Conference of New England Unveils Ambitious Strategic Plan to Enhance Student-Athlete Experience

Building on its successful rebrand last year, the Conference of New England (CNE) has introduced a new strategic plan aimed at elevating the student-athlete experience and positioning the conference as a national leader in NCAA Division III athletics. The plan, endorsed by the CNE Board of Directors, reflects a year of collaborative efforts among leaders from all 10 member institutions. Emphasizing student well-being, academic excellence, and competitive excellence, the strategic plan sets forth a clear set of priorities to drive the conference forward.

Key Takeaways:

• The CNE Strategic Plan emphasizes the importance of student well-being, with a focus on physical, mental, and emotional wellness, as well as providing safe and welcoming environments for student-athletes.
• The plan includes seven philosophical pillars, including prioritizing academic and athletic excellence, effectively administering sport in an equitable, safe, and inclusive environment, and promoting positive behavior among student-athletes, staff, and institutions.
• The Conference is committed to fostering a supportive environment through effective programming, inclusive campus dialogues, and educational sessions, particularly around mental health.
• Operational excellence is another cornerstone of the Conference's mission, with member institutions delivering athletic events at the highest standards and setting clear, transparent expectations for safe and effective operations.
• Academic achievement remains a priority, with member institutions supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of academic excellence through integrated faculty perspectives, cross-institutional academic experiences, and celebrating academic accomplishments.
• The Conference will explore strategies to provide tangible benefits and infrastructure improvements for its institutions, including reducing costs and building valuable vendor partnerships.
• Inclusivity is at the heart of the student-athlete experience, with the Conference dedicated to creating inclusive environments that support the holistic development of student-athletes.

Statistics:

• The Conference of New England has 11 full member institutions and 5 associate member institutions throughout the New England region.
• The Conference administers championships in 21 intercollegiate sports.
• The CNE Strategic Plan is the result of a year of collaborative efforts among leaders from all 10 member institutions.

Sources:

• [Source 1] "Conference of New England Unveils Ambitious Strategic Plan to Enhance Student-Athlete Experience"
• [Source 2] Conference of New England
• [Source 3] "About the Conference of New England"