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Questions and Comments We've Received

April 21, 2003

dear president cowen,

i think that being dropped to division three is unheard of. this will only lessen the already weak school spirit at tulane. instead, efforts should be made to get more fans to raise the needed funds.

*****

Although I do agree with the academic mission the school is engaging in, I feel that it is very important to have a strong athletic program on campus. The student involvement is generally pretty low for athletics here but I was a member of the 2001 baseball team that went to the world series and there was excitement here. Also, if a school like Stanford can keep its academic integrity while competing at the highest level in many sports and winning national championships routinely then I don't see why Tulane should be any different.

*****

I think Tulane should discontinue athletic scholarships and move up to NCAA Div. III. That is the only solution which is in concert with Tulane's academic mission, or the academic mission of any elite university. Scholarship athletics provide a black eye to other elite institutions, such as the University of Michigan and UCLA. Furthermore, the vast majority of scholarship athletic programs lose money and divert scarce resources away from underfunded academic programs; I imagine Tulane is no exception to this rule.

Tulane should follow the example set by such schools as the University of Chicago, NYU, Brandeis, Emory, Washington University in St. Louis and the entire Ivy League by ending scholarship athletics.

*****

Dr. Cowen --

My son is a freshman on the baseball team, attending Tulane on a combined academic/athletics scholarship. He had several excellent offers from other Division I schools -- offers that would have meant significantly less out-of-pocket cost for us -- but easily selected Tulane for a number of reasons, including the one-two punch of great academics/great athletics (specifically baseball). Our entire family now "bleeds green" -- we love the tradition of the Green Wave -- and it won't surprise you that I would like to go on record as strongly supporting the future of Division I athletics at Tulane. I imagine myself being a fan long after my son moves on.

As this develops, I have a nagging concern about the effects the rumors and online discussions might be having on recruiting. I can tell you that if this were going on during the time that we were evaluating my son's options, we would have had apprehensions about choosing Tulane. I can't say for sure that we would have chosen differently, but we certainly would have viewed it as a major red flag to be addressed.

I recognize that this is a complex issue in a complex time, and it's also a very emotional one for the fans, alumni, ballplayers, students and parents who love and support the Green Wave.

*****

I would venture to believe that it could only be in the school's best interest to actively expand the athletic program here at Tulane. It can only lend to benefit the school as it would keep alumni involved and interested in Tulane University no matter where their lives may lead them. Furthermore, alumni involvment directly translates into donations to the school.

School spirit is also powerful tool that can lead to a stronger sense of community at a student's home away from home. As a native of the state and of New Orleans, I grew up attending LSU football games. It was a constructive community event that translated into school, and state pride. Wouldn't it be great if the attendence to Tulane Football games could be measured in the tens of thousands instead of the thousands or hundreds. This is the future of athletics that I will hope for.

*****

President Cowan,

I firmly believe that you have been one of the best things to happen to Tulane University, however I completely disagree with any move away from competing at the divison I level in any sports.

We have never given athletics the proper support(facilties, band, personnel,money) over the years to determine our capabilites in Division I. Yet, I believe we have had more success over the last 5 years in the majority of sports even without the necessary support. Imagine if we gave our people the resources they needed. The sky would be the limit.

Tulane has worked hard over the years to bring more locals into the Tulane family. There have been many successes. One, would be the fact that more Isidore Newman graduates will be attending Tulane than any other school selected by their graduating class. As a Newman alum and a Tulane supporter, this makes me proud.

However, if football or other sports are dropped to a lesser classification, then expect less support from the locals towards Tulane. Many will never give the university a dime again, including myself. This is the last thing this university needs in the New Orleans community. We identify with Tulane and its athletics. Just as the national alumni base identifies with the successes or failures on the playing fields because the school they love is being representing by our outstanding Tulane student athletes.

Why give in to the big school boys who constantly skirt the rules and never graduate their athletes? There is a perfect example of doing it the right way. The school is located on Willow St. and it deserves the proper respect and funding necessary to compete at the DIVISION 1 level. Don't kill it, help it! If money is needed, let's raise it and show the big boys we can do it the right way. KEEP TULANE AT DIVISION 1!!!

*****

Dr. Cowan,

I recently heard a rumor that Tulane is considering dropping out of Division I for inter-collegiate athletics. Given the recent success of Tulane in inter-collegiate athletics and the press the school receives due to this success, I was quite dismayed to hear this. I think that participation at the Division I level is critical for Tulane's continued success as regional or national university. Dropping participation at that level would, in my opinion, seriously hurt Tulane's recruiting and fundraising efforts.

I know that, as a Tulane alumnus that gives annually to TAF and occasionally to the school at large, I would cease such contributions. I also know several of my fellow alumni that feel the same.

I would be more than willing to discuss this issue with you further.

