The Role of Intercollegiate Athletics at Tulane University

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Questions and Comments We've Received

April 25, 2003

Please stay in Division 1. I think it's important for the school's image, and for the connection to alums and the general public.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen:

I was extremely surprised to pick up the paper and find out that Tulane now has a committee taking a look at de-emphasizing our athletic program by moving from Division I to Division II or III. Being a supporter both financially and in attendance, I would have preferred to have heard about this from the University. Needless to say I was caught by surprise because I cannot imagine why anyone would be considering this idea with the athletic excitement at Tulane at the present time. I graduated from Tulane in 1957, and as far as I am concerned the support and excitement for Tulane Athletics in all phases is at an all time high. The football program, the men's and women's basketball program, the baseball program, the men's and women's tennis and volleyball are all doing very well and it should make all Tulane alumni very proud.

Since I'm sure this is about money, instead of de-emphasizing I would think there should be more emphasis on marketing Tulane Athletics. The Hornets come into New Orleans and put a lot of people on marketing, and they market very high priced tickets all over the city. I personally do not think that they will last here. I do not think the city will continue to support them as much as they did in their first year. Tulane is a different situation. Tulane has been here for over 100 years and is going to be here forever. With all of the excitement at Tulane why not invest more money in marketing a program that will be here for the next 100 years.

I get upset with people when they talk about the fact that Tulane only has 20,000 or 25,000 people in the dome to see a football game when LSU fills their stadium on Saturday nights. I don't disagree that it would be nice to have more than 25,000 people in the dome, but I personally think that if Tulane generates 25,000 in the dome it's as good a job as LSU filling their stadium considering the student/alumni base available to them. LSU has about three times our student body. When they graduate from LSU 80% of the LSU people stay in the state. Tulane at best probably has 25% stay.again a three to one ratio. In addition, practically everyone in the state who never attended college considers LSU his or her team. Look at the numbers. Do the math.

My other concern is that people talk about the fact that the students don't come out to the games. Think about it. Even if most of the students on campus came out you are only talking about another 10,000 people. You are never going to have larger crowds until we figure out a better way to market the program to the New Orleans community. I think that can be done with more emphasis put on marketing. I also think that for the football team they need to continue to improve their scheduling.

With our alumni scattered throughout the world I think being able to see Tulane teams on television and reading about them in newspapers gives them a great tie to their alma mater. I have the privilege of living here in New Orleans, and because of that my wife and I attend almost all of the football games, all of the men's and women's basketball games, and we even take some out of town trips. I also attend quite a few of the baseball games and have followed the basketball team and the baseball team to regional play. I also support Tulane with my money and my time, and I would certainly hope that you will provide the leadership to help this committee realize that changing Tulane from Division I athletics would be a short term solution to the financial problem. (I'd like to know what the potential savings would be. You still have to have coaches, players, sites to play etc. You might not need a fund raising department because I'm sure if we de-emphasize and move down to Division II or III there won't be much financial support. Has that been factored into the decision?)

*****

I just wanted to voice my concern about the possibility of Tulane University no longer competing at the Division One level of Athletics. I think it would be a real detriment to the University as a whole to move down to Division III. Staying at the Division I level would allow many athletes (who normally wouldn't have the opportunity) to experience a great University, a wonderful city, and exceptional coaches and teams. Division I athletics was a dream and a privilege for me to be a part of and I turned down many opportunities at Division III schools just for that reason. It enabled me to spend 4 great years with a broad range of people from many different backgrounds and many different countries, not to mention compete in collegiate athletics at the highest level. I know I am just one voice, but I know all of my ex-teammates feel the same and I would be more than happy to speak to anyone about my experiences if need be. I hope the Division I tradition continues at Tulane.

*****

To whom it may concern:

I think the university's idea to move the athletic teams down from Division I would be a very bad decision. Many of the departments are very successful, and moving them from Division I would not only hurt the athletes, but it would also hurt the school. The university would lose many athletes, coaches, and also many fans. I will be very disappointed if the decision is made to make changes to traditional Tulane Athletics.

*****

Mr. Cowen,

I do not claim to understand all the dynamics involved in lowering the Division I status of Tulane Athletics. However I made two quick stops: the US News 2003 College rankings (academic) and Google. I found that although many of the top 20 ranked academic schools had Division I status [Harvard, Princeton, Yale] many did not [MIT, Berkeley, NYU]. I concluded that it is by no means a necessary prerequisite.

However, I do know that no one know Tulane for its sports and except for a very few exceptional years, its sports program has not been its most redeeming attribute. I have also watched our ranking fall from the 36th ranked college in the nation in 1994 to 43rd today. This to me is of much greater concern than our status as a Division I school.

I was born in Louisiana and have lived here all my life (27 years). My uncle attended Tulane University as did my mother. I have nothing but pride in the fact that I, too, am a Tulane University student. That pride lies in the fact that I will graduate from the Harvard of the South, the center of learning for our region. I would love nothing more than to see Tulane improve that academic legacy each and every year.

I'm sure that you and the Board of Directors have a much better scope on the subject than I. If demotion of Tulane's Division I status is what it takes to put our academics on track, than by all means please do. Louisiana already has an LSU......I don't want to see it lose claim to academic excellence.

*****

tulane will not benefit from either eliminating intercollegiate sports or playing at a lower division.

tulane already has enormous exposure/image problems, even in new orleans. exposure will be reduced and the image will worsen (just a school for rich kids from new jersey that can't get into harvard).

playing at a lower division will require a cash subsidy for nearly every penny spent. very little revenue from the nc2a d1 basketball tournament, no tv money, little or no ticket sales, no donations. equipment, travel, etc will not cost that much less in 1aa or d3. that leaves the option of dropping sports entirely. maybe that's what the board of administrators will choose but dropping down in class or dropping intercollegiate athletics will alienate more alumni, whose giving rate is already the among the lowest, this is not a remedy that the wise would choose.

tulane does not compare as far as endowment or financial standing goes with washington of st. louis, to cite an example, and similiar schools. how then are schools of this standing a good model for what tulane wants to be? you can't become washington of st. louis by wishing and that's what dropping intercollegiate athletics is akin to - wishing to be like some other schools.

*****

Dear President Cowen:

My wife and I graduated from Tulane about 35 years ago. We have lived all over the country since then and return to New Orleans usually twice a year for football games, including the Homecoming and UAB games last year. We have both contributed to the TAF and its predecessor funds for over two decades. And I believe I have been personally influenced several young men and women to attend Tulane over the years since my graduation. Tulane provides a student many things offered at many schools, but unique in its combination. We have an excellent academic institution, but we are not Harvard. We are located in an exciting community, but it is not New York. We have an excellent athletic program, but it is not that of an Ohio State. We have a diversified student body from every perspecitve-- geography, race, gender, and religion. This and many more factors make up a university. Changing that mixture will unalterably change the school that many of us have loved and supported for most of our lives.

