Title IX regulations are requiring NIU to build a new track and field facility for the women’s track team.

At the Nov. 15 meeting, the Board of Trustees Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee will vote on approval of the capital project entailing a new NCAA-regulation track and field facility, according to an NIU press release,
Title IX, established in the education amendments of 1972, prevents sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

NIU will request that the BOT authorize a total budget of $3.2 million, according to the Finance, Facilities and Operations Committee agenda booklet for Nov. 15.

The NCAA prohibited the NIU women’s track team from practicing on the DeKalb High School track in December 2006, and is requiring NIU to provide NCAA-regulation facilities for the team, according to the agenda booklet. If NIU does not comply, stiff penalties and sanctions against the university will result.

“In anticipation of this need, the university has been dedicating reserves from institutional funds to support the improvement...the university has developed a plan, prepared estimates, sampled soils and begun designing an NIU track and field facility,” according to the agenda booklet.

The determined best location for the track is where the existing soccer field west of Huskie Stadium is, and consequently would result in relocating the soccer field north of its current location to make room for the new facilities, according to the agenda booklet.

Bidding will take place in January 2008 and is projected to be completed by fall 2008, according to the agenda booklet. Inspec Inc. of Chicago is developing the design documents for the project, according to the agenda booklet.

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