Questions and Comments We've Received

April 28, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

I am extremely proud that I was graduated from Tulane University. I have always felt privileged as a result of that experience. The experience not only included the academic excellence to which I was exposed and which helped, I am sure, in obtaining admission to the law school of my choice and later in certain professional opportunities. It also definitely included the relationships forged among the students, between the students and faculty and the pride in the school's athletic programs (although some years the results were dismal and the painful to us). I cannot imagine the University without a Division I-A program. I owe a lot to the University for the advantages and aid it afforded me, and I try to re-pay that in volunteer work and with my check book. However, if the University were ever to downgrade its athletic program, I know my enthusiasm for supporting the University would diminish. I venture to say that is also the feeling of many of the institution's significant supporters. Thank you.

*****

If all options are truly being considered, the one chosen should not only call for a recommitment to Div. 1 Athletics, but for a plan of action that will further enhance Tulane's reputation as an integral and stable member of Div. 1.

*****

I think Tulane sports is an example of how college sports should be. Talented men and women are allowed to develop their God given talent and gain a terrific education when they can no longer play. They are still meeting the goals of challenging classes. Keep sports.

*****

I firmly believe that Tulane should remain in Division 1-A and not consider stepping down in division. This would be detrimental to recruiting quality coaches and athletes in addition to raising funds for the athletic department.

*****

Please do not sacrifice the competitive position of non-football sports because of a football program that lags in attendance and revenue. I am primarily a Baseball fan and I think it is clear that that a move to division III in that program would be the destrucion of the most successful major men's sport that you have. The baseball program continues to mature into a well attended top tier Division I program. If anything, nurture what is working.....and has the best chance of regular sustained success. It is sad, but football no longer seems to provide the cash cow that it once did. Private university football programs, with few exceptions, cannot and do not provide regular sustained success. In that light it will remain almost impossible to generate regular sustained fan support. Football needs a tweaking, leave the other sports alone.

*****

I feel the Board is at a great disadvantage in not having anyone who participated in sports such as Mens Track and Field on their committee before they summarily canceled a fine program. To continue without including such member as myself is a great disadvantage as the Board dose not get to hear from those who have been removed from the process rather than including such members they have successfully alienated a number of very professional doctors and lawyers through out the country. During my years at Tulane 1979-83 BA and 1983-87 JD and LLM the track program produce a significant number of doctors and other professionals while maintaining the highest GPA of any sports team. True student athletes. Despite not having a word in the removal of this program those members now are no longer interested in the process because of the failure to include such persons in the decision making process. It is always better to include than to exclude. Again in this process the Board continues to exclude such person than hearing from them directly or including such a person on the Board to assist in the culture of successful developing programs with limited budgets such as the one put forth by the track personnel during the 1979-87 period where we worked with limited dollars to a great success. I would be more than willing to assist and be a member of the Board if they would open the doors to younger member such as myself.

*****

Throughout the nation, all universities are feeling the pinch of the economic situation at hand and re-evaluating their athletic programs as part of the solution to solving the University's problems. The University trying to relieve some of this economic tension by looking at re-organizing their Athletic Department by either eliminating sports and/or dropping divisions is not the answer.

This current world Economic turbulence will only be brief. The Long term ramifications of the wrong decision will be felt for years to come. Dropping sports and/or division may help in the short term, but in the long term, the school's reputation and relationship with alumni and community base's allegiance to the school will be permanently damaged.

If Tulane thinks that re-organizing the school to de-emphasize their athletic program is the right course of action, be fore warned. If you thought raising money and attracting new students was tough now, wait until the school's student body drops to 2-3,000 people.

*****

Dear Sir: I urge that the University keep Tulane at the highest level of sports competition. I grew up in New Orleans, but have live in the Jackson, MS. area for the last 25 years. Notwithstanding the distance to New Orleans, I attend as many athletic events as possible. Provided that Tulane remains in Division 1-A, I am prepared to purchase six football season tickets and to contribute ti the Athletic Fund. There is no other undertaking that raises the visibility of the University in such a positive way. I highly endorse remaining in Division 1-A athletics.

*****

I would like to express my vote for Div. 1 in all major sports, including football, men and women basketball, baseball and ADDING SOFTBALL for women. Halfway approaches do not satisfy anyone, either the players or the fans. We have to find a common ground and work TOGETHER to accomplish this goal. Currently the football team has an opportunity to have a very promising year. This subject involves many variables, such as student interest, accounting, and perceived community involvement. A sweeping change of school "POLICY" needs also to be reviewed. Let's bring in "everyday" students with band scholarships and SELL this university to the local folks. The local fan base would exponentially increase over time by having more local people involved. I could go on much more.

*****

I just wish the University was a D-III school when I was at Tulane. I think the ability to attract and compensate excellent professors would have only been increased 10 fold.

*****

To whom it may concern:

Please do not allow Tulane to be reduced to a division III school or anything lower than division I-A. I know I would not have enrolled in Tulane University if Tulane was anything lower than a division I-A athletic program. Many of my friends feel the same way. My brother, who is a junior in high school, is considering Tulane, but told me he will not attend if we are no longer division I-A. I don't blame him. It's bad enough that we aren't very competitive and that the games do not sell very well. But if we practically obliterate Tulane sports, our school would be an embarrasment. We would lose many potential students. Athletics is such an important part of university life, that students would rather go to schools such as LSU or even ULL that have division I-A programs. Tulane athletics is on the rise, with our football team going to a bowl game this year and even going undefeated a few years back. Both mens and womens tennis teams won conference championships this year. The baseball team recently went to the college world series. The key is to continue in this direction, trying to elevate Tulane athletics to the level of other academic institutions. Please keep Tulane athletics in division I-A.

Thank you for your time,

*****

As a fan I am shocked and dismayed that Tulane University would even consider downgrading athletics to Division III. What they need to do is UPGRADE athletics by moving out of Conference USA and into a major league like the ACC or SEC. If you do not commit to competing at the highest levels then the best option is to drop athletics altogether.

Attendance for football is disappointing because there simply are not enough attractive teams on the home schedule. It has nothing to do with the Superdome or what time the games start. Schools like Houston, Cincinnati and Memphis do not draw particularly well at home for much the same reasons. And a new on campus arena for basketball must be built. Competing in NCAA Division I-AA is expensive but rewarding. The administration at Tulane simply needs to decide which side of the fence it wants to sit on. Let's hope they pick the right side.

*****

I do not support the idea of dropping down divisions for the athletic department. I think there are many ways to drive up attendance, if thats the major issue.

I am a football season ticket holder, and have been for many years. I am employed by a very large corporation, so the three hundred bucks plus the donation to the athletic fund are not difficult for me to pay on a yearly basis. I live in the Baton Rouge area and travel to all Tulane home games.

But for the average New Orleanian, this may pose a financial problem. Time does not permit now, but I would be glad to discuss, or attend a forum of fans and supporters to help the university stay in division 1A.

*****

Dear Advisory Board,

This email is in response to Mr. Dickson's call to Tulane fans to let their wishes be known.

I bleed green. Three of my family members arew Tulane grads, one of which played footbell for the Wave from 1973/1978. My son is attending Tulane on an academic scholarship.

For Tulane to drop down to division II or III would be suicide.

It is beyond me that when Tulane is finally at their best since the 1930s with a legitimate chance to build a fan base, the school would even consider messing things up.

Forget about the last 25 years, this is a new beginning at Tulane. This is the first time in my lifetime that we have coaches willing to stay, build consistent winners, and add stability to the program...and all the while they are doing this our students are graduating and bringing honor to the university. How much do you think this is worth to Tulane? Tulane is building a unique position in the south among college athletic programs. Our kids make the grade in the classroom and win on the field. Aren't those results setting Tulane apart? Doesn't that make Tulane University leaders?

My uncle was a star football player at Loyola when they dropped football in 1939. Not long after that in the 40s thay won a national championship in basketball and no one gave a damn about Loyola. This is football country, this is the Deep South where we love football and baseball.not Chicago where basketball is king.

I will commit to buying season tickets for football and try to scrape up the money to buy baseball season tickets, but only if Tulane remains in Division I and remain comitted to building a consistient winner. I'm not talking national championships or bcs status at the expense of academics either. If you drop down you can forget my support because it would only prove to me that Tulane doesn't care about it's athletic program.

As a suggesstion, I think every hotel and restaurant should be shown in real dollar and cents figures how a winning Tulane athletic program especially in football would be a windfall for them. The Texas game is a great example. There were 40,000 fans there. How many restaurants, bars, amd hotels served those fans that weekend? Couldn't Tulane put a dollar figure on that and show the business community that their support would benefit them? What if each business comitted to $1000.00 each to the program for a 5 years If Tulane in return stays comitted to winning athletics. Wouldn't everyone benefit? Shouldn't we point out that opposing teams comming to New Orleans like Texas, Oklahoma, or Alabama for example would bring thousands more into the city for weekend visits than the Saints' opponents ever would? College fans travel with their teams pros don't.

Speaking of the Saints, I believe they are going. There's no way the state will come up with the outrageous demands the NFL is placing on them. I for one will volunteer to load up the van when it pulls out. Then, Tulane will be the only game in town...which means more butts in the stands.

Finally, everyone saw the excitement an outdoor stadium gave to Tulane. Spend the money, build an on campus stadium or renvoate Gormley. Build a college atmosphere and you'll draw fans. Don't assume you'll get 28,000 for a division II game...you won't.

Tad Gormley could probably receive federal dollars as an historical site. Couldn't that money be used to upgrade Tad Gormley? Wouldn't boxes in the stadium give Tulane added revenue? Wouldn't Mayor Nagin work with the Wave if the city stands to benefit from a successful Tulane?

Please do not kill the athletic program when it's just srarting to grow. We've finally found our niche in college football and college athletics and we're doing quite well. Give us time to build a base. Division II or III is not the answer, that only guarantees that athletics would never make it. Support Tulane don't kill them,

*****

To Dr. Cowen and the Ad Hoc Committee,

I am writing in response to the recent discussions concerning the Tulane Athletic Program. As a Tulane graduate (Class of 2000) and a devoted Tulane athletics fan, I am compelled to reply to the email that was sent out to all Tualne students last week.

If I am reading that email correctly, it is my understanding that this eight member committee formed by the Tulane Board of Directors will be investigating the role of intercollegiate athletics at Tulane University. It seems to me that three options are being considered: 1) Remain a Division I competitor, 2) Submit a recommendation to be placed into Division III Status, and 3) Eliminate Tulane Athletics altogether.

It seems to me that there are many issues not being discussed or possibly withheld from all Tulane students, supporters, and fans. It is necessary to look at all of the facts, not just a select few. Yes, attendance at Tulane football games has dwindled considerably over the past decade. Yes, Tulane is not a member of the BCS. Yes, Tulane Athletics do not receive an enormous amount of donations from alumni and supporters. These facts are all very true, but are they reason enough to even consider dropping Tulane Athletics altogether? Obviously, there are some deeper problems not being shared to Tulane fans.

Now, let's look at the last five years in Tulane Athletics: -Tulane football goes undefeated and caps off a 12-0 season with a victory at the Liberty Bowl led by Shaun King against BYU. -In the face of adversity and people who did not give Tulane football a chance this season, Chris Scelfo puts together 7-5 season and leads the team to a victory in the Hawaii Bowl. By the way, Tulane received recognition this Bowl Season as being a Division I institution with an excellent graduation rate among all athletic programs. If the BCS would include graduation rate in the formula, Tulane would have played Notre Dame in the Championship Game...but that's another topic for another time. -Tulane baseball has recieved bids to the NCAA tournament each of the last five years. In those five years, the team led by Coach Rick Jones has either won the regular season title, the conference title, or both outright three times. In 2001, led by Jake Gautreau and Andy Cannizaro, Tulane hosted a regional at Turchin Stadium, one of 16 venues in all of college baseball. After going 3-0 and winning the regional, Tulane received another bid to host the SuperRegional at Zephyr field against arch-rival LSU, five time National Champions. No one gave Tulane a chance against the Tigers and even the "home town" crowd favored LSU. Tulane won the series 2-1 capped off by a 7-1 victory on Sunday. The Tulane baseball team has produced National Players of the Year, National Freshmen of the Year, and countless All-Americans. -The Tulane tennis program has gained national recognition through conference championships on both of the men's and women's side. This year, both men and women's teams took home the conference crown.

There are many other sports that deserve recognition for their underrated achievements. Obviously in light of such accomplishments, there are no problems with the student-athletes at Tulane University because it seems to me that they are performing quite well. It is important to remember what the terms "college" and "university" mean. Both terms represent the strongholds and foundations for the fountain of knowledge and enlightenment. Tulane possesses that foundation while at the same time providing an environment for student-athletes. Of the top 50 academic institutions in the nation, only a handful have division I status with Tulane being a proud member of that group. Yes, the NCAA is mostly about money, and yes Conference USA is not a powerhouse conference like the SEC or BIG 12. But, Tulane's name is not linked to the number of National Championships it has won. Rather, Tulane's name comes from the prestige and academic excellence it is built over many years of tradition. Thus, during this year's Bowl Season, it was a rarity for a small private school to gain recognition in the College Athletics World with not only a bowl appearance but a victory on Christmas night.

Thus, I am writing to voice my support for Tulane Athletics to remain a Division I contender and to continue to grow in the right direction. The last five years have seen many successes for Tulane Sports...let's build on that continue to strive for more and never be satisfied. Giving up or moving down should not even be an option for a program with such recent accollades. Tulane deserves better than to be seen in this negative light. Let's get it together and continue to move forward, not backwards or not at all.

Roll Wave!!!

*****

I am a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University. If I could have afforded it, and qualified, I would have attended Tulane myself. In any case I did the next best thing, became an avid follower and supporter of Tulane athletics. My brothers likewise went to 'other' universities but have been Tulane football season ticket holders for many years, one still is. If my opinion counts in the poll, I vote that Tulane maintain it's present classification and compete with the top schools in the country, and in Conference USA. It will severely affect followership if Tulane's classification is downgraded from 1-A. I vote NO on the change. Thank you.

*****

Dear Tulane, I feel it would be a mistake for Tulane to drop division 1-A athletics at Tulane. Exposure and interest in the school would drop precipitously, combining over the long run to offset any initial short term savings. Please keep things the way they are now!

*****

As a Tulane Alumni (MBA - 99), I would find it disheartening if the University dropped its Div-1A standing. Tulane is a model to the country showing that top academic schools can compete on the field of play successfully. I hope that future Tulane students continue to have the benefit of competing at the highest level possible, not just academically but athletically as well.

*****

It is very important for Tulane to keep the Div 1-A status on all athletic competition. Why? Because it is the one thing that binds the alumni together. All across the country, there are alumni groups that prepare functions around televised sporting events. There are thousands of students who attend the events as a social gathering regardless of how competative the team is that year. Alumni travel to the bowl games, students are proud when the teams do well. Alumni donations rise as the teams are more competative. It is perhaps the only thing that binds all tulane alumni together.

You may think that the Tulane experience without competative Div 1-A sports events may bind us all. In a sense that is true, but that is only a small insequential portion of a larger issue. Do you know how many stories are still being told of how we almost beat top-10 LSU back in 1987 before we took Washington to the last minute of the Indepence Bowl? How many stories of my fraternity brothers I can mention when we all met up (after graduation) to go to the Liberty Bowl? How I called in sick to work so that I could go to the NCAA tournament 2 years in a row? How many times can a medium-sized institution say that it plays with the big-boys of the SEC, ACC, Big 10, etc? Do you know how much school pride is enveloped around Div 1-A sports?

A lot of people say that a university that prides itself on educational experience such as Hardvard, Yale, or Princeton does not need a Div 1-A sports alliance. Yes, that is true. However, they are so selective of a university core, they dont need to have Div 1-A sports (5-10% acceptance rate). However, the students that attend are missing out on a good part of a collegiate atmosphere and experiences. I remember how the basketball team came back after the death penalty. My first b-ball game in my 3rd year of college. After the first game, I thought to myself- "How could we not have this?" It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. With an acceptance rate still around 40%, can the university afford to go without Div 1-A? I think not. You have no idea how many questions get asked at the college fairs about what division we are in for sports. Many students will not even consider a non Div 1-A school. (I am a frequent volunteer on the Admissions Committee). In addition, there are a countless number of schools trying to become Div 1-A - why you ask? Because of the sense of school pride and the amount of money that can be made.

