2012-13 Committee Information

To the CoSIDA Membership:

Below you will find 2012-13 CoSIDA Committees listed, with chairs, Board of Director liaisons and committee descriptions, along with committee goals and objectives for 2012-13.

We have committees looking for volunteers as well. Please get involved today with CoSIDA -- we are as strong a national organization as YOU make us!

If you are not on a committee and are interested in serving on a committee for 2012-13, please contact Debbie Copp, Chair, Committee on Committees, at dcopp@ou.edu, to indicate your interest.

2012-13 CoSIDA Committees
Find Committee Chairs, Board Liaisons, Committee Descriptions and Committee Goals & Objectives

• 2012-13 CoSIDA Committee Goals & Objectives  (PDF)  

View each committee's goals & objectives HERE

• Academic All-America
Co-chaired by Bernie Cafarelli, Notre Dame [cafarelli.1@nd.edu] and Mark Beckenbach, Ohio Wesleyan [mlbecken@owu.edu]
Board Liaisons: Mark Fleming, Moravian and John Humenik, CoSIDA Executive Director

The Academic All-America® program was initiated in 1952 and stands as CoSIDA’s largest committee. The corporate sponsor of the AAA program is Capital One. To be considered a student-athlete must be nominated by an active member of CoSIDA. The core program of the Capital One Academic All-America® committee entails that after a district vote, the elected candidates form a national ballot for vote by a national committee. The national committee votes to select a first, second and third team (except in football) as well as an Academic All-America® of the Year.

Capital One Academic All-America® Teams are selected at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels plus a college division team that includes NAIA, Canadian and two-year schools in the following sports: Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Football, Women’s Volleyball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Men's At-Large, Women's At-Large, Men's Track & Field/Cross Country and Women's Track & Field/Cross Country.

Along with the committee’s core program, the Academic All-America® committee also oversees the Academic® All-America Hall of Fame Program.

• Allied Organizations
Chaired by Robert McKinney [rmckinne@willamette.edu]
Board Liaison: Kent Brown, Illinois

The purpose of this committee is to act as a liaison between CoSIDA and organizations which can make use of the expertise of any or all its members. The goals of this committee will be achieved through various means like the creation of a CoSIDA Experts and Speakers guide plus compiling lists of public relations professionals in athletics outside of CoSIDA.

• Committee on Committees
Chaired by Debbie Copp [dcopp@ou.edu]
Board Liaison: Mark Fleming, Moravian

The purpose is to determine staffing assignments for all committees. This will be done through interaction with the CoSIDA membership as to their interests in service plus working with committee chairs as find out what their staffing needs are. This committee will also work with the CoSIDA Board of Directors and membership to keep the committees of the organization relevant to our diverse profession.

• Convention Program
Chaired by Board Liaison: Eric McDowell, Union (N.Y.), CoSIDA 2nd VP [mcdowele@union.edu]

The purpose of this committee is to plan and organize the educational program for the annual CoSIDA Convention, working with the Board of Directors and divisional leadership to plan a relevant program that represents the diversity of our organization. In addition, this committee works with the CoSIDA Board of Directors and divisional leadership to provide a series of continuing education topics for the membership outside of the time of the CoSIDA Convention.

• Convention Operations Committee (new committee being formed in 2012-13)
Board Liaison: Will Roleson, Director of Internal Operations/Treasurer

The purpose of the committee is to assist with local site preparations and on-site logistics during the annual Convention.  Included among the committee's responsibilities are signage and room set-up, registration operations, special event coordination and other duties to be determined.  This committee has been reformed and re-purposed from the former Social Committee.

• Goodwill and Wellness
Chaired by Sam Atkinson [john-samuel.atkinson@gallaudet.edu]
Board Liaison: Cindy Fotti, Columbia (Mo.)

Previously known as the Charity Committee, this group is involved in fundraising for worthy organizations and community service activities during the CoSIDA Workshop and during the academic year. This committee conveys the organization’s desire to help those in need while at the same time fostering social awareness and togetherness within its membership. Wellness was added to this committee’s name and mission in 2011-12. The group will provide the CoSIDA membership with a variety of tools and programming to help promote total body and mind wellness.

