URI Athletics Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan

FY 2011-FY 2016 URI Athletics Strategic Plan

KINGSTON, R.I. -- The University of Rhode Island Athletics Department, under the leadership of Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn, has released its FY 2011-FY 2016 Strategic Plan & Goals for the continued success and future improvement of URI Athletics.    

"Over the past year, we embarked on a full self-evaluation project and study of our operations. That study yielded long-term strategies designed to take us to the next level," Bjorn said. "Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of many different departments on campus, as well as with our coaches and support staff, I am proud to announce the development of a five-year URI Athletics Strategic Plan."

The Strategic Plan is a living, breathing document that will serve as the road map for the next five years. It features seven core objectives:

I. Providing the resources and support services necessary for all student-athletes to graduate.

II. Being an NCAA Division I program with integrity.

III. Continuing to elevate and enhance student-athlete welfare and the student-athlete experience through collaboration both within our division and in developing partnerships with other departments on campus and within the community.

IV. Fostering and encouraging an inclusive environment built upon the principles of equity and diversity, committing to the recruitment of qualified student-athletes and staff from all backgrounds and seeking to increase participation opportunities for minorities.

V. Being fiscally responsible. Each of our eighteen sports teams should be funded in a manner that will allow it to challenge for a conference championship, which will provide for opportunity for teams and individuals to represent the University of Rhode Island in post-season, championship competition.

VI. Renovating, improving, and constructing facilities strategically based on donor interest and University and departmental need and priority.

VII. Maximizing and increasing existing external revenue streams while continuing to search for new opportunities to generate non-University and State dollars.

"Many thanks go out to Chairperson Sue Bergen, Associate Athletic Director and SWA for her work in coordinating this process. I would also like to thank our committee chairs: Paul Kassabian, Kim Bissonette, Gina Sperry, Art Tuveson and Adam Schemm for their work on their specific areas of responsibility," Bjorn added.