What you should be more focused on is how to elevate the competition level and keep the coaching talents that we have let go, rather than dropping Div 1-A. If we had Mack Brown for 5 more years - how much more of a football powerhouse would we have been over the past decade? I will tell you that we wouldnt have gone 1-10. If Perry Clark would have been able to coach instead of just recruit, we may have wound up being in the sweet 16, elite 8, or maybe even the finals. If we would have more of a tough schedule, maybe the football and basketball teams would be higher in the rankings.

On another note, diversity is supposed to make a university system more well-rounded and educational. My cousin is being actively recruited by numerous schools for women's volleyball, one of which is Tulane. She is a hell of an athelete and a great student. I am very supportive of having her attend Tulane, but will not if the sport has a possibility of being dropped or dropping competition levels. I will advise her to go somewhere else, regardless of the scholorship monies. Tulane is one of those schools that someone will be noticed for both brains and play levels. We have had two first-round quarterbacks picked in the past 5 years and two basketball players drafted to the NBA in the past 10 years. Together with a 78% graduation rate, doesnt that tell you that Tulane's Div 1-A program is doing things right?

All we need is to have the right people leading the teams and for a legnth of time, not whether we should have the teams. Make the programs consistently good. Make the school a place to coach rather than to prove you can coach before moving to a larger program. Concentrate on making things better, not about getting rid of the problems. Spend money wisely, not save a few bucks on someone who cant get the job done.

Do the right thing - keep Div 1-A status and enhance the programs. You wont be sorry if you do. You will be sorry if you dont.

*****

I wish to voice my concern about the Green Wave Athletics being reduced from its current status of Division I-A. In the past 13 years, since my return to New Orleans, I have actively supported the athletics program by buying tickets to many football, basketball and baseball home games. I also attended the Liberty bowl game when Tulane was invited. My wish is to continue my support of this fine Divison I-A program. Any reduction in this program will significantly impact my support of the university.

*****

Dear Mr. Dickson

I am in full support of Tulane remaining a Division I-A program, and agree with your assessment of Tulane as a model I-A program. I am sending a copy of this letter of support to the University at feedback@tulane.edu, as well as calling them with my support.

*****

Allow me to draw a comparison. We ask ourselves, "Who is the most famous Tulane graduate? The same handful of names frequently crop up. Michael DeBakey, Newt Gingrich (grad school), Bob Livingston. Now I know that there might not be a direct correlation between fame and donations. I can assure you that come Thursday Sep 4, All of us will be happy, very happy to add one Patrick Ramsey to the ranks of the "Famous Tulanians". When the announcers say, "You know he is bright, with a Tulane finance degree." That will go into more homes than you can count. What are you plans for capitalizing on that set of advertising impressions? Would you rather them say that a) The new bright quarterback is from Stanford? b) Or that the most notable Graduate from Tulane continues to be Jerry Springer?

Go ahead and start the plan to endow the positions on the football team. "The Ben Weiner Varsity Left Tackle." "The Dr. Roch Hontas Quarterback". It may take years, but an athletic endowment by position will frankly free up monies for academics. Win -Win. Do I value my Tulane Degree, and the education it implies? Of course. Do I also value coming from a school with which my colleagues and co-workers are familiar. Yes again. There are 318 DI schools, about 115 in football. Is the message that Tulane is not good enough or smart enough to parley its success? When people compare us to Duke and Vandy, be reminded that in some poles they finished 109 and 110, whereas Tulane finished this past season (16 weeks ago!) #53 in the nation. #2 in Grad rate among athletes! I am baffled by the timing with which you may public this "assessment". Just asking the question brings doubt. I do know that we are smart enough to rally and get focused on the task at hand. Illegitimi Non Carborundom. Roll wave.

*****

Absolutely, under no circumstances should Tulane voluntarily drop any major sports programs out of Division 1! The success of the football and, to a lesser extent, baseball programs over the last 5 years and the basketball program in the 90's has done a great job at increasing the name recognition of the school. I guarantee that if programs are dropped to lesser collegiate divisions, there will be very disappointed alumni across the country! DON'T DO IT!

*****

Dear Mr. Dickson:

Thank you for your letter. I am an alumnus from The University of Texas at Austin and visited your fine city for the Longhorns-Green Wave football game last September. My fellow alumni and I agree that this was one of the more enjoyable Texas road games in recent memory, and I would personally love for our two schools to schedule future games at the Superdome, or on campus if possible.

Your students treated us with the utmost in hospitality and respect throughout our visit last fall, which is not always the case at many of our Big 12 road games and which we appreciate immensely. I certainly hope Tulane Athletics retains its Divison 1-A status.

*****

Mr. Dickson, we will be greatly disappointed if Tulane drops out of Division I-A. The 1964 decision to drop out of the SEC was a disaster; this will similarly rank if Tulane decides it cannot compete with other schools, like Duke, Stanford, Notre Dame -- who maintain high academic standards, yet are competitive in Division I-A. We believe you have done a great job and that the future for Tulane Athletics is bright if we can achieve stability in all sports, like we have in baseball. We give you our support (season ticket holders in baseball and football) and would urge the university to maintain its Division I-A status.

*****

Dear Rick:

As a staff member and season ticket holder (baseball and basketball), I want Division IA athletics to remain both at Tulane University and in the city of New orleans.

*****

To Whom It May Concern:

While I am very proud of my alma mater, I am extremely discouraged that the university is re-considering the value of it's Division 1A status. As a supporter and contributing alumni, I am disappointed to state that I, along with many other Tulane alumni, will discontinue my yearly contributions to the university if the school's Division 1A status is terminated.

A Concerned Tulane Alumni

*****

I loved Tulane... but I would not recommend that my children or anyone attend a school if it did not have division 1-a athletics...it's part of the experience. Simple as that.

*****

I can say as a University of Memphis season ticket holder for 27 years, there is no road game I care to go to more, than Tulane.

We have bought thousands of dollars in Tickets for Football and Basketball games over the years.

It would be ashamed, if people derail the proud tradition of Tulane athletics, especially Football and Basketball. Memphis only wishes they had the success in Football that the Green Wave, have had. The 1998 season was incredible.

To even entertain the thought of dropping this program is astounding!

Hopefully level heads will prevail. Nothing brings more publicity to your school than athletics. Use that avenue to promote Tulane University.

Every Good Wish,

*****

I believe, as an ex-volleyball player, that it is important to keep TU at a Div. 1-A level. To attend a top academic school and play Division 1 athletics is a difficult and impressive accomplishment. From personal experience, future employers see this feat and are greatly impressed. To remove the athletics from this top level, also diminishes the pride that other students have in TU. Dropping the level of athletics will only further reduce the spirit of the school. To win a Div 1 conference vs. a lower division conference is not as impressive and does not foster school spirit or pride. So in conclusion I feel it is important to keep the Div 1A status of the school. Thank you.

*****

To the Board:

I am writing to voice my strong opposition to Tulane Athletics changing its current Division One status. I believe Tulane is one of the model Division One athletic programs when you factor in our high graduation rate with our success on the field. This year alone Tulane football went to a bowl game, the Tulane woman's basketball team qualified for the NCAA tournament, and the Tulane baseball team is currently ranked 25th in the country. Tulane athletics is a source of pride to me and the friends and family I have who also attended Tulane.

The primary reason I attended Tulane was to get the best education I could. I was attracted to the diverse curriculum, student body, New Orleans culture, and the rich history of athletic success at Tulane. I can't imagine attending Tulane or having possibly heard of Tulane if it were a Division II or Division III university. I am not alone, as all of the friends I still keep in close contact with from Tulane share my view that it is doubtful they would have even heard of, much less attended Tulane if it were not a Division One school.

Please remember that while high school seniors chose a University based on academic reputation, they want to enjoy their time away from the library by attending "legitimate" and exciting Division One athletic events.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion on this issue and "Roll Wave!"

*****

I believe it would be a terrible mistake to move down from Division I-A. Tulane is such an integral part of the life of New Orleans, academically, culturally and through it's athletic teams, that a step down in status would demean the richness of the total Tulane experience. I am not an alumnus, but I have contributed modest amounts for many years because I believe in the university, including the exemplary athletics teams. Please stay in I-A. Sincerely,

*****

To Whom It May Concern,

I've been reading about the ad hoc committee formed to study Tulane Athletics. If it's part of a routine periodic analysis of all departments with the university, then I'm not concerned. That's prudent business.

If, however, the university is seriously considering downgrading its athletic programs from Division I-A, then I feel compelled to urge you not to do so. For a variety of reasons, Tulane needs to remain at Division I-A, even if it requires subsidies from the general fund.

1. Tulane can compete in Division I-A. Two dozen league championships since Conference USA was formed in 1996 confirms that assertion. Men's and women's golf, tennis, and basketball are highly successful and getting better every year. The baseball team is a perennial powerhouse. Football is coming off a bowl win and a perfect season in 1998.

2. Tulane graduates its student-athletes. I beam with pride every time I read about the grade-point averages and graduation rates of Tulane's student-athletes. At Tulane we excel at graduating productive members of society, and that's the function of any college or university. You can't imagine my joy this past football bowl season, when I could turn to the University of Oklahoma fans and show them that Tulane ranked #1 among bowl teams in graduation rates, whereas mighty OU was #56, or dead last.

3. Like it or not, the general public equates athletic standing with academic caliber. Aside from the Ivy League (Division I-AA), which downplays athletics and can get away with it, if a Tulane or a Rice were to downgrade, their perceived academic merit would drop as well. I-A carries prestige that's undeniable. Many, if not most, athletic programs aspire to Division I-A. Few, if any, once attaining I-A status, seek to go in the opposite direction.

4. Athletics are good for public relations. I live in Oklahoma. Aside from university mailings, I hear precious little about Tulane's academic triumphs and research breakthroughs. Yet, even in Oklahoma, I receive a fairly steady stream of information about Tulane's athletic programs. That helps me and fellow alumni scattered around the country stay connected with the University.

5. A downgrade would/could/might lead to a continuing downward spiral of athletics. Would a Michael Aubrey sign with a Division III school? Would a Lisa Stockton or a Rick Dickson remain if Tulane were a Division III school? Not likely. The ramifications of downgrading will perpetuate the spiral that started over 50 years ago when the university decided to "de-emphasize" athletics. That remains, in this alumnus's eyes, as the most ill-advised decision in the school's history. Don't exacerbate the situation by downgrading to a lower division.

6. A downgrade below Division I-A would not necessarily lead to increased athletic success. As athletes flee Tulane to remain at a Division I-A school, the caliber of the athletes left behind would not necessarily suffice to win in the lower division. Given a choice, I would rather Tulane contend with mediocrity in Division I-A than flourish at the top of a lesser division. I've always asserted that Tulane fans appreciate victories rather than expect them.

If the ad hoc committee or the Board of Trustees decides that fans and alumni need to support the athletic programs more enthusiastically, what's the next step? How do we increase support of the athletic programs? Here are some of my thoughts, which you've undoubtedly considered before. We need to tackle (pun intended) the root cause and not the symptoms.

Tulane is a victim of its own academic success. Its students come from all over the country and from over 150 countries around the world. When they graduate, they find jobs all over the world. Hence the potential fan base that alumni would ordinarily constitute at a state school disperses at private schools such as Tulane.

Building school spirit, and therefore a lifelong "connectedness" with the university, should begin during freshman orientation. Invite all incoming freshmen to McAlister Auditorium. Play the alma mater and the fight songs ("Roll, Green Wave" and "Sing a Cheer for Olive and Blue"). Have the cheerleaders perform the Hullaballoo Cheer. Then, hand out to each freshman a sheet with words to all the above. Reinforce the learning process by displaying the words to the above on the scoreboards at the Superdome and Fogelman Arena. If Fogelman needs an upgrade to accommodate displaying words, by all means upgrade. It'll pay dividends in the long run.

Just knowing the alma mater and fight song will bolster school spirit. When they are played at Tulane athletic events I've attended, no one around me has ever known the words. In high school, everyone knew the words to the alma mater. At athletic events I've attended at Oklahoma State University, to my amazement, everyone has sung along. Thousands of voiced raised in unison, not mumbling but clearly enunciating every syllable, has sent chills down my spine, brought tears to my eyes, and filled me with envy. Why can't it be this way at Tulane? It can, but we must plant the seeds early.

Encourage students to attend home games by letting them attend free of charge or seemingly free of charge by charging a nominal student activities fee each semester. When I attended school at Tulane, we just showed our ID and were admitted until the student section filled up.

Keep broadcasting sporting events over the Internet. I graduated in 1975 and moved to Oklahoma in 1976. Imagine how difficult it was for me to remain connected with the athletic programs. For years, I would struggle to receive faint radio signals. I might hear a minute of signal, followed by many minutes of static and interference from competing signals, but I listened (or tried to) to every football and basketball broadcast. When Tulane aligned itself with WWL, that was the answer to my prayers! The signal was loud and clear, only occasionally fading. Then came the Internet broadcasts, which were a quantum leap forward. Since 1997 I have faithfully listened to most football, basketball (men's and women's), and baseball broadcasts.

Why is all this important? It helps students, faculty, alumni, and fans feel connected to the university. Those who continue to feel connected will buy tickets, contribute to the athletics fund, and donate to the university's general fund. They'll recommend the university to their friends, relatives, and neighbors who have college-age children, as my wife and I have with two child prodigies across the street. (We even buy them Tulane souvenirs every time we visit the Crescent City as payment for collecting our mail while we're away. On a small scale, that increases revenue for the bookstore and the ticket office.)

As I stated above, my wife and I live 700 miles away in Oklahoma. She's an LSU alumna who willingly converted to the green-and-blue fold. We're both avid baseball fans and this year purchased baseball season tickets for the first time. We've already made two long trips to New Orleans this season and have seen four weekend series, plus three mid-week games. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we plan to attend the last two weekend series. On Friday, if they'll take my money at the ticket office, I'll join the TAF.

Despite the MUCH higher cost of living in New Orleans, I've applied for a job transfer so I can be closer to Tulane and athletic events. We even bought a small house in Lakeview so we have a place to stay while attending baseball games

You can tell that I bleed green and blue. Always have and always will . . . at least as long as we remain in Division I. I'll remain in Oklahoma, thank you, if our new arch-rival turns out to be Southeastern Mississippi State Teachers College. An athletic program, such as Tulane's, with such a rich history, with its roots in the Southeastern Conference, deserves, no, demands, to remain in Division I.

*****

I am a 1985 graduate of Tulane University School of Engineering. I presently take alot of pride in saying that I am a Tulane University graduate. However, should the Tulane Board of Trustees make the unbelievable desicion to illiminate Tulane sports or lower the sports at Tulane to a lower Division in class, I will then be embarrassed to say that I even graduated from Tulane University.

I am currently a baseball season club ticket holder and a TAF contributor and have been for some time. I plan to continue to do the same every year until the day I die, because I love Tulane sports (mainly baseball) so much. I basically live around Tulane baseball all year round by reading and following the baseball recruits statistics and in doing so, get pumped up for the following season. To lower the level of class that Tulane baseball plays in or to illiminate it completly, would be a devastating blow to my daily life. I have an eleven year old son who wishes to attend Tulane University one day. He too follows Tulane baseball and football very closely. He loves Tulane University.

I guarantee you that if Tulane sports is illiminated or lowered in Division class, my son and many others sons will not wish to attend Tulane University, therefore hurting Tulane in a more damaging affect by lowering revenue to the Tulane University.

My profession is as a Professional Engineer. I solve problems and come up with solution to problems for a living. The one thing I have learned in my life as a Tulane Engineer, is that every problem has an acceptable solution.

I beg-of-you to keep Tulane sports at the current Division IA class and not drop the Tulane sports program. Tulane sports is finally becoming one of the premier sporting universities in the country. To drop Tulane sports or their classification now or in the future would be a devasting blow to the Univeristy and I believe ultimately will lead eventually to the closure of the school after so many years.

PLEASE KEEP TULANE SPORTS DIVISION 1A.

*****

Tulane University Athletics should absolutely remain in NCAA Division 1A. The positive exposure brings much to the university that may be hard to measure directly in dollars. The success of the 1998 football team and the 2001 College World Series Baseball Team gave great positive exposure to Tulane nationally. Tulane should study what the following private Universities do to run a successful athletics program: Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Rice, So. Cal, Notre Dame along with certain high academic state univ. like Virginia, Cal Berkeley, UNC, and Michigan. Tulane's graduation rate for athletes sets a high example for other universities. Unfortunately, the outstanding professors Tulane has does not make it on national TV.

