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Roberson designs department changes

Amidst the Board of Regents' re-examination of the bylaws governing the Board in Control of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the national restructuring of the NCAA, the University's Athletic Department faces a more immediate change.

Michigan Athletic Director Joe Roberson announced Wed-nesday night a reorganization of the Department of Athletics. The changes will alter the responsibilities of the department's executive staff and consolidate its external relations department into one unit.

"It's a focused emphasis on strategic planning," said Keith Molin, special assistant to Roberson.

Molin said the changes will allow Roberson more time to examine the "major philosophical issues" facing college sports.

"It frees the director up to significantly look at major policy areas in day-to-day operations," Molin said.

Molin said these issues include the "relationship of academics to athletics, and the restructuring of the NCAA." He also said the changes will allow Roberson to spend more time with the regents and members of the administration, as well as affording him the opportunity to be more active within the Big Ten Conference.

Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison said the newly announced changes are not related to the regents' concerns about the Board in Control. Harrison said some have drawn analogies between the changes and the regents' concerns about the depart-ment's accountability.

But Harrison, who is part of a committee looking at rewriting the regents bylaws governing the Board in Control, said whatever similarities exist between the new changes and the regents' concerns are "coincidental."

He said the administration was aware of the proposed changes.

"We've had a series of discussions over the last four or five months," Harrison said.

Harrison added that Roberson and President James Duderstadt met two weeks ago to discuss possible changes.

Roberson said in a statement that the changes will allow him time to be a better advocate for the department.

"Michigan's voice is heard in deliberations both within the Big Ten Conference and at the national level," Roberson said. "However, our other objectives must not be ignored and it is my belief that this reorganization will continue to move the department in the direction of realizing each of them."

The following people will assume new responsibilities:

n Michael Stevenson, executive associate director of athletics, will serve as chief operating officer and direct the daily operations of the department. Stevenson has worked extensively on panels in and out of the Athletic Department, including committees for the provost and the Senate Advisory Committee for University Affairs.

n Bob DeCarolis, senior associate director of athletics, will be responsible for facilities and event management. He will oversee $60 million worth of departmental property. He will also be responsible for the athletic department's communication systems.

n Peg Bradley Doppes, senior associate director, will work with Roberson in developing a five-year plan for the Department of Athletics. Doppes will also work with the Board in Control in conducting sports reviews, as well as exit interviews with outgoing athletes.

n Senior Associate Director Keith Seifert will oversee the department's financial operations, with responsibilities for its $32 million annual budget and purchasing operations.

n Roberson named Jeff Long associate director of athletics, and appointed him director of operations for football, men's and women's basketball, and hockey. His duties will also include oversight of athletic medicine, the equipment staff and weight training.