I understand the athletic department loses money-- or at least spends more than it directly takes in. So does the academic scholarship program. So does the need-based scholarship program. Yet we know that these latter two add to the university in many ways beyond dollars. I believe the athletic program does too.

Last year of the 117 Division 1-A football teams in America, 20 of them were ranked by U.S. News and World Report in the top 50 National Universities. Of those 20, 13 schools had winning records and appeared in post-season bowl games. Two of those teams beat a team that had won ten games during the regular season. And one of those two had the best graduation rate for its players of any bowl team. A great number of people in this country know that school was Tulane.

The articles in newspapers across America celebrating the academic achievement of Tulane's football team last year were the best advertisement for the University-- not just the football team-- I have seen in my lifetime. Smart, articulate young men like Patrick Ramsey, Jajuan Dawson, and Sean King spread the word about Tulane like few if any other graduates can-- and they spread that word across the entire country.

Will Tulane survive if football (and other sports?) are removed from Division 1-A? Probably. Will it be the same University? Most assuredly not! Will it be better? Worse? I believe the latter. Contributions to the TAF and the University as a whole will be reduced. I have heard from many people who will never contribute again. The kind of free publicity you get by having the university's name in every newspaper in the country 12 or 13 times a year will dry up. Ten or fifteen years from now, the names of Tulane alums who have gone on to fame in professional athletics will not longer be seen in sports pages and on television. One more vehicle for putting the school before potential students will be gone.

In my case, I first heard of Tulane because my father's roomate in professional football in 1940 was a Tulane alum. When I eventually looked at colleges for myself, that's the only thing I knew about Tulane, but it was enough for me to look into it. I'm sure many young people- athletes and non-athletes alike-- discover schools in much the same, almost haphazard way. The following gained by having a Divsion 1-A athletic program pays back in ways no financial analysis can ever consider. It puts the school in front of a tremendous audience of potential students, parents, and contributors.

Some of the happiest moments of my life have come from watching-- and even listening to-- Tulane sports. If the decision is made to eliminate our Division 1-A program, it will take something important from my life and deny many who will follow the opportunities I have enjoyed. More important, I believe it will harm the university. I know your decision will not be made lightly, and I recognize you want what is best for Tulane. I hope you make the right decision, to retain the athletic program and suppport the excellent start your Athletic Director has made in making it a financially viable endeavor.

*****

As the Co-President of an Alumni Chapter, I was very distressed to see this message. In terms of alumni participation and giving, the removal of Tulane from Division I athletics would be nothing short of disasterous. In my capacity as Co-President, this topic has come up numerous times with alumni at events. I have yet to meet any alumni or incoming students who are in favor of the elmination of Tulane from Division I.

Athletics are a substantial part of the historic fabric of Tulane and a vital element in alumni relations. Just one small example is the Tulane vs. Army game. We have dozens of events every year in New York. Without question, the Tulane vs. Army game is the most widely attended and supported event. Alumni of all age levels come to West Point to interact with other alumni and support their school regardless of the team's record. This year we did not have Army on the schedule and we received many calls and emails from disappointed alumni. It would be devasting for this tradition to be eliminated forever.

As I am sure you are aware, it was the alumni who brought basketball back to Tulane in 1989. The five years without the sport were some of the lowest in alumni support in the university's history. In the current marketplace, you cannot be a top tier university without Division I visibility. The elmination of Division I athletics would drastically dimish alumni relations. I implore you to ensure that Tulane not make this grave mistake.

*****

Maybe if the Tulane administration spent more time taking care of matters in N.O. versus spending money teaching courses--including gambling courses of all things--in Mississippi, the university would not have to be studying ridiculous matters like ending athletics. Division 3, 2 or 1A--doesn't matter, it is unacceptable for a school of Tulane's statue not to be at the top level in everything it does.

The University should focus on New Orleans, quit wasting money trying to educate people in other states and keep Division I athletics.

*****

One of the reasons why Tulane is at this crossroads is because they've not been consistently supportive of their programs. To do something the right way is to fully commit to it and pursue it with all of your efforts and energies. These constant discussions of the program throughout the last 50 years have proven to weaken the program and deteriorate its support. Finally, after years and years of haphazard management of the University's athletic program, it appeared that stability had been put in place. Dr. Cowen seemed to support the programs and Rick Dickson has done a great job of laying the foundation of stability for which to build upon for the future. This has certainly been evidenced by improvement in the performance of the programs, most noticeably baseball and football.

If Tulane wants to succeed at the Division 1 level, they need to commit to it, and get behind if for the long haul. If not, moving to Division III is a waste of money. Either have a program or don't. (how many fans does an athletic event at Loyola draw? Does anyone donate money to their program? I would think it would be minimal at best). I realize that there may be more to it, but removing the program from Division 1 will destroy over 100 years of tradition. You think that Tulane has a problem connecting with the city and local citizens now, take Division 1 athletics away and Tulane becomes a complete non factor in the community. Athletics is the only connection locals have identifying with Tulane University. I am a 1988 graduate of Tulane who is from the New Orleans area. I am a football season ticket holder and attend many other athletic functions. Taking Tulane out of Division 1 would be a huge blow to the University and its Alumni. Hopefully that won't happen and Rick Dickson can continue moving the program forward.

*****

Tulane is one of the few universities in the country that has potential to do what Stanford has already accomplished, which is becomming a university that has a great academic and athletic reputation. The institutions impeccable academic reputation, the most difficult part of this combination, seems to have already been achieved.

To acquire a great reputation as an academic institution takes a university a lifetime. To achieve a great reputation as a competitive sports program only takes enough time for a few winning seasons.

This is the least of all reasons to keep a Division I athletic program. Most important is the recognition, exposure and excitment it brings to Tulane, it's students, fans, all of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.

Being a University of Southern Misssissippi graduate, It would be a disappointment to see the competitive rivalry between our two schools end. Tulane is a quality addition to Conference USA with an extremely bright future in it's athletic program.

*****

Scott,

Please don't do it! Dropping out of Division One would be as big a mistake as moving the football stadium off campus. Perhaps it might save money in the short run, but in the long run, this move would be a detriment to donor revenues and applicant interest. If you are truly thinking long term and care about Tulane's long-term interests, as well as the Cowen legacy, then don't do it!

*****

I believe that it's OUR turn to climb the ladder and become one of the most powerful athletic programs in the country. We do things the right way and I believe that there are enough quality student-athletes in this area and other surrounding areas to bring our athletic teams to dominance on a continuous basis. I was a varsity football letterman from 1995-1998 and a senior on our 12-0 undefeated team that year. I am proud to be a part of that team, and a part my senior class. Many, if not all of us, are extremely successful in the businesses we hold and the company we keep. I believe that the successes we have now are a direct reflection of our education at Tulane University. There are many fans here in the area just waiting to "jump on the bandwagon" and support the program. However, right now we are giving them a reason to hold back and say "Tulane is dropping the ball, again." I believe a strong vote of confidence in our athletic program will give the university a kick start and speed up our return to prominance. Dr. Cowen, I believe you will hear our voice and make the right decision for OUR university. I stand tall and believe that once a Tulanian, always a Tulanian!