*****

Dear Pres Cowan,

I am an alum. BS 1967. I grew up in New Orleans and still remember the decision to quit the SEC. I remember how abysmal Tulane athletics were when I was a student. The apathy we are experiencing today about Tulane football relates back to those days. People still do not believe that Tulane is serious about sports and these discussions only support that idea.

I can see great strides in the athletic program since the CUSA affiliation. We are competitive in so many sports. We even show our oats from time to time in football. Winning programs do not sprout overnight. This is a process. Seats will only be filled when the general population understands that Tulane is serious about having competitive athletic programs.

When Tulane athletics competes at the national level, such as the bowl in Hawaii, Tulane enjoys advertising that money cannot buy. When Tulane baseball goes to Omaha, Tulane enjoys advertising that money cannot buy. And this always included talk about Tulane's high graduation rate. What we hear from the announcers is always complimentary.

If athletics is taken from Div 1A to Division 2 or 3 we would be better served to quit entirely. The academic side of the university will be happier, but Tulane will have lost a great deal of its prestige (not to mention free advertising). This is not a new debate. It was strongly contested between faculty and administration in the 60'd when I was a student. And it had taken 35+ years to regain what was lost back then. Please don't make the same mistake again.

By the way I subscribe to Tulane football season tickets and I attend a great many baseball and basketball games as well, so I'm not just blowing off steam.

Thank you for hearing me out.

Sincerely,

*****

I'm a 2001 graduate of Tulane University, and I'm a former member of Tulane's football team. I realize that in these tough economic times there are some who think that money spent on funding division 1 athletics at Tulane could be better spent somewhere else in the university. But I think those that want to downgrade Tulane athletics do not have a full understanding of what it means to be a division one university. Yes, the primary function of any institution of higher learning is to educate, and to that end I am thankful for the career opertunities that my Tulane degree has afforded me. But think of the oppertunities having a big time Division 1 program give Tulane. I was a member of the 1998 football team, and I can honestly say that was the high point of my life, and it was a wonderful thing for the Tulane community and the entire city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana. I had LSU football players and fans congratulating me, and the amount of free publicity that the season and the bowl game garnered for Tulane is still having an impact. The same can be said for this year's team to a lesser degree. Also the success of the baseball team, and both the men's and women's basketball teams have elevated the standing of the university around the country.

Let's be real the average person in Oregon, where I now live, would have never heard of Tulane if not for the athletic programs. There is also the free mentioning of Tulane university every time one of our football players playing professionally does something (Shaun King, Patrick Ramsey, JaJuan Dawson, etc.), these players and others have always provided a shining example of how to be good citizens and role models. Any time there's a game on Monday Night Football and John Madden says "Patrick Ramsey, former Tulane quarterback....", millions of people around the country hear Tulane. In fact the entire Tulane athletic program is a model of how to do things right in the NCAA. We graduate one of the highest percentages of student-athletes in the country and all without any scandals and NCAA violations. Tulane university is all about what is right about Division 1 college athletics, and I think the returns of the program far outweigh the investment.

Finally please think about the impact this will have on the standing of the university in the eyes of potential students. I know for a fact, as a former RA with HRL, that students do care about the athletic programs at TU. And I think it would be a serious detriment to enrollment to have a lesser athletic program, not to mention that I belive dropping down in divisions would seriously affect alumni donations to the university. My family has 3 Tulane graduates; me, my father, and an uncle. All were Tulane football players, and both of these men are an example of the success of Tulane athletics. If Tulane had a Division II program none of us would have attended Tulane. TU athletics are one of the great things about Tulane, and our winning Division 1 programs are what sets us apart from the Vanderbilts, Rices and Villonovas in the country. There's no reason we should give up that advantage, Division 1 athletics at Tulane makes winners of us all.

Thank you.

*****

I have been a Green Wave fan for 27 years. Please stay Division I-A

*****

Tulane athletics is the glue holding together the university's alumni. We have no other contact with the school on a regular basis besides the sports page or ESPN ticker to see how great (or how bad) our teams are doing. Dropping to Division III in any of the major sports is a huge mistake. Its a blow to the pride of the alumni scattered around the world and it guarantees minimal media exposure for Tulane.

Its a shame that Tulane still hasn't found a way to fill a stadium of people to watch our football, baseball or basketball teams. Thats the curse of being in New Orleans, I suppose - there are too many distractions/attractions for the student body; rumor has it, the locals hate us; and most alumni leave the city after graduation because the job opportunities are few and far between. Have you thought about moving our home games to Atlanta or New York City??

If nothing else, this is an issue of school pride, not just for current students but also for past students. Even though I'm in the graduate program at USC, I'll always be a Green Wave (Greenie?) before I'm ever a Trojan, and as hard as you may try to get me to spit out "Fight on!" it always seems to come out as a garbled "Roll Wave!"

*****

As an alumnus of Tulane (A&S '76, Grad '87) I was shocked to hear that my alma mater would even consider the possibility of tampering with the athletic program. I was in Tulane Stadium on December 1, 1973 when Tulane beat LSU for the first time in 25 years. I was at the Liberty Bowl in 1979 when we lost to Penn State and again in 1998 when we capped a perfect season by defeating Brigham Young. This past Christmas I stayed up past midnight to watch Tulane's thrilling victory over Hawaii. I remember fondly sunny days sitting in the stands watching the Tulane baseball team and cold winter nights in Fogelman Arena cheering on the basketball team. I received my B.S. and Ph.D. from Tulane and experienced a lot of success academically. When it comes time to write a check do I think of sitting in a classroom listening to a stimulating lecture....NO....I remember Tulane Stadium, the Superdome, Fogelman, etc. and a thrilling Tulane victory over LSU or some other Division 1 opponent. I am a university professor and have taught at Division III and Division 1AA athletic programs. It is not the same. Tulane needs to remain Division 1.

*****

We are doing things correctly. I bet a lot of other universities quietly envy us. Do not punish our student-athletes or the alums. We have too great of a tradition to even consider dropping down in class. Where there seems to be no way, we need to make our way.

Football has made great strides recently. Don't stop it now. I don't understand the lack of support by the general public. Good, name brand competition every year would help. We should bring in a Texas, Alabama, Ole Miss. every year. I believe their fans travel well. Forget LSU (they want too much), but schedule another in-state school as a home game every year. Remember the crowd for La.Tech., and that was on Thanksgiving, and Southern last year. ULL should do the same.

The other major sports and most minors are doing very well. If football needs help, then let's figure out what to do instead of pulling the plug. One or two games annually at Tad Gormley. Can anything be done in conjunction with the Saints? We need to do better PR with the newspaper and local TV. We are the home team. We should be the lead story in the paper and on the local sports. WWL radio and TV sometimes don't even mention us. I guess they are angry that we got tired of playing second fiddle for our broadcasts and went somewhere else. I think someone should visit these outlets and ask for some positive help and not the doom and gloom.

Please resolve this quickly and definitively, so we do not loose recruits or coaches.

*****

While I understand that intercollegiate athletics does not "make the school," I believe that intercollegiate athletics does enhance the school's visibility and reputation among those kids looking for a college to attend. After all without intercollegiate athletics, Tulane would simply become very similar to Loyola or Emory which has no real athletics program.

*****

1) I find it interesting that as a TLS 2000 grad I get bi-monthly requests for contributions to the law school, but to my recollection have never received a solicitation for any athletic contribution. Since many Tulane Alums, like me, reside outside of the regional area, solicit us for funds to raise coverage of Tulane sports on the national level so that we can cheer the team from where we are. With the recent success of some of the programs, the university should focus on building Tulane's Div. I presence, rather than abandoning all hope of ever playing on television again by dropping to a lesser division.

2) Canceling games with teams like Georgia and Clemson is dumb. So you lose, big deal. How is that better than losing to Army at home? Take the payout and the exposure. If you have to pay it back the following year, you're still left with the exposure. There is a huge upside if you play well, let alone win.

2) GET FOOTBALL OUT OF THE SUPERDOME. New Orleans in the fall is outstanding, and the games would be much better to watch in a smaller venue. An outdoor stadium would likely bring more students and locals who enjoy the game but would never waste a beautiful Saturday under the dome. Keep selling beer and daiquiris to the adults (responsibly of course), which is a treat in SEC land. Give away tickets as rewards to local high school students with good grades to fill the seats. Add more fun so its an event. If you ever do get on ESPN, prospective students will see people having a good time in a full stadium in beautiful weather, even if it only holds 25,000.

3) A school with Tulane's academic standards will likely never draw football fans to the extent state schools do. There is no excuse, however, for Tulane not to have a powerhouse basketball team with full support from the student body and alumni. Invest in the team and the funds will come.

In my opinion, Div. II or III is not an option. Due to the lack of support in recent years, it is now a chicken & egg problem where the support of the institution must come first before athletes, prospective students, and funds will follow. I don't mean to downplay other sports at Tulane, which I think are just as important, but basketball & football are the ones that should draw the most exposure and therefore fund the other sports. The coverage that the baseball team has gathered as a result of its success speaks for itself - that program has outdone itself.

Just my $.02.

*****

If Tulane Athletics' drops below Division 1-A, the Athletics Department may as well close down. As an Alumni, baseball season tickets holder and parent of a current student, we enjoy the talent that now plays baseball for us. Tulane would lose that talent if it drops below Division 1-A. New Orleans as a city has recognized that sport teams bring in revenue. I do enjoy the Zephyrs, but I feel the stadium would not be large enough to hold all the fans if we had a major base team.

Also, I hope no one was appointed to this committee that made the poor decision regarding the Tulane/LSU super-regional baseball ticket sales. Tulane lost some major athletics supporters in all sports. Two years before the super-regional I inquired into purchasing season Tulane basketball tickets and was put on a several year waiting list. This years I received a telephone call from the Athletic Department almost begging and offering specials regarding season basketball tickets. I know for a fact that Tulane lost a lot of seasonal tickets holders in all sports regarding the stand that Tulane chose to sell those baseball super-regional tickets. I was at the super-regional game sitting next to a section of people showing their paperwork proving their stop payments on the check writing to Tulane Athletics. I knew than that something major had happened that would decline Tulane Athletics as a whole.

President Cohen first year with us made some really good financial budget reorganization, giving the athletic department a much larger budget. Sports do bring in revenue, but only under an informed president. Fund raising is only going to help some. Too much fund raising will turn supporters away. I'm sure we will lose students applying to Tulane if our teams drop below Division 1-A. Tulane already has a public relation problem with New Orleans as a whole (especially with the media). Lowing the sports division will lower Tulane's University standards.

*****

thousands of tulane alums would be crushed if the university were to relinquish its 1-a status.surely, this isn't a matter for serious contemplation!

*****

Dear Trusties,

Since graduating from Tulane in 1982 my only true and consistent contact with the University has been through the Athletics program. I have driven from my home in Roswell,GA to UAB to watch basketball games. I was among a few Tulane faithfull who were able to obtain tickets when The Wave played at Ga. Tech (sold out out all the time). I have scheduled business trips to catch games in town when I can. I made a special trip with my family to be part of the Tulane-LSU Baseball game at the dome last year. The effort required for me make an occassional game is exceptional. I would have to question whether the effort was worth it to travel to anything less than Division 1A competition.

While working in Michigan for a short time I saw first hand what life is like down the food chain. If you are less than Division 1, you can barely draw flies to your games. The program will likely only be sustained through contributions if Tulane chooses to drop down a Division. The venues we currently maintain simply won't be sustainable on the reduced revenue.

No doubt the prospect delights certain factions of the faculty. Long time Tulane watchers can only conclude that taking the athletics program down a level would be caving to the pandering of extremists in the faculty.

As an Alumni, I am frequently asked whether I would recommend the Tulane Experience for someone's child. Most recently it was my mother's audiologist, who's daughter is an accomplished competitive swimmer. She was intrigued with the idea that her daughter could be in on the beginnning of a women's siwm team. The audiologist was a competive swimmer herself at the University of Florida. What do I tell her now?

*****

I would like to see Tulane retain their athletics program and if at all possible, remain a Div I-A school.

*****

For starters, I think everyone is over-reacting. A review is a good thing -- an effort to change with the times, to shift resources where they make the most difference, an opportunity to correct weaknesses and exploit strengths. Who can deny that our teams have been making us proud? So I must admit I find much of this commentary silly. While the number of typos in some comments lead me to think that perhaps academics do require some extra funding, I think that the people *conducting the review* are best qualified in making the decision. Not to project my own ignorance on others, but what even are the rules concerning division change? Can you shift divisions in some sports but not all? Who of us really knows the financial capacity of Tulane?

What strikes me most by the commentary, though, is that people seem to be missing their own point. People recall that Tulane doesn't have enough fan support -- perhaps Tulane should work *with* the City of New Orleans and local businesses to, I don't know, create jobs to keep graduates in town? Others lament that Tulane will be without national name recognition -- but I ask who knows MIT and Harvard for their sports teams? I personally never felt so much school pride as when the environmental law clinic won the Shintech case. Some might say athletes contribute to the diversity of campus -- but I wonder why, in a majority African American city, Tulane must rely on the athletics program in order to find African American students? If students lack school spirit, could it be because they are so often pitted against the administration (or don't even know who the academic administration, i.e. the provost, is)? Frustration arises in everything from what the mascot should be to the fate of the observatory to whether to be able to drink on campus (a policy that decent PR people should be easily able to defend as it allows students and faculty to bond over wine and cheese or green beer and avoids the fear to call for help that could save an overly drunk student's life). If indeed these are the real issues, perhaps a review of where Tulane puts its *scant* resources isn't such a bad idea at all.

*****

Dr. Cowen,

There have been a number of rumors regarding Tulane going to division 3 in athletics. This is absurd. If you let this happen then you are at complete fault. No student wants to go to a division three school and that is definitely not what we are paying for. I did not apply to a division 3 school, I don't want to go to a division 3 school, and this school costs way to much to be a division 3 school. If you are going to drop the school to division three, then you better drop tuition down too. If you want to lose current and future students because of this issue, then go ahead and sit back and do nothing to help this situation. We are turning to you for help. You are our president and now is not the time to turn your back on us and what we want and are paying for. Do your job and prevent this absurdity from happening.

*****

Hello, fellow Greenie. I'm a 7th-generation native New Orleanian and a graduate of Tulane, B.A. 1964 (A&S), M.A. 1966. I went on from my M.A. at Tulane and received my Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 1969. I was a prof for several years here in Washington, D.C., at The George Washington University. Even in that era, in the late 60s and early 70s, many of our athletes had a hard time in class. Essentially, this was in large part due to the fact that the American university has become the reflection of the wider community and its egalitarianism that use to end at the high school level. Many of these athletes at GWU came from hard backgrounds, and I always made an extra effort to help them even though my teaching load was onerous and I had no TAs to help out. Unfortunately, we had a large contingent of faculty that did not appreciate that students come from many walks of life and that some were not well prepared for academic demands in a university. The response of this portion of our faculty was to raise standards further and exclude these students, especially athletes playing Div.-I sports.

This was the wrong stance to assume then, 30 years ago, and it is the wrong stance to assume today, especially for the university that dwells in my heart every day of my life -- Tulane. I came from a poor background and went to Tulane every day on the streetcars and buses. But, without Tulane, I would not have had the quality education and the opportunities I had in life.

Tulane is a variegated, multi-faceted community of lots of different kinds of students, some better prepared for school, some less well-prepared. It is an Administration's and faculty's obligation to help every student achieve the best education s/he can from Tulane, and that clearly includes student-athletes. Tulane record of student achievement, including graduation rates, is a model of Div.-IA intercollegiate sports and it puts to shame many other universities where academic achievement is forsworn in favor of semi-professional athletic competition and many students are enrolled with the purpose of simply advancing the school's athletic prowess.

