Friends University has announced its intent to eliminate the men’s golf program at the end of the spring 2015 season and to suspend the cheerleading program for the 2015-16 academic year.
The decision to end the golf program is part of a comprehensive institutional review of programs and services. Currently eight students participate on the team, of which three are graduating seniors, there is no women’s golf program. Golf team members will be released for recruitment; those students who intend to stay at Friends University will retain their athletic scholarships to coincide with the terms of their eligibility. Student athletes and their parents were notified earlier this week.
During the 2015-16 academic year, a task force comprised of staff, faculty, and students will evaluate the cheer program’s viability in relation to other extracurricular offerings for Friends students. Prior to the fiscal year 2016 budget cycle, the task force will offer its recommendation to either cancel the program permanently or to reinstate the program in a renewed format.
The decision to place the cheerleading program on hiatus is driven by the need to evaluate the program in relation to other KCAC schools with competitive cheer and dance programs; further, its coach is leaving for a new opportunity elsewhere. Currently 15 females and three males participate in cheer; similar to golf, cheerleading students will retain their athletic scholarships to coincide with the terms of their eligibility.
Friends University is confident in its ability to support current golf and cheerleading students to graduation, and has extended its thanks to the athletes, their families, and coaches for continued participation and support.
Friends University offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate academic programs for traditional students and working adults. Rooted both in the liberal arts tradition and the Christian tradition, students learn inside and outside the classroom. Friends University is a regional university with national programs and an international presence.