New administrative homes for Athletics and Campus & Community Recreation

Over the next several months, there will be changes and shifts as the U of A undergoes academic and administrative restructuring. Last week, we noted a change for the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic and today we announce that Athletics and Campus & Community Recreation (CCR) are each moving from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) to the administrative oversight of the Office of the Dean of Students (DoS) and Facilities and Operations (F&O), respectively. These changes are effective immediately, with full transitions expected to be completed by April 2021.

Given their focus on student life, the addition of Athletics to the Office of the Dean of Students is a natural fit. The achievements of the Bears and Pandas serve as a point of pride for the whole of the U of A community, and will continue to be so. Our athletes encourage other students to participate in community building by attending games and taking part in team fandoms. Bringing Athletics under the umbrella of the Dean of Students will create greater opportunities for both to promote broad student engagement, student success, and student wellness. There will be no change for our athletes because of this move — this is an administrative reporting change only. 

The transfer of CCR to Support and Recreation Services in F&O will bring similar benefits. Over the years, staff in both units have worked closely together in creating and maintaining high quality facility experiences for both U of A and external communities. CCR programs and facilities will continue to be available to all U of A community members. While CCR may be separated from Athletics, they will continue to play an important role in the success of the Golden Bears and Pandas teams through the provision of sport facilities and support services. Furthermore, CCR will maintain a strong relationship with the Dean of Students as an important part of student experience and student health and wellness.

Although Athletics and CCR will no longer report to the Dean of KSR, the transfer of administrative responsibilities will have little to no impact on the respective mandates of either program. Athletics and Campus & Community Recreation remain housed in the Van Vliet Complex and on South Campus and will continue to provide leading outstanding service to the campus and community populations that they serve.