Not Tulane. Tulane shows other Division I-A schools what can be balanced between the sports field at a high level of competition and what the classroom demands. Tulane over the years since I attended has gotten better and stronger, and its student-athletes are better qualified and achieve more than when I was there over 40 years ago. Given this record of improvement and how we serve as a beacon for other schools to acknowledge and emulate, now of all times is not the time to throw out the baby with the bath water (sorry for the mixed metaphor!). At a time in Tulane's history where we are restoring the strength of its intercollegiate athletic programs, graduating a higher percentage of student-athletes than almost any other school at our level, and increasing our prominence and renown as a first-rank teaching and research institution, the last option, the most untenable option, is to weaken this virile combination of high-quality sports competition and high-quality academic achievement. There is no reason why Tulane cannot be the Stanford of the South, its leading university in both sports and academics. I cannot begin to express to you the depth of my feeling about Tulane and its sports programs. I was there in the depths of a despairing era, 1960-66, when Tulane was repeatedly defeated, sometimes by humiliating scores, in Div.-IA sports, especially in basketball and football, yet many us assumed the psychology of the underdog who would not be ultimately defeated and eliminated: Tulane would once again show the way that it was one of the few who could combine ever-increasing academic standards with more victories in Div.-IA sports. I think we are on our way to doing that right now, particularly in football, where Tulane has gained national attentionn with back-to-back pro athletes who were excellent students and excellent quarterbacks on the field. This kind of publicity is almost priceless. Our victory in the Liberty Bowl in 1998 and in the Hawai'i Bowl in 2002 are tremendous strengths to build upon. Please do not undermine Tulane sports just at the time when Tulane is regaining its footing as a prominent Div-IA contender in several sports. We have 112 years of football prominence. Yes, we lost much ground in the half-century since 1950 when sports, including football, were undermined. We lost two or more generations of fans because of those foolish decisions. Let us not repeat those mistakes again. As I am sure many hundreds of supporters and alumni have told you, I am prepared to substantially increase my annual athletic fund contribution which, to date, I have forwarded anonymously. Of course, it is still a small amount against the funds needed to sustain the program. But we are prepared to step up and show that we love Tulane and its sports programs, and that we will do what is necessary to sustain them. Just tell us what you need and we will help to the extent possible.

When I first heard several weeks ago the claim that Tulane would drop Div-IA sports at least in football and basketball, I -- a 60-years old grandfather -- burst into tears that were unexpected and unbidden. I am sure I was not alone. My heart resides in many quarters of Tulane, but, among them, its sports programs are a major part of my love of the school. I believe that these programs add to the quality of college life and experience because it duplicates a wider variety of the greater community than some colleges and universities do. Tulane is an elite university, but not an elitist university, and playing Div-IA sports is one of the ways that it shows that it is very, very special and different.

*****

I was listening to the broadcast of the baseball game yesterday and Todd said that anyone interested in voicing their opinion on the issue of wether Tulane should change divisions, should email. So here it is. I really think that it would be the wrong move for the Green Wave to go to division 3. Nearly all of the sports teams are good. The football team won their bowl game against an opponent who everyone picked to win. The baseball team is ranked in the top 25 this year and was in the college world series two years ago. The womens basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament this year. The tennis, track and field temas each won tournaments are do well consistently. Tulane would not be able to attract athletes of this caliber if they were not in Division I. Even though they lose money, there are only 20 or so schools that make money from their athletic program

*****

keep the ncaa div 1 and build an on campus football stadium.

*****

Mr. Cowen and Dickson;

As I mention in my correspondence of April 27, 2003, athletics is Tulane's biggest marketing asset. Ask yourself, who will be the Tulane students of tomorrow? Surely, the academia does not possess the children to fill the student body, and many cannot afford to send their children to Tulane (i.e., Tulane provides free Tuition for the children of their professors). The student body comes from those of us that have been successful in business and can afford to send our children to the Tulanes, Stanfords, and Yales (and that tuition helps pay for the children of Tulane professors and in some cases, scholarships for other students).

Our children all grew up enjoying sports and sports competition. In fact, may high schools require some sort of sport participation in order to graduate. Most students seek this balance in chosing a university to attend. Division I competition helps Tulane maintain this balance, and keeps the interest of those that are bright enough to be able to attend Tulane, but outgoing enough to want something more to be part of their education and lives. These persons are usually the business leaders of tomorrow. An education last for four or eight years, but association with the university through their athletic programs is something people keep and have for a lifetime.

*****

Well, here we go again!!!! This talk of downgrading athletics at Tulane is back on the agenda again. ROLL GREEN WAVE!!!

It seems tha every 5 or 10 years, the "great EGGHEAD minds" that exist at Tulane bring up this situation. It has been my personal experience to witness this for over 40 (yes, I said FORTY) years now. I saw this occur back in the late 1960's, and the "Year of the GREEN - 1970" managed to barely save football then. I saw this in the mid- and late-1980's when from 1982-1996, Tulane football did not achieve one winning season, and the athletic department was mired in a basketball point shaving scandal (and a shoe box payment situation involved with a certain player who I can not mention). The talk of downgrading athletics at Tulane really got going, but we survived it anyway. There have been other thoughts of ending or downgrading athletics at Tulane over the years and somehow my alma mater manages to endure it and move on.

In the 1970's, a decision was made to completely tear down HISTORIC Tulane/Sugar Bowl Stadium. That stupid decision was followed up, and the end result was having nothing left of a GREAT historic New Orleans landmark on the Tulane campus.

I am not naïve about the $$$ cost when it comes to supporting an athletic program. I know that it requires BIG costs. But, the cost is definitely worth it to the university when you consider the publicity that is generated for the WHOLE university. When our athletic teams make post-season appearances in the NCAA basketball or baseball tournaments, or win a bowl championship in football (we have TWO in the last five years), this does a great service for the WHOLE university by selling the university to the general public.

If the Tulane board does decide to downgrade athletics, or maybe even end some programs, I promise you that the negative effects from this will leave scars that will last for too many years to come. People (the general public and Tulane alumni) will shake their heads and look on this in the same negative way that they still look on that bad decision many years ago to gut old Tulane stadium. They will always bring up the question "why destroy something which was a part of New Orleans history for so long?".

Oh, and for what it is worth, I promise you that if the Tulane admin. ever downgrades or ends football, men's or women's basketball, or baseball, my allegiance to Tulane as an alumnus will definitely end. You may then seek your support for Tulane elsewhere.

*****

Absolutely do not change.

*****

As a holder for many years of Football and Baseball Season Tickets it would be quite a disappointment to be advised that Tulane is no longer participating in the #1 NCAA classification. It would certainly affect the enthusiasm and financial support with which the faithful alumni follow the Green Wave. Please do whatever you can to avoid this possibility -- our recruiting is probably already affected negatively.

*****

To whom it may concern,

As a university that recruits students from all over the country, it is tremendously important for Tulane to have a Division 1A athletics program, because it is the primary way that the alumni stay connected to the university. For example, I live in Chicago, and the Chicago Tribune does not make references to advances in the academic programs at Tulane. However, they do carry the scores for the athletic teams, which I religiously read. If Tulane pulled students regionally, I would support the effort, as most of the alumni would live regionally and could travel to the campus for athletic events and thus stay connected. However, given the alumni base, this would be a huge mistake and would definitely affect alumni giving. Additionally, I think it hurts national student recruiting from an awareness standpoint.

*****

It concerns me greatly that Tulane would consider dropping its athletic program. I have followed the Green Wave since I was ten years old at the old Tulane Stadium. As a Boy Scout I ushered at the game, attended those same SEC games while attending Fortier High School and as a student at Tulane. I am now 70 and no longer live in New Orleans, much to my disappointment. But I still follow Tulane and donate modestly to the athletic program and University College. I would be most happy to increase my level of support. I realize that Tulane athletics has not been a outstanding success. No one even expected that to happen. It was always the thrill of watching the Green Wave play on Saturday afternoons in the fall, taking a lashing from LSU and although our pride was damaged, it was never destroyed. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Tulane and its administration and I will continue to modestly support the University despite its decision about the athletic program. It seemly saddens me that after all these years I would see such a brave program falter and die.

*****

Dear President Cowen:

I am pleased to learn that Tulane is engaged in a serious review of its athletic program, an exercise that every university should undertake periodically. I write to offer a few comments for your consideration as the review proceeds.

First and foremost, I believe that Tulane is poised to become one of the leading universities in the country. Of course, there are many measures of excellence in an institution of higher learning. In my view, however, the primary sign of an outstanding university is that it attracts strong interest on the part of the best prospective students in the country -- and many of the best from around the world. In this light, any school with ambitions of elite status must carefully consider all of its activities with an eye toward attracting stellar applicants.

While I do feel that athletics can comprise an important part of many young peoples' development, quite frankly, the best students generally do not select a university based on the prowess or popularity of its sports teams. I need not tell you that renowned faculty, engaging curricula, pleasant and up-to-date facilities, and an interesting and lively community of fellow students are what draw the best and the brightest applicants. Of course, many talented and intelligent students are also avid athletes, and any truly good school must offer a wide variety of appropriate athletic outlets for them. But the heart of the matter is that the university's athletic program must ultimately be seen as subordinate to, and supportive of, its academic offerings.

In saying this, I do not want to come off as a stuffed shirt with respect to sports, or the role of non-academic activities in the collegiate experience. In fact, I think one of Tulane's strengths is that it attracts many very good and dedicated students who also appreciate the potential for personal development both within and outside of the classroom. College should be an enjoyable endeavor. My point is simply that the university will be best served by an athletic program that complements the academic experience, but is never an end in itself.

I should also add that, while my financial resources are limited, thanks to a rewarding if not especially lucrative job in the non-profit sector, I am always more motivated to give to Tulane when I hear of progress and success on the academic side as opposed to victories on the gridiron. I suspect this is true for most of my fellow alumni, as well.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

*****

In discussions about Tulane's analysis of what kind of intercollegiate athletics program it should have I have noticed the presence of arguments contending that Tulane should eliminate Div. I athletics or play in a lower division because football and basketball players are not college material and cannot be good students.

To this I have to respond that it makes no sense that Tulane has been priding itself on graduation rates of athletes repeatedly over the years only to eliminate or drastically alter these athletics programs. Let me point to recent Tulane graduates such as Shaun King, Patrick Ramsey, Jujuan Dawson, Dennis O'Sullivan, Jerald Sowell, Bernard Robertson and many others who are tremendous individuals as examples of Tulane athletes. Critics of the programs are absolutely wrong, if not intellectually disingenuous, to paint such broad-brush characterizations of athletes as many have.

The road for a private school competing in Div. 1 athletics is not an easy one, to be sure, however, a true analysis should focus not purely on the difficulties but rather on the entirety of the facts. Fact: not all private schools who currently compete on the Div. 1 level are contemplating playing at a lower classification. Fact: some private schools have enjoyed success on the field in Div. 1 competition. Fact: Tulane fellow Conference USA member and fellow private school Marquette advanced to the Final Four in men's basketball. Fact: another private school, Syracuse, won the NCAA men's basketball championship. Fact: Tulane football has enjoyed winning seasons in 4 of the past 6 years and has appeared in 2 bowl games in that time. Fact: Tulane had the highest graduation rate of any of the 2002 bowl teams at 80 percent.

Rather than essentially punish the coaches and athletes involved by giving up on Div. 1 competition, Tulane should be rewarding and honoring these individuals for their efforts and success at overcoming obstacles. Rather than making a name for itself as a school that quits, Tulane could and should be making a name for itself as a school that made an honest effort to meet the challenge of competition.

*****

I attended my first Tulane football game as a youth in the mid-1950's. Over the years, I have spent a great deal of time supporting and defending Tulane football through thick and thin. While not always able to continue membership in the Green Wave Club, Tulane Athletic Foundation, or whatever it happens to be called at the time, I have, as often as possible, donated as much as my budget would allow. As a matter of fact, my family's business (now defunct) was instrumental in getting Tulane basketball back on the radio in the Roy Danforth era by digging deep to become one of the major sponsors of the rejuvinated broadcasts. All this in addition to having season tickets for my wife and me to home games and traveling to follow the team as often as humanly possible.

With that out of the way, I am NOT a Tulane alum (hurricane Betsy was instrumental in that) and have NO CONNECTIONS TO TULANE UNIVERSITY OTHER THAN ATHLETICS AND FRIENDS DEVELOPED OVER MANY YEARS. Any change to the football program will mark the end of my relationship with Tulane. I will not buy tickets to a football program that is reduced in status (doesn't matter whether it is 1-AA or Div. 3) nor will I purchase tickets to ANY other sporting event related to Tulane University (I currently attend men's basketball and baseball games whenever possible on an individual game basis). I will NOT support Tulane via the contribution route in any way, shape, or form in the future should a lessening of the caliber of football be forthcoming, and that could amount to a considerable amount since my business fortunes are looking brighter by the day.

This is not intended as a "threat", since one guy like me can not make a dent in Tulane's financial situation (at least not for now). But consider that there are a more than a few guys out there just like me. Consider their impact as a group. More importantly, consider the loss of contact with the community that Tulane will suffer with the loss of people like us. Tulane has been criticized long and hard over the years for its aloof attitude toward the area in which it operates. Casting people like me aside by de emphasizing athletics will only lead to more of the same......

Thank you for your time and consideration. I urge you, if anything, to push a bit harder to take advantage of the inherent positive qualities that a TOP NOTCH athletic program, playing in the HIGHEST classification available can produce.

*****

I have been a stong supporter of Tulane athletic programs since I was a child in the 1950's.. I have two degrees from Tulane and have been a long time season ticket holder in football and basketball as well was a contributor to Green Wave athletic funds. As such, I am stongly in support of remaining an integral part of NCAA Division 1 athletics. Tulane's high graduation rate among its student athletes and the steadily improving competitiveness of its athletic programs within Conference USA make it a model for all Division I schools.. Please, do not even consider moving to lower classification.

*****

I think it would be a sad day, if a demotion to a different division occurs. I am a graduate(2) from Tulane University and a current supporter of athletics(Going to many games of the various sports).

I think the quickest solution is that thepeople running the finance show need to be demoted instead of dropping in competition(Which hurts everyone in the state, especially a loyal fan like myself). You have one of the top business schools in the country. Let's get the professors involved(Marketing) and let them help with coming up with a solution (i.e start making a profit).

What makes me sad and frustrated is that Tulane has been fairly competitive(successful) in many sports the last couple of years;however, you are still losing money as a dept. Maybe the change is to get out of the dome for football or better yet I think the change has to made within-internally. But I can tell you one thing, I will not waste my time or my families time watching anything else but a Division 1 team. I think many including myself will stop contributing to the School and the Athletic Dept. if this would occur. There are many other venues in the city I rather do then see a Division II or III team play.

Who ever leak this out at this time or to even think of dropping out of the current competition should be kicked off of campus. This negative publicity will only hurt recruiting even if Tulane remains status quo.

Please pass on to the administrators, sorry I have to go now for I have to get ready for the biggest baseball rivalry in ther country that is the LSU and Tulane "Division I" game tomm. night.

Thanks for upsetting me this week.

*****

The conferences in Division I-A athletics can be broken down into two categories, the major six (ACC, Big 10, Big 12 Big East, Pac 10 and SEC) and the balance (Conference USA, WAC etc.). There are 65 universities which comprise the major six conferences. Of these schools, 15 (23 percent) are ranked by US News and World Report as being more prestigious than Tulane in its 2003 ratings. These schools are as follows:

US News and World Report 2003 Ranking
University
Conference
Notes
4
Duke
ACC
Duke and Stanford tied at 4th
4
Stanford
Pac Ten
Duke and Stanford tied at 4th
10
Northwestern
Big Ten

18
Notre Dame
Big East/Independent

20
UC Berkley
Pac Ten

21
Vanderbilt
SEC

23
University of Virginia
ACC

24
Georgetown University
Big East

25
UCLA
Pac Ten
UCLA, Michigan and Wake tied at 25th
25
University of Michigan
Big Ten
UCLA, Michigan and Wake tied at 25th
25
Wake Forest
ACC
UCLA, Michigan and Wake tied at 25th
28
UNC Chapel Hill
ACC

31
USC
Pac Ten
USC and Wisconsin tied at 31st
31
University of Wisconsin
Big Ten
USC and Wisconsin tied at 31st
40
Boston College
Big Ten

43
Tulane University
Conference USA

The notion that moving to a lower athletic conference will improve Tulane's standing in the academic world is completely ludicrous as schools from the major conferences are considered as top tier schools. Duke, Stanford and Northwestern all have rankings which exceed that of Cornell and Brown, Ivy League institutions with rankings of 14th and 17th, respectively.

