Academy of Art University announced the decision to discontinue its intercollegiate sports programs at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year.
The decision comes after months of deliberation about how the university can use its resources to best serve the greatest number of students, many of whom attend the university in a remote or hybrid capacity.
When it launched its athletics program in 2012, Academy of Art University was the first higher arts education institution to have an NCAA Division II athletics program. Academy of Art University Athletics has celebrated significant competitive achievements, including national championships, conference titles, and coaching accolades. Beyond athletic performance, student-athletes have contributed to community engagement initiatives, providing thousands of service hours that have made a meaningful impact throughout San Francisco.
“We are grateful for the exceptional contributions of our athletes and coaches, who have represented the Academy with pride and excellence,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, president of Academy of Art University. “We will continue to focus on supporting our student-athletes throughout this transition process.”
All scholarship-eligible student-athletes will have their athletic scholarships honored in full in accordance with NCAA regulations and Academy of Art University policy if they choose to continue at the Academy. The cancelation will also impact 36 of the school’s approximately 1,262 employees.
“We have funded a robust sports program since 2012, but we’ve determined that these programs are no longer financially sustainable within our university budget,” said Academy of Art University Chief of Staff Chris Visslailli. “This difficult decision allows us to redirect resources toward opportunities that align with the interests of our broader student population while maintaining our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities.”
The Academy of Art University, founded in San Francisco in 1929, is renowned for its career-ready graduates, hands-on experience provided by a faculty drawn from working professionals, and a steadfast commitment to providing its students with the latest technology in their chosen areas of study.
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