*****

Dear President Cowen,

Coming from a person who has grown up watching Tulane athletics since they were three, I was extremely disturbed to hear that Tulane might move to a lower division in sports. I swam on a Division III team last year and speaking on experience, it wasn't as good as a Division one school. For one thing,no one follows D. III schools, we played really easy teams, we didn't get payed for it, and no one had heard of the schools we swam against. The good thing about being in Division I is that you can learn from the teams you play and say that you played them or even beat them. For one thing, if you are looking for diversity in the school, I suggest keeping Division I status so some people can have scholarships (Because about 90% or more African Americans go here on scholarship). This will keep the school diversified, and in turn, more students will want to come here. I am in Green Wave Ambassadors, and I pride on telling students that our sporting events are free, and we play teams such as Kentucky in basketball and Texas in football. Please, President Cowen, I know 2 people on the Volleyball Team, and a bunch on the football team, they all agree that this will bring down school spirit and people such as ESPN and ESPN2 will not come and we will not get as much media coverage of our school, further discouraging people to come to the university. I do not even want to know what the Alumni has to say about this. My father has stated that he will not support D. III teams and he will no longer give money to the athletic department. Please reconsider this change. Most students will highly protest this change. JUST SAY NO TO DIVISION III AND SAY YES TO DIVISION I SCHOOLS!!!!!

*****

Dear Scott,

Re: Division I competition. I was a visiting professor at Emory U. in Spring 1997. I worked out at the gym. How exhilarating it was to look up at the pennants of the teams lining the gym rafters. The teams belonged to Division III. Johns Hopkins, Case Western Reserve (!), Rice, etc. All academic peer schools. At present, we rarely play against peer schools. Our students do not get to see their friends who go to peer schools because we've "playing down" with universities that do not have academic stature, often, no stature at all. I hope the Board recognizes we belong in a league of competitors that put learning first. Then, I think, faculty and students will feel that the football program, for example, reflects our community. We will root the team on because, in fact, our values and those of the players are the same. Please feel free to pass this message on.

*****

Dear Mr. Cowen:

My opinion is that the athletic program is largely unnecessary, and the resources devoted to it shoud be minimal.

*****

I thoroughly applaud your decision to review our role as a university involved in athletics, and how they influence our academics, whether it be for good or bad. Personally, I would rather that funding be cut towards those programs and redirected towards more academic goals, but if athletics are truly shown to improve the academic life of the tuition-paying student, then I am in support. Perhaps athletics would best serve the Tulane community not as a special program for athletes, but as programs for students with active lives.

*****

To Whom It May Concern:

Having played intercollegiate athletics as an undergraduate at Emory University in Atlanta, I feel obligated to throw in my two cents. I played two sports briefly at the Division 3 level and thoroughly enjoyed my experience with both of them. Emory was able to offer me an outstanding education and an opportunity to continue playing the sports I loved (knowing that I would have been unable to do so at a more athletically competitive institution). Emory has taken the position of schools such as the University of Chicago, NYU,Washington University and others that intercollegiate athletics should be played by many and enjoyed by all. Schools like Stanford on the other hand provide an incredible educational experience in addition to offeringDivision 1 championship caliber athletics. I see Tulane in the same postion as Emory was a couple decades ago. Tulane could either dedicate its resources in approving many of its athletic teams (football,basketball, etc.) or discontinue some of its programs and bolster its academic reputation. Both Emory and Chicago opted to drop their football programs and have since focused their energies in developing diversified, somewhat less competitive athletic programs. In my opinion, I think it would be wise to adopt the approach taken by these schools and others in the UAA. Tulane does not have Stanford's endowment in order to make that approach a feasible one. Why not scale back on some of less successful teams (football and basketball for instance) and offer more diversity such as soccer, lacrosse, etc? Tulane has a very good baseball team and I see nothing wrong with having one or two D 1 powerhouses and several D 2 options. Football is not a money maker unless you are a major bowl contender year in and year out. Emory has declined to re-institute its football program in light of this. Tulane has the potential of becoming an even better institution if more money was spent on academics rather than on failing athletic teams. Football at Tulane is by in large an alumni supported program and from what I have observed, is not really followed by a large percentage of the student body. (I can almost guarantee you that very few if any law students attend these games). So, in brief I feel Tulane has some important decisions to make in regard to its athletic program. It could gamble and spend even more money and resources in big sports like football and basketball or adopt a more modest approach and focus its energies on improving its academic reputation as a national research institution. I am a fan of all sports (especially football and basketball) butthere's a point when you need to cut your losses and move on. Either give these programs 100% and make them bowl and tournament contenders or scale them back to the DII level. Quite frankly, Tulane doesn't need these programs in order to provide a quality experience for its students. Either come up with some funds and pursue the Stanford approach or scale back and consider what many other top institutions are doing in the DIII setting. I think the latter is a wiser and more feasible approach.

*****

Dear President Cowen,

I have read the rumors of a board meeting to possibly lower Tulane from a Division I athletics to Division III. As a graduate if the university, who donates to T.A.F., I strongly oppose even meeting and discussing a ridiculous topic. We have always been a Division I school, and should always remain a Division I school. Just a fact, if the final decision is made to lower the athletics to Division III, then I will also make a final decision. This will include no donation to anything regarding Tulane, not renewing my season tickets in football, baseball, or basketball, nor leaving any endowment to the university upon my passing. If the university wants to increase attendance, perhaps we should look at improving our marketing and promotion department.

*****

Dr. Cowen,

I am sure that my comments will come out of place, as the Board will know much more about the state of NCAA athletics than I. Nonetheless, as an ex-college football player at Drake University (a university that I believe is similar to Tulane in a number of ways) I will relay my comments.

I was recruited to Drake to play division I football. During my tenure there, Drake elected to go to Div. 3 then later join the Pioneer League (IAAA). I was disgruntled at first, but later realized it was the single best thing that could have happened to the football team. Drake still competed in other Div. I athletics that required less expense (basketball, baseball, etc), but the football team had a better chance of competing against schools similar to itself. Student interest increased, and I think alumni interest did as well; no one liked seeing a losing program, and it was apparent that Drake would never compete consistently against Iowa, Minnesota, and other Big 10 teams. The Pioneer League also provided national visability, playing from San Diego/San Fran. to Buffalo,NY.