There were several criteria that I used in determining which university that I wanted to attend back in 1990. While academic excellence was the top priority, I was also interested going to a school where I could have the complete college experience which included a competitive athletic program. I am sure that many of today's prospective students feel the same way and might opt to attend Duke over Dartmouth or Tulane over Emory because they can get a great education AND cheer at the top of their lungs at a basketball game with the hopes of friends and family seeing them on ESPN. However, I don't believe the opposite to be true (ie. let me opt for Dartmouth/Emory over Duke/Tulane because its lack of a Division 1-A athletic program makes it a more reputable school).

I have fond memories of midnight madness, camping out for tickets to Tulane vs. Southern Miss. (because the game was the first covered by ESPN in years) and the Wave defeating St. Johns in the first round of the NCAA tournament during my sophomore year. While the football team had a less than stellar record during my four years, I can still remember the year when we ALMOST lead Alabama at the dome at the end of the first half until the refs called back our touchdown on the last play. I also recall fondly driving from my home in New York City to West Point (something I do every other year) to catch Tulane defeat Army on their way to a perfect season. These are just a few of the several wonderful experiences that I have had and want to CONTINUE TO HAVE going forward. School sports brings a campus together in a way that academics can not providing for a richer overall experience. It also attracts prospective students by raising awareness and provides alumni with a tie to the school after they have graduated translating into continued financial support. New York is a long way away from New Orleans but I feel like I am walking under the oaks when I am on West Point's campus surrounded by Tulane alum on the day of a game. Not to have this experience would be a HUGE MISTAKE.

*****

Since my graduation from Tulane in 1982, I have lived a thousand miles away from the Uptown Campus. However, I have managed to keep in close touch with MY UNIVERISTY, by keeping in touch with Tulane Athletics. Whether listening to the 50,000 watt clear channel signal of WWL Radio, hunkering down next to my computer to listen to live webcasting, or attending the reception for Tommy Bowden, or a pre-game alumni party prior to a Tulane basketball game I have remained involved and up to date on Tulane through athletics. Because of that I have supported MY UNIVERSITY through financial donations and wearing my Tulane baseball cap during my son's little league games. You can't imagine the number of people who see my cap and ask me about Tulane.

The point of outlining my experience is to show the ad hoc committe why Tulane needs to remain in Division 1 athletics. Quite simply a school, like Tulane, with a large out of town alumni base, needs a high profile athletics program to continue to reach the vast number of out of town alumni on a consistant basis. While I'm just as proud of Tulane's academic reputation, I don't hear about the University's academic achievements on a weekly, or monthly basis. And as those of us who work in the world of advertising, frequency sells product and instills top of mind awareness! Tulane athetics does just that. Unfortunately, Tulane academics can't.

Finally, I would like to point out my personal experiences to highlight the misleading idea that athetics is not important to a student when making a decision to attend Tulane. While that may be true, take a poll of graduating seniors and ask them the same question. While athletics wasn't near the top of my list when deciding on Tulane, I quickly became accustomed to the excitement and enjoyment of Tulane athletics. When I graduated, I realized what an important part of my college experience it was.

In sum, I'm proud of MY UNIVERSITY!! Failure to maintain Division 1A status would sever the one remaining link I have with Tulane!

*****

To whom it may concern,

I would consider a move from Division 1-A to a lower division a step in the wrong direction for my alma mater. I graduated from Tulane in 2000, and will soon be in a financial position to begin donations to the athletics department/Tulane Athletic Fund, but I assure you that if Tulane were Div. III, etc., I would not contribute. I do not think I am alone when saying Tulane will suffer financially and academically by making such a poor decision, as would-be Tulane students will attend Vanderbilt, Stanford, or numerous other private Div. 1-A schools that support their athletics departments.

*****

Pres. Cowen,

I came to Tulane 3 years ago as a nervous freshman from NY who had never been to New Orleans. I attended my first football game back then, and met the young lady who was to be one of my best friends sitting by me in the students section. I am proud to say we have attended every home game since then, and watched those that are on television as well. There are students who go to the games, even if it does not seem like there are many in the Dome. Even during a losing season we are there. It is a core of us who attend all the home games, decked out in our green and blue. We cheer like madmen, even when we are down by 49 points and surrounded on all sides by burnt orange Longhorn fans. We cheered as we ransacked Navy at Homecoming, despite the rain and mud. We gathered our families around television sets on Christmas night, to watch with immense pride as Tulane, the TULANE we attend, won in Hawaii at a BOWL GAME. You can only imagine the cheers that went up that night around the country.

Tulane football does mean something to this campus. And the players? If we dip down to D3, will there be another Shaun King, Patrick Ramsey, Mewelde Moore or Lynaris Elpheage? If we had trouble recruiting in the past, it will only get worse if we drop down. Everyone knows we have amazing academics here. Our athletics have been wonderful, and are only getting better with time. Don't take that away now, during one of the most stellar years in Tulane athletics.

Pres. Cowen, I am graduating next month. I am staying in the N.O. community, and am planning on buying my season tickets to the football and basketball games . Please don't take away from me, and from so many others, the reason to do so. Keep Tulane pride. Keep us at Division 1.

*****

As a season ticket holder in football and basketball, I cannot believe that this is even being considered. Do you have any idea how bad this makes us look across the country and in the state???? Anybody at Tulane that even remotely considers this should be fired. We need people who will find ways to make us better, not worse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*****

Every since the campus moved uptown in the 1890, top flight athletics have been part of the Tulane experience.

I first fell in love with Tulane in 1960, when on a visit to New Orleans, my brother, mother & I raced each other up and down the field at Tulane Stadium. After that, no other school that I visited compared with Tulane in combining academic excellence with competition against the top flight schools.

We need to think outside of the box, and that does not mean throwing athletics outside the box!

First, dump the Dome. It has never been either a good fit, nor an enjoyable place to watch a game. Build a 35-40,000 seat stadium that would create demand via lowering supply. Georgia Tech took out an old section of Grant Field, and lowered their capacity to 45,000. Increased demand (and donations!) have led to two stadium expansions. Louisville & SMU, I believe, have built stadiums in the 35-45,000 seat range.

Improve marketing: I receive more marketing materials from the University of Florida Athletics than from my own alma mater. After the 13-0 season, the ball was completely dropped (no pun intended) as far as taking advantage of the momentum & excitement. A national mailout, asking alumns to purchase season tickets is just one idea that comes to mind, but nothing was implemented. Admittedly, the AD at that time has left, but Tulane Athletics needs better marketing. We have an outstanding business school here, why not take advantage of that? Check out the young people at good academic/athletic schools such as Michigan, Stanford or Florida, and bring them in with their experience of success.

And finally, if I had wanted to go to some tutti-frutti, laaa-dee-daa div. III school, that's where I would have gone to college! And I suspect that many current undergrads feel the same way.

Taking away top level athletics at Tulane would permanently rent the fabric, the soul of our tremendous university. Let's do it better. We owe ourselves nothing less.

Roll Wave

*****

Subject: De-emphasis of athletics...

would, in my humble opinion, be an unmitigated disaster. In the past five years, I have never received so many phone calls from old class-mates, interested in talking about Tulane's football, baseball and basketball successes. Our baseball program is second - to - none, and our unbeaten football team and recent bowl victory brought much positive attention to the program.

Eliminate some sports if you budgetary restraints require that, but please maintain our Division I participation in the major sports. If you want to become a William and Mary or Slippery Rock, that's fine. I will find another university to follow and support in major collegiate athletics but I will not support Tulane in any but a Division I program. Get rid of a few of your more liberal-leaning faculty and curricula and save a little money that way. Hands off the one way in which you have maintained contact with the majority of the local community and graduates.

*****

As an alumnus of Tulane I take great pride in the achievements of graduates everywhere and the contributions that they make to society. I place our student athletes in the same category and believe that often times they cast the university in a very positive light by doing what they excel in. I think that there is a quantifiable significant value that success in Division I sports brings to the university and that value should be estimated and used to help reach whatever determination is made following the current study. Being showcased on Christmas night for 4 hours at the Hawaii bowl represents a marketing opportunity that would be prohibitively expensive if the school were to try to obtain it through traditional advertising methods. I regret that my financial circumstances have limited my levels of direct support for the university in the past but I have and continue to be a big supporter of the athletic programs traveling to numerous sporting events each year. I intend to do all that I can to increase my support for athletics and academic programs in the future but would be less inclined to do so if the suggested athletic division changes were made.

*****

No University is complete without an outstanding sports program and Tulane certainly has one.

It would be terribly small minded for Tulane to again de-emphasize athletics and move down to lees prestigious NCAA divisions. The negative effect on community recognition would be great. I have been a minimal financial supporter up to this time, but I will be a non-financial supporter if this moves forward.

*****

I‚m probably among the youngest alum (BSME 2002) posting here. It seems to me that as has been the case in recent years, the finger is being pointed in the wrong direction again. I felt several other posts I read hit on the real problem as I see it well.

"Division 1A Athletics Serves as the University's Marketing Arm " „I really think it's foolish to continue to talk about dropping or lowering the level of athletics at Tulane. The reason that we have struggled in football for such along time is because of this type of thing [that] started with leaving the SEC. this type of public talk can not be very good for recruiting.‰ "I strongly urge you to reconsider what you are doing, as you are ruining the university and your alumni connections." „I have consistently felt that the communications of the university were Ý laughable. The University Relations office had been discontinued, and there were competing divisions in the Alumni Affairs and the Annual Giving offices.‰ „As a student I heard rumors that there are 13 vice presidents at Tulane, double the number of other institutions!‰

I don‚t know where we came from, and just found out that we used to be in the SEC. But it seems obvious where, left to their own desires, our athletics programs are heading. I must admit that I didn‚t regularly attend sporting events, and may even have argued for the other side at times. Yet sports are something that I always enjoyed and continue to follow. Now that I am an alumnus it is one of the few ties I have left to the university. I was fortunate to come into the university when the athletics program seemed to be taking off. Our first perfect football season since who knows when and two bowl wins. Eliminating the defending-champion and „favorite‰ LSU Tigers from the 2001 College World Series and then blowing away the old attendance record for a college baseball game! Only to turn around and watch our top ranked track and field program be slated for elimination „by title III.‰ Not to mention the development of two promising 2 NFL quarterbacks since I first came to New Orleans.

Athletics is one of the few areas that give our university national exposure (aka the North-Western effect). Without sports I would still constantly be belittled with questions like „New Orleans, huh?‰ and related party school images. (Not that I don‚t like a good party or that it was not considered in my decision!) The baseball victories made me proud at a time when I seriously doubt the capabilities of the administration. It gave me something to gloat about over friends from Stanford and the University of California (Berkley), even if we eventually lost to Stanford and ultimately were eliminated by Cal. St. Fullerton.

I understand the (primarily monetary) issues concerning your review but demoting or deleting athletics programs is not the answer, we'd be better off going back to being the University of Louisiana. You reap what you sow, but never in the same season! So set an example Mr. Cowen, and don‚t be a quitter!

*****

Dear Tulane,

I am a Tulane alum, football season ticket holder, baseball fan, Tulane neighbor, and just plain supporter of Tulane University and its student athletes. My family and I enjoy attending Tulane sporting events and interacting with other fans. We support Tulane by buying tickets, merchandise, and daily displaying our love for Tulane. Tulane is as unique as other aspects of the city of New Orleans. It is a small school with a big national reputation. Tulane's reputation is one of the reasons for some of its difficulties. Many locals feel that it has lost its home town attraction. They look at Tulane as an outsiders school. I could not disagree with this any stronger than I do now. Tulane is a wonderful university that every New Orleanian should be proud of. I think in an age of cable and satellite television, to many locals forget about the home town schools and focus on other universities with national exposure. The local media should also take some of the blame for this. They also focus on other schools and ignore the ones in their own backyard. It's a shame that they don't cover local teams like Tulane because they either don't have a contract with them or their supporters are a smaller number. Support in numbers is what attracts attention. It is up to the students to start the trend. A greater push to attract current students, faculty, and staff is needed. Tulane also has to create a better college atmosphere for its football team. Older New Orleanians remember how it was to attend games at Tulane stadium. Most younger people have experienced or seen how it is to attend games at other schools. Regarding football the same old items will continue to be a request of the supporters; a more fan friendly, traditional football stadium, tailgating, and a band. These are the things that attract and hold fans. Tulane is already a bargain for family entertainment. It just needs to make the jump to the next level and revive its fan base. These items will bring in old and new fans. I think it also helps the attitude of the athletes. Although I don't think City Park stadium is a great football stadium, the atmosphere was fantastic. Being able to cheer the team as it arrived was one of the highlights of the day. The dome does not offer the fan an intimate interaction with the team. Tulane is not a big state school and does not need a stadium of that size. It needs a facility that matches its identity that it can call its own and that its fans can embrace. I truly believe that this would help foster a love affair between Tulane and New Orleans that will grow into support of the school and its other sports. Baseball has already begun to generate enough support that a planned renovation of the stadium is needed. Basketball has improved its facilities. All these things are helpful in attracting fans. Tulane has to focus on what the fans want. It's not just a winning team, but an atmosphere conducive to winning. I would like to see Tulane try a campaign to identify what it could do to attract more local support before it drops down in division. It has to get people in the stands so they can discover what a great product Tulane has to offer. Not only in athletics, but as a major local university that everyone should aspire to attend, support, and "love". I have already reached that level and I want others to join me.

Roll Wave,

*****

As an alumnus of Tulane University, I am troubled by the recent reports of a possible move of Tulane Athletics below Division I, possibly down to Division III. I left the area after completing the classwork requirements for my Masters Degree in 1997, and following Tulane Athletics was a big part of the connection I was able to maintain with the University. I listened to almost all of the football games through the webcast available at the tulanegreenwave.com website. My situation was not uncommon. Many of my friends from school moved away for their first jobs and kept up with the university by similar means. I moved back to New Orleans over a year ago, glad I would be able to participate more in Tulane activities, particularly following the football, basketball, and baseball teams.

I took a lot of pride in driving to Memphis to watch the 1998 Liberty Bowl. I left work early to watch the games on a satellite feed when Tualne was in the College World Series. And I would love nothing more then to see the basketball team play in the NCAAs. I simply do not think this level of excitement, interest, and pride would still exist in a lower division. The benefits of these programs are difficult to quantify, I am well aware. But as I look at the successes and improvemnent of the athletic program in the last several years, I cant believe that this situation is being considered. I am proud of my alma mater and I take great pride in defending it, to anyone and everyone. Fair or not, athletics is almost always the first way that discussions of where I went to University begin. I believe Tulane is a top flight university, and I truly believe a lot of respect would be lost with this division move.

The best arguement for maintaining the Division I status, I believe, came from the football team this past December (the football team being the one area most often mentioned in this discussion from my understanding). Well, Tulane university had a higher graduation rate then every other Division I team playing in a bowl game, higher than Notre Dame. This was announced on ESPN and many other national media outlets. The combination of the win in a very exciting, nationally televised bowl game against a pretty good opponent and the nationally recognized achievment of graduating so many of the athletes involved had to have some benefit in recruiting both student athletes and potential students who, like me, consider following athletics an important part of college life. I just do not believe you would have this same affect playing the likes of Milsaps College.

Fan support follows success. Successs comes from finding the right people to lead the student athletes who represent Tulane University, like Rick Jones. I don't think most Tulane alumnus want to see the school turn into a football academy the likes of Florida State, but the passion I have seen in the recent successes of the athletic department are tangible to me. I do not want to see this end because of a reduction in the quality of competition and more likely, talent of the student atletes who wear green and white. I also think many feel as I do, particularly when you consider how many alumnus live all over the country. If the words of a recent graduate mean anything, I hope that Tulane Athletics can continue to grow and improve against the best competion available. I personally expect nothing less.

*****

Tulane athletics must remain in Division I. The very heart of Tulane and its recognition with 99% of the people in the United States is by association with its athletic programs. Although we are proud to be alumni, Tulane's name recognition will become extinct and so will the university itself, as have other prominent academic institution (that discontinued or de-graded their athletics programs), without Tulane's continued contact with the world outside of academia, via its athletic programs in Division I. Without Division I athletics, Tulane will eventually find itself in the same situation as its neighbor, Loyola University (i.e. is that in Chicago or California, and who cares because no one outside of New Orleans really wants to go there).