*****

If Tulane drops from Division 1-A, I will never step foot on its campus again, I will never give one dollar to the school, I will not let my children attend there....I'll take the license plate cover off the car, the flag off the house, the t-shirt off the kids. The damage has already been done. Anyone thinking of coming to Tulane to play football is already gone since their sophomore year might be spent playing Northwest Anchorage State. You have the chance to fix this.....now do it!

Build a stadium, join the ACC, recruit recruit recruit, spend the money and restore the honor. And by all means, get rid of the Pelican. ROLL WAVE!

*****

I am a Tulane business school graduate and a diehard fan. I have season tickets to both football and baseball, and I have donated to the Tulane Athletics Fund. I cannot believe anyone associated with our great university is even considering "deemphasizing" athletics. This move would be very detrimental to the reputation and publicity of the entire university, not just the athletics program. As many have stated, you cannot buy the publicity Tulane receives from having some of the university's former student athletes featured on a national stage. If anything, the sports programs at Tulane need to be promoted even more, not less. Nothing beats a beautiful, spring day at Turchin or an exciting afternoon in the Dome (or at Gormley) watching our football team.

*****

Dear Mr. Cowen,

I've been a big Tulane Green Wave Supporter and fan since I was born. It's been a family tradition since my grandfather came to Tulane Medical School in the 1930's. He once told me that he wanted to come here not only because of Tulane's reputation in medicine, but also because they had a good football team. Following in my grandfather's footsteps, my father also went to Tulane Medical School along with my aunt who attended Newcomb College. In addition, all of my siblings, my cousin, and I all graduated from Tulane University. I also have another cousin that graduated from Tulane Law School. YES, we are a Tulane Family.

Tulane Green Wave Athletics have played an important part in my life and my family's lives. We have supported Tulane Athletics by attending football, basketball, and baseball games. My dad has had, on average each year, 14 Tulane football season tickets for over 20 years as well as season tickets to the basketball games for over 10 years. In addition, we've attended numerous baseball games over the past few years. Tulane football games is/was a great opportunity for our extended family to get together and visit with each other.

That was important to and special for my grandfather. My grandfather went to every football game that he could until he passed away in early 1992. I even remember talking to him about Tulane Green Wave Athletics a few weeks or maybe the week before he passed on. This is one topic that we had in common. Our love of Tulane Athletics kept my relationship with my grandfather stronger. As you can see, keeping Tulane Green Wave in Division I would be important to all of my family and my grandfather. It hurts me to think that we might drop down a division or two and I'm sure my grandfather would be sadden by this too. I know there are many other stories like this, but it is important to us all. We would all appreciate your consideration to KEEP TULANE GREEN WAVE ATHLETICS STRONG AND IN DIVISION I.

*****

It is my opinion that Tulane should not lower its athletic standards.It should remain in DIVISION 1. It is good for the University.

*****

As an alumni and fan, I wish to express my interest in keeping Tulane competitive and active in Division I Athletic programs. Thanks.

*****

I know that I don't have a direct interest in Tulane Athletics, but as a Southern Miss alumni and fan of C-USA sports in general, I have alot of interest in Tulane and the study that is being conducted. I feel that Tulane is a very important part of C-USA and I-A athletics in general. I look forward to playing Tulane in each and every sports, each season. Tulane is Southern Miss' #1 Conference Rival, I can't imagin of playing in a conference without Tulane.

I think that Tulane is on it's way to righting the ship in New Orleans. A huge step last year was playing games in City Park. I believe that if Tulane would make an investment to move the majority of their games to City Park that would go along way in helping community support back to Tulane. Tulane began a downturn when old Tulane Stadium was torn down and games were moved to the Superdome. The Superdome is a great facility, but it's not a college football atmosphere. I think that Tulane would benefit from investing about $10 million into Tad Gromley and make it into a 30K seat stadium that would be perfect for Tulane football. If games are scheduled with Southern U, Texas and the other bigger games could be moved to the Superdome. Tulane is a very important part of C-USA, we need Tulane as a full member of C-USA if we as a conferece are going to be successful.

*****

I am a Southern Miss alumni, and my stomach gets tied up in knots when I think about what your University is trying to do. Tulane has many athletic programs that are great, and moving to a lower division would essentially delete that. I for one hate Tulane more than anyone, but the thought of this is Ridiculous. Please do not drop to a lower division! You will be doing a disservice to your students and alumni.

*****

Is this much to do about nothing? You say this is a process the University goes through every 5 years. Well, if so, then why all the turbulence.

It was just a short time ago that I first met you. My son and I had come into town for the 1998 Homecoming festivities and game and we were on campus as the Homecoming Parade was making its way down Newcomb Blvd. Your convertible stopped and I walked over to introduce my self (A&S â73) and son and to wish your tenure at Tulane the best. What a day and night and weekend that was. Shaun King and Dennis OâSullivan speaking to the crowd assembled on the Quad. Games for the kids and a bonfire that just wouldnât start. This was big time, this was fun and this was Tulane Football as it should be. Win or lose.

Please tell your ad hoc committee that it does matter in what division Tulane plays football. It matters who Tulane plays against. To us alums living outside the city and state that make the trek back to watch a game or two ö it matters. Playing Trinity University will not bring too many alums back to the campus. Playing Trinity will not bring the dollars to the TAF, as you would like. Playing Trinity University will never be on TV and thus will not give the University any national exposure as the Hawaii Bowl did.

Tulane has a great football history and must continue at the level it has always enjoyed. It should be part of your mission to keep it this way ö not shortchanging those who came before us.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen,

I applaud the successes over the past several years in athletics and increased admissions while acknowledge the financial difficulties that currently exist at Tulane. I am writing to you to give you insight to my point of view.

It's my understanding that Universities were founded upon the principles of providing a well-rounded and complete education. Athletics add a dimension of education that cannot be taught in books.

Tulane is a prime example of excellence in Academics and Athletics, Tier I and Div I. To win a bowl game on National TV and have an 80+% graduation rate from our players are examples of an extraordinary National University leading the way for a higher standard.

Yet, excellence does not come without a price. In my opinion, dropping to Div III is giving up and taking the easy way out. For one, it would diminish the value of a complete University experience to the students and the nations perspective.

Times are tough and the future seems clouded by uncertainty, but these are the times that build Character and Resolve. To me, this is a great opportunity to restructure, build a tremendous plan and system for growth when times become more favorable. (retool so to speak) I'm sure that's why the University is currently going through a thorough process of evaluation in the first place and I agree, all must be accountable.

My father graduated with honors from TULANE and paid his way through night school while supporting a family. I have an immense respect for his resolve and tenacity, and TULANE's for that matter. I am not a TULANE Graduate but grew up a fan because of my father's love for the Greenwave. I've sat through many losing seasons in the dome but never gave up hope.

My interest in TULANE has increased tremendously since 1997 with it's new found commitment to Athletic Excellence. I now live out of state and have two young sons who love and follow TULANE. They are eager to get a great education and play Football (or Baseball) for TULANE. They believe that Academics come first but that a person (or institution) can excel at both with commitment, character and eagerness.

