Current Situation
Letter for Marcella Zalot, Director of Colby Athletics:
Today, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Lori Kletzer announced that the College has reached a cost-sharing agreement that will help ensure the continuity of club rugby at Colby. The agreement divides the expense among three parties. The College will assume the majority of the expense at $35,500 annually. Supporters—primarily alumni and parents—will contribute approximately 27 percent ($17,500), and players will pay a $200 participation fee to account for the remaining 20 percent, or $13,000, at current levels of participation.
The College will provide direction, guidance, and administrative support for fundraising efforts on behalf of the club. These fundraising efforts must be complete before the start of each season (with the exception of the 2014-15 season, which the College will cover). Following 2014-15, if in any year the fundraising portion is incomplete by June 30, the College has the discretion to suspend the rugby program for the following season.
This model is the result of many prolonged and meaningful conversations with some of the program’s most loyal supporters. It also represents a significant increase in funding from the College to provide the staffing necessary to address the health and safety challenges inherent in the sport. A review, which will include appropriate student leadership, coaches, administrators, and alumni, will be conducted following the 2016-17 academic year.
Today, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Lori Kletzer announced that the College has reached a cost-sharing agreement that will help ensure the continuity of club rugby at Colby. The agreement divides the expense among three parties. The College will assume the majority of the expense at $35,500 annually. Supporters—primarily alumni and parents—will contribute approximately 27 percent ($17,500), and players will pay a $200 participation fee to account for the remaining 20 percent, or $13,000, at current levels of participation.
The College will provide direction, guidance, and administrative support for fundraising efforts on behalf of the club. These fundraising efforts must be complete before the start of each season (with the exception of the 2014-15 season, which the College will cover). Following 2014-15, if in any year the fundraising portion is incomplete by June 30, the College has the discretion to suspend the rugby program for the following season.
This model is the result of many prolonged and meaningful conversations with some of the program’s most loyal supporters. It also represents a significant increase in funding from the College to provide the staffing necessary to address the health and safety challenges inherent in the sport. A review, which will include appropriate student leadership, coaches, administrators, and alumni, will be conducted following the 2016-17 academic year.