• Job Seekers
Chaired by Lawrence Fan [lawrence.fan@sjsu.edu]
Board Liaison: Steve Flegel, Whitworth

This committee acts as CoSIDA’s main career center, handling information on the most current job transactions and current position openings within collegiate athletics communications. This committee will assist qualified candidates to find employment within collegiate athletics communications and will help employers find qualified candidates to fill open positions. This committee will also provide interested members with a job seekers primer with information on job-related activities.

• Membership Services
Chaired by Blake Timm [timmbr@pacificu.edu]
Board Liaison: Dave Walters, Guilford

The Membership Services Committee's charge is to develop avenues by which to help CoSIDA members excel as professionals. The committee is charged with the development and maintenance of the organization's online Membership Resource Library, assisting CoSIDA staff with the maintenance of the CoSIDA Directory and in developing new avenues to welcome new members to both the organization and the profession. The Membership Services group has an ultimate goal of securing 100 percent membership nationwide and in Canada.

• New Media/Technology
Chaired by Chris Syme [2cksyme@gmail.com]
Board Liaisons: Rob Carolla, Big 12 Conference & Barb Kowal, CoSIDA Director of External Affairs

The committee formulated its principal goal as one of educating the overall membership on the strategic use of new media and its technology in the athletic communications profession. The committee also serves as an information resource bank for the CoSIDA website. It is hoped the committee can serve as an ongoing reference source for the membership and for the broader field of college athletics professionals.

• Nominating
Chair & Board Liaison: Justin Doherty, University of Wisconsin (CoSIDA Past President) [jmd@athletics.wisc.edu]

Committee reviews and votes at each convention on the upcoming slate of Board of Directors and officers candidates. Committee is comprised of past presidents, out-going CoSIDA president and out-going Board members.

• Publications Contest
Chaired by Chad Grubbs [cgrubbs@hsutx.edu]
Board Liaison: Dan Drutz, Saint Peter’s University

The committee serves as a means of recognizing outstanding work by CoSIDA members. Any company or business is motivated by a desire to excel and the publications contest serves this purpose. This committee will judge online media guide publications as well as posters.

• Scholarship
Chaired by Carol Hudson [chudson@odu.edu]
Board Liaison: Ed Hill, Howard University

This committee was formulated to be the decision-making group in terms of determining worthy candidates for CoSIDA-based scholarships. CoSIDA has been fortunate to provide financial help for those newcomers and up-and-coming individuals who need opportunities to further themselves in this profession.

The organization will distribute a total of $25,000 to scholarship winners during the academic year after choosing a pair of $5,000 postgraduate scholarship recipients, two more $2,500 undergraduate scholarship winners, and one school to receive a $10,000 Graduate internship grant.

• Special Awards
Chaired by Tam Flarup [tjf@athletics.wisc.edu]
Board Liaison: Justin Doherty, University of Wisconsin

This committee is responsible for selection of the annual awards presented at the CoSIDA Workshop. Those awards include the Hall of Fame, 25-Year, Arch Ward, Jake Wade, Warren Berg, Bob Kenworthy, Keith Jackson, Trailblazer, Bud Nangle, Rising Star, Lifetime Achievement, and Bill Esposito Backbone awards.

Online nominations are open year round, closing only from January 1 to March 1 to allow the committee to vote on nominees. Committee members will be provided the nominating information by the chair. The committee, which is comprised of CoSIDA members with 10 or more years of experience in the field, will vote online to select the award winners. These winners will be honored at the site of the annual CoSIDA Convention.

• Writing Contest
Chaired by Wade Steinlage [steinlagew@wmpenn.edu]
Board Liaison: Ed Hill, Howard University

The purpose of the CoSIDA Writing Committee is to encourage, honor and improve the quality of writing within the profession. The committee sponsors an annual writing contest with multiple categories open to all CoSIDA members.