I mention this only because I think a large part of the debate will be what is good for athletics vs what is good for Tulane. I think Drake's experience was that it was good for both.

I thought of all of this as I watched the Tulane/Navy game at Tad Gormly; smaller scale, but infinitely more fun to watch good competition. It had the real college feel that I do not get so much from watching the Superdome games.

Your Season Ticket Holder (regardless of the decision).

*****

President Cowen,

I'd like to thank you for keeping the students informed, but this email seemed very empty and vague. What exactly is trying to be said, as I personally interpreted this as a movement to drop out of Division I athletics? If this is the case, I personally think Tulane should refocus on academics and invest money in research and improvements to campus facilities, as we are already doing with projects such as the new UC. Tulane definitely has the opportunity to rival the big name schools in the Northeast, but only if academic growth is its highest priority.

*****

Dr. Cowen,

I am a local, graduating senior in the School of Engineering. Thank you for allowing us to voice our opinions on the Athletics Dept issue. I feel that dropping from D1 would be one of the biggest mistakes Tulane has ever made. And if it were to happen, I honestly think we would see a decline in enrollment and other areas. I know that in my college search 4 years ago, I passed up several schools that did not have the "D1 sticker" on them. People don't want to go to a D3 school. Now, I didn't come to Tulane BECAUSE it was a D1 school, but it certainly added appeal and put it at the athletic and appeal levels of larger state schools. Athletics was towards the bottom of my list for my choosing Tulane, but that hasn't stopped me from being a huge supporter and fan of all programs. By changing to D3, you will see what fanfare and comraderie we have left crumble at your feet. I'm sure this is in large part a financial issue. I can garauntee that the money saved from dropping to D3 will pale in comparison to the major loss of financial contributions from our affluent alumni. I know I will never donate one red cent if it were to happen. Please look beyond the finances of it, and do what is best for our Tulane community and students.

*****

President Cowen,

As a captain of our varsity volleyball team, I am shocked and outraged to hear the rumors about our Athletic Department dropping out of Division I. Our athletic teams are VERY competitive in Conference USA. Volleyball just had the best season in the past decade. Women's Tennis won the Conference USA Championship just last week. Our baseball team has great support and gets us national recognition every year. Our football team even went to a bowl game this year. Why take all of that away from them?

Dropping down a division is the LAST thing that Tulane Athletics needs. We need more support of all the hard work we do every day. We need more advertisements and recognition of our games and matches. Dropping a division would cause us to lose so many athletes, recruits, coaches, and staff who have all worked so hard to get our program to where it is today. If some students already are not well informed about opportunities they have to support our teams, can you imagine how poor the support would be for a Division III program?

It would be an insult to every athlete and everyone associated with the Athletic Department to be removed from Division I. If you think there are problems with the Athletic Program, this is the worst solution to the problem. If the students don't support our teams enough now, just wait until you see the attitudes that this will cause. Students will be so outraged that the attendance will drop to new lows, and signing new recruits will be nearly impossible. The problem will snowball until the only thing left will be our memories of what used to be an awesome, successful program. I will do whatever I can do to help make sure that this does not occur.

*****

If Tulane drops D1 football, I will never donate a dime to this University. I've loved my 4 years here, but I most likely will move away. Athletics will be the only connection I have to Tulane. I do not want to lose that. In the future I will gladly buy season tickets to football and make trips down for Homecoming, that will be the form of donation I will make. Without football, Tulane will be out of sight out of mind, and not worth my donations. Don't make the short sighted decision of eliminating D1 football, you'd send Tulane down a terrible path. Much like the one we started with the original de-emphasis on sports.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen,

I am a 1996 graduate of Tulane University. I am writing to you to express my extreme dismay over the talk of Tulane dropping down a division in football, or worse, dropping football entirely. I attended Tulane during a particularly low point for the football team. I was able to observe with great pride Tulane's undefeated season two years after my graduation. Tulane has a long and distinguished history of football success, especially in its early years. I have watched Tulane in recent years reclaim some of its previous glory, building a competitive team while remaining true to its purpose of academic excellence. If Tulane drops a division in football, enrollment in the school will certainly suffer. In addition, I can guarantee that alumni donations will suffer as well. Losing Division I football would be a disaster for both the school and the community. Tulane would lose much of its esteem and, in the eyes of prospective students, cease to be a "real" college. Enrollment from southern students, and Louisiana students in particular, would drop precipitously. As a Louisiana native, I can vouch for the fact that students from the south consider Saturday afternoon football an integral part of the college experience. I hope that the board will take these factors into account. Tulane's athletic program in recent years has appeared to be heading in the right direction. I hope that the board will not allow this gigantic step backwards.

*****

The gym needs more cardio machines. Elipticals/treadmills etc.. More people are currently waiting on line for those machines than attend the football games. Go to the gym at 7pm on a weeknight and see for yourself.

You'll be amazed.There is rarely a line for the weight machines and any of the other facilites. From a square footage/demand ratio it is horrible compared to any other activity at the Reilly center. I think student athletics should be primarily geared towards all of the students, not just as spectators for a few elites. The baseball field is amazing but our IM Softball fields are lumpy and worn and you can only hope the umpires have sobered up from the night before.