I hope that the BODs of Tulane choose not to de-emphasize but rather to use DIV I as a catalyst (i.e. upgrading it's facilities, get a marching band, revitalize it's traditions and heritage) to propel the vision of an Extraordinary National University and to expand the complete University experience. When the time comes, I would love to see my sons choose TULANE and will support them fully in their life purpose. I hope that the vision of TULANE is to expand rather than contract it's focus.

*****

I'm currently a sophomore here at Tulane, and I recently heard about the possibility of changing us from a Division I athletic school to Division III. This is a horrible idea and I'm pretty shocked and dissapointed that it's even a consideration. I know for a fact that many of the students here based some of their decision on attending this university on the fact that we are a D-I school. Not only would this seriously diminish our athletic attendence and interest, it would also definitely hurt the school's overall enrollment. How can you possibly consider removing us from Conference USA after winning a Bowl Game this year, having an increasingly successful men's basketball team, a continuously successful women's basketball team, a college world series experienced baseball team, and numerous other athletic accomplishments in the recent past. Not only would this division change ruin our sports program, it would seriously damage the school's appeal as a whole. I can only hope that this idea is dropped and we remain in Division I. If we become Division III, the committee involved in making this decision and the administration will be regretting their decision for a long time to come.

*****

I would like to stay in division one sports. There's no reason to drop down.

*****

Until Tulane commits to not do away with sports, I am not interested in anything else

*****

I am a life long fan of tulane sports, aand I think it is horrible what you are talking about doing to the athletic programs. I don't think you reallize the effect Tulane sports has on this area. If Tulane would just stop doing things HALF ASS it could turn this negative into a positive. You are a very intelligent person please think about what you are doing.

*****

Please do not change Tulane from a division I to a division III school. I think it will be a big mistake, and the school will take a set back from it.

*****

Dear President Cowen,

As an alumnus of Tulane University and an enrolled student during our schools miraculous run towards an undefeated season in 1998-1999, I can not stress how important I believe sports is to encouraging and exemplifying a competitive landscape on campus. Having lived with several players on that team I saw first hand how much went into their studies as well as their sport. They set and example for many friends who did not have to organize their time like these athletes.

Switching divisions from I to III would essentially change the school I graduated from. In my pursuit of a college degree I visited Division I, II and III schools. The energy on those other divisions campuses was more of apathy, less for school spirit. At Tulane, especially when games were played in Fogelman, there was always a student in green, perhaps with face paint, and always a score or and event to check up on.

As I progress towards graduate school now, at a division II school, I long for those autumn days piling into the shuttle bus to the super dome or for those winter nights strolling into Fogelman to root against Louisville and Cincinnati and more importantly for Tulane then in the spring and early summer, night games for baseball, crawfish boils in the outfield, and celebrating wins over LSU. How can we strip our school of these things, these instant memory makers, this staple to the daily life of every Tulane Student and Alumni.

I hope that Tulane decides to keep its Division I athletics. I know every saturday it is a pleasure and a frustration to look at my box scores and see how our football team did. If you want to replace Scelfo with a Bowden, well that is another topic that I support wholeheartedly.

Very Truly Yours,

*****

Ditto! ... And just to add my two cents, a strong athletic program is such a critical piece of the overall "college experience" to the types of well-rounded kids we want to attract. If a kid wants an "M.I.T." type of experience, then he ought to go to an M.I.T.--- that's really not what we want our alma mater to be, though, and if alums lose the connection to the school, the school risks losing the alums. Again, just my two cents... but implore of the Board, PLEASE think this carefully through!

*****

I graduated from Tulane in 2001 (Newcomb College) and even though I am not a sports "nut" I am proud that Tulane competes on the Division One level and I feel that any drop will have catastrophic ramafications for the entire University, not just the Sports Programs. From looking on this board, I see that the majority of people want to stay in Division One. PLEASE STAY IN DIVISION ONE!!

*****

I just read through every response posted and by my calculations I see 129-16 in favor of staying in Division I-A. That seems overwhelming to me.

Why punish the Baseball Team which was #5 in the nation in attendance last season and has been to 14 NCAA Regionals since 1979, and was in the College World Series in 2001. I know you know very well you the applications sky-rocketed after the 12-0 season and after the College World Series trip. Please don't destroy one of the best and and most historic College Programs in the NATION!!!

*****

Dear Scott, Those in favor of strong professional athletics at Tulane have obviously jammed your mailbox, but they are fanatics whose vision is not of learning but of jingoist self-interest. Many are wealthy and are blackmailing Tulane into accepting what does not belong at Tulane. They simply do not want the school to lose its party-play image because that's what they did in college. They want to hang on to an old concept of college life for the rich and not accept the world as it is today.

Student athletics is commendable and something to be encouraged. I thoroughly enjoy women's basketball and baseball at Tulane because most of these athletes are bone fide students. Many are or have been my students, and they have done at least reasonably well in class. This is what college athletics should be: students playing for the love of the game.

The vast majority of football and men's basketball players, however, whom I have had as students during the past 30 years or so are totally ill-equipped to be students at Tulane and don't belong here. They can't read or write, can't think, and certainly don't have college education as a prime factor in their lives. They are at Tulane, but they are not really students. They make very good pro-football or pro-basketball material and should be in a professional football or basketball training league. During the school year they are so preoccupied by athletics both mentally and emotionally that they cannot really function in the classroom. Understandably so, but why push these zombies into the same classrooms with the vast majority of Tulane students who are there to learn, know how to read and write, and have the main purpose of the University at heart: to get an education.

I'm not privy to the Athletic Department's finances. I can see quite clearly, however, that we have dimwits getting full scholarships to attend as few classes as possible, while genius-level musicians with excellent preparation for college cannot afford to come here. How can a University maintain a high academic standard when priorities are so askew? How can Tulane try to compete with this country's best universities and produce world leaders if football is more important than education?

The baseball team and women's athletic programs have done a much better job of understanding what the role of sports should be at Tulane. It is their academic records which give Tulane some standing as among the best academics in college sports today. The football and men's basketball teams, however, are all wrong no matter how many games they win and whatever league or division they are in. They do not help Tulane's academic standing on or off the field. Even the players on the other teams recognize and joke about the stupidity of the football and men's basketball players. Therefore, I suggest that when the Board reconsiders the role of athletics at Tulane, that it not be blinded by some very wealthy and very powerful alumni and board members into believing that professional sports should be a part of the University. Even if they financially can completely support such a notion, how can they justify taking participatory athletics out of the hands of the students and placing morons both in Tulane's classrooms and on its athletic teams? Their only justification -- that it enhances Tulane's standing nationally -- appeals to the type of student that Tulane is trying not to attract any more in its effort to raise its standing as a great educational institution.

