VANCOUVER 鈥� The University of B.C. today announced that, as part of its review of its athletic programs, the varsity sports that have secured their status for the coming years.
And men's hockey isn't on the list.
The team sports confirmed for varsity status are: Football, men's and women's basketball, women's field hockey, women's hockey, men's rugby, men's soccer and women's volleyball. The individual sports are: Men's and women's cross-country, men's and women's rowing, men's and women's swimming and men's and women's track and field.
With this move, 16 of the current 29 varsity teams have securing their status for the coming years, says UBC. At the end of February following a second-stage assessment, a number of other teams are expected to be added. No team has been excluded after stage one.
"Overall, advisory assessment team members were consistent in their evaluations and we are basing our decision on their findings," vice-president of students Louise Cowin said in a statement. "The process has been revealing and is leading us to boost financial support for the teams."
Cowin says as of April 2014, the university will direct an additional $500,000 to varsity athletics and $300,000 to the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The total $800,000 annual increase includes a $300,000 contribution to the Millennium Scholarship Breakfast, announced last November.
There is a news conference scheduled for noon at the university to discuss the findings.
The university's sport review advisory team is in the midst of examining the athletics department and determining which teams should stay at the varsity level.
Varsity teams are being graded on a number of criteria set out by the university, including success in competition, coaching strength, history, alumni support and even attendance, which is traditionally low for most sports on campus.
The review process has generated strong opposition from some alumni and current donors with many concerned some teams are being unfairly targeted for their high cost and lack of recent success.
Teams slated to lose varsity status will have a chance to appeal and will also be given an opportunity to figure out alternate funding arrangements.
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