*****

Don't you dare change athletics out of division 1. This school is great because it academically and athletically impressive. Division 2 or 4 athletics are not. Enough said.

*****

President Cowen,

Thank you for taking the time to write this email. I have been hearing the rumors for quit a while now and must say that they seriously concern me. As you can see by my email address, I am currently a law student at Tulane, but my Tulane ties do not end there. I attended undergrad at Tulane, graduating from the business school in the Spring of 2000. But I also was a four year member of the Men's Varsity Tennis Team from 1996-2000 that won a Conference USA Championship and started the string of consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, that has since reached seven years in a row. I was also elected captain of the 1999-2000 squad.

However, I am also a Tulane Legacy as both my uncle and father also attended Tulane. They have each, along with the rest of my family, been Tulane Football Season Ticket holders for over 20 years, even though they live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We have also attended as many home basketball games and baseball games as we could over that time. In otherwords, there is a binding atmosphere that Tulane Athletics has given to my family. As you may sense from my email, I am a very passionate Tulane fan. Playing tennis at Tulane allowed me to meet many wonderful people who have become life-long friends. It also taught me many valuable lessons such as hard work, time management, etc. that carried over into my academic endeverors at Tulane. I would not have continued on at law school at Tulane if it were not for my experience as an athlete.

Now I know Tulane, as well as it should be, is an academic institution first, but please Mr. Cowan, I beg you to consider a Tulane world without athletics or with Division III football and not just the immediate bottom line. I cannot envision Tulane as the same place academically without athletics. Just as I know during recruiting, coaches will stress the benefits of being able to attend such a well thought of academic school. As they say, a degree from Tulane goes a long way. But having athletics at an academic school such as Tulane goes a long way as well. I can think of five of my good friends in law school, just off the top of my head, who came here specifically because Tulane was such a good school that also had competitive, Division I athletics. Not many schools can say that. When they were applying in 1999, the specifically told me that they had not considered Tulane until the 1998 undefeated season in football. It was that athletic success that caused them to be interested in Tulane athletically. The same can be said for some of my other friends whose academic interests were peaked after the College World Series season in baseball of 2001. You can find atleast 10-20 of us at every football game and atleast a handful of us at every basketball and baseball game. These students were not from New Orleans or even the Southeast, but they have become attached to Tulane and the area through Tulane Athletics. We have even planned a reunion for next year around the Mississippi St. game and making a road trip to the Texas game in Austin to visit our friends who have excepted jobs in Houston and Dallas. Tulane Athletics has bounded us together.

It is merely my opinion from my seven years here, but I do not think Tulane would have the increasing number of applicants and student body if it were not for Division I athletics. I know you have seen them, but studies show applications increase at a University after a successful athletic season. I know attendance is still down right awful at Football and Basketball games, but I have seen a gradual improvement. The key is winning and playing an attractive home schedule. Look at the student turn out for the Texas game. Winning will bring them out, as well as other fans. My father keeps telling me about old Tulane Stadium and the crowds there. Of course the student body had a more Southern base in the 1960s as comparred to now, but I believe we can get back there. The games need to be marketed on campus more. You never here anything about them. Granted, students should take an interest and know about them, but at Tulane, because of the lack of interest for so long, we have got to get the ball rolling. I think with a little marketing and advertising, you will find great success in getting increased student attendance. Just look at baseball for example where we are top 10 in the country in attendance.

I also know many donors, inside and out of my family, who have told me they would not be inclined to give to Tulane without athletics. This is also something that I know you have considered, but I beg you to consider it further. Athletics keeps the schools name in the paper and on the mind of alumni. It gives them a sense of pride about the school and binds them to it years after they have graduated. I know myself and many of my friends, who I discussed earlier, are graduating this May and all have jobs as attorneys throughout the country. We have all said that our first donations we make anywhere is going to be to Tulane and a majority to the athletic department. I think you will find the same to be true for many of your recent graduates. Without athletics, I don't know how many would be inclined to give to the academic community at Tulane. I can only speak for myself and those who I have spoken with, but I can tell you it is not nearly as many.

I am sorry to have taken up so much of your time. I know you are a very busy man who has many important things to do. I want to personally thank you for everything you do at Tulane. Please keep in your mind though, and in the minds of every board member you appoint during your tenure, that athletics has been apart of the Tulane family since almost the beginning. Please don't take that away or demphasize that from us fans out there, however small in number, striving to make Tulane, as a university and atheltic program, attractive to as many people as possible. Whether they are Tulane alumni or just local area fans, I try to bring everyone I know to everygame I go to, hopefully trying to make them fans if they already are not. With a little creativity, and I have seen it done at other universities and have some ideas I am willing to pass along, I think there is no reason Tulane cannot have one of the best academic/athletic schools in the country. If Stanford, Duke, etc. can do it (I know they are in a BCS conference, but I think we can be one day as well if we continue with the athletic success we have been having recently. Except for Men's Basketball, I think this is the greatest time ever for Tulane Athletics), why can't Tulane? Again, I thank you for everything you do for Tulane and I am sorry for taking up so much of your time. Please keep athletics the way they are, if not increase their current state. I think you will find the university, as a whole, will benefit from it.

*****

President Cowen...

I am absolutely furious at the idea of even evaluating a change in divisions, which would decimate sports at the University and deal a serious blow to the prestige of the University itself.