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs: Bernie Cafarelli (Notre Dame) and Mark Beckenbach (Ohio Wesleyan)
Board Liaison: Mark Fleming (Moravian) / John Humenik

The Academic All-America Committee will continue to build on the successful execution last year of the divisional split. Our top priority, once again, will be to ensure a smooth process on all fronts. We plan to continue to make sure to communicate effectively with the leaders from each of the four divisional groups and provide an open dialogue as we continue to navigate through the first year of what is arguably the greatest year of change ever for the Academic All-America® Program. We also plan to continue to work with CoSIDA officers and board members, John Humenik, Barb Kowal and Will Roleson in preparations for the Capital One Induction Ceremony.

1. Core Program Goals and Objectives (Internal)
• Ensure that the nomination and voting on-line system designed by SIDEARM meets the needs of the membership
• Educate membership on changes to on-line process with regards to each division
• Distribute timeline for nominations and selections to membership sometime in August
• Continue to be proactive with membership with regards to the importance of meeting nominating deadlines
• Disseminate district teams to Barb Kowal for release to membership in a timely manner
• Maintain and administer all-time database and make sure that pdf files are posted on the CoSIDA web site for use by membership
• Work with divisional leaders on securing the names of the individuals from each of their divisions who will be participating in the national voting process along with Academic All-America® Committee and CoSIDA Board members
• Continue to work with divisional leaders on evaluate improvements and upgrades to nominating and selecting process from year-to-year
• Work with appointed NAIA and CIS liaisons on increasing membership and providing education on AAA nominating and voting processes

2. Core Program Goals and Objectives (External)
• Devise a communications plan for the writing, editing and distribution of releases that will meet the needs of Capital One (corporate sponsor) and CoSIDA members with regards to the announcement of all teams
• Increase program’s visibility by continuing to highlight program achievements through special releases
• Promote program through upgrading and enhancing social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter)
• Look to continue to obtain testimonials for Academic All-Americans of the Year for each program to be used on Facebook, Twitter and CoSIDA web as we look to enhance it on-line presence
• Work with Capital One on creation of Academic All-America page for its web site
• Continue timely distribution of district and national awards
• Continue to assist in selection of Enberg and Lester Jordan awards recipients
• Continue to provide assistance to Capital One on increasing the visibility of program through its newly-created web site that was launched prior to end of the 2011-12 school year
• Increase social media efforts in order to engage more followers

3. Hall of Fame Program
• Continue to coordinate nominating and selection process
• Direct call with selected individuals for annual Hall of Fame induction class
• Work with Dick Enberg in notifying inductees
• Prepare release for Hall of Fame class
• Work to create more visibility for Hall of Fame induction
• Re-engage past Hall of Fame inductees
• Continue to maintain and update database for Hall of Fame inductees
• Assist with preparations of Gala
• Provide on-site assistance at CoSIDA workshop
• Look to resurrect Life’s Playbook and its ideals

ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTEE
Chair: Robert McKinney (Willamette, Ore.)
Board Liaison: Kent Brown (Illinois)

1. CoSIDA Experts and Speakers Guide

This guide should be used by both CoSIDA members and media representatives to obtain information and/or quotes from SIDs. We have so many individuals who are experts about a wide range of topics. In starting the process, a preliminary questionnaire went to CoSIDA Board liaison, Kent Brown. This initial questionnaire is designed to get information from the experts on the CoSIDA Board. At that point some adjustments to the questionnaire will be made as well as determining what we should do in seeking out experts who aren't on the CoSIDA Board. We will be working to have many of our topics match up with topics included in the CoSIDA Resource Library, which the Membership Services Committee continues to be involved with.

2. Update the List of Website Links on the CoSIDA E-Directory
The list of links to related websites have now been successfully moved to the CoSIDA E-Directory (http://www.cosida.com/directory.aspx, scroll to the bottom of the page). We will continue to check to see that the links work and to find out if some of them need to be changed or deleted. We also can suggest new categories or additional links to add.

3. Develop a List of Contacts for NCAA Fall Championships
We will get with the NCAA soon to compile a list of as many of the championship hosts as possible. Then our committee will contact the host SID associated with each event to find out how other SIDs can get involved with statistics, game management, etc. We would then plan to list the contact info on the CoSIDA website.

