News Mason Basketball Meet & Greet Set For Tuesday, Sept. 29th at EagleBank Arena

[Pikapppatri8]

Doesn't Delaware have a practice gym? When were they ever "hot" ? Same for UMass. I seriously doubt the horrible in game coach thats named Kelloog sparks the movement for a practice gym at umass. Heck, unless you are Coach K, I doubt many coaches hold much water vs the AD when it comes to building anything for the bball teams. Coaches come and go, especially at the A10 level. Caberra and Brad will build a practice gym for the student athletes benefit, not b/c we have a good coach.

I suggest you check out Delaware's balance sheet and get back to us. They are in a totally different situation financially where a practice facility is really not a planning or funding issue. More importantly you have to look beyond a basketball facility to see how they view athletics. Given their size and availability of funding - they have decided to remain in CAA football when their profile could have supported moving up to FBS. Yet they have remained in the CAA. Soooooo.......how much do you think they care about athletics given they are a football first school.

Your last statement is correct - and I think Cabrera and Brad Edwards will build a practice facility for the benefit of the student athletes just like they renovated the Field House and will build a new baseball facility and make enhancements to the Pat Dome.

I never said their intentions or plans were driven by a shitty coach and previous AD - BUT - and this is a very important BUT - That crappy coach and AD DOES impact their ability to raise money for it.

 

[GMUgemini]

I think step number one was getting a coach who will right the ship. Obviously, the jury is out on Paulsen (I mean, he's yet to coach a game here afterall), but from what I've seen I have confidence he will do it.

Step two is to increase the alumni base. We have got to get more alumni involved in the program.

After step one and two, then we can worry about all the bells and whistles.

 

[gmujim92]

I suggest you check out Delaware's balance sheet and get back to us. They are in a totally different situation financially where a practice facility is really not a planning or funding issue. More importantly you have to look beyond a basketball facility to see how they view athletics. Given their size and availability of funding - they have decided to remain in CAA football when their profile could have supported moving up to FBS. Yet they have remained in the CAA. Soooooo.......how much do you think they care about athletics given they are a football first school.

PiKapp, not trying to break balls, but I don't really follow what you're trying to say about Delaware.

If it's that they really don't care that much about athletics because they opted to stay in the CAA, that makes it even worse for us that they have a practice facility and we don't.

I look at what some CAA schools have done -- for example, Towson's new arena -- and wonder how they're able to do it while we seem so financially strapped.

Is there some reason Mason is prohibited from selling bonds to raise money for a new arena or extensive renovation of the existing building, or is our admin just reluctant to take on the debt?

It's hard to imagine that Towson could be in a better position to make such an expenditure than Mason. But I'll be first to admit I'm just making an assumption.

Again not flaming, asking seriously for anyone who might know.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

Him, you are not busting balls. Good question. What I was pointing out in my post was that Delaware has a lot of money so building a practice facility is no big deal. Doesn't require a huge lift. From the perspective of many on this board that equates to being behind athletics. However, they didn't go for the big time when they had the chance. Football not basketball is their lead sport and given their potential and some historic success that should have been translated into a move up or larger investment . Having a lot of money makes it easy to build a practice facility. But constructing a building alone is not a strategy. That was my point. We are not financially strapped, but in comparison we are not as flush as a Delaware.


Broads, Buicks, and Buckley

 

[psyclone]

/QUOTE]......
Is there some reason Mason is prohibited from selling bonds to raise money for a new arena or extensive renovation of the existing building, or is our admin just reluctant to take on the debt?
/QUOTE]

[QUOTE...... We are not financially strapped, but in comparison we are not as flush as a Delaware.
[/QUOTE]

From what I hear, Mason IS financially strapped.

While I didn't hear this first hand, someone told me that when increasing the number of international and out of state students was suggested as a way of generating income (given that the university actually comes out ahead when those students are enrolled and that we have more than the minimum % of in-state students that the state dictates), it was mentioned that all our dorms are full and we'd have to build another one. The problem was that if we take on more debt for that dorm, Mason risks having their credit rating lowered, and thus having to pay higher interest rates.

If this is true, the financial situation sounds grim indeed.

 

[A.-Siegfried]

Impossible. People on this board told me over and over again I didn't know what I was talking about when I said the athletic department was in dire financial straits. So all of you saying we have no money are liars.

 

[CHRISTOPHER JAMES JOLLAY]

When the baseball project was put off, which costs literally 100 times less than a brand new practice facility, it should have been a pretty good indication of the financial likelihood of any of this stuff happening.
It will happen...when our present facilities are older and we continue to raise more and more scratch.
Until then, you guys might as well be talking about f**king Kate Upton on a worldwide trip on the Concord.

 

[Pablo]

http://fiscal.gmu.edu/wp-content/up...ted-Financial-Statements-With-APA-Opinion.pdf:

"The University’s financial position improved at the end of FY 2014 compared to the prior year. Total assets and deferred outflows of resources were $1.441 billion compared to total liabilities and deferred inflows of resources of $805.2 million. The difference between these two amounts, net position, was $635.7 million. Total net position increased by $43.7 million over FY 2013."

