West Florida this month began a strategic review of its athletics program, and school officials say that everything – including divisional membership, conference alignment and sport sponsorship – is on the table.

A 25-person Athletics Visioning Team is working to create a plan for the department’s future, with the hope of having answers by late spring.

“By the end of May or June, we want to have some sort of financial plan or business plan,” said interim Athletics Director Dave Scott, adding that the plan will include the feasibility of moving to Division I. “It’s really a review of our current situation, trying to set a direction for the future.”

The school last conducted a comprehensive review of its athletics program 10 years ago. The Argos moved from the NAIA to Division II in 1994.

Scott said the group plans to retain a consultant analyze the benefits and costs of moving the program to Division I or remaining in Division II.

The committee includes a cross-section of people affiliated with the institution (students, athletics administrators, university administrators, faculty, students) as well as media representatives and community members from the Pensacola area. The group met earlier this month to provide members with background on the athletics program and outline the group’s goals.

In addition to divisional alignment, conference membership and sport sponsorship, the group will also consider:

•         Resources

•         Facilities

•         Title IX

•         Compliance with institutional, NCAA and state requirements

Former Athletics Director Joe Ambersley and West Florida Athletics Advisory Committee member Randy Sansom chair the group.

The group maintains a Web site, which provides a meeting schedule, minutes from previous meetings and other information about the team and its progress. President Judy Bense said it was important to make the process public.

“We’re trying to generate some community interest in our program,” Scott said. “We want to be partners with our community. They are one of the stakeholders in our future.”