A Message from the President

July 10, 2020

 

Bowie State Suspends the Fall 2020 Athletics Season

I would like to make the Bowie State University community aware that as a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the university will suspend the fall 2020 athletics season, in conjunction with the CIAA Board of Directors’ decision to suspend NCAA sports competition in fall 2020. Additionally, CIAA membership has unanimously agreed to honor athletic scholarships for fall sports student-athletes.

The CIAA decision is informed by the reality that several member schools are located in states experiencing dramatic increases in new COVID-19 cases. This recent rise in cases has led to a pause in phased reopening plans in many of these states, resulting in uncertainty as to whether students will return to campus this fall at several CIAA member institutions.

In addition, the CIAA will explore the possibility of a modified schedule of competition for football and volleyball, as well as men’s and women’s cross country during spring 2021. Decisions concerning winter and spring sports will be discussed as efforts to flatten the curve of new COVID-19 cases.

If a move to the spring is adopted, revised game and practice schedules will be established, along with the process of determining conference champions for these respective sports. A time frame on this decision has yet to be determined.

Bowie State University is committed to putting the safety, health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff first in all decisions related to how we move forward. During these unprecedented times, we will continue to implement the best solutions to promote the overall health and well-being of the university community.

If you have questions, contact Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation Clyde Doughty at cdoughty@bowiestate.edu.