"In FY 2010, the University recognized the need to develop a bridge strategy to create a pool of saved funds, enabled by federal stimulus funding, to carry forward several years into the future. The intent of the strategy was to avoid large tuition increases that would otherwise be needed to offset the loss of temporary federal stimulus funds and lower state general fund appropriations, while the University adopted and adjusted to a new financial model. The University was able to draw on the funds from FY 2010 through FY 2014. During FY 2014 the remaining funds were added to the University’s reserves.

During FY 2014, the new strategic plan was approved by the Board of Visitors and provides the basis for the development of a new budgetary and financial model for the University during FY 2015. The new budgetary and financial model will support the implementation of the strategic plan, encourage innovation, enhance the ability to adapt more quickly to changing circumstances, and reduce reliance on state general fund appropriations."

"The University is well positioned to continue attracting a strong student population and, with the launch of the new Mason Global Center for the fall 2014 semester, the University anticipates strong growth in the international student population. Recent academic quality and affordability rankings by US News, Forbes, and Kiplinger’s reflect the results of keeping core spending low and graduate success high. The University is confident that the new strategic plan, combined with a new operational and financial model to support it, and the successful launch of the new strategic initiatives, will position the University to navigate a successful course through the changing landscape ahead."

 

[GMU92]

/QUOTE]......
Is there some reason Mason is prohibited from selling bonds to raise money for a new arena or extensive renovation of the existing building, or is our admin just reluctant to take on the debt?
/QUOTE]

[QUOTE...... We are not financially strapped, but in comparison we are not as flush as a Delaware.

From what I hear, Mason IS financially strapped.

While I didn't hear this first hand, someone told me that when increasing the number of international and out of state students was suggested as a way of generating income (given that the university actually comes out ahead when those students are enrolled and that we have more than the minimum % of in-state students that the state dictates), it was mentioned that all our dorms are full and we'd have to build another one. The problem was that if we take on more debt for that dorm, Mason risks having their credit rating lowered, and thus having to pay higher interest rates.

If this is true, the financial situation sounds grim indeed.

[/QUOTE]

From the Mason financial statements linked in a later post. The old Mason Inn is being used for enrollment of new international students. $4M is being earmarked to turn it into the Mason Global Center. Interesting to read the following description. I've read and heard a lot about the difficulty of integrating some of these students at a host of other schools (including the "Public Ivies"), especially the Chinese. I worked with a guy who told me some hilarious stories of being a tutor to some crazy rich students from Asia while attending the U of Wisconsin...turned out that not a lot of studying happened, but there was a whole lot of trying to keep the kids out of trouble in pool halls and karaoke bars. On the flip side, some schools find that these students seldom socialize with others and don't come out of their dorms very much. Sounds like Mason has caught wind of this and is setting up a program to ease the transition somewhat - that said, while it is nice to think these students are paying the full bill, this is a little more expensive and challenging than a lot of schools may realize.

"The University began a $4 million transformation of the Mason Inn and Conference
Center into the Mason Global Center. The Mason Global Center will provide housing, dining,
and classroom facilities for international students enrolled in the INTO Mason program, and
other Mason students, who will live and go to class at the Mason Global Center. The INTO
Mason program will offer pathways programs that combine academic coursework and English
language training to prepare the international students for future success as degree-seeking
students at the University. The Mason Global Center was completed and opened for the Fall
semester of academic year 2014-2015."

 

[Pikapppatri8]

/QUOTE]......
Is there some reason Mason is prohibited from selling bonds to raise money for a new arena or extensive renovation of the existing building, or is our admin just reluctant to take on the debt?
/QUOTE]

[QUOTE...... We are not financially strapped, but in comparison we are not as flush as a Delaware.

From what I hear, Mason IS financially strapped.

While I didn't hear this first hand, someone told me that when increasing the number of international and out of state students was suggested as a way of generating income (given that the university actually comes out ahead when those students are enrolled and that we have more than the minimum % of in-state students that the state dictates), it was mentioned that all our dorms are full and we'd have to build another one. The problem was that if we take on more debt for that dorm, Mason risks having their credit rating lowered, and thus having to pay higher interest rates.

If this is true, the financial situation sounds grim indeed.[/QUOTE]

No per Pablo's post - not strapped just not flush. JMU is strapped. They have a smaller enownment than Mason despite 45 more years of existence. Last year Mason raised $75 million. Cabrera has done a good job enhancing our fundraising efforts. The new $500 million campaign will be a huge boost to the school.

The AD now needs to push fundraising.

However, Mason is not running on fumes from a financial perspective.

 

[gmujim92]

Of course JMU has a smaller "endowment" than Mason. Tell me something I didn't already know

 

[psyclone]

Last I heard Mason is an academic institution....certainly academics should be the #1 priority of the university president.

