Re: UCATS Club Changes in Policies & Procedures - LONG

[Jonathan Breiner]

Fair enough.  I will be curious to know what your evaluation is at the end
of the year.  I will be happy to let you know mine.  :)

jon b

----- Original Message -----
From: "UCATS, (UNIVCAT)" <address@hidden>
To: <address@hidden>
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 11:13 AM
Subject: [UC Basketball] UCATS Club Changes in Policies & Procedures - LONG


> 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.