First, let me make it clear that I firmly believe (and simple logic dictates), that we cannot split the difference on this issue. Even dropping football to D-1AA and leaving the rest the same would unravel Tulane sports
as a whole. We would be removed from C-USA for sure, and Tulane can not survive in another conference in the current environment. You know that. Any attempts to "modify" our divisional membership are a one way street to eliminating major sports as a whole at Tulane.

I will not stand by while the board changes our peer institutions from the likes of Georgia Tech, Rice, Vanderbilt, Michigan, and Stanford to the likes of Millsapps, Trinity, and Loyola. Tulane is about excellence. We are not a second tier institution. Not in anything. Do not harbor the fantasy that we
can be another Washington University in St. Louis, or Emory, or Case Western merely be eliminating athletics. Those schools do not have the financial realities that we do. They are independently wealthy. I know you think you are stopping the bleeding, but unless there are is an army of corporations and alumni that are going to flood the coffers the moment we drop a level in sports, it is hard to see how we can ever be like Emory just by doing this.

Besides, why would we want to be like Emory or Wash U? Major college sports is what distinguishes us. President Cowen, you are an economist. Division 1 sports, and 1-A football in particular, is our comparative advantage over these schools. One of the reasons I chose Tulane over Emory in April of my
senior year of high school was that Tulane was a lifetime experience because of sports, whereas Emory was a four year experience. I was informed of this angle by no less than an Emory senior. Sports matter in admissions goals, and its not going to show up in any survey.

Financially, there is no way you can benefit in the long term by doing this. Athletics keeps money flowing into other parts of the endowment. Can you put a price on the outreach generated by last year's homecoming experience? Eliminate that, and how do you get people to stay interested in Tulane? How
do you get alumni to come back and give money? This makes no economic sense beside the short term cost-cutting benefit that will cease to be meaningless once we can't raise any future money. Cutting off your nose doesn't save your face, you just wake up the next day wishing you still had a nose. I can't measure the effect athletics has had on my Tulane experience. The baseball games on breezy Saturday afternoons at Turchin, going to Baton Rouge to watch the Wave play LSU in football in front of 90,000 people, the
basketball game my senior year when we rocked the Fogelman bleachers and nearly upset Memphis; the Tulane experiences I will look back on in future years with tears and smiles all revolve around Green Wave athletics. They have meant more to me than wins and losses, and more to me than the tuition
subsidy I have paid to support them.

President Cowen, do not take that away from me. Do not take away future Tulane homecoming games with my friends from the class of '03. Do not take away my future of watching Tulane student athletes excel in front of national television audiences, doing our University proud. I have given four years of time, energy, and fortune to this University. If the University's graduation gift to me is taking away that which I love
about it, I can not stand idly by. Loyalty swings both ways, Dr. Cowen. Tulane will not see one dime from me if sports at Tulane are touched. There are thousands and thousands of other potential future donors like me. Hear us now, or never hear from us again.

Hoping you do the right thing,

*****

Dear Mr. Cowen,

I think our school would benefit from an improved basketball program. In my opinion, it would bring an improvement in the lack of school spirit that Tulane seems to have. I have seen a reinvigoration in numerous schools due to an intensive recruiting program in the basketball arena. In addition to football, it seems to be the sport which has the ability to unite a school. I feel this was well exemplified with the final four in New Orleans this year as students from all over the country flocked to see their teams in action.

*****

Dear President Cowen,

Your email message to the student body was recently forwarded to me. In it, I learned for the first time that Tulane was considering making changes to its intercollegiate athletic program. The nature of the changes are not spelled out in your email; however, the rumor that accompanied your forwarded email suggests that Tulane is considering dropping out of Division I football.

I don't like to respond to rumor, but I would dislike losing any of our varsity teams even more. Therefore, I felt compelled to let you know my thoughts on the matter.

I am vehemently opposed to Tulane dropping out of Division I athletics, be it football, basketball, or any other program. Division I athletics are a source of exposure to the general public that cannot be matched
in the University setting - at least not in the short term. There are few better ways to energize the spirit (and the pocket books) of the many out-of-state alumni Tulane has, than to invite them to functions centered around sporting events in their hometowns. It might still be possible to host such events if Tulane were to drop to Division II, but their draw would certainly be diminished. Try asking your colleagues who was the 2002 NCAA Football National Champion in Division II, and you will see what I mean.

Instead of considering dropping or cutting its varsity programs, Tulane should be spending enough money on recruiting to ensure that it reaches those high school players around the country (instead of just around the parish) who consider the opportunity to obtain a first rate education to be a factor in selecting a college. A commitment to nationwide recruiting would allow the university to field the quality athletic teams needed to provide valuable positive exposure to the school. It would also allow Tulane to quit fighting the perpetual losing battle with LSU, Alabama, and the rest of the SEC for the local talent. High school athletes worried about meeting NCAA eligibility minimums are not going to be swayed by the prospects of attending a school that will boost their chances of getting into a good graduate program. If Tulane will focus on the student athletes who are interested in a superior education and also happen to be able to run, pass, hit, and etc., it will be able to field the types of teams that make collegiate athletics a boon to a university instead of a boondoggle. To reach these students, the school has to fund a recruiting program that reaches beyond the
campus of John Curtis.

I was a student when Tulane basketball returned from a properly imposed complete suspension. I was there for some very bad football seasons in the Dome, and a few good ones. I have seen Tulane beat LSU in baseball, but never in basketball or football. I, for one, will be very disappointed if it quits trying.