4. Create a Listing of Public Relations/Media Relations Contacts for Professional Sports Leagues and Teams
This is a project that was completed in a written format quite some time ago. It would be good to have an on-line list of contacts that will be quick and easy to use.

5. Helping CoSIDA members connect with Olympic Sports groups as well as other outside organizations
Olympic Sports groups cover a wide range of interests, many which match the interests of SIDs. Also, Special Olympics have a relationship now with NCAA Division III.

COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES
Chair: Debbie Copp (Oklahoma)
Board Liaison: Mark Fleming (Moravian)

Short-Term (for the upcoming year)
1) Ensure that committees have the numbers of members to execute its “To Do” list as they support the annual initiatives.
2) Draft proposal related to the selection of committee chairs to Board for its approval
3) Draft a proposal related to committee structure review and present to Board for its approval
4) Write an amendment to the CoSIDA Constitution concerning who can serve as chair of a committee, get it
presented to the Board and, with Board’s approval, have it ready to be voted on by the membership at the 2013 Convention.

Ongoing/Long-Term
1. Review current committee structure and make changes as appropriate and as they support the organization’s Strategic Plan. Continue to work with various leadership organizations within the organization to adequately reflect the needs of the membership and the organization. These changes could include adding new committees or eliminating committees that have outlived their purpose
2. Continue to recruit diverse membership for the committees that reflects the diversity of membership in the organization.
3. Explore ways to add leadership options for members within the committee structure.
4. Continue to find ways to encourage committee participation within the organization, making membership more valuable and participation in the Convention a professional enhancement.
5. Make getting involved with the CoSIDA Committee structure less cumbersome.

GOODWILL AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE
Chair: Sam Atkinson (Gallaudet)
Board Liaison: Cindy Fotti (Columbia College)

1. Work with NACDA Convention leaders to bring Goodwill and Wellness Events to Orlando
• The CoSIDA Goodwill and Wellness Committee is excited for the merge with NACDA and will work with both groups to see what is possible as far as previous goodwill and wellness events we have hosted in the past (clothing drive, 5K run/walk, service project)
• Be included in a wellness presentation at the convention

CoSIDA 5K run/walk
• Our goal is to host our third consecutive 5K run/walk at the annual convention and work with all groups involved to run a safe and well attended event with proceeds going to a local charity

Clothing/fund raising drive
• For the fourth year in a row we would like to continue to collect clothing and funds for a local charity during registration times at the convention
• Work with Young CoSIDA to continue its efforts with its charity auction
• Promote these events through the CoSIDA networks of sites

Service Project
• Explore the option to see if we can organize and run a service project at the convention in Orlando
• If it is possible we promote the project on the CoSIDA website for several months leading up to the event
• Increase participation of CoSIDA members at the event

2. Wellness Initiatives
• Several committee members have expressed interest in trying to coordinate a wellness challenge during the school year that CoSIDA members could participate in to improve their health. This idea is still in the planning stages but could be very beneficial to the membership.

3. CoSIDA Cares Web page
• Improve the content on the CoSIDA Cares Web page
• We want to make our membership aware of other SIDs that might be going through hard times (health, natural disaster, etc.).
• Provide tips, feature stories on how to eat better, lose weight, manage stress, get involved in your community, etc.
• Work with the NCAA to promote these stories to a larger audience
• List of the various coaches’ associations and their annual service or benefit games with dates, times, contact information

JOB SEEKERS COMMITTEE
Chair: Lawrence Fan (San Jose State)
Board Liaison: Steven Flegel/ Whitworth

