Carnegie Mellon Names Susan Polansky Faculty Athletics Representative

(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – Carnegie Mellon University Director of Athletics Josh Centor recently announced Susan Polansky as the department’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), beginning at the start of the 2017-18 academic year. Polansky, the Head of the Department of Modern Languages in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, replaces Eric Grotzinger.

“Susan is a university leader and a wonderful advocate for student experience outside of the classroom,” Centor said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled for her to take on a significant role within the athletics community. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work more closely with Susan as we continue to move our athletics program forward.”

Polansky has taught courses at all levels of the Hispanic Studies program, and more recently led the Department's Tutoring for Community Outreach service-learning course, and taught the Modern Languages Senior Capstone Seminar, as well as special topics courses focusing on Hispanic Studies.

“It’s a privilege to work with and get to know our wonderful student-athletes in and out of the classroom,” said Polansky. “I am delighted to serve as Faculty Athletics Representative.”

Grotzinger served as FAR for the past four years. He retired as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the Mellon College of Science following the 2015-16 academic year.

“Eric has been a huge supporter of our program for many years, and is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic individuals I have ever met,” Centor said. “He is a special person and was a great FAR for our university. I am grateful for all of his efforts, and know he will continue to be intimately involved with athletics at Carnegie Mellon.”

The FAR is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution. He or she has been designated by the institution to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and also as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. Each institution determines the role of the FAR at that particular institution.

The role of the FAR is to ensure that the academic institution establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.