*****

Dear President Cowen,

It is time the University realized that the major detriment to the athletic department is student apathy. Although a significant part of this problem lies in the fact that Tulane's enrollment seems to increasingly from out of state, myself included, but it also stems from the use of the Superdome as the home of the football team.

Some may argue that other sports are more central to an athletic department. We certainly have an outstanding baseball team, but this is not enough. My suggestion is twofold with some subparts and benefits
incidental to the idea:

1) Cancel the Superdome lease, flatten Uptown Square, and build a 30,000 seat stadium at Broadway and Leake. This will make football games the event that they once were involving not only students and
alumni, but the community as well. What a beautiful setting. Parking is not an issue much in the same vein that it wasn't when games were played at the Sugar Bowl. Students will be able to walk from campus, and alumni will tailgate at Audubon Park! Post and Pregame function can be held at the zoo. Just look at the attendance of the Homecoming game last year. You are fooling yourself if you attribute it to Homecoming weekend. People went in droves because it was an opportunity to revisit what Tulane Football once was, and, perhaps, a glimpse of what it can be again. I am willing to bet that most alumni, although they care about a win, value the atmosphere much more. On that note, it would present an opportunity to bring your long lost donors back into the fold. Finally, the size of the stadium (approx. 30,000) will make it easire to sell out.

2) Tulane needs a band. It must seem amazaing to people from other areas of the country to learn that the premier university in NewOrleans, a town known for its rich musical heritage, is lacking a quality marching band. The answer to this problem is amazingly simple but would take a few years to fully implement. Music Scholarships! Tulane University could enhance its local reputation and build a marching band at the same time. There must be a couple hundred academically qualified, talented young musicians in this city and state. Why not tap this resource you see parading by every Mardi Gras?

*****

Dr. Cowen:

As a former Tulane University student (1972) I'd like to weigh in in favor of keeping a commitment (in fact enhancing the university's commitment) to a Div. 1 sports program. I'm sure I don't have to remind you of how student applications increased because of the prominence of our athletic teams on television and in the national press following the 1998 football season. Sports teams at Tulane are one way the university maintains contact with the New Orleans community it calls home. Doing away with sports or reducing football to non-scholarship status would be a form of isolationism that would reduce the visibility of Tulane U. and its connection to the community around it. Tulane sports is a positive force ... and its athletes bring credit to the school often through their academic and social achievements (even when they occasionally fall short on the playing field.) So, please act quickly. Reaffirm a commitment to Div. 1 athletics and aid your Athletic Director wherever possible in closing corporate deals to enhance the sports department's infrastructure and facilities.

*****

Dear President Cowen:

It is certainly essential for institutions to periodically define their mission and analyze programs anew. Is Tulane to be a premier research university or be a comfortable degree mill for rich kids who
like to party and support Division I athletics? I favor a role for athletics as part of a balanced, healthy life
style. For those with special abilities and a competitive bent, intercollegiate competition should be available. Sports at Tulane at the Division I level are not necessary. It is time to move to a different vision for this university.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen,

I believe that athletics is a vital element of the college experience; an element that seems to be wanting at this campus. Most of the students here don't even realize that LSU is our rival school. I passed by the bookstore the other day and a book entitled "Pictorial History of LSU" was in the front display case. Meanwhile, a Tulane book was on the floor and out of sight. I had to ask the manager to remove the book. It was quite offensive.

Your e-mail is sort of ambiguous as to what exactly is being discussed, but I gather that the talks involve cutting all or part of the athletics department. I'm fairly certain that a decision like that would ruin what's left of our school spirit and would turn away thousands of students from coming to Tulane. Tulane used to be rich in tradition and high in spirit until Tulane Stadium was torn down. Ever since then, things haven't been the same. I don't think this institution could take another blow like that one. On the contrary, what this school really needs, in my humble opinion, is a stadium like Tulane Stadium to call its own. It's hard enough to have pride in team that plays its games 20 minutes away much less one that has been dissolved. You can't have pride in something that does not exist. I enjoy boasting of Byron Parker winning the dunk contest. I enjoy watching OUR baseball team win time and time again at Turchin. I enjoy reading Baseball America talk about OUR top 25 team and OUR All-American 1st baseman Michael Aubrey. I definitely enjoyed watching OUR football team and Mewelde Moore win a bowl game on national television.

Don't take the joy away...

*****

Scott,

I agree that every department should be periodically evaluated. I follow all sports at TU to some degree, but especially the major men's sports. The following are some of the positives that I see:

1. National recognition: every time the name Tulane is mentioned on local news, national news, national sports shows, I believe this is "free" advertising for the university. This reason is also why I support the NO Saints staying here; "free" advertisement for the city.

2. Scholarships allow economically disadvantaged students to receive a university education, which may not have been attainable without athletics.

3. Football: The team had a wonderful season and bowl game. I enjoyed seeing the highlights on ESPN. The highest graduation rate among bowl teams was a tremendous accomplishment. Also, our coach seems to be quality person and content here in NOLA. Our alumni never hear negative things about our coach or football players in the news.

4. Baseball: a CWS season two years ago. Some great recent victories over our "rivals" at LSU. Again, TU has a quality coach who seems content. Again, alumni never hear bad things about our coach or players.