Objectives
1) Continue working in concert with Barb Kowal, Director of External Affairs, on transactions and information in the Career Center segment of www.cosida.com.
2) Remain a resource for members, future members, full-time and fixed-term professionals who have employment-related issues. As an example, committee members conduct follow-up correspondence with men and women that participated in the Job Seekers session at the annual workshop.
3) Collect data from a cross section of employers during the year on applicant pool sizes. If the sample size is sufficient, then we would share the data with the membership. Purposes for collecting the data is to show that the positions in college athletics communications and media relations is popular and there are many capable people seeking movement into and up the profession.
Goals
1) Continue offering a Job Seekers session at the annual Workshop and determine the best possible experience for job seekers and employers at the 2013 Workshop.
2) Seek endorsement from the Board of Directors leading to participation in the 2013 NCAA Student-Athlete Career Forums either at the regional or national levels.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COMMITTEE
Chair: Blake Timm (Pacific- Oregon)
Board Liaison: Dave Walters (Guilford)

1. Complete Implementation of Membership Resource Library, Develop Process For Regular Maintenance
• The framework for the library is ready to go and ready to be launched. We are waiting for input/direction from CoSIDA staff to launch with information already in place. This is with the knowledge that the library is meant to be a continually changing and evolving piece.
• The committee will work with Barb Kowal and Chris Syme (New Media & Technology Committee) to develop a system and plan to provide regular maintenance of the library. Chris has agreed to take on development & maintenance of the “Social Media” and “Communications Strategies” sections of the library.
• The remaining subject areas of the library will be divided up among a select group of committee members who will be trained to provide regular maintenance updates and assist in populating new content.

2. Provide Editorial Assistance For The CoSIDA Directory
• The committee chair has already been involved in conversations with CoSIDA staff in regards to the board’s desire to keep the CoSIDA Directory truly up to date.
• The committee will discuss what the best way is to help CoSIDA with accomplishing this task. This could be through communication by committee members through conference contacts, reviewing membership lists or email lists. Committee will want CoSIDA staff direction on how best to utilize the committee’s resources.

3. Develop Online Help Center For Online Membership Questions
• Create an FAQ section for frequently asked questions on the CoSIDA site, including instructions on changing passwords, paying dues, updating directory information and Academic All-America troubleshooting.
• If a member is still unable to get the answer to their question, it will be directed to an e-mail link where it can send their query to the appropriate contact. General web questions go to Barb, while AAA questions directed to Mark.
• Providing easy-to-follow, step-by-step answers to common questions should reduce the amount of time Barb & Mark spend answering them.
• This goal will be pursued only after progress on items 1 & 2 have truly been accomplished, but it is possible that this goal could work in concert with Goal #1.

NEW MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Chair: Chris Syme                 Vice-Chair: Ben Taylor
Board Liaison: Rob Carolla (Big 12 Conference) / Barb Kowal-CoSIDA Board

1. Continue to assist in the continuing education component of CoSIDA by advising on topic areas and providing suggestions for webinar facilitators in the areas of new media and technology, especially in the following areas:
a. Educating student-athletes, coaches, and staff on how to use social media responsibly
b. Social media privacy and legal implications
c. Latest updates on software and hardware, with emphasis on video and live streaming
2. Continue to provide current information to the CoSIDA website on new tools, procedures, etc. in the form of blog pieces, case studies, and news stories in the areas of new media and technology.
3. Assist Barb Kowal in finishing the Resource Library on the CoSIDA website.
4. Assist the program committee in finding convention presenters on relevant topics in the areas of new media and technology.
5. Continue to support the new media discussion on LinkedIn, SID Chat, SID Board, and the FAME Facebook page.
6. Assist the convention team in setting up real-time social media channels including Twitter, blogging, photos, and video interviews. Provide suggestions to Barb of possible people that could operate as a social media/web intern during the convention with possible room and registration attached to the job. That person would handle all the CoSIDA web updates, social media, and assist Barb as needed on-site.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair: Carol Hudson (Old Dominion)
Board Liaison: Ed Hill (Howard)

1. Develop and formalize information needed for online application process where applicants can apply, upload items and the committee can view and vote on line.

2. In an effort to increase applications - Continue multiple e-mail reminders throughout the year on the scholarship deadlines, starting in September. Make more of a push to get more Division II, III, HBCU’s and NAIA Schools to apply (with the help of Barb Kowal, our liaison Ed Hill and Conference media relations offices).

3. The committee will also do at least two features for the website such as where they are now/ How this scholarship has helped me etc… in an effort to improve awareness for the scholarships.

