2018 RAPID Report - A Look Inside CU Athletics - University of Colorado Athletics

BOULDER — The University of Colorado Athletic Department has released its second annual "RAPID" report, a comprehensive look at CU Athletics that provides an inside view of far more than wins and losses.

Formulated along the lines of a Fortune 500 company report, the review includes information on department financials and programming and initiatives, as well as updates on academic and athletic achievements by CU student-athletes.

Equally importantly, the report gives alumni and donors a detailed picture of how their support funds are directed to assist student-athletes, including CU's world-class health and wellness initiatives, academic support, and facilities and scholarship expenses.

"We started this last year and we received excellent feedback," Athletic Director Rick George said. "Our goal is more than to provide a 'wins and losses' breakdown. We want to give our donors and alumni the opportunity to see what we do, how we do it — and have the confidence that their investment in CU Athletics is having a positive impact on our student-athletes, the university, the community and the state."

The newest report provides a quick breakdown of the 2018-2020 department strategic plan, one still geared to the initial vision set forth by George in 2014: "To be nationally recognized as a premier athletics department by providing a world-class and holistic student-athlete experience, operating in a fiscally responsible manner and consistently competing for and winning championships."

Available online (link above), the report also presents a financial snapshot of CU Athletics' annual revenue and expenses, a breakdown of football ticket revenue, and Pac-12 Conference annual distribution.

From there, readers are provided details on how those funds are invested to enhance the student-athlete experience, including sports medicine and nutrition, health and performance initiatives, academic assistance and leadership development.

Also included are breakdowns of scholarship support — where money goes — as well as a look at the CU Buff Club and its philanthropic support, and an update on CU Athletics' continuing efforts to be a campus leader in promoting diversity and inclusive excellence.

"People who follow the Buffs know what successes we have on the playing surface," George said. "But we want our alumni, donors and fans to also understand how we get there and how their help is instrumental in us accomplishing what we do. We appreciate the fact that they invest in our programs, and we want them to see that their investment is going toward things like health and nutrition, sports medicine and leadership and career development. It is an investment that has a significant impact on our student-athletes and provides a long-term return."

The RAPID report was compiled and produced by Emily Canova, assistant athletic director for special projects.

"We have always believed that transparency is a priority of CU Athletics," Canova said. "Open dialogue is a core value of our staff. With this report, we believe we are providing an avenue for our constituents to be part of that dialogue as well. This report will provide a greater understanding of the business side of our department as well as our student-athletes' successes. It's another way to create that transparency on a consistent basis."

2018 RAPID Report - A Look Inside CU Athletics

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