UMass Dartmouth will be discontinuing eight of its intercollegiate athletic programs — including sailing, swimming and diving, and tennis — effective immediately, after a decision announced today by outgoing Chancellor Robert Johnson. 

Other programs to be discontinued include women’s equestrian, men’s golf, and men’s lacrosse, affecting a total of 94 student-athletes, according to a university press release, which noted that the decision was “in no way related to the current health crisis.” 

“Although these changes will serve UMass Dartmouth Athletics and its student body well for years to come, I cannot begin to imagine the sense of loss our student-athletes must feel at this moment,” said Johnson, who will be taking a new position as President of Western New England University in August. “I want them to know that this decision in no way reflects their tremendous contribution to our University.”

According to the release, the decision came after multiple athletics program reviews over the past decade and forms part of the university’s long-term strategic plan. The reviews analyzed available resources, gender equity, enrollment, coaches, sports sponsorship trends, facilities, as well as strengths and weaknesses of athletics programs.

“Though the review and subsequent actions taken on the future of intercollegiate athletics was needed, I am deeply saddened by having to discontinue sponsorship of these programs,” said Athletic Director Amanda Van Voorhis. “The implementation of this action now will allow our department to work within a sustainable financial model going forward, and we will continue to provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes.”

The savings realized because of these changes will be allocated strategically within the Department of Athletics and Recreation and reinvested in the remaining 17 athletic programs, the press release stated, adding that the process began before Covid-19.

“We realize how difficult this decision is, but I want to reaffirm our commitment to athletics and student-athletes at UMass Dartmouth. This is not a cost-cutting measure, it is a reallocation of resources within Athletics for future success,” said David Gingerella, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. “In the end, the University believes this will set a course for intercollegiate athletics going forward that is similar and consistent with our peer institutions.”

UMass Dartmouth will continue to sponsor the remaining 17 intercollegiate programs — eight men’s sports and nine women’s sports — as members of the Little East Conference, while both the football and ice hockey programs will remain as affiliate members of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Chancellor Johnson’s full message to the UMass Dartmouth community can be found online here. More information and resources on the decision are available at umassd.edu as well as corsairathletics.com.