UCATS Club Changes in Policies & Procedures - LONG

[UCATS, (UNIVCAT)]

There has been some discussion on changes in the policies and procedures of
The UCATS Club.  Following is a review of the changes that have occurred,
how these decisions were arrived and what we hope will be achieved by the
changes:

History of the facility

Completion of The UCATS Club was actually provided for by a select group of
individuals.  As Shoemaker was being completed, there weren't enough funds
to complete the club.  So, a group of donors privately raised $2 million to
complete the club.  Remember, all funds that come into UCATS annually (your
Diamond Bearcat membership, etc.) go strictly to scholarships and nothing
else. 

The first year the club was open, it was a benefit provided to UCATS members
at the Coaches Club level and above.  After a year, it became apparent that
there were issues with overcrowding.  So, the club was then designated as a
privilege to UCATS members at the Silver Bearcat level and above.  

Over the years, the number of individuals at the Silver Bearcat level and
above has grown.  Now, nearly half of all UCATS members (1100+) are at the
Silver Bearcat level or above and thus eligible for club access badges.  The
last several years we have issued over 5,000 badges to that facility as
everyone received one badge for each ticket they purchased.  Obviously this
is not very realistic.  

Need for repairs & policy changes

The club is entering it's 14th year of operation.  We have been fortunate
that the furnishings and decor in the club has withstood the last 14 years.
Many people have been able to benefit from the initial investment of a
select few.  But, following last season we found ourselves needing to
replace carpet, either having to reupholster the booths or remove them
completely, purchase new televisions and also "touch" up any areas in need
of repair.  These expenses alone surpass the operating & expense fund held
for the Club.    

The other issue that became apparent was that those individuals who were
using the club were "sharing" the benefit with groups of people.  Just like
a country club or golf club membership, your UCATS membership and its
associated benefits are meant for YOU and your guest(s) who accompany you -
they are not benefits to be "transferred" or "loaned".  If they were, what
would be the motivation for anyone to join UCATS for themselves as they
could continue using a friend's membership privileges with no personal
obligation.

Making changes

Faced with issues of overcrowding, mass access and needed renovations, we
knew had to make changes in the operation of The UCATS Club.  The UCATS
Stewardship Committee and the UCATS Board of Directors reviewed the
situation.  It was decided all UCATS members at the Silver Bearcat level and
above would be surveyed - which they were.  The surveys we received were
"split" between recommending a per game fee and a cost per badge for the
season.  Our committee and board arrived at a compromise that every UCATS
member should receive 2 complimentary badges and additional badges could be
purchased on a season basis for $100 each.  There was a unanimous feeling
that The UCATS Club should not be removed as a benefit from a particular
level of giving - i.e. make Silver Bearcats no longer eligible.

The UCATS club fee associated with food and beverage purchases was increased
from 5% to 10%.  This is the first time in 14 years that this fee has
increased.  It was also announced that all UCATS members with season access
badges would need to accompany their guests for entry into the club.  

The changes that have occurred are not perfect and we will continue to
evaluate them in the future.  They were designed to eliminate "overcrowding"
and ensure that members would be using the facility.  These measures were
also designed to help financially support the club, whether providing funds
needed for new carpeting, televisions, etc.  It is a private facility, so no
university funding is designated to support The UCATS Club.  We encourage
everyone to give these changes a chance.  It is our hope that they will
enhance your experience, making your time in The Club more enjoyable.  You
will notice that the booths on the 5th floor have been removed.  New
carpeting is being installed and new televisions should be in place by next
Saturday.  Other needed repairs have also taken place. 

A mailing has just gone out to all members with the reservation schedule.
There are two seatings for the Richard E. Lindner Dining Room (one prior to
tip-of and one at tip-off).  The removal of the booths will ensure that 8
more parties can be seated at tip-off.  BB Riverboats has always provided
food and service in The UCATS Club.  They will continue to do so.  They
offer several new menus each season and this season will not be different.
Anyone having purchased additional badges will be able to pick them up at
the first two exhibition games.  Following these games, they will be mailed.

The UCATS Club is a unique facility that few universities are fortunate to
have.  It is our goal to maintaining this facility while also enhancing
every member's experience.        
     
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (513)
556-4884 or via e-mail.