Aug. 1, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

The NCAA has presented the University of San Francisco's Department of Athletics with a Diversity in Athletics Award. The Diversity in Athletics Award recognizes the NCAA Division I athletic departments that excel in the area of diversity. Departments are recognized in eight categories: diversity strategy, gender diversity of department employees, racial diversity of department employees, value and attitudinal diversity of department employees, graduation of African American male student athletes, graduation of African American female student athletes, gender equity compliance (substantial proportionality), and overall excellence in diversity.

USF joined Central Connecticut State University, Dartmouth College, DePaul University, East Tennessee State University, Long Beach State University, Rutgers, Tennessee State University, University of Hawaii - Manoa, University of Maine - Orono, University of Nevada, and University of Texas - El Paso in the Gender Diversity category.

"As an institution that highly values gender equity in athletics and beyond, we here at the University of San Francisco are extremely pleased that we were one of just 12 schools that earned the NCAA Diversity in Athletics Award for Gender Diversity," said Athletics Director Debra Gore-Mann. "As proud as we are to be recognized for our efforts, we will continue to strive for diversity and excellence in all aspects of athletics, academics, and University life."

According to the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport Web site, questionnaire data were collected to assess gender diversity of department employees, racial diversity of department employees, value and attitudinal diversity of department employees, and the diversity culture. A total of 1930 questionnaires were distributed to the top athletic administrators in each department. Participants were asked to indicate the proportion of people from different demographic groups who worked in the department. Response options ranged from 1 (0-10%) to 10 (90-100%). The standard deviation of the responses was used to determine the gender diversity of the department, with lower scores indicative of greater diversity.