Tulane University is not in New York or California, where it could possibly survive without its largest marketing asset (its athletics). The social-cultural atmosphere of New Orleans, and its makeup of minority groups needs and requires quality athletics to market Tulane in this country and around the world.

My support of Tulane in the past was contingent upon continued Division I athletics, and it will remain that way in the future. When I tell someone in another state that I graduated from Tulane University, they know all about Tulane, and most tell you they know this because of basketball, baseball, football, etc. and the interest that their sons, daughters, family, have in attending a quality university with competitive athletic programs.

People want to be part of something, and athletics gives them that opportunity. That is why I went to Tulane, and that is why my wife and daughter when to Tulane. And that is why I am hoping that my grandchildren will attend Tulane. Division I athletics makes Tulane something special. Do not take that away.

*****

Tulane must continue 1-A athletics. I am a graduate of Tulane (A&S '72) and season ticket holder in football, men's basketball, women's basketball, and baseball.I donate to the Tulane athletics Fund. I enjoy Tulane athletics. Each time I atted a Tulane event, I am brought back to my days as a student at Tulane. I remember the athletic events as a terrific part of my college experience. I remember the win over Colorado in the Liberty Bowl as if it were yesterday. The athletic events were part of my college experience as much as were the math exams in Gibson Hall. To eliminate or downgrade the athletic program would deprive future students of the joy that I experienced when Tulane played sports.

I was not an athlete, but I did compete for Tulane as a member of the debate team. The Glendy Burke Debating and Literary Society fielded the team, and I enjoyed the trips to other campuses for tournaments. To go to a debate tournament at the University of Alabama or University of Florida was a highlight of my career at Tulane. We were respected at these other campuses because we had a good debate team, but also because the students there knew of Tulane because of its athletic programs. In athletics we did not always win, but we played "big-time". If Tulane were to downgrade its athletic programs, then today's students would be deprived of that intercollegiate experience.

I believe 1-A athletics are important to a top university. I support this belief with my purchase of season tickets and donation to the Tulane Athletics Fund. Thirty years ago, when I was a student, we debated the pro's and con's of top level athletics. I believe the answer is now what it was then, Tulane should continue to compete at the highest level.

*****

Hi,

I'm a Tulane alum and recently heard about possibility of Tulane getting rid of its athletic programs. As an alum, I am deeply concerned about how this would affect the reputation of the University. Tulane has kept in touch with many of its alums over the years through the various athletic events. Tulane promotes and advertises its university using sports related activities as a major vehicle. If the athletic programs are axed, how would Tulane be heard or seen by affiliates, supporters, and alums outside of New Orleans? I ask you, is this really a wise choice for the future of this university? I think not! Please keep Tulane sports in Division 1A and continue the spirit and tradition of a great university!

*****

I think it is a very bad idea to even consider this!! Tulane will lose a bunch of support should this occur. I have multiple season tickets in baseball and football and I am not interested in seeing Mount Union come to town. I would definitely drop my tickets. I did not attend Tulane but have been a fan since I was in 2nd grade when I first bought season tickets in football. The whole section of fans at the Tues. night baseball game expressed these same feelings.

THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERN, BUT DO THE RIGHT THING!!! YOU WILL NOT ONLY LOSE FANS BUT SOME HIGH CLASS STUDENT ATHLETES.

*****

I was deeply disturbed at hearing the stories out of New Orleans regarding the possible future of athletics at Tulane University. It is my opinion that Tulane must maintain its Division I-A standing in all sports, including football. Furthermore, the maintainance of Tulane Division I-A status in all sports is consistent with the goals of the school, as noted in the mission and goals of the "facts and background" page.

Without a doubt, Tulane is a school which insists that its athletes must be students first. During the football bowl season, the article about how Tulane had the highest graduation rate among all colleges participating in bowl games demonstrated that athletics makes Tulane one of the most distinguished places of higher education anywhere, and setting an example for all schools in this country that one can have a strong athletic program, while emphasizing academics. Division I-A athletics, especially in football, provides a link with the greater New Orleans community, and allows alumni from across the country to keep in touch with the University. Additionally, the dedication of the student-athletes in donating time and manpower to civic activities in New Orleans has also made national news, and is consistent with the goal of Tulane being an institution serving the public. Alumni outside of the New Orleans area have been inspired by the efforts of the student-athletes, and have donated tickets so that those who are less fortunate can attend Tulane athletic events. As the overwhelming number of responses to the feedback site demonstrate, athletics unite the Tulane students, alumni, and the people of New Orleans and its surrounding areas, consequently, demonstrating that successful Division I-A athletics is a shared goal among the university community.

During the last few years, the 1998 undefeated season, the appearance of Tulane in the NCAA World Series, the Hawaii Bowl, and the nine straight appearances of the women's basketball team in the NCAA tournament have made the University an example of how a Division I-A program is run properly. The appearances of Tulane have made prospective students more interested in the school, and have rekindled interest in the school to alumni outside Louisiana. In fact the Hawaii Bowl broadcast on December 25, 2002 seemed like a four hour commercial on the greatness of Tulane University. A reduction in classification from Division I-A, especially in football, will be an absolute disaster, because it will eliminate a great publicity tool and a great uniting force for the students, faculty, alumni, and for New Orleans. It will also signal a victory for those who believe that in order to have a successful college athletic program, one must be an athlete, and not a student, contrary to goals one and two on the "facts and background" page. When I entered Tulane University in the summer of 1979, athletics were on life support after an unsuccessful bid to eliminate big time college athletics. Dr. F. Sheldon Hackney, who was President of the University at that time, had the fortitude and vision to support Tulane University having Division I-A athletics, and he was correct. That football season, Tulane was ranked as high as 15th in the polls, and all the critics went away. Dr. Cowen and the Board of Trustees must follow the example of Dr. Hackney, and maintain Tulane as a model program in all sports on a Division I-A level.

*****

Throughout the years, Tulane has made some wonderful advances, but it has also made some astoundingly (in retrospect) bonehead blunders. The dumbest moves seem to have been reserved for the athletics programs.

Back in the early 1950s, Tulane decided to "de-emphasize" athletics on the premise that the University's "true" role was strictly to engage in academic endeavors. The "academic" side of athletics was totally overlooked and thoughtlessly dismissed.

In the mid-1960s, Tulane left the Southeastern Conference, because we did not want to expend the energy and resources it takes to compete at the highest athletic levels. Little did we expect at the time that television would soon bring College football to the national entertainment stage, and with it, the tops schools would begin to receive huge amounts of money from the television networks.

In the 1970s, we decided to eliminate Tulane Stadium from the campus. Now, we have fans clamoring for an on-campus stadium, and we have fans of other schools deriding us for not having a "college atmosphere."

All of those decisions were made at a time when they looked like the right thing to do to maintain "affordability" of the athletic programs. Based upon the world as it existed in those times, it looked like the "right" thing to do. Only time has revealed how short-sighted the Administrators were when they made those decisions. Now, we can see the lack of vision in those who made those blunders.

And the worst part is that those decisions were made to freely, without recognizing that they were nearly irreversible. Tulane has fought an uphill battle for 50 years, trying to overcome the detriment of those hasty decisions. Today, we are frozen out of the football Bowl Championship Series which brings millions of dollars each and every year to its members. And we don't even have the guts to challenge the Bowl Championship trust-in part because we realize that we "did it to ourselves."

When those decisions were being made, the publicity and name recognition brought to the University via the athletics programs was obviously undervalued (prior to 1950, Tulane was often represented in a good light by Hollywood movies-since then, we are not even mentioned at all). In the aftermath of "de-emphasis", and absent the publicity garnered from a winning athletics program, we became irrelevant to the majority of Americans. Our fine academic traditions notwithstanding, it became more and more common to be asked "where is that?" when talking about our Alma Mater. Most Americans equated us with the level of a community college, and our sterling reputation was kept alive primarily only in the circles of the academic elite. Unfortunately, we need a student body that comes from the rank-and-file of Society. We cannot long survive if the only ones who know of us are those in our hometown (there's that "community college" allusion again!) or are at the top of academia. It is not enough for a University to be respected among its peers, if everyone else is unaware that we exist!

Today, we stand on the verge of another momentous decision regarding the future of athletics at Tulane. Please, let us not repeat the blunders of the past. We must realize the importance of our Division 1A athletics program. We must understand the tremendous boon to the University that results from world-wide name recognition that results from a successful Division 1A football team. Many of the benefits of the football team's success are difficult to quantify. They are especially difficult to quantify if one were to get wrapped up in elitist academic prejudices and fail to look beyond short-sighted solutions.

After 50 years, we have finally turned the corner, and out athletics programs are on the road to profitability, if we will only give them a chance! Twenty years from now, we will be glad we decided to stay and compete with the athletic elite universities of America. If we back away now, we will once again find ourselves regretting that we adopted a bonehead course.

Ours is a University of Thinkers. We pride ourselves in being Smart. Let's demonstrate that by adopting the approach that comes with foresight. Let's realize all of the facts and not blunder ahead based upon emotion and closed-mindedness born of stereotypes and prejudices. We must stay in Division 1A. We must strive to get included in the Bowl Championship Series, where all the money is being hoarded. In twenty years, we will be relieved that we made the right choice.

The vision of where the road without Division 1A athletics will lead us is a very bleak one. Having been at the top of the upper level and then dropping back because of an unwillingness to remain competitive will put us in a mode of starting over from scratch. Downgrade our level of athletic competition, and we will see a rapid erosion of Alumni caring. Funding will dry up and the University we have loved will cease to exist. More than a hundred years' tradition will evaporate. We will become a non-entity. We will become a small-time operation where a few rich "wanna-be" elitists will send their children. In twenty years, we will have a student body numbering less than a thousand, and we will be accepting anyone who's Daddy has the money to pay the tuition. We'll even be taking in academically challenged students who have no hope of succeeding, but we will do it so that their rich families might contribute large sums of money.

THIS HAS ALREADY GONE TOO FAR! IT IS TIME TO CRY "ENOUGH, ALREADY!" There is one thing that must be done, and done IMMEDIATELY: Call the Board into emergency session right now, and pass a resolution committing to support fully the Division 1A status of Tulane Athletics. Call a Press Conference and make it clear that the "rumors" got out of hand, and the Board is taking immediate action to remove the specter of speculation that threatens to shake the very fabric of our core. Make it clear that the Board has the best interests of Tulane at heart, and will not embark on a short-sighted, irreversible course to doom. Stress that Tulane will not only continue to compete at the Division 1A level, but intends to do whatever it take to remain at the top of the national rankings in all sports in which we compete. That is the only sensible way out of this fiasco without subjecting the University to more damage.

*****

I think the state of big time athletics has deteriorated to the point that Tulane should drop Division 1 football and basketball. I think you should increase emphasis on baseball, golf, tennis, and sailing. The difference in the lower costs associated with these sports could be directed toward academics. Division II football might be an option to consider so as not to totally abandon Tulane's rich football heritage.

*****

Keep football in Div I - Work together to solve the problems and great things will happen.

*****

Once again, detractors have begun to be heard saying that Tulane should lower itself to Division 3, or even discontinue football altogether. As an alumnus who is a professional, as well as a faculty member of a University, I say that those are short-sighted, arrogant, and are failing to recognize the benefits of a top-notch athletic program based upon excellent academics.

First, I live in an area that is heavily immersed in SEC and ACC athletics. More than one person around here noted that academics were non-existent at their institution's athletic programs, and those who knew that I am a Tulane alum also commented about the fact that Tulane was successful in combining academics and athletics.

I reject the claims that football players are not worthy of attending Tulane. I attended classes with a number of student-athletes; most of them realized that professional sports were out of their reach, and that a Tulane degree meant far more to them and their future. The football recruiting classes of the past year included some of the top students of their respective high schools; to simply make generalizations made by some is bigotry, and if the term athlete was changed to any race, the author would be deemed a racist.

Second: Tulane has received significant favorable publicity as a result of the successes of the football players both on and off the field. Having been associated with an SEC school in the past, anyone unable to complete a degree given the curriculum options at those schools has no business being at ANY school. Tulane's academic achievements has received favorable descriptions in both the print and television media. This past December's Hawaii Bowl appearance resulted in a number of people who, when they saw me in a Tulane sweatshirt, stopping me and commenting favorably on the game and the team. This type of publicity is invaluable when trying to get the cream of the crop throughout the U.S.

Finally, collegiate athletics are a valuable component of a student's college experience. Too many academicians forget that all too often, teaching can get in the way of one's education. Tulane should be trying to turn out the most well-rounded graduates, and successful athletics programs can help with this. Athletics endeavors provide a common link between students and alumni; those of us who live hundreds of miles away look forward to going to a game whenever we are close enough to go, in the hopes of rekindling old friendships, and showing support to other future alumni.

The best hope for collegiate athletics is to have programs such as Tulane that succeed on the playing fields as well as in the classroom. Tulane's successes can have more impact on sports programs elsewhere than is currently recognized by some small thinkers. As academics take a bigger role in college sports, Tulane has more opportunity than ever to succeed. Now is not the time to lower ourselves, now is the time to raise the bar for the others to try and reach.!

*****

I believe it would be a total shame if the board were to drop Tulane's athletics from Division I-A. The coaches have proven they are winners, a bowl win in football last year, a trip to Omaha and the college world series for the baseball program. As well as their having another great year. They are consistently in the top 25 every year. And basketball is coming along with its dedicated coaches, they should have at least gotten a bid to the NIT this year. It won't be long before they are in the NCAA's road to the final four. That's just the three major sports, women's basketball, tennis and volleyball are also very competitive. It will be a sad day in the history of Tulane if they drop from Division 1-A because Tulane will not only drop in division, all of these fine coaches will be dropping off as well.

A sad alumnus!

*****

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DIVISION 1. WE HAVE SEASON TICKETS FOR FOOTBALL AND BASEBALL. WHILE I AM AWARE THAT FAN SUPPORT ISN'T VERY LARGE, I THINK IT WILL BE EVEN SMALLER IN ANY OTHER DIVISION. I BELIEVE THE ANSWER LIES IN MORE MARKETING. AGAIN, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DIVISION 1.

*****

Mr. Dickson, we will be greatly disappointed if Tulane drops out of Division I-A. The 1964 decision to drop out of the SEC was a disaster; this will similarly rank if Tulane decides it cannot compete with other schools, like Duke, Stanford, Notre Dame -- who maintain high academic standards, yet are competitive in Division I-A. We believe you have done a great job and that the future for Tulane Athletics is bright if we can achieve stability in all sports, like we have in baseball. We give you our support (season ticket holders in baseball and football) and would urge the university to maintain its Division I-A status.

*****

To whom it may concern, I am an alumnus as well as a former student athlete. I can not believe that the school is even considering doing something this drastic. I was a member of three Conference USA Champion Baseball teams. We were perennially ranked in the top 25 in the country and the program continues to excel and get better. The school should take a long hard look at what happened in 1998 when Tommy Bowden led our miserable football program to the fore front of national exposure. I'm sure if the school checks out the number of applications that they received that year as opposed to the years before that they will see that the numbers were far higher after the football team was successful. I feel that the school needs to do more to help promote athletics and get the regular student body involved. Tulane Baseball games are some of the most exciting sporting events on campus and if you ask a majority of the student body has no idea where the stadium, which is on campus, is. I think that's a lack of interest on the schools part to promote their athletes. The fact that the basketball team and the football team play downtown doesn't help things either. I understand money is a big issue but lets get the students more involved and make it worth while. Cut athletics out of Division IA and you will see a serious drop in the number of applicants and thus the quality of your students. It's up to you.

*****

I've seen the rumors about the reevaluation of TU athletics emphasis and decided to add my two cents.

If anything, Tulane has the right emphasis on athletics. I attended Tulane from 85-89 and went on to get a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Rumors have circulated that one option under consideration is moving to a lower division level. Carnegie Mellon is a good example of a Division III athletic program. While Carnegie Mellon is a great academic university (rated consistently in the top 20), it suffers from name recognition because of its lack of a strong intercollegiate athletics presence. In fact, when I was choosing schools to apply to out of high school, I distinctly remember getting a packet from Carnegie Mellon. My lack of familiarity with the school meant that it didn't get consideration for my application.

