September 11, 2020 

Dear Fellow Cougs, 

Before I update you on our budget, here are a few thoughts to begin today's letter:

• Nineteen years have passed since the tragic events that occurred on 9/11. Today is a day to pause, reflect and remember how that day changed our world, express gratitude to our first responders and most especially, send prayers to the families of all the victims.

• Earlier this week we lost an iconic Coug – Bob Robertson. His hall of fame broadcasting career was one-of-a-kind and speaks for itself. But since his passing, it's been especially wonderful to read about the extraordinary kindness he displayed throughout his entire life. Those consistent acts of kindness are probably the biggest reason why he resonated so well with our Coug community. What an amazing legacy Bob Rob has left us at WSU!  

• It was a month ago today the Pac-12 Conference announced the postponement of all fall sports. Since then, we've been working diligently as a conference and as an athletics department on our next steps. There have been two major announcements that help with our pathway forward. First, through the NCAA, we've been able to give clarity on all eligibility questions with our fall student-athletes. All of our fall student-athletes will not lose a year of eligibility by participating in athletics this season, which will give them much needed flexibility as we work through this pandemic. Last week, Commissioner Larry Scott announced a partnership with Quidel Corporation to bring FDA approved daily testing for student-athletes at every Pac-12 school. The availability of daily testing with rapid results clears a major hurdle for the resumption of athletic competition. We are moving in a direction that will bring our Cougs back to competition in the very near future!  

Updated Cost Containment Measures 

In April, we announced initial cost containment measures with salary reductions for Football Head Coach Nick Rolovich, Men's Basketball Head Coach Kyle Smith and myself, and the elimination of bonuses for our coaching staffs. In August, we mandated two weeks of furlough for our non-contracted athletic department staff as well as salary reductions for our coaches. As we work through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, we have taken additional measures to mitigate what could be a potential revenue loss of over $30 million. Over the past few weeks, we have worked with our coaches and staff and have implemented the following:   

• Football Head Coach Nick Rolovich, Men's Basketball Head Coach Kyle Smith and I will now voluntarily take a 15% salary reduction, Women's Head Basketball Coach Kamie Ethridge will take a voluntary 12.5% salary reduction, all through the end of the 2020-21 academic year;
• All additional head coaches, assistant coaches and other contracted staff members have been mandated or asked to voluntarily take at least a 10% salary reduction;
• All non-contracted staff members will be required to take a total of four furlough weeks. This will be done through an additional two furlough weeks between Feb. 1 – June 1, 2021, along with the two furlough weeks mandated through Nov. 20, 2020; 
• The elimination of 10 full-time positions within WSU Athletics.

The above personnel actions total approximately $3.4 million in savings for the department. In addition, WSU Athletics has reduced operating expenses by approximately $3.1 million. In all, these measures will amount to a $6.5 million savings in FY21. Most of these cuts are not sustainable beyond this fiscal year. As a reminder, Washington State University operates as the most fiscally efficient athletic department amongst our Power 5 conference peers.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have planned and adjusted for a multitude of scenarios, all with the goal of preserving the world class experience for our student-athletes. As you would imagine, our coaches and staff have displayed tremendous commitment and sacrifice. I can't thank our coaches and staff enough for their continued grit, passion and dedication. I give them a heartfelt applause for their efforts as we continue to tackle the unknown challenges brought on by this pandemic. 

Over the past few months, we have asked our football season ticket holders to consider donating or crediting their football season ticket purchases. Yet another example of the enormous heart that beats within the Cougs, over 80% of you chose to do so. Thank you to everyone for responding and for your continued support of WSU. 

Stay safe, stay healthy, wear a mask and Go Cougs! 

Sincerely,