Intercollegiate Sport Consideration

Criteria for Consideration of the Elevation or Addition of an Intercollegiate Sport

Wake Forest University (“the University”) is invested in providing equitable and meaningful intercollegiate participation opportunities for its students. In addition to other measurements of interest and ability, the University is guided by the following criteria when considering the proposed addition or elevation of a sport program for students, including those who participate at
the club or intramural level.

Students who are interested in participating in a sport that is not currently supported at the varsity intercollegiate level may submit a proposal to add a sport. All submissions received in an academic year will be reviewed at one time for the fair evaluation of competing proposals (if any).

In preparing proposals, students are encouraged to review the criteria set forth below. Proposals must be submitted in writing and emailed to the Director of Athletics and to the Deputy Athletic Director/ Chief Operating Officer / SWA / Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

In connection with the application, the University will consider the following factors when deciding whether to add or elevate a sport.

– Impact on Gender Equity
The University will consider the gender equity impact of any proposed sport addition and/or evaluation on the overall intercollegiate athletics program.

– Interest and Ability
The University will consider the level of interest in the proposed sport among its student population, including those who are admitted to attend the University. The University will review the prior and current athletics participation of its interested students, as well as the interest and sponsorship level of the proposed sport at the high school level within
the University’s intercollegiate athletics recruiting geographic area.
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– Competitive Opportunities
The University will consider the level and extent of available intercollegiate competitive opportunities within the University’s conference, travel area, at the NCAA Division I level, or competitive opportunities within other divisions; provided, however, that the competition would need to be as reasonable, appropriate, and meaningful compared to opportunities available for existing sport programs. The University will consider any “sample” competitive collegiate schedules that are advanced in support of a request to add or elevate a sport.

– Facilities
The University will consider the existence of (and or plans for the creation of)
appropriate practice, competition, and locker room facilities necessary to sponsor the requested sport, including the impact any new sport may have on existing sport programs. Where new facilities may be required to accommodate the proposed sport, the University will consider sport requirements, related zoning issues, anticipated costs, and funding
sources.

– Costs
The University will consider the overall investment and annual costs necessary to maintain the proposed program at a level that is equitable to its existing intercollegiate sports, including initial capital investments, personnel, and annual operating costs.

– Support Staff and Services
The University will consider the impact that the addition or elevation of a sport will have on the support staff (equipment, medical, mental health, nutrition, strength, and communications) and the services they provide.

– Revenues
Although there is no expectation that an intercollegiate sport be able to sustain itself financially, the ability of a program to generate revenue may be an additional indicator of interest and support for a program. For this reason, the history or potential of fundraising or other forms of revenue generation, and the relative level of financial support and interest from community members and alumni will be considered.

– Other Relevant Factors
The University will also consider any additional relevant factors that may be included in a proposal submitted to add and/or elevate sports.