The Dean of Athletics, Kathy McGinnis, has been temporarily reassigned to administrative duties pending an investigation into a violation of eligibility of a men’s volleyball athlete.
She was escorted off campus April 16 and returned to her desk on Monday, April 28.
The circumstances surrounding her removal and reinstatement are unclear, though it’s confirmed that a men’s volleyball violation has been reported to the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC).
As Dean of Health, Exercise Science and Athletics, McGinnis has led City’s sports teams for several years as well as the health department and the fitness center.
McGinnis declined to comment on the nature of the violation when reached by phone April 28.
City College’s Public Information Officer, Heide Bunkowske, confirmed in an email that there was an ineligible player on the men’s volleyball team, and that the information has been forwarded to the PCAC and City is awaiting the outcome.
According to the California Community College Athletic Association, disciplinary actions include but are not limited to forfeiture of games or awards, probation, suspension, or exclusion from post-conference competition. Suspension can include loss of the right to participate in one or more sports.
The day after McGinnis was temporarily removed from her position, nine of her department’s coaches and staff members addressed San Diego Community College District board members. According to the official board report, they spoke during the public comments section “regarding a personnel issue.”
The board declined City Times access to the minutes, citing its procedures, until they’re approved at the next meeting on May 22. It is unclear what the department staff said.
City’s Vice President of Instruction, Randy Barnes, who acted as dean while McGinnis was away, said, “I think people were concerned about what they heard,” in reference to the staff’s comments to the board.
“They all realized that the Chancellor (Constance Carroll) takes these things very seriously, and that she will investigate and take appropriate action,” added Barnes.