Negatives:

1. Money drain on the university is concerning.

2. Coaches salaries are getting out of hand nationwide. I always feel like teachers should be paid first; coaches second. Holding onto coaches may be difficult with salaries increasing so rapidly.

Thanks for your time. Keep up the good work.

*****

Dr.Cowen,

I believe it would be a big mistake to even consider de-emphasizing athletics at Tulane. Tulane Football has a long tradition, and is in a position to find consistent success. This success will bring an increased financial donor base. The elimination of Football will be disasterous to all fund raising for the university.

Please reconsider this study,

*****

Dr. Cowen, As a former student athlete at Tulane University, I have a special interest in this particular "athletic question". Although one might expect a former athlete to pull for the enhancement of the athletic program, I can safely say that I have looked critically at the present situation at Tulane, and have formed a different conclusion. While I fully support (huge) athletic programs at other schools, especially state/public schools, I do not see a need for athletics here at Tulane. Not only does the admission of these sub-standard students into the University diminish the Tulane's reputation and atmosphere as a higher learning institution, but it is not the best place for athletes to be (for various reasons including the student populace/faculty attitude towards the athletes and the lack of proper funding availiable to the athletes). I have numerous stories of athletes here at Tulane that blatantly disregard the value of their education and the code of honor that one hopes by which all students would abide. I realize that the majority of the student athletes are University College students, but I feel that the same integrity and commitment to academics should apply across all colleges. Although I will not cite specific examples right now, I can assure that much of the University's money is being wasted on giving a chance to these "scholar" athletes. If the athletics here at Tulane should continue, I would like to suggest that the University take on practices to those similar to the Ivy league institutions, where an athlete must first qualify to receive admittance into the school and does not receive financial help unless it is need based or (academic)scholarship based. I am sure that the athletic department is as much a drain on the school financially as well. Surely, there are other places where the Tulane's money could be better spent than on the funding that pays for the cleaning of jockstaps. I hope my letter, although it is just the tip of the ice berg regarding my postion on the matter, can be of use to either you or the board. I would be happy to speak with either you or the board regarding my opinions.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen,

Thanks first of all for the fine job you and your administration are doing with our great school.

I am a local resident, an alumnus of the Freeman School, and an avid supporter of Tulane Athletics.

I won't go on about things you obviously are well aware of such as the value of athletics to the participants, and to the school in general as a vehicle to promote connection with the community and with alumni, and to help make ourselves nationally visible.

I simply want to add my voice to the (hopefully) many who would ask that we maintain our athletics programs all at Division 1A. I do understand that times are tough and everyone is tightening their belts but I hope that you and the board will be very careful about changing our NCAA status. We have functioned very well academically while participating at intercollegiate's athletics highest level for well over a century. It would be a shame if that tradition were diminished and I trust that every effort will be made not to do so.

I remember in a recent article where you were quoted as saying something to the effect that folks should thank God that there are still schools in Division 1A that are doing it right. You could not have been more correct about that. Mr. Dickson and his coaches have us succeeding on the field and in the classroom in every sport. It fills us all with pride. I humbly submit that it is worth not only preserving but growing. I currently hold two season tickets in each of three sports and make annual contributions to the TAF. I am prepared to step that up in order to "put my money where my mouth is" as they say. I am sure that there are many devoted fans like myself who feel the same.

Keep up the good work and Roll Wave.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen,

Studenys do not choose Tulane, unless they are a scolarship athlete, for the athletics. Tulane, however, has alkways attracted students across the country and Internationally. Athletics are a way for them, once they've graduated, to keep in touch with the University.

As a student who enrolled in 1965, and squandered the opportunity of a Tulane education, and has returned to UC in 2003 to pursue my degree, I know that Tulane is about academics first, and I would not have that any other way. I saw the initial "de-emphasis", however, as Tulane dropped out of the SEC when I was a student in the '60's. It did not improve the University and disgusted alumni and students. There has simply not been the emphasis on getting fans back that there needs to be. Playing basketball in a sub-standard gym hurts. Playing football off-campus hurts, although the outdoor game last year was a plus, in spite of the weather.

Athletics is a "loss-leader". It attracts money to the University. How much less will Tulane raise for its academics if athletics disappears? Do you really want to find out?

Promote the athletic program. They appear to be on the right track. Put this to bed now! It will affect the athletic programs for years to come if you even bring it up! Thank you for listening!

*****

In 3 years at law school I went to most home football games and drove to several away games. I saw my share of basketball and baseball as well. Tulane needs to increase attandance at the games. But I cannot imagine Tulane without an athletics program and will be very dissapointed if the programs are scalled back at all. As an allumni, I would probably not give money to a school with no athletics and I would deffinitly not send my children to any school where there were no athletic programs.

*****

I'm a freshman in engineering, which you might think makes me opposed to any funding for Athletics. Actually, I think that there are several things that the Athletic department could do to better the program. First, I think that funding should be allocated to smaller programs, like Men's Track. I'm aware that because of Title IX, Universities have major problems with funding smaller men's programs because Universities like to blow all their money on big sports which "show the flag" of the University, however I think that enough money can be found to support smaller athletic teams. Not only are most of these teams inexpensive (especially compared with Football), but they serve a purpose in recruiting. There are some genuine student-athletes at this school (as opposed to athletes who attend classes) who were attracted to Tulane by the education. There is a certain star baseball player who's a mechanical engineer who was attracted to this school primarily because of the education (and that's something that few SEC schools can offer). The strength of the education is the strength of athletic department. On a related note, I believe that student-athletes should get more recognition by the University and I'm sure you can come up with something.

