SIU is eliminating its men's and women's tennis programs as part of cost-cutting measures in the athletic department. Scholarships are being reduced in men's swimming and diving.
Director of Athletics Tommy Bell said Thursday these measures will take effect July 1 and save his department approximately $660,000 dollars a year.
He said the department will continue to honor the financial aid of all student-athletes affected by the decision until they graduate. NCAA rules permit them to transfer to another institution without penalty at the end of this school year.
Bell said athletics currently has a $21 million operating budget. That figure reflects more than $1 million in cuts made last year, through budget and staff reductions, and consolidation of other positions. But, he said additional cuts were needed due to ongoing declines in revenue from student fees, ticket sales, as well as budget forecasts indicating reduced revenue in the future.
SIU-C Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell, System President Randy Dunn, and the Intercollegiate Athletic Advisory Committee all approved the reduction plan.