For the undergraduate student body at CMU, there are few common bonds across departments. I attended a few football games there to see what Div III athletics was about. CMU had a dominant team in Div III, but that generated almost no interest in the student body (lucky to get 1000 people to show up with $5 tickets). As a result of this situation, CMU had built up another tradition to fill in for the lack of a 'homecoming' type event. Their spring carnival tradition has been going for 70 years or so, and it's a great tradition, but it still doesn't have the same impact that homecoming does at Div I schools. There is much less of a link to the school, while with Div I athletics there is a weekly connection to the school for many alumni, and a way to connect to alumni of most other national universities.

At Tulane, there is a tradition of competing at the highest level against national universities (there's very few of those in the Div 1A, II and III ranks). Maybe not always successfully, but it seems that we've bucked that trend in the last 5 years. Unless we're invited into the Ivy League (which carries its own prestige), any move to a lower division is tantamount to dropping intercollegiate athletics (i.e., the effect of dropping to 1A would be the same as Div III for all practical purposes). I'd hate to see our tradition scrapped after all those years. We're still paying for shortsighted decisions like dropping from the SEC.

And if it's the system that's broken (the BCS etc), it's better to fix the system than run from it. Tulane isn't the only university in this situation. While it seems the big state schools have all the pull, I think there's more schools on our side of the fence (in terms of athletic funding issues) than the other and without these schools the funding for the big state school programs would gradually sink as well. If they don't realize this, someone should work to drive the point home.

*****

In my opinion Tulane , has steadfastly disassociated itself with New Orleanians. I personally know very few families who have students attending Tulane. This was certainly not the case when I was younger (I am 56). I understand, but do not necessarily agree with, Tulane's previous decision to evolve into a prominent "national" university. The downgrading of athletics would, again in my opinion, complete Tulane's disassociation with New Orleanians and be the end of a long relationship with our citizenry and the University.

*****

let's keep division I-A ball here in New Orleans! It would be a shame to see it go!

*****

As a 1960 graduate of Tulane and a long-time supporter of all intercollegiate sports in which our university participates, I feel confident that we can continue to be an excellent model of what a Division I school can be. We manage to continue our academic tradition while fielding competitive teams. These athletes are good-will ambassadors for Tulane in the larger community as well as role models for our young people.

I am a faithful season ticket holder for football, and cannot understand the lack of public support. The games are highly entertaining. Keep up the good work!

*****

Hello: I am a 1982 graduate of Tulane, and I have many fond memories of the school. Many of my memories are of athletic events. Virtually all of my contacts and involvement with the University since graduation involve athletics. I can assure you that if Tulane were to drop out of division 1-A, my contact, and even interest in the school would drop precipitously. Athletics is, in my opinion, the primary way for alumni to stay in touch with the school, and frankly, at a level less than division 1-A, the interest simply would not be there. It's difficult to come back to campus for an english literature class, but I can certainly come back for a football game. I have traveled to Tulane for football games on a consistent basis since graduation, have been to 6 basketball conference tournaments, and have been to the college world series, as well as going to many sporting events around the Fort Worth, Texas area. These have all provided me with an wonderful opportunity to renew acquaintances and to enjoy the Tulane spirit. I simply cannot imagine the void a drop in division would create. I think Tulane is one of the premier schools in the nation, and the athletic programs, while certainly not the focus of the school, are the most visible means of promoting the school. The value gained from that promotion, in my estimation, is tremendous. Clearly, Tulane would love to have a bunch of Rhodes Scholars, but news of Rhodes Scholars doesn't travel widely, and while it's obviously something the school should promote, its marketing impact is nowhere near the impact of a successful division 1-A athletic program. I thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

*****

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to support the Tulane Athletic Department's efforts to field competitive teams at the Division I-A level.

Both my parents are Tulane/Newcomb graduates and I have been a fan and supporter of the school for the last 40 years. The school's athletic program is a tremendous source of pride for me and my Mother, mainly because Tulane has maintained high academic standards while fielding exciting teams filled with true student athletes.

Tulane's reputation for high academics and exciting athletics is well known throughout the country. On our local sports talk radio station (in Atlanta), Tulane's football program comes up from time to time and the tough academic standards are always brought up. This makes me feel so proud.

Also, as I talk with friends at the office about college sports, they always mention Tulane's academics in concert with sports-related comments.

Tulane is different. I put it in the same category as Boston College (where I went), Vanderbilt, Duke, Virginia, Wake Forrest, etc. ... schools that offer the best of both academic and athletic worlds.

Schools such as Villanova and others have learned to their dismay what happens when you back away from Division I-A. I hope Tulane doesn't do this. It would make a lot of people very sad and, in my opinion, tarnish the school's image. The school would fade from the public's consciousness in some way, I am afraid.

THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT IS DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB AND I LOVE RECEIVING MR. DICKSON'S E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE.

Keep up the great work at Tulane!!!

*****

It is being rumored that Tulane University is considering dropping out of Division 1 athletics. The alleged proponents of this are certain board members who are pro academics at the cost of "de-emphasizing" athletics.

I feel it would be a devastating blow to the University in general and fund raising in particular. I have discussed this issue with several alumni across the country over the last week and the consensus is clear. Alumni enjoy the athletics component of "friend raising." In fact it is an integral part of the alumni experience. It keeps alumni connected and is a source of intense pride. This connection and source of pride translates into donor dollars for Tulane University. To do away with Division 1 athletics will result in a disastrous drop in alumni financial support. I personally am a member of the Associates Gold Program and I thoroughly enjoy the networking opportunities at the athletic pre game get togethers. The athletics events are my and other alums forum for drumming up financial support for Tulane University.

Our athletics program under Rick Dickson's leadership has made great strides in the recent years. He has made great strides in terms of wins, facilities upgrades, graduation rates etc. I am confident that if given the continued chance, he can usher in a new era of athletics profitability.

In closing, I am asking you to consider and champion the long term ramifications of substantially reduced donations and lost alumni goodwill which will far outstrip any perceived savings gained from dropping out of Division 1 athletics.

*****

I strongly support Tulane remaining in Division I sports. I realize the cost has to be considered but I believe the current administration has a plan to make the program a financial break even program. I am a season football ticket holder who happens to leave too far away to attend many games in person(Memphis, TN). I will keep my season tickets and support the program.

*****

I certainly hope that Tulane does not cut athletic programs. I'm not clear about how the university feels the current athletic program meshes with the university's mission, but I doubt cutting athletics has anything to do with it. Take a look at a school like Stanford - they seem to have the best of both worlds (academics and athletics). If you are looking for a benchmark, that should be it.

*****

To Whom It May Concern: I moved to the New Orleans area in 1971. I had an opportunity to attend a Tulane football game in 1972 and have had season tickets since that time. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the coaches and players over the years as well as inolvment with the Booster Club and other activities. I have also had basketball season tickets for part of that time. My schedule precluded maintaining them.

I think Tulane as a Division I Athletic Program is good for the school, the students, athletes and the community. It would be an error, in my mind, to change that status and commitment. The exposure of Tulane University nationally through the various programs (which have had much success) allows Tulane to present it's students and athletes in a very positive manner.

We can have further support from the community by being more aggressive in marketing the programs and scheduling games and opponents that will generate more local and national interest. I sincerely hope this review only reinforces the commitment of the University to the continued success of the Athletic Department.

*****

I just wanted to express my opinion that I believe that Tualne gets great exposure form Division 1 athletics, and I believe it helps promote the message of Tulane's outstanding programs. I am a graduate of Southern Miss, although I have taken some night classes at Tulane (I live in the New Orleans area).

I hope Tulane will stay in Division 1 athletics, and I do believe it is great for the student body.

*****

Add my name to the list of folks that are monumentally disappointed that Tulane is considering de-emphasizing athletics further than they already have. This would be an idiotic move that would have a tremendously negative impact on Our University.

Once again our weak minded administrators have decided (behind closed doors and in secret) to evaluate a sea change in the Athletic Department without any input from students or alumni. I am still personally reeling from the destruction of nearly 100 years of Tulane history by the elimination of the Men's Track and Cross Country teams in a pathetic pandering to political correctness (aka Title IX).

The whole issue has started because (I assume) Tulane lacks a substantial endowment and Athletics is a financial drain on the University. The reason for this is clear...Tulane's fund raising efforts stink (I speak of the general fund raising methods, Athletic Fund fund raising methods are actually pretty good). We are alumni of one of the top Universities in the country. In addition to many fine Teachers, Social Workers and Military Personnel (and other incredibly admirable careers that do not pay much) we are Doctors, Lawyers, Investment Bankers and Business Professionals. However, the University does virtually nothing to foster ties with these wealthy Alumni to turn them into significant contributors. Add to the mix foolishness such as this talk of Athletic deemphasis and you further alienate the Alumni core. Step up the fund raising efforts for the University as a whole and there will be no discussion.

Those of you that are alums, think about your classmates who have had the most financial success since graduation (and who could have the highest impact on donations to the University as a whole or the Athletic Department). Are these people the ones who were indifferent to athletics or anti-athletics? No (it certainly is not the case in my experience). These folks were the ones who went to the football games, basketball games and actually cared about athletics.

I am a 1985 Arts and Sciences (now known as Tulane College) alumnus, three sport letter winner and Captain of the (now defunct) track team. I am also a significant contributor to Tulane College, the School of Engineering (my wife is an alumna), the Athletics Fund and I am a season ticket holder (despite living 700 miles away). I am appalled that a deemphasis is even being considered and will call for the resignation of Dr. Cowen if such a move is undertaken. I have attached my name, address and email and would love to hear from anyone in the administration on this matter.

*****

PLEASE DO NOT ADD INSULT TO INJURY BY SUBJECTING ALL OUR FANS TO RIDICULE BY LOWERING OUR STANDARDS IN SPORTS WHEN WE HAVE THE GREAT REPUTATION FOR ACADEMICS.

TULANE IS A MODEL FOR OTHER SCHOOLS WHO LOOK WITH ENVY EVERY YEAR AT OUR GRADUATING CLASSES .

LETS KEEP OUT STANDARDS HIGH BY SUBSIDIZING OUR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT AND GIVING OUR SUPPORTERS SOME ENJOYMENT BY SHOWING THE STUDENTS TULANE CARES FOR THEIR ALL AROUND COLLEGIATE EXPERIENCE.

PLEASE CONSIDER WHAT YOU ARE DOING VERY CAREFULLY .

*****

We need Tulane in Division 1-Please not make any changes!!

*****

As an alumnus of Tulane who has consistently given financially to both academic and athletic causes, I strongly recommend that Tulane continue in Division 1-A athletics.

Participation in major college athletics provides a rallying point for students, alumni and friends of the university. It also provides Tulane with considerable publicity both nationally and locally. Were Tulane to drop down in classification, it would lose that rallying point and publicity. Tulane would also lose its status as a member of the small group of private, academically oriented universities that competes at the 1-A level. Tulane would be a less lively and a less interesting place. These losses would be extremely damaging.

Tulane has a marvelous tradition in athletics. The university now has an outstanding athletic director and an excellent group of coaches. The athletic department plays by the rules, the players graduate, and the teams are successful. Year after year, Tulane is represented by young men and women who are among the very best in their sports. It would be tragic if the university's leaders were to bring this situation to an end.

I ask that the Board of Administrators affirm Tulane's position in Division 1-A.

*****

HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK OF GETTING RID OF OUR CURRENT STATUS OF DIVISION 1-A SPORTS??? we hardly have enough school spirit as it is, and if we go down in divisions, there will be even less. dont do it. i love going to the football games and i wish that tulane did a better job of getting more students to go.

*****

Graduated A/S 1957

First season tickets 1939 South End cost $0.80 (Allen Grammar Student)

Vote 100% 1A ñ Take us back to the SE Conference

What would help.- A student body with a spirit of athletic winning. A faculty that supports, not whines that the atheletic policy is taking money out of their pockets; they have a bird nest on the g round!

Who to contact.- Why not Vanderbilt in Nashville- they must have fought off many such ridiculous takeovers.

Will our wonderful university be any better if the A/Department is down graded?

PLEASE VOTE NO!

*****

As a recent '01 graduate, I would love to voice my opinion regarding TU Athletics moving from Division 1 to Division 3. Stupid, just plain stupid. I am unaware of all the facts but I remember the feeling when we went 12-0 in Football and the Dome was rockin', the feeling when athletics started to play a role and everyone came together in spirit, the feeling when the baseball team killed LSU to go to Omaha, and the feeling when everyone followed the team to Omaha. Tell these students and alumni who remember these feelings that you are knocking them down to Division III and you are killing that spirit and the support for TU. Keep the spirit and the feelings alive and keep the school at Division 1. Roll Wave.

Thank you.

*****

President Cowen, I have been a supporter and season ticket holder for 50 years. I am a member of Tulane Athletic Fund. I am sending this email to express my opinion that Tulane should stay in Division 1A. I would be willing to increase my donation to Tulane Athletic Program if Tulane stays Division 1A. I would not support the Tulane Athletic Program if it is a Division 3A Team. Thank you for considering this. Roll Green Wave.!!! ! ;

Sincerely,

*****

For Tulane to retain the atmosphere that makes it such a great place to attend school, we must keep athletics in the program at a Division 1 level. The school needs it and New Orleans needs it. I would hate to see the Tulane athletics heritage diminish - it would diminish the entire New Orleans community.

*****

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am a graduate of Tulane (B.S.M. '84), and I am currently located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I am writing in relation to the contemplated move to drop division I athletics. I am very appreciative of the four years I spent at Tulane; both for the quality of the education I received and for the friendships I made. As with much of the Tulane community, my colleagues disbursed all over the country in the years since graduation. In our continuing efforts to remain in contact with each other, and in contact with the Tulane community, I cannot underestimate the value of a Division I athletic program. It is often our biggest link to Tulane. Every other year, my family and I attend the Tulane - Navy football game in Annapolis. Tulane alumni always show up in force, and I believe that is a tremendously positive reflection on the university. I realize that such a reflection is somewhat superficial and does not reflect on the primary objective of the university - to provide the top notch education to its students. However, I do believe that the program benefits from the exposure provided by its athletic programs. While I have not specifically donated to Tulane athletics (other than minimally) I (and a charitable foundation which I founded) have made substantial contributions to educational and research programs at Tulane. Clearly, my continued identification to Tulane (most of which comes through the athletic programs) provides me with the incentive to continue such contributions. A drop to Division III athletics will eliminate many alum's primary source of identification with the university and I believe will ultimately result in far greater losses in revenue than the university currently suffers in funding its athletic programs. I urge you not to make such a drastic change to perception of the university.

Thank you for your consideration herein.

*****

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know how disappointed I would be if Tulane dropped out of Div I, and particularly if it dropped its Div. I football team.

*****

Are you about to complete a process begun foty years ago with the withdrawal from the SEC? Tulane is a good, well known, international University; although at the cost of a good local base. I have attended pep-rallies with bonfires after Friday night movies at McAllister. The student body was able to and did participate.

Tulane competes well in Mens' Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track (past tense); Womens' Basketball, Socker. We don't hear any more about Tennis, Golf, Swimming.

It's a shame to giveup all these ambassadors and no Not-Free advertisement for the University.

Let's hear it for the short-sighted facuality; get some glasses for far-sightedness.

Yes I am mad, frustrated, attended LSU (1962 62-0), graduated UNO and supported Tulane Football.

*****

I think making Tulane less than a Division I-A school would greatly harm the university. I played women's soccer at Tulane and can assure you that I would not have attended the University if it was not Division I-A. I think that a Division I-A athletic program at a school of Tulane's academic caliber brings in students with high levels of intelligence and athletic ability. Lowering the level of the athletic programs will, in turn, also lower the status of student-athletes that will attend. Tulane Athletics has done well in the past...please don't change things now.

*****

Keep Tulane in Division 1-A, and take lessons from the Hornets on how to better market Tulane's games and matches.

*****

Dear Mr. Cowen

As a season ticket holder with my family, I am appalled that Tulane is even considering a move to Division 3. The last few years, especially in football, the athletic teams have improved tremendously. I know that athletics, with a whole hearted commitment from the university, can and will succeed. The problem of finances runs in the previous screw ups by the university. For example, the buyout of playing Georgia and Clemson in football wasted money for the athletic department. These games would have also brought in more revenue.