Another thing I thing I think Tulane should do is do as much as possible to boost student support for athletics. Most of the fans at games are local alumni (and even non-affiliates). Having the Homecoming Game outside did a lot to boost student participation and I think that that should be the Athletic department's highest priority. The key to attendance is knowledge. I went to both the Memphis and Marquette basketball games and you could tell that most people walking around had no idea that a basketball game was going on right on campus.

Why not hang a sign above McAllister or Bruff? One thing I just wanted to point out, the Greeks tend to be well represented at athletic events, at least a lot more so than GDI's.

*****

I'll keep this short. If you destroy Tulane athletics......well I am to much of a gentleman to tell you what I will wish for you. How bout a true commitment to athletics...where the Hell is coach Jones much deserved baseball stadium....still under study by another board?? You Ivory Tower eggheads are a joke. Why don't you go out and get a job sometime. Maybe you'll see what the real world is like. Very unrespectfully yours

*****

I am quite concerned about the rumors of de-empathizing the Tulane athletic program, both in the concept and the communication. First, as you are no doubt aware, this is one of the brightest eras for Tulane athletics, with successes in nearly all programs. When I was a student from 1991-1995, the Men's Basketball and Baseball teams were strong, but that was it. Football a grand total of eight games during my time at Tulane. Since I graduated, Football has won two bowl games, Baseball went to the College World Series and Women's Basketball has not failed to make the NCAA tournament. Division I athletics is a major selling point for applicants, of many I have counseled on the merits of a Tulane education, in the New York area. Many of these applicants recognize Tulane from its athletics exposure, which allows them to find out how wonderful an institution it for higher learning. Second, as an alumni, I am disappointed to find out about this second-hand from Tulane students posting on the internet. I made no small investment in Tulane, and since the requests to give to the Annual Fund find me, I would expect this news to find me as well. I understand the financial ramifications of running a Division I athletic program, especially in this economy. However, please do not allow the de-emphasis of Tulane Athletics. Thank You for your time.

*****

To whom it may concern:

I heard today that TULANE is planning to drop football to Div III. I sincerely hope that this is not the case. Please let me know if this is true or not.

*****

From my perspective, this is a very dark day .

I have been a Tulane fan for over forty years. As a fan, I have had to live with defeat on an all too frequent basis. But that has not been the truly difficult thing about being a Tulane fan. Rather, the difficult thing about being a Tulane fan has been the almost constant fear that Tulane will cease its involvement in major college football or athletics. Even in comparatively good times, there have almost always been those in the Tulane community who have wanted to eliminate what I intensely love. There has been an ever-present Sword of Damocles over the athletic program.

At worst, your pronouncement signals that the Sword is about to fall. At best, what is going on will deal a terrible blow to Tulane athletics. It will be exceedingly difficult to convince any outstanding athlete to come to Tulane now that it has been become evident that the future of major college sports at Tulane is in doubt. I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of Tulane's coaches as they hit the recruiting trail in the months to come. A difficult job has become well nigh impossible.

In recent communications with me, you have praised me for my wide-ranging interest in Tulane. My interest in Tulane is indeed broad as well as deep. However, I must note that participation in major college football and athletics is the sine qua non of my connection with the university.

*****

My solution the more I think about it. Move all football games to Tad Gormley, cut football scholarships in half (without making a public issue about it), expand Turchin, focus on Baseball, Basketball and women’s’ sports, explore BCS opportunities for all conferences, and try and get in the ACC. For ego purposes I do think we need to keep football -- but do it in a smart way.

I don't want to become the nagging constituent for y’all -- but hope to provide some insight y’all might not be hearing/ seeing while at the same time try and look objectively at the problem (from what I understand of it) and come up with a solution.

Also, from a New Orleanian perspective, with very few Louisiana people going to Tulane any more, I think this is one of the keys to keep some locals at our school and active in the Alumni associations. However, getting more Louisiana people to attend Tulane is a whole other issue that we can discuss and tackle at another point .

*****

President Cowen,

I am a recent graduate of the AB Freeman School of Business and now attend law school in New York City and wish to express just one brief point regarding the possible change in the role of athletics at Tulane University. One factor which may not be measurable by the new committee is the possible decline in incoming freshman attendance as a result of a lessening role of athletics at Tulane University. From a personal note, I was accepted into both Emory University and Cornell University which are both higher ranked than Tulane and traditionally considered to be “better” than Tulane. However the deciding factor for me was Tulane‚s existence within Division I football. To be blunt, if Tulane was not in Division I sports I would not have attended Tulane University. My experiences with the 12-0 football team as a freshman n Ś98 are worth more to me than any salary which is forthcoming in my life.

Please do not make this decision lightly. Good Luck.

*****

Scott,
thanks for your consideration of my concerns Div. 1 athletics have gone too far. There are no longer "student-athletes". Now there are just "students" and "athletes" who really can't relate to each
other. Division 1 athletics has basically turned into professional sports. I think every University should follow in Tulane's footsteps and raise these types of questoins. I would support Tulane becoming Division 3 simply restricting itself to club sports made up of "real students". I love athletics as much as anyone i know, but this is an academic institution, not the New York Knicks. Furthermore, i would feel more confident about my future unrestricted donations to the school if it did away with this Division 1 money drain.

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