The Athletic Review Committee has been tasked by the NMSU Board of Regents to provide recommendations which address leveraging and sustaining the current "Moment of Success’ in Aggie athletics. The goal of these recommendations is to not only maintain but increase this, success to the benefit of the NMSU Brand and university as a whole ‘There has never been a time when both revenue generating sports (football and men’s basketball) have simultaneously achieved meaningful, positive publicity and extensive national recognition. Currently, only four schools have won a bowl game and 22 or more men’s basketball games; Purdue University, Michigan State University, The Ohio State University and New Mexico State University. At the same time, many of NMSU’s women's programs (volleyball and softball) have consistently achieved NCAA post season accolades. NMSU directly benefits from this recognition by having its Brand recognition increase dramatically, both statewide and nationally. Now is the time to INVEST for future success based upon real and tangible results. The recommendations included in this report apply to decisions and actions which the committee believes important to act upon within the next 90 days. Football's Arizona Bowl victory as well as the current #26 National ranking for men's basketball are at the forefront creating national recognition for NMSU. Subsequently, they each create challenges to sustaining this success which should be addressed within this 90 day period. In order to maintain the tremendous upward trajectory of both programs and the NMSU Brand itis critical to act now. There are 3 areas which require immediate funding support as follow: 1. Football: Retention of coaches by increasing salaries to at least moderate FBS mid-major university levels and in line with those programs with whom they are expected to compete (UTEP/Conference USA and UNM/Mountain West Conference, both conferences NSU would aspire to join if asked). Ensure budget funding for recruiting is sufficient to fully utilize the maximum allotted number of days allowed by NCAA guidelines 2. Basketball: Retention of coaches by increasing salaries to moderate mid-major university levels ‘commensurate with basketball programs with which they are expected to compete (UTEP/Conference USA and UNM/Mountain West Conference, both conferences NMSU would aspire to join if asked). Again, it is important to note that the NMSU men’s basketball program is currently ranked 26" in the nation. There is no doubt that strong interest will be shown by other universities in hiring the current coach (who is now being paid far less than most schools he has beaten). Ensure budget funding for recruiting is sufficient to fully utilize the maximum allotted days allowed by NCAA guidelines. 3. Athletic Administration: Increase funding to enable the hiring of additional productive marketing and fundraising staff. The current staff is at “bare bones" level and still has done a marvelous job, but they cannot take on additional responsibilities and perform them in a truly professional manner without additional quality staff. As an example, the Aggie Athletic Club has grown from $188,623 to $563,720 in 2 % years with only one person working on this effort. Imagine if there were two professionals working in this area. In order to hire additional and needed marketing/fundraising staff to support the goal for an increase in annual giving from large donors, more staff salary funding is needed.Further, to ensure the high quality results from the very productive leadership of the Athletic Department, additional salary will be needed — whether itis used to retain current leadership or recruit new leadership due to upward attrition. There are 3 major focus areas in which positive action in the next 90 days is needed. 1. Increase the university transfer of monies to athletics from $4.37 to $5.47 million. This $1.1million increase would be used to make NMSU competitive in the general areas as follows: ‘A. Coaches’ salaries - retain head coach and staff, B. Recruitment support for all sports. C. Summer school tuition for all sports D. Consideration for paying the cost of attendance stipend to student athletes on par with our rivals (Conference USA and Mountain West Conference). E. Increase Athletic Department fundraising staff to leverage current alumni/donor recognition. 2. Extend or eliminate the existing debt repayment schedule. A. Eliminate if politically possible (in conjunction with similar actions taken by UNM) B. Extend debt repayment schedule to a 10 year term, Either of these above actions as deemed appropriate would increase annual recurring usable funds from $500,000 to $850,000. Uses would enhance areas mentioned above. 3. Increase annual giving from large donors. A. Football Success Fund: - goal 100 donors at $5,000 each = $500,000. B. 6" Man Club Fund: — goal 100 donors at $2,500 each = $250,000. C. Each of the above two programs requires additional administrative staff as requested above. All newly raised funds from above would enhance areas mentioned above. Note: This committee has already begun extensive discussion with the Athletic Department regarding line item deployment of new funding which will provide the best return on investment. Provided the NMSU Regents are 1d to move forward with additional invested funds, the committee will provide a definitive and prioritized line item budget of where additional funds would be utilized. Guidance from the Regents is needed as to what amount of funding increase they will consider and when those funds will be available. Once this information is provided to the committee, a line item budget can be submitted to the Regents within one week. There are 2 major administrative policy changes that should be considered which if made could greatly enhance the Athletic Department's ability to raise operating funds and enhance the fan experience. 1, Allow athletics to be responsible for all cost and revenue for the sale of ALL concessions at ALL athletic events. The net profit from these sales would provide additional revenue to support all athletic programs. If run properly, these concession revenues could produce a minimum of $100,000 net revenue per year. 2. Allow Athletic Department to be in charge of all operations and facilities for each athletic event, This would include janitorial, security, area preparation, as well as concessions which impact the quality of the fan experience at each event. The goal would be to increase the quality of fan experiences so as to increase attendance, ticket sales, donor giving and concession sales at all athletic eventsUltimately, the investment made in athletics will be compounded dramatically by the positive ‘exposure of the NMSU Brand. It will pay dividends to all parts of NSU. The quality and visibility provided will improve both student and faculty recruiting as well as alumni and donor giving. It has historically been shown at many other universities that athletic success effects the entire university in an extremely positive manner. Not only student, faculty and staff pride, but also community, regional and statewide recognition and perception of excellence. Our committee will continue to meet to help identify items which are important but have a longer lead time, Thank you for your consideration of these very important and time sensitive requests.