讀後心得

San Francisco Art University has decided to fully discontinue its sports programs after the end of this academic year due to financial pressures, affecting 13 men's and women's athletic teams. This decision reflects the significant challenges facing higher education in the post-pandemic era. The administration made this decision after careful consideration, pointing out that decreased student participation and changes in course delivery models are the main reasons. Although the sports programs will end, students who have received athletic scholarships will continue to receive funding. Additionally, this cut will affect approximately 36 staff members as part of the school's overall restructuring plan.

Facing financial pressure, the Academy of Art University, located in downtown San Francisco, announced that it will completely cease its athletic programs. This measure will take effect after the end of the academic year and will affect 13 men's and women's sports teams. This significant decision has drawn widespread attention from the sports community and highlights the operational and financial challenges that higher education is facing in the post-pandemic era.

According to the announcement released by the school, this decision was made after months of careful consideration. In addition to financial factors, changes in student attendance patterns were also a key factor. In recent years, the proportion of remote and hybrid learning has gradually increased, resulting in a decline in students' participation in campus activities, making athletic operations difficult.

Since 2012, the Academy of Art University has established multiple sports teams affiliated with the NCAA Division II. The men's teams include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field; the women's teams include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Known as the "Urban Knights," these teams have actively participated in competitions both on and off campus, and have won honors for the university many times.

The president stated in a statement: "We are deeply grateful for the years of contributions from our athletes and coaches, who have represented the school with unparalleled professionalism and pride. The university will fully support student-athletes to ensure a smooth transition during this period." Although the athletic programs are set to end, the school has promised that all current student-athletes with athletic scholarships will continue to receive their scholarships according to relevant regulations and university policies until graduation, and this will not be affected.

This elimination plan will also impact the university's workforce structure, affecting approximately 36 employees, nearly 3% of the current staff of around 1,262. This is part of the Academy of Art University's overall restructuring plan in response to financial pressures. As one of the few higher education institutions in the United States primarily focused on art and design while participating in NCAA athletics, the Academy's exit symbolizes the difficult choices that higher education must make in the post-pandemic era in facing changes in student enrollment and cost pressures.

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