University Athletics Review

About

A Request for Quote and Qualifications (“RFQQ”) was issued by EWU for the purpose of requesting proposals from qualified and experienced firms to provide bench marking analysis and assessment of the university’s Division I athletics program(s). The consultant’s report, along with other information, may be used to inform the Board of Trustees and university leadership regarding the NCAA division status, financial structure, and organizational structure of Intercollegiate Athletics.

EWU’s evaluation committee for EWU’s RFQQ 20-DV9 – Athletic Consulting Services – has completed their review of the proposals and identified the PICTOR Group as the successful vendor.

EWU Selects Consultant for Athletics Review

Project Scope

The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough review and feasibility assessment of EWU’s athletics program. The review and assessment will examine the following components of EWU’s athletics program:

  • Current revenue and sponsorship streams
  • Current university enrollment trends and the impact on athletics, as well as the effect of athletics on enrollment
  • Operational budget analysis
  • Salary analysis
  • Staffing analysis
  • Facilities bench marking, analysis, and recommendations
  • Athletic financial aid assessment
  • Academic support and performance
  • The number of sports currently offered by EWU and recommendations for the appropriate number of sports offered by EWU
  • Conference membership assessment and recommendations for EWU on appropriate conference membership
  • Pro forma analysis for recommended future athletic models
    NCAA Divisional assessment and recommendations on the appropriate division for EWU
  • Additional items as identified by the university and agreed to by the consultant

4-Phase Approach

Includes: developing project timeline and expectations; reviewing relevant EWU and athletic program documents; and development of survey/interview questions.

Includes: conducting interviews and surveys with the Board of Trustees, executive leadership, and a wide range of EWU personnel and external constituents. This phase could include a campus visit by the consultant, if permitted due to COVID restrictions.

Includes: developing a bench mark athletics program with selected peer institutions, conferences, and NCAA divisions; comparative analysis of EWU Division I status, Division II, Division III; development of SWOT analysis; develop options with specific recommendations; draft and submit preliminary report to Chief Project Officer.

The final phase will include a review of the drafted final report with the Chief Project Officer and executive leadership. Once review is complete, the consultant will present the final report to the Board of Trustees.

The consultant will utilize the following four (4)-Phase approach to accomplish the work.

Timeline

2020

  • May 1: Request for Qualifications and Quotations “RFQQ”
  • June 3: Proposal deadline to university
  • August 12: Awarded vendor RFP to The PICTOR Group (TPG)
  • August 24: Project beginning
  • Sept 30-Oct 1: Campus visit with Cary Groth, CEO of TPG
  • October 9: Progress update/briefing to Board of Trustees (BOT)
  • December 9-10: Progress update/briefing to BOT

2021

  • January: Preliminary report to President
  • February 25/26: The PICTOR Group – Final report presented to the BOT
    • Recommendation(s) to the BOT on long-term sustainability of Athletics for the institution.

Contact

Sara Sexton-Johnson

Chief Project Officer
All communications should go through the Chief Project Officer. Please do not contact the PICTOR Group directly.
509.359.3111

Dave Meany

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Dir - Comm & Media Relations
All media inquiries should be sent to Dave. Please do not contact the PICTOR Group directly.
509.359.6335
10/9 BOT Update
RFQQ
PICTOR Group