Historically, Mason has been woefully underfunded. According to this listing (http://www.hughcalc.org/endow.cgi) Mason is ranked #546 out of 851 with a 2014 endowment at $69+ million. Take a look at the other universities that are in close proximity to us in that ranking.

I would think that it's hard to justify a practice facility that only serves a tiny fraction of the students when you are trying to establish yourself as a serious Research 1 university.

Actually according to the ranking in the above link, JMU is ranked higher (#517) than Mason in endowment at least based on 2014 data.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

Actually according to the ranking in the above link, JMU is ranked higher (#517) than Mason in endowment at least based on 2014 data.

I was using the last round of endowment fund reports which includes year ended 2014. I think it was close but JMU was still a couple million less.

Bottom line is - we are not strapped as was previously asserted. Our on hand year end cash increased 21% year over year to almost $187 million.

 

[Pablo]

[/QUOTE]

No per Pablo's post - not strapped just not flush. JMU is strapped. They have a smaller enownment than Mason despite 45 more years of existence. Last year Mason raised $75 million. Cabrera has done a good job enhancing our fundraising efforts. The new $500 million campaign will be a huge boost to the school.

The AD now needs to push fundraising.

However, Mason is not running on fumes from a financial perspective.[/QUOTE]

http://budget.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/16budexecsumm.pdf:

"The ICA [Intercollegiate Athletics] will continue to strengthen its efforts to secure external funding not only to cover tuition and fee increases set forth by the university, but also fund facility and other enhancements of the program."

As I've said, if the alumni and corporate sponsors want Mason to build a basketball practice facility, then they should step up and offer to fund it.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

No per Pablo's post - not strapped just not flush. JMU is strapped. They have a smaller enownment than Mason despite 45 more years of existence. Last year Mason raised $75 million. Cabrera has done a good job enhancing our fundraising efforts. The new $500 million campaign will be a huge boost to the school.

The AD now needs to push fundraising.

However, Mason is not running on fumes from a financial perspective.[/QUOTE]

http://budget.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/16budexecsumm.pdf:

"The ICA [Intercollegiate Athletics] will continue to strengthen its efforts to secure external funding not only to cover tuition and fee increases set forth by the university, but also fund facility and other enhancements of the program."

As I've said, if the alumni and corporate sponsors want Mason to build a basketball practice facility, then they should step up and offer to fund it.[/QUOTE]

Everybody on these boards should be ponying up to the campaign. If I am where I think I will be in my firm this time next along with two other Mason Grads - I will be stroking a solid check to Brad.

 

[gmujim92]

As I've said, if the alumni and corporate sponsors want Mason to build a basketball practice facility, then they should step up and offer to fund it.

Step up and offer to fund what?

Expecting money to flow in before Cabrera and Edwards have even announced their intention to build a practice facility is unrealistic. Nobody is going to contribute until Mason approves a plan and everyone knows exactly what our dollars will go to build.

 

[Pablo]

Step up and offer to fund what?

Expecting money to flow in before Cabrera and Edwards have even announced their intention to build a practice facility is unrealistic. Nobody is going to contribute until Mason approves a plan and everyone knows exactly what our dollars will go to build.

http://facilities.gmu.edu/CampusPla...20420-Land-and-Building-Committee-23APR12.pdf

 

[BandWagon18]

Also, the way the state allocates what little money it does towards public universities is not in Mason's favor. It hasn't been updated for a long time and certainly doesn't account for GMU's immense growth in recent years. That's something the administration is lobbying hard to change. If it were up to me, the state would be giving more money to state institutions across the board, but that's a somewhat different conversation.

 

[gmujim92]

http://facilities.gmu.edu/CampusPla...20420-Land-and-Building-Committee-23APR12.pdf

Does anyone know if that plan is still being actively discussed/considered?

It's dated April 2012, which is 3 1/2 years ago. I don't recall seeing any PR that the university was moving forward with the plan and preparing a fundraising campaign, but I could've missed it.

 

[Dawgs99]

Does anyone know if that plan is still being actively discussed/considered?

It's dated April 2012, which is 3 1/2 years ago. I don't recall seeing any PR that the university was moving forward with the plan and preparing a fundraising campaign, but I could've missed it.

The only place I've even seen the practice facility mentioned was in TOC's letter to patriot club members after we ended up staying in the CAA when vcu left. Basically TOC was trying to soften the blow by mentioning that plans for the new facility would be made public soon. Fast forward to now, not even a mention about it since. I want a practice facility probably as much as most die hards, but I'd like to see Brad fix up the dinosaur that is the Patriot Center first. Gut the shitty locker rooms, rebuild them with a place to watch tape and a dedicated chill room for the guys. Rework the seating bowl and amenities like lighting and state of the art score board. Maybe also turn that gold room space into a place for all fans to chill, drink , and watch other games on TV before, half time, and after games.....similar to the beer garden space at the ground floor of the richmond coliseum but of course updated and much nicer.