcement follows several months of administrative review and consultation regarding possible changes in the structure and expectations for official recruiting visits.
"We believe we will have the most stringent recruiting procedures in Division I football," said Hoffman. "These initiatives are critical in our efforts to improve the recruitment program, establish high standards of behavior, and continue to emphasize our educational mission."
The changes were proposed by Byyny and approved by Hoffman as the next step in responding to recent concerns raised about football recruitment practices.
Both Byyny and Hoffman emphasized the importance of the work by Independent Investigative Committee and Special Assistant Dr. John DiBiaggio, who also will be reviewing the culture in the athletic department. Further improvements arising from their efforts will be seriously considered when they conclude their work.
"Our goal is to build a model program in athletics, including recruitment policies and practices that are the most respected in the nation," Byyny said. "With these reforms, we are taking an important step toward reaching our goal."
Hoffman acknowledged the intense scrutiny of CU's athletic department, but said she "welcomes feedback as we move forward in resolving the challenging issues before us."
Byyny emphasized that some of the current football recruiting practices, which had been enhanced several times over the past few years, will be continued or strengthened. However, he said, the new standards will:
- Strengthen and clarify behavioral expectations for recruiting visits
- Change the schedule and timing of visits
- Require adult supervision during the visit
- Establish an earlier curfew for overnight stays
- Prohibit attendance at private parties and non-approved activities
Among the changes will be a shortening of the visit from two-night stays to one night. Also, recruits will be supervised by their parents or a designated coach during the visit. The involvement of player hosts will be discontinued.
All activities attended by recruits will be planned, approved and supervised by a designated coach. Recruits will not be permitted to attend non-approved activities during the visit.
The new rules specify that recruits will not be permitted to use alcohol or drugs, attend private parties, enter bars or strip clubs, or engage in activities that violate team rules, campus policies or laws during the visit.
The current curfew of 1 a.m. will be changed to 11 p.m. on the one overnight stay. A coach will designated to document adherence to curfew.
Byyny said enforcement of the new policies will be strict. Any recruit who violates the standards will not be admitted to the university, he said. In addition, any violations by current student-athletes or coaches will result in disciplinary action appropriate to the level of severity. Also, he said any violation of the Student Code of Conduct by current student-athletes will be referred to the campus Office of Judicial Affairs for investigation and adjudication.
The process for developing the new standards included consultation with coaches, players, athletic staff and student affairs professionals, Byyny said. "Some of these revisions emerged from our administrative review, others came from the campus and athletic department community, and others were suggested by national leaders in higher education."
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