4. Down the road, hopefully when the economy gets better we would like the board to consider the following:
- Increase the funding of the three scholarships – The Phil Langan graduate internship from $10,000 to $12,000
- The Fred Nuesch-Dave Wohlhueter Undergraduate Scholarships from $2,500 each to $3,000 each. - The Wylie Smith and Langston Rogers Post Graduate scholarships from $5,000 each to $7,500 each.
- Also possibility of establishing a scholarship for the child of a sports information professional, considering most SID’s don’t make a great deal of money. But additional funds should first go to upgrading our current list of scholarships.

SPECIAL AWARDS COMMITTEE
Chair: Tam Flarup (Wisconsin)
Board Liaison: Justin Doherty (Wisconsin)

Goals
1) Provide the structure by which members of CoSIDA and its media and business affiliates may be honored nationally for meritorious deeds or contributions.
1.) Maintain a permanent chair committee structure for the special awards committee along with board liaison for awards oversight.
2.) Committee should serve as a sounding board for review of possible additions to the CoSIDA awards program.
3.) Assist with awards programs at annual convention by having plaques inventoried and insure the appropriate awards are at each convention awards presentation.
4.) Work with the board and program committee to ensure the special awards sessions are appropriate in presentation and length.

Objectives
1) Provide online nomination forms and directions for CoSIDA membership.
1.) Solicit awards nominations by contacting members via email blasts to the membership and through divisional or conference correspondence and through the CoSIDA Digest. Encourage committee members to nominate.
2.) Inform nominators of expired nominations (three-year eligibility) that the nominations are no longer eligible in case they care to re-nominate.
3.) Communicate with Hall of Fame members who may or may not be members of CoSIDA regarding current nominations and voting deadlines. Provide access to non-members to vote online or by mail if unable to vote online.
4.) Maintain the timetable for awards nominations, voting and announcements to be completed by March 1, 2013. Awards will be presented at the 2013 NACDA convention in Orlando.
5.) Provide media attention for members and for CoSIDA by announcing awards in a timely, scheduled fashion between March 1 and June 1 via the CoSIDA Digest, in local media, and national newsletters including the NACDA email list. Arrange for news releases written (by committee members or by nominators) for the website and CoSIDA Digest.
6.) Provide recognition at the honoree’s school by writing letters of recognition to the school administrator and athletic director. Invite the administrators to be present for the special awards presentation for their employee which takes place at NACDA.
7.) Secure photos and video of CoSIDA and Academic All-America honorees to produce the Hall of Fame videos for the gala awards presentation.
8.) Order and proof the awards and arrange for transport to the convention hotel.
9.) Inform NACDA participants of the special awards honorees and presentations taking place at the convention so that they may attend.

WRITING CONTEST COMMITTEE
Chair: Wade Steinledge (William Penn)
Board Liaison: Ed Hill (Howard)

Goals
I. Improve the number of entries.
Entering last year’s contest, the number of entries in all divisions had decreased significantly. With everyone award of the new deadline and with a concerted effort by the committee members, last year’s numbers went way up and we want that to continue. We will continue publicizing the award in early fall, allowing members several months to collect writing samples. We will use reminders through the CoSIDA website and in email blasts as well as in the divisional (NCAA Division 1-3, NAIA, NJCAA) monthly newsletters. Last year, we contacted all conference SIDs and that also helped greatly.

II. Add ‘season preview/recap’ and ‘story with video’ category.
Almost every office produces season previews or season recaps, so we feel like this is another way to get people interested in the contest. The numbers should be tremendous for such a ubiquitous category. Many offices are also accompanying videos, whether just flip phone or professionally-made, to their stories. We are just trying to take the contest another step into the future.

III. Making the submission process electronic/online.
There has been some desire from members to move the submission process online. Therefore we have worked with Barb Kowal to develop an online submission page. We expect this to also increase the number of entries.

IV. Continue use of social media to publicize the contest.
With a committee member dedicated to our own Facebook account, we look to have another avenue to distribute information to the masses.