FAQ For Exploratory Committee

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CSU's Athletics Exploratory Committee

At what level will football compete and when would be the first season of competition?
If a recommendation is made and approved by the University's Board of Trustees, football would compete at the Division I FCS level with the expected first season beginning as early as Fall 2025.

Where will the football team play their games? Will a new stadium have to be built?
This will be part of the exploratory committee's recommendations during their research.

What benefit will the addition of football bring to the Chicago State and south side community?
The impact of football would not only continue to advance Chicago State's mission to improve the student experience and make it more attractive to a broader range of new students, but it would contribute to the ongoing economic development of the CSU community and the south side of Chicago. Football remains overwhelmingly popular across the country and taking these steps would help usher in a new era for Chicago State athletics. D1 football can have a strong economic impact on a local economy. 

What Division I Conference will the football team be competing in since CSU is currently not affiliated with a conference?
CSU's football team will look to compete in the same conference as CSU's 15 D1 athletic programs. 

After cutting baseball two years ago, how will it be possible financially to add a football program and potentially other teams down the road?
Due to the economic uncertainty at the time during the COVID pandemic and the cost of baseball, it was seen as a fiscally responsible action. CSU wasn't alone in making difficult cuts at the time, as many athletic departments across the nation were also in a similar situation being forced to make tough economic decisions. Since that time, CSU has added a men's soccer team and adding a net generator sport like football would benefit all of CSU's athletic programs.
 
Who is the committee compiled of? What do their responsibilities entail and when will they have to submit their finalized recommendation?
The exploratory committee includes Chicago State University faculty, staff, student, strategic partners, community leaders and long-standing stakeholders across all levels of football in and around Chicago. They have been tasked with weighing all considerations of sports expansion at CSU and what the impact of adding football and potential additional sports would have on the Chicago State campus and south side community. When complete, the committee will present their recommendations to CSU's President Scott. The committee should conclude their study by the end of the Spring 2023 semester.

How were members of the exploratory committee selected?
Chicago State focused on finding key constituents that aligned with the school's mission and have the knowledge and background to provide an educated and well-researched study and recommendations following the conclusion of this committee's work. 

How will the football program be sustained financially? 
This will be part of the exploratory committee's recommendations during their research.

Will financial resources be redirected from other sources, including academic and student support programs to help fund the new athletics programs?
This will be part of the exploratory committee's recommendations during their research.