*****

I just wanted to let you know that I will be VERY disappointed if we switch to a different division. Although I am not a season ticket holder, I try to support the football, basketball, baseball and tennis teams by going to as many games as I can. I truly feel that Tulane will loose a lot by dropping in divisions. I for certainly won't have much, if any, interest to see a lower division game. There is a lot of value that Division I teams bring to a school that can't be measured with dollar signs.

*****

One of the things I learned at Tulane in the 1950's was the importance of "thinking outside the box" in attempting to find solutions for seemingly insurmountable problems.

Rather than throwing in the towel when things appear difficult, a couple of "outside the box ideas."

1. While I assume NCAA rules permit a certain number of football scholarships, I assume every school automatically thinks they must have the maximum they are allowed. I am wondering if it might appeal to recruits to know that Tulane would have a smaller squad of players, increasing the likelihood of their playing, and also the possibility of playing both ways, offense and defense, as was common some fifty years ago. How many dollars can be cut from the budget in this manner I am not sure, but it might well be worth looking into.

2. While we seem to have a great deal of difficulty establishing a fan base for football attendance, surely the high cost of Saints and Hornets tickets should allow us to present the greatest "family value entertainment" in town, and working with Skip Bertman to return the LSU game to an annual affair should be a major help, and some enhancement of the schedule could help as well....the Tad Gormley field games seem to be popular, and could be promoted as a great alternative to those who are not in love with the Dome.

3. The idea of ending a century long era of wonderful student athletes who have contributed so much more than their athletic talents to communities all over the country as guardians of a fine Tulane tradition is heartbreaking to many of us, and as much as we all recognize the goal of academic excellence, we all feel we received "academic excellence" during our University days, and the athletic programs enhanced the cultural balance of the student body. While diversity today seems to conjur nothing but "racial" thoughts, I look back on my Tulane days as a great experience in "diversity." Students from small towns, large cities, geographically mixed, athletes, party boys, nerds, church goers of all religions, sports fans, book-worms, dullards, country boys, socially elite people, comedians, etc. I remember the Honor Code, and students' appreciation of the integrity it called for, I remember fraternity life and fraternity sports, and all the good will created by the Pan Hellenic Council, and wonderful Ducky Riess.

Nostalgia has overcome me, but I could go on and on. Tulane without a major intercollegiate sports program would be like Louisiana without seafood.

*****

Dear President Cowen, Attached please find a copy of a report entitled "Athletic Deficits: The Adverse Effects on the University's Endowment," written by the late J. Ernest Tanner. Ernie was a professor of economics and beloved by his colleagues and his students. Although Tanner wrote the report more than eight years ago, many of his conclusions are relevant today. According to Tanner, "the cash deficit on intercollegiate athletics since 1963 is estimated to be equivalent to about 42 percent of the current endowment…. It is against significant financial costs like these that the widely noted benefits of intercollegiate athletics need to be evaluated. While it is true that intercollegiate athletics bestow untold benefits upon the University, these benefits must be weighed against the substantial costs to the financial well being of the University. It may be that, because of the relative financial condition of Tulane when compared to our nearest competitors, Tulane may not be able to afford the realities of fielding competitive Division 1-A intercollegiate athletics."

*****

Dr. Cowen and committee,

Regarding the current study of Tulane Athletics, I hope there are more options being considered than just to lower Tulane's Athletic Division standings. I am currently a staff member at Tulane but more importantly for this discussion I was a student here when football moved off campus in the 70s. Athletics is an important component of undergraduate life and our institution's heritage. I also realize that Athletics is a major cost in today's economic conditions. Our future success will require a careful balance of these factors.

I ask why not consider eliminating some sports that are expensive and poorly supported by the student population? In the 70s football was an active part of school life. It was a tradition. It was on campus and games were a social occasion regardless of the scoreboard outcome. Today attendance at games in the Superdome are an embarrassment. Last year's game at City Park was fun and exciting but I fear it is not a good test of what standard support and attendance would be for seasons in the future.

Some of our other athletic programs are consistently competitive but do not receive there due notice because of historical priorities. Why not reprioritize our Athletic programs? Why not eliminate football and invest in basketball, baseball, tennis and soccer?

I applaud the open discussion and evaluation and hope that Tulane considers all the options available to enhance and improve our university and the student experience. Best wishes in this difficult decision.

*****

As a 2002 TC graduate I'll throw in another vote to maintain Tulane sports in division 1-A status. Reitfying what is in the press, sports are a school's face to the general public; recent success in mainstream sports like football and baseball have introduced Tulane to students that would have otherwise not been aware of its presence. Not only should our sports teams maintain their level of competition, but a little more aggressive recruiting and a little extra money couldn't hurt the programs in their attempt to both win games as well as prospective students.

*****

I have been an ardent Tulane supporter, both academically and athletically for well over 40 years. I did not graduate from Tulane, however my son did. Athletics have been probably the most important influence in both our lives, other than family. Tulane's athletic accomplishments over the years, and most importantly, over the last five years have brought us immense joy. I have been a season ticket holder for many years and I plan on increasing my alotment this year for all sports.

On behalf of all of the many other responses I am sure you've received, I urge you to please do everything within your power to maintain Tulane's competing in Division I athletics.

*****

As a former scholarship tennis player, I vote to keep Tulane University a Division I. school for athletics.

*****

Must exhaust all means to stay in Division1!!!

*****

I agree with most of the other posters regarding the role of Div I sports at Tulane. I feel that the sports program is an integral part of the school and its traditions. Yes, the role of a university is to educate. However, schools like Emory and Washington Univ., while very fine institutions, lack an important ingredient in the recipe for a national university. That ingredient is intercollegiate athletics at the highest level. At many junctures, Tulane has seemed to make unfortunate decisions (dropping out of the SEC, moving into the Dome) which I know at the time appeared to be the right thing to do. Now we are in a bind, playing schools with little rivalry interest and outside the BCS.

Nonetheless, I remain a passionate follower of the Wave. Like others have posted, I and others like me will love this university long after many of the board members have moved on. I implore you to do whatever it takes to keep TU in Div 1. I just bought two season tickets today!

*****

I believe that there is an over emphasis on the success of athletics at universities across the US. We need to look no further than Baton Rouge to see how this warps the perspective of the goals of a university. I see the current athletic emphasis as appropriate. The real issue I believe is cost and is cost directly related to attendance and what is the break point on attendance if it is.

Tulane compares itself to a number of universities, some with and some without division I sports. I believe it is to the benefit of Tulane to have a division I athletic program if the cost issue can be worked out. There is also a larger issue regarding local support for Tulane. In my opinion Tulane has done a poor job in maintaining both a community presence and fan support locally. I believe that this is a direct result of two interrelated issues:

1. Recruitment and acceptance of students from the greater New Orleans has declined dramatically in the past 20 years.

2. The local economy does not provide opportunities for Tulane graduates to work locally.

Tulane probably cannot solve the second problem but emphasis needs to made to address the first one. Local support is too important to be treated the way Tulane has treated it.

*****

Dear President Cowan,

A few die-hard fans and nostalgic alumni seem to think that Tulane has an obligation to THEM to maintain Div.I status no matter what the consequences to the institution.

I would like to point out to them , yourself, and the Board of Administrators that NOWHERE in Tulane's mission statement (that you were so keen to have framed upon your arrival and which the Board adopted) is there ANY mention of intercollegiate athletics. Tulane's stated mission is to "create, communicate, and conserve knowledge", not to participate in Div.I athletics.

Accordingly, you and the Board should deal with intercollegiate athletics as what it is, a decidedly peripheral activity relative to this institution's officially-stated goals. If you and the Board members really understand and believe in the mission statement they adopted, its time to step up and resolve the financial burden that Div. I status imposes on university finances. Or was the mission statement just theatrics?

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

*****

I am absolutely appalled that Tulane University would even consider moving down in athletics classification. This past season has been one of the most successful on the field as any in recent memory. And this success has been accomplished with little or no support from the university. In addition, the cumulative average GPA of the student-athletes is better than the universities student body as a whole. Why don't you get off your high horses and put some money into the sales and marketing end of the athletics dept and then maybe you could reap the results of more fans in the stands. The university has set the athletic dept up to fail, but it has persevered and triumphed on the field. Now that we are having success on the field you are trying to pull the rug out form under it. You only get what you put into something, and if you would invest more in our athletes the rewards ($$$) would be astronoimical. To do anything less would be cowardly!

*****

Do not cut the Athletics program. I don't want to graduate from a "no name" school.

*****

My gut feeling is that moving to a lower athletic division is probably best for the longterm interests of the university, but then I am a CPA so the bottom line is important to me. If alums balk at a decision to move down, then maybe they should make up the deficit! But it's not all about money. I certainly do not look down on MIT because they are not in Division I. I love the Green Wave and football especially, but Tulane's academic reputation is more important to me. I believe that the standing of the University has gone up in recent years, and that has increased the value of my degrees. Maybe in the end it really is all about money! I do think that the move to the Superdome was the worst thing that ever happened to Tulane football and I noticed a while back that there was a game at Tad Gormley Stadium. The venue should be a consideration. Tulane should definitely benchmark against other similar universities of the same or higher academic standing, and see what they are doing. Maybe we can have our cake and eat it too.

*****

Please try to find some way to keep Tulane in Division 1 programs. I think Tulane is a great fit in Conference USA. The baseball team is doing great and the basketball is improving and football team went to a Bowl game. (We could not afford to go but we still watched)

I am mainly a football season ticket holder (I go to other sporting events). I have been following Tulane since I was about 12 years old. My two boys ages 13 and 16 have been going to the games since they were 6 months old. I know Tulane does not have the following as LSU but remember this is a state school.

I am not a very rich person by all means but I make sure I save enough money for my football Season tickets (which I just received and will be mailing in.). If Tulane drops down I will still follow them (its in the blood) but PLEASE TRY TO FIND WAY to keep us in Division I.

My boys want to go to Tulane and there is no way I can afford it but I tell them they can try to get an academic or sports scholarships if they work hard now in school. For a lot of people Tulane is just not in the cards but with the scholarships for sports a lot more kids have a chance at going to a great school. After college is over and the kids go to get jobs to have on their resume college attended: TULANE that means a lot. I don't know how many times I have heard the athletics say their reason for going to Tulane was for the education. This is their number one answer not coming to New Orleans to party but coming for an education.

A lot of the problem is with the kids on campus. They want to be able to walk to stadium like in old days. I go to the dome but it has really never been home to TULANE. Even City Park is not home. Tulane needs something on campus which is impossible but that is the reality. Tulane has a very cross breed of kids from all over the country and some are just not in sports.

There are a lot of very bright and smart people at Tulane and I know yall can find some way to keep us in Division I.

Thank you so much for listening to my opinion on this subject. GO WAVE

*****

while i have not attended tulane i have been a fan for over 40 yrs.i travel the country and tualnes name is recognized thru sports. in particular the recent football and baseball success. so please lets stay div 1

*****

Dear Scott,

If Tulane drops to a lower division, we might as well drop football. Few people come to see us play CUSA opponents,and I doubt there are many people who wish to see Tulane play the Wofford Terriers or the S. C. State Bulldogs.

Every couple of years I attend a game at the Citadel. Even when the Wave is playing terrible football, Division I football is a superior product to The Citadel Bulldogs versus Western Carolina Catamounts.

I suggested to Rick we play some more "national" teams even if we have to go to them. I'd follow the WAVE to Ann Arbor, South Bend, Columbus, and Los Angeles to name a few.

On the bus from the Liberty Bowl, you said the ACC would be a good fit. Maybe Tulane could attempt to join.

*****

Dear President Cowen:

I am shocked and appalled at the consideration to move to Division III in athletics. I think Tulane has proven its ability to compete at the Div I level, and I see no reason to discontinue this. I understand that you want to university to be more academic and less extracurrical minded, but ruining the name of the school in the process by taking us out of Div I is not the answer.

*****

Declining athletic support is just a symptom for the creeping apathy that has invaded the Tulane environment. The disease was born from the amputation of the student body from campus life.

Poor dormitory conditions with encouragement to off campus living has led to a disconnection. Add to this a miserable Greek system that has become a dark shadow of its prior glory days and the setup is complete.

How can you expect students who live off campus and hang at local bars for their social experiences to travel to downtown for a sports event.

There is no easy cure for the creeping apathy. The disease took years to fester. But there is hope. Get back to fundamentals.

It is necessary to recreat the student campus connection. Build better dorms in keeping with todays living. Make them aesthetic and part of the campus. Move out of the Dome to smaller venues in keeping with the size of the school. Revitalize or get rid of the Greek system. Certainly gain control of it again.

Most importantly buy the houses on Broadway and extend the campus. Turn that into "off campus" housing that is university controlled.

Do not think for an instant that a multi million dollar renovation of the UC will help. That is a poor quick fix that will cure nothing.

Look at the athletic situation as a wakeup to the bigger picture - creeping apathy.

I know from where I speak. My family has viewed Tulane from a 3 generation vantage.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen: As a Tulane graduate & former athlete from almost 40 yrs.ago, I am hopeful you & the board members will understand how deeply many people feel about our status as a Division 1A school. Believe me, as a sales & marketing person---->THE MONEY IS OUT THERE!! All efforts should be put together under a sports marketing dept. with full time dedicated fund raisers. I hope you realize that Tulane does not even solicit from it's own alumni. Surely you must understand the importance of a built in data base. We need to preserve our national name. Sports are part of life & a form of free advertising for our school. If you think I'm wrong, then talk to people at Northwestern, Duke, & Stanford. If you drop to a lower level of athletics, our national identity(national brand so to speak) will be lost forever. First rate academics & first rate athletic teams ARE NOT mutually exclusive. I also think someone would have the courage to clarify things with the media. The secrecy & silence are deafening. I urge you to use your own data base & that money will be coming in faster than ever before in Tulane's history. Thank You for your time.

*****

I am the only graduate of Tulane with a BS in Engineering from 1971 on the New Orleans campus and a MSPH in Industrial Hygiene in 2000 on the Richland, WA campus. I attended the graduation ceremony in the Superdome in 2000. When stationed at Keesler AFB, I proposed to the woman who became my wife outside Tulane Stadium in 1977. Tulane was playing in the Superdome, but it did not have the memories that Tulane Stadium had. I also remember sitting at my desk in Monroe Hall and watching the dome be built.

I am an avid supporter of Tulane athletics (primarily football). I would be hurt if Tulane decided anything in the end of May meeting besides increasing support for the current program. I would say that if Tulane decided to go to Division IAA or lower that they should stop the comparison with Duke, Rice, and Stanford and start seeking one with Washington and Lee, Emory, and Hardin-Simmons. I thoroughly believe that the entire reputation of the university would be lowered due to the less name recognition.

I can remember a similar push was undertaken in the late 60's to drop either football or all sports. At that time, Tulane had poor records in nearly every sport. For my first three years, Tulane won a total of 8 games if my memory serves me correctly. However, we went to the Liberty Bowl in my fourth year.

Last year, I listened to all but one game on the computer. I was thrilled to finally be able to participate in Tulane athletics even if by listening to the computer.

I cannot say that I would decrease my support for Tulane if the sports program was downgraded, but I probably would.

My views probably won't sway your decision or the committee's vote. However, my vote is firmly for supporting the team.

*****

It is surly a trying decision for all those involved. No university would deemphasize its Division I athletic programs without some underlying financial burdens as the root cause. Athletics are certainly not an impediment to a rigorous academic climate or a detriment to a university‚s academic reputation. Harvard and Stanford, among others, come to mind. But those private universities without large athletic endowments, again Harvard and Stanford come to mind, are faced with the every increasing costs of athletic programs that are not self-supporting. The problem is further exacerbated by the inappropriate interpretation of Title IX by the U.S. Department of Education. While Secretary Paige may provide some relief, it will probably not be nearly enough. It would appear none of the options left to decision makers are attractive.

The most rumored option seems to be a step down to Division II, with fewer athletic grants-in-aid, or Division III with none. However, all athletic teams at a university do not have to be in the same division. It is not uncommon for a university to have one or more teams in one division and other teams in another division. While I am not advocating the moving of any Tulane athletic team to a lower division, I am particularly opposed to the baseball team not remaining in Division I.

The attendance at Tulane baseball games was in the top ten in the country last year and is enjoying another stellar attendance season this year, as it has for the past several years. Last year Tulane was a participant in a game that produced the largest crowd ever to see a college baseball game. Season ticket sales are up, the outfield billboards are all sold, and there seem to be plenty of advertisers on the radio broadcasts of the games. Based on the annual introduction of athletes with a 4.0 or better grade point average from all Tulane athletic teams at a recent baseball game, the crowd witnessed the baseball dugout practically empty out when time came to introduce the qualifying baseball players ˆ again, I would say the baseball team‚s academics are beyond question. A tribute to the baseball coaching staff as well as to the student athletes themselves and an achievement of no small consequence at a rigorous university concerned about its academic reputation.

*****

This is just another example of Tulane not caring about the opinion of the students. Instead of letting us actively participate in any decision process, they make these decisions and tell us what they have decided or what the results are. Instead of getting a full story of why a decision will be made we are given only half the story. Maybe if things were actually talked about openly with the students and faculty, everyone would feel more positive about the process as well as the final decision. You cannot feel positive about your school if you feel like they go behind your back about every change in policy.

*****

how can we possibly be considering switching to a lower division when our football team has FINALLY won bowl game! great strides in athletics take baby steps to achieve and i think we're finally headed in the right direction. i'd hate to see us a giant step backwards.

*****

Dropping Tulane athletics to a lower division would be a complete slap in the face to all of the athletes who have dedicated their entire lives to excelling in their chosen sports, and who thought that they would have the opportunity to compete at a high level at this institution. Tulane is a rare combination of academic excellence and athletic pride. Instead of dropping all programs down to a lower division, and punishing such quality programs as baseball, tennis, basketball and football, perhaps it would be more prudent to look into how these programs could be better managed. It would be naive to think that intercollegiate athletics is not an important part of college life, and if Tulane were to continue to grow both academically and in overall reputation, athletics will be an important part of that change. Earlier this year a lot of emphasis was put on the academic performance of college athletes, and Tulane was consistently regarded as having one of the best programs when it came to combining academics and athletics. I know that the University has put quite a lot of thought into this decision, but I feel this is something that the student body should be more involved in, as many of us know athletes personally, giving us a unique position on the subject. I hope that these comments will be taken seriously, as it would truly be a shame if Tulane was no longer able to be regarded as a quality institution in more than just academics.

*****

Mr. Cowen: GIVE ME DIVISION 1 or REVOKE MY ALUMNI STATUS! The day Tulane won't compete on the highest level in anything will be the end of my attachment to the university. I attended both undergraduate and graduate schools at Tulane for a total of 6 years from 1980 to 1986. During that time, I attended every mens football and basketball game I could possibly attend. As an alumni from North Carolina, I still take advantage of opportunities every year to see the mens football, basketball, baseball, and womens basketball team play when they are close by. In fact, it is at those events I had the pleasure to meet you, Rick Dickson, and various other folks from campus that I would never meet otherwise.

You simply must do whatever it takes to remain in Division 1. If that means changing our conference affiliation or particular sports offerings so be it. Why can't we complete like other well known private universities in Division 1? I'd hate to lose football, but I'd rather be a Marquette than an Emory anyday. In football, why don't we schedule Northwestern instead of Northwestern State? Why don't we schedule schools we would like to be compared to like Stanford, Duke, Vanderbilt, etc. If we schedule non-division 1 schools like Southern for money, why not schedule more schools like Texas instead. I'd rather see us lose to Alabama than win against Cajun College. If we must schedule wins, then at least schedule other Division 1 schools.

Tulane is a national, if not international, university. We don't we act like it? Granted we have a strong base of local Louisiana alumni, but then again Notre Dame has a strong base of Indiana alumni. Yet you don't see Notre Dame catering to the local alumni only now do you?

I have read through all of the previous emails to you listed on the web site and find a overwhelming majority of then asking you to stop this insanity and develop a permanent commitment to Division 1 sports at Tulane. While a lot of potential damage has already been done by even having discussion of this issue, I only hope you will be able to salvage a few other goods ideas (A Band, Pitch the Pelican, Bring Back Gumby, etc.) which have come to light.

I wonder if many folks who donate to the university split their donations various ways. I for one give 25% each to LAS (Faculty), Business School, Athletics Fund, and Tulane College. Would it have helped you to think Division 1 all the way, if such folks gave 100% to the Athletics Fund? If Tulane goes to Division III, I think I'll give 100% to the Duke Athletic Fund and enjoy rooting for a Division I school in sports! Faithfully Yours (for the moment anyway),

*****

Dear President Cowen,

I am writing to show my strong disapproval of changing Tulane‚s Athletics‚ Division I status; in addition, I will attempt to persuade you to recognize athletics as a vital aspect to Tulane community and academic success. De-emphasizing athletics would not only be detrimental to the university in both the short term and the long term, it would be an injustice to the entire student body.

From the beginning of your employment at the University, you have verbalized your commitment and support of Tulane Athletics. This commitment can be best depicted in your hiring of one of the nation‚s most successful Athletic Directors. Under new leadership, Tulane Athletics is flourishing. In the last five years, Tulane has enjoyed some of its most successful years: bowl games, 15 conference championships, NIT and NCAA appearances, Baseball World Series, National Tennis Champions, Multiple Top-10 and Top-25 rankings, and most importantly, the #1 graduation rate in the country. The numbers speak for themselves. Tulane athletics are succeeding. Additionally, Tulane athletics is representing Tulane University.

With the assistance of Tulane athletics, its players and coaches, Tulane University is creating a name for itself. For competition purposes, the Greenwave travel across the country, spreading the good word about Tulane University. As our athletic teams become more and more successful, Tulane athletics is taking a national spotlight; moreover, Tulane athletics is turning the attention towards Tulane University. Here is a proposition: If the main impetus behind a consideration of Division III athletics is a shrinking endowment due to a lack of alumni support, why has the University fundraising committee not used athletics for fundraising purposes? In every city Tulane athletics travels to, your fundraisers could easily arrange alumni events surrounding the games. It is shocking and angering to watch your administration ignore the contributions of national advertising that is provided by Tulane athletics.

Tulane‚s success at the Division I level not only provides national recognition to our school, Tulane Division I athletics improves our campus life. Students attend Tulane to seek a „college experience,‰ which is defined by the exposure to new and diverse ideas, people, and customs. The ability to scholarship both athletes and non-athletes brings diversity to our campus. By providing education opportunities for students who could otherwise not afford the expenses of such a prestigious university, we are simultaneously providing every Tulane student a true „college experience.‰ Stripping Tulane of its Division I status would be directly robbing Tulane students of their right to a „college experience.‰

It is imperative to further consider the role of Tulane in the New Orleans and Louisiana communities. There is already distance between the New Orleans community and Tulane- and note the alumni base in New Orleans. Any Louisianan will vow that the two biggest mistakes Tulane has made in the history of the school include the drop out of the SEC, and the demolition of the football stadium on campus. President Cowen, do not repeat history. It is time to address the concerns of the local Tulane fans- pledge that Tulane University will support their demands; furthermore, pledge your commitment to Tulane Athletics. Tulane athletics has afforded your university much success in recent years. It is now your duty to return the favor. Save your school by keeping Tulane athletics Division I.

*****

Dr. Cowen: I believe that Tulane will never be an athletic powerhouse as some would like it to be. And that is just as well. Instead, Tulane must focus on consolidating its resources and building upon its already solid academic reputation to become an even better educational institution. I do not put much stock in U.S. News & World Report rankings, but I have observed, much to my chagrin, that Tulane's numbers have slid and stagnated in recent years, while the rankings of peer schools like Emory and Wash U. have soared. All of this is a function of money. Those schools just happen to have more of it. If placing less emphasis on athletics means harnessing Tulane's academic potential, then I am all for reducing the role of sports at Tulane. On the other hand, if having a Division I sports program is vital to a segment of the Tulane community, then they should be prepared to subsidize such a program through increased donations to the school.

*****

Yes Tulane is an academic school but so are such schools as Duke, Stanford, and Notre Dame. If they can figure out how to stay afloat in athletics with their strong academic requirements why can't Tulane. I take great pride in cheering on Tulane teams and there is no doubt my school spirit would significantly dwindle if we were to ever drop out of Division 1.

*****

Dear DR Cowen I an an alumnus[BBA54]. Iwas a student when the first de-emphasis took place. It had a negative impact then.. I can also tell you that the reason I went to Tulane was because I started going to football games at age 7 and became a diehard fan.I think the timing of this is inopportune. Our football team seems to be heading for good years and other sports are at conference championship level. There are many problems with TU athletics that are a symtom to many that the Administration is lukewarm to the program. !-the Dome is not a good venue for college football;2-we don't have a band. That's pathetic and without it spirit is impossible. I remember meeting you in 98 at Rutgers and you said we would have a band. You have not delivered on this. When I was in school our band had many members who were Loyola students. Why not? 3- community support. The community is pressured to support the pro teams. why hasn't there beenpressure to support TU. Has a campaign ever been mounted to tell the story about the University's economic impact on the city and use that to get coperate sponsorship for athletics. 4- The TP paper is so negative about TU. We get better write-ups in the Advocate. Has any pressure from your office on the TP to be supportive of the only D-1 football program in the city? I doubt it. At one time TU led the SEC in football attendance. People knew year in and year out we would put a competutive team on the field. 5- you're kidding yourself if you don't think athletics help generate non-athletic revenue. Did applications go up after 98? Think back to your cade days. Did CWRU get the same publicity a D-1 program gets? What other contact with the University do out of town alums have? 6- The BCS is an anti trust monster. I wish you and the other Presidents would spend energy on opening up the BCS ie congressional lobbying, public relations campaign, and yes maybe legal action. 7- I give to the TAF every year. I sometimes buy tickets to games I can't attend ie the Hawaii bowl just to help. That suypport will continue for any D-1 sport but not for lower. Thank you for considering my views.

*****

I have a perspective on the possible changes to the athletic department that I'd like to share. I have degrees from Tulane (A&S 1988) and Emory. I assume that when considering a move to Div. 3, Emory is a model (along with Case Western Reserve). Emory is a great school, but I feel no connection to it and it has a much smaller sense of community to it. I have great affection for and pride in Tulane and it has a much stronger sense of community. Tulane is actually lower rated but has a higher profile as a top school than Emory. I am an Associates level donor to the university on an annual basis and have given Emory a grand total of $25 over the last 5 years. This is all in great part due to Tulane's athletic programs.

There are many fine academic schools that have small time athletic programs - there are entire leagues of these schools (such as the UAA), but there are only a handful that compete in all sports at the Division 1A level. Tulane is one of them and it makes a great school even better. Tulane has been Division 1A for over 100 years and should be forever. The university derives so much positive press from its fine athletic program and the future seems so bright.

I agree that you should always do a thorough examination of every department, athletics included, but this has been very poorly handled. It has sent a message to the community and potential students and athletes that the university is not committed to athletics and it has sent a message to the Tulane community (students, alumni and friends) that the administration is not open and honest unless it is forced to be. Tulane has no problem finding me to ask for money (they've even come to my office) and sends me e-mails all the time, but I found about this via the internet and still haven't received anything from them. I am in one of the higher levels of the TAF and still nobody thought that it is important to tell the better supporters. I don't want to be nasty or make threats, but instead state a simple fact. If a move is made away from Div 1A sports, my donations will cease.

I only want the best for Tulane and know that you do as well. Thanks for accepting my input.

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