My concern is that ther marketing department is not doing enough to drum up new fans and more support.Chiquita Bannana, for instance, had promotions for free tickets to games in the late 70s and early 80s. In order to get fans in the stands, Tulane should be doing things like this. Better yet, give away a free child ticket with the purchase of an adult one. Tulane has lost about two generations of fans with the way they did things in the mid to late 80s. In football, especially, we need to keep a coach around at least 8-10 years in order to get continuity and grow successful. I think ( and hope ) that Coach Scelfo is the man. Look at the other programs such as women's basketball and baseball. Both Stockton and Jones have been around about 10 years. Both programs are very successful. It can be done!!! The marketing department should even consider putting a package together that offers entrance to any athletic games, excluding football, for a full season.

In regards to playing LSU, put a deal together that the winner of the game gets to host next year's game. This will bring back the rivalry in football. It was great to see that we finally got back to playing basketball again. Now we need to work on getting women's basketball to play again. I know that I have been rambling on, but this issue burns me up. If we schedule games like Texas for non conference games, I know we can get more fans in the dome. I will be reneing my season tickets to football very soon, as I always do. Being unemployed this past month, I am getting my funds together. Should Tulane drop to division 3, I do not see how I could support the university, for the games would not be the same. Like I said before, I feel the markeing department needs to do a lot more in order to bring Tulane back to respectability in attendence and support. As soon as I get back in the work force, my donation will be coming in the mail.

*****

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As a 30 year Tulane Football season ticket holder and as an alumnus (JD 1965), and as a contributor to Tulane's annual fundraising, I fully support Tulane's continued status as a Division I-A team. The alternatives all make Tulane and New Orleans appear second or third class on all levels. A first class university needs to be first class (or strive to be) on all levels. A decision for change will be wrong and difficult to undo.

*****

I am a alum (Business 78) and would like to express my opinion regarding the importance of Tulane athletics. If we can support it fine, if it is going to cut into money needed elsewhere then i say do without football at the D-1 level. That is difficult for me to say but it is an honest opinion. I would rather see us compete at a high level in ALL of the other sports. I think we can gain the same exposure by winning fairly big in the other sports. I love football and especially Tulane football, but not when we get killed by the likes of Texas. That is no fun.

*****

Dear Sirs: I have been a football season ticket holder since 1973 and a contributor to the Athletic Program as well as the University. Since I live out of town, I do not attend many football games, but do donate the tickets back to the Athletic Department. I am also a degree holder from two other Universities that are Division III. Tulane gets the majority of my financial support because I do enjoy a major athletic event and often plan my trips to New Orleans around these events. The University has a good, solid program that is a model. I would not like to see this end. There is no doubt that leaving Division I would affect my financial support of the University.

*****

DON'T DO IT!! KEEP TULANE FOOTBALL AS IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*****

As a Tulane law alum living in SC, I am keenly interested in the University's athletic program and strongly believe that Tulane should remain in Division 1-A of the NCAA. Tulane runs a model athletic program where scholastics really do come first and the teams achieve at high levels, and the program brings great credit upon the school, the alumni, and the city of New Orleans. Therefore, even if the athletic program does not make a profit and requires some subsidy from the University's general fund, I believe that this is money well spent and a wise investment of Tulane funds that will reap dividends for years to come. Let's keep Tulane where it belongs, in Division 1-A.

*****

To whom it may concern:

I am an alumnus and supporter of Tulane athletics. I have season tickets in football, basketball and baseball. I also contribute to the TAF.

For myself football is not the big deal, it is basketball and baseball. If we do not compete in division 1A, no one. absolutely no one will go to the games. We are in the best shape in football in five years, which I know is the big swinger. Scelfo needs more time to string together some winning years. The rest of the sports programs are in good shape and have been respectable for quite a while.

This is only an opinion, since I do not have the financial data, but I believe you have to stick with 1A football or drop it and save the money. Secondly, I don't know how this would sit with CUSA. Although I know CUSA has some non football schools. It is my opinion that CUSA should go to total sports schools and we would be another half participant.

To summarize, we must stick with 1A everywhere or not at all.

*****

Tulane please stay in Div I football it is very important to me in the city of New Orleans.

*****

Dear President Cowen

I am a graduate of Tulane University(BS 1984, MD 1988). I am strongly opposed to any move to eliminate Division 1A Football at the university. As a student, attending athletic events was by far the most enjoyable aspect of my 8 years at Tulane. The camaraderie and sense of community that athletics can bring to a University can not be underestimated. The national recognition and prestige that accompanies participation in Division I sports is something that can not be attained through other venues. I still actively follow the Green Wave via the internet, and telecasts as well as drive to games when they play on the east coast. Without Division 1 athletics, I doubt I would have kept up with the university or had any sense of school spirit.

Tulane has shown that they can put out quality student athletes who graduate and compete at the highest level. I see no need to change such a great product. I think emphasis needs to be placed on marketing, developing an outdoor stadium which holds between 30,000 and 40,000 people and creating an exciting event like atmosphere that will attract fans. Attending a game at the Superdome with 20,000 -25,000 people on the middle of a beautiful afternoon is not the way to generate support. 25,000 people is a lot of people but when you are in an 80,000 seat arena it feels empty.

Finally, imagine fine universities like Notre Dame, Duke, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Northwestern without Division I athletics. It's hard to do. Tulane University without Division 1 athletics becomes not much different from Loyola University.

Thank you for allowing me to ramble.

*****

It is definitely time for us to move out of Division 1-A. Entirely too much money is being wasted on a poor athletic program that has no interest. These funds should be invested in academics. We must face up to not only the present but the future of big time college athletics and we can't compete financially and remain a top university.

*****

As a Tulane/Newcomb alumni, I want to urge you to continue Tulane's status as a Division 1-A school. Although I am not much of a sports fan, I have found that a lot of people recognize Tulane by its sports presence, and the 1-A status helps in developing national recognition of Tulane. And recognition, of course, means potential students!

*****

Rick and All: I vote to retain Tulane as a div 1 program. If we are the Harvard of the South and the Ivies can do it so should Tulane. I am aware of all of the budget constraints that faced higher education, but to diminish a program like this will diminish Tulane's reputation and recruitment potential. I work with a number of Athletic Departments around the country as an architect, and I see them figuring out ways to improve the University via athletics. One of the ways recently was moving your games out of the Dome. As my senior thesis in the school of architecture,(Barch 72) I had proposed a Rec facility, which was eventually built, and I was an assoc. architect on the project. The other component was to partially tear down the Sugar Bowl and Play on Campus. What you have done last year to play out side the Dome was a success that should be continued, that will help fans appreciate college football more.

Rick: I visited you a number of years ago at WSU when you we planning a number of facilities and you know how important those improvements were to your program. I am sure you are doing what you can and I support you. I wish you all of the best

*****

I want to take this opportunity to comment on the current review of Tulane's athletic program which, as I appreciate it, includes determining whether it remains in Tulane's interest to compete in Division 1-A.

Among my fondest memories of growing up in New Orleans is going to Tulane football games with my dad in old Tulane stadium, Sugar Bowl Stadium or whatever was its proper name. I remember discussions of the future of Tulane athletics during the '60s and while I was a student at Tulane Law School ('71). My recollection is that those discussions were generally precipitated by competition for money between the athletic department and "academics."

The only point I would like to make is this. In my view Tulane is one of the finest educational institutions in the nation. As such, it is more than an academic institution. The education which Tulane offers and provides to its students has academics as its core, but a Tulane education includes not only academics but also learning socialization skills, becoming disciplined, setting life goals and so many other skills that one needs to acquire as he/she transforms into adulthood.

For some Tulane students, athletics plays little or no role in this process. For others athletics does play a roll; for some it plays a critical role. Tulane athletics has historically been an important component to the education that Tulane has provided to many of its students. I sincerely hope that as this review of the athletic program proceeds, conclusions will not be made in an atmosphere of them versus us, academics versus athletics. Tulane's athletic program is in many ways as good as its academic reputation, and for the sake of Tulane as a comprehensive educational institution I hope it stays that way.

*****

I have been reading about the proceedings regarding the status of Green Wave Athletics with great consternation. My son will be an incoming Freshman at Tulane in the fall as a scholarship athlete, joining the bowl winning Green Wave football team. I would hate to see a committee decide the fate of Tulane Athletics without fully exhausting every single possibility of remaining a Division I-A competitor.

You have demonstrated your commitment and capabilities of assuring this in your tenure at Tulane. I am confident that in reaching out to past, present and future students, family, friends and supporters that we can rally together to further the tradition of Tulane University and its proud athletic achievements.

My son, as thousands of alumni before him, made the decision to attend Tulane based on both. I encourage you, applaud you and implore you to use that dedicated base of Tulane, Green Wave and New Orleans supporters to create a swell of pride and in pouring of contributions to demonstrate that changing the current status of Tulane Athletics is NOT an option. In my opinion, you need to generate a massive letter (not just email) writing campaign, generate press releases, work the phones and whatever else it takes to generate a funding goal before a committee decision is reached and it is too late. I will be sending my check to the Tulane Athletics Fund and standing by to assist you in whatever way you ask. Please keep me posted.

Roll Wave!!!

*****

I vote to get rid of the sport programs, and focus on academics-- Tulane is a university, not a subsidized minor league for professional sports.

*****

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.

*****

PLEASE STAY DIVISION 1 IN SPORTS.

*****

I am a loyal Greenwave fan (A&S '68) and can't believe what I am reading. I live in Washington and am looking forward to Steve Ramsey's fall season with the Redskins. Ramsey probably wouldn't be here if Tulane were a Division I-AA or lower school. Say it ain't so.

*****

Dear Tulane:

I feel strongly that Tulane should continue its efforts to field the best possible division 1 athletic program it can. It is my opinion that the pride and excitement division 1 athletics provides (from a fan's perspective) is an integral part of both the college experience and as a means of keeping alumni involved with the university. Although I live far from New Orleans, I stay abreast of our football, basketball and baseball programs on almost a daily basis and am proud of the university's numerous athletic accomplishments. I am also proud of our student athletes academic success and have seen how high we rank in this regard in numerous national publications and on national television. Of course, I would love to see Tulane consistenly ranked in the "top 20" of the three major sports but understand that this is an extremely difficut task based on the size of the university and its high academic standards. That being said I feel Tulane should continue to work aggressively and to strive to produce the best possible athletic program a University of its size and stature can.

*****

I am an annual $2,500 contributor to the Athletic Fund and a $16,000 contributor to the Medical School.

I only point this out so that you can be assured that the welfare of Tulane is high on my priority list.

Tulane made a terrible decision during the presidency of Sheldon Hackney, when the Board decided to withdraw from the Southeastern Conference and "de-emphasize" athletics. It made a second terrible decision when it decided to tear down Tulane Stadium, rather than to convert it to a smaller arena.

Let's not compound the errors by again making a decision which will come back to haunt us. We are in a sounder financial status than most of the other CUSA schools, and we have an athletic program which is competitive with theirs. Let us not denigrate ourselves further by becoming second-rate in our athletic programs. Whoever said that an athletic program should be financially self-sustaining? Our educational endeavors certainly are not; without our endowment we would soon perish. Does it not make sense that endowment income should also be used to support athletics?

Let us show our student athletes, our coaching staff, and our athletic department professionals that we appreciate all that they are doing by tabling this discussion permanently.

And, yes, let us show the same to our alumni and to our regional supporters.

*****

Greetings:

I am a graduate of both Tulane's University College and Tulane Law. The value of my education is very important to me and I feel that the exposure and presence of Tulane in the National Media is critical to that value. I was never a varsity athlete and I must admit that I was not a very loyal follower of any of the mainstream varsity sports until after I graduated. Keeping Tulane a Div 1 school is very important to the reputation of the University. As an Alumni of two of the schools in Tulane University and as donor a ask that you keep the schools Division 1 program and to even consider adding more sports to that program.

If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate top contact me

*****

Please do not drop down to Div. III. Tulane has an outstanding coaching staff in Rick Jones, Chris Scelfo, Lisa Stockton and now we are seeing other sports take center stage such as Tennis, Golf and hopefully Basketball will resume to its previous years under Finney. I haven't been able to attend games lately but I'm considering making any donation I can afford, small as it may be.

Tulane belongs in Div. I and should stay there. There's so much history behind Tulane that deserves to be treasured and nurtured.

*****

Dropping down to Division III or eliminating football altogether is a mistake. Being a part of Division I needs to be measured in more than the dollars that are brought in at the gate. The recognition that it brings to Tulane needs to be considered also.

I realize Tulane is not and doesn't want to be another Oklahoma, Nebraska or Tennessee. Thankfully so as I would have been very strongly against my daughter going to any of these or similar type schools. But as you know there is more to the college experience than academics.

I attended the University of NC-Charlotte who did not - and still doesn't - have a football team and there was something missing. The school had a minor league feeling and was considered to be at a level below UNC-Chapel with a football team. Since my daughter started at Tulane I have become a big fan and have made a point of searching the TV schedule for football and baseball as well as basketball (and I don't even like basketball) games. The amount of money I have spent on tags, stickers, T-shirts, sweatshirts and pants and other related items has all been related to athletics (academics gets theirs in tuition and fees). I urge you strongly to drop any consideration of lowering your positon and to work to make the programs stronger.

*****

But why doesn't Tulane schedule more home, and away, competitions in all sports against in-state opponents? Tulane teams are rarely seen elsewhere in Louisiana, and Louisiana opponents, save for those within two hours drive, don't often play at Tulane in any sport. Increasing Tulane's awareness regionally would seem to be a primary mission of athletics.

*****

lets not make another mistake, for example when tulane left the SEC....what is needed--the same thing as what you did with baseball a topflight playing arena,,,,solution for baseketball--tear down current building and build a new facility in its place,,,fogelman as it is now is a useless facility to get new topflight recruits,,,,or build in the large quadrangle for another gymnasium and use old fogelman for another purpose! also get out of the superdome,,,it is horrible for college football ambience,,,,I propose the necessary upgrades to tad gormley with the installation of another upper deck,,,this would make for great college football experience,,,in any case any division except ONE would be unacceptable......

*****

Subject: RE: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Apropos title!!! I concur w/the esteemed Mr. Watson's ideas...Creativity is what an exemplary Liberal Arts school is all about...

REFLECTIONS/RUMINATIONS - STAY DIVISION I IN LIEU OF III>>>>

1) PUBLIC RELATIONS - Now the Board has a duty to investigate this matter and I respect that - I do not know the subsidies involved but I hope the Board considers the athletic program to ultimately be worth the positive public relations that Division I status can provide towards the enrichment/endowment of our beloved institution...Simply put, a first class sports organization keeps us in the Public Eye year-round, specifically in major metropolitan markets given CUSA membership...

2) MORALE - To throw cold water on our tremendous gains our scholar athletes have made is an atrocity...these kids selected Tulane based on a wonderful combo of academics & athletics...okay, the Board says this will be a decision based on years down the road, but let's not immediately deflate our current loyal athletes who've made a commitment to our school.

3) LET'S BE THE LEADER FOR A CHANGE - As we all know Emory, Univ of Chicago, Sewanee, etc are all extraordinary institutions (oh yes, lest us not forget to acknowledge Dr. Cowen's Case Western Reserve) but let's not try to copycat (see dangerous precedent below) b/c there is a Northwestern, Stanford, Harvard, Rice to offset...

4) DANGEROUS PRECEDENT - I appeal to the Board not to make the same mistake that our visionaries had in pulling Tulane from the SEC effective June '66 because they saw Georgia Tech do it in '64...and heck - being a superstitious fella of sorts (but no wacky numerologist), didn't those Board Members realize that the sixth month of 66 just ain't a lucky #?...Ga Tech went on to greener pastures by realizing the jump was bad and getting back into a conference in '78...our reaction time, alas, was much slower...

5) WOULDA, COULDA, SHOULDA - okay, not the '88 Jim Mora speech, but Vanderbilt, smart enough to stay in SEC...their alums love 'em albeit a terribly tough conference to compete it, but profitable one!....they have own stadium & average c. 40k fans (even though majority being out of town fans, but so be it - we welcome all!)...okay, the SEC is the past - we made a mistake, but a slow painful death in Div III is not the answer...

6) COLD HARD TRUTH - By the NCAA stats below, it appears average football attendance is a whopping 1,741 fans!!! http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/Public/pa/stats/football/attendance/sum mary

7) TRUE INTENT - is it a ploy to remain Div I sports but simply pare down certain sports - such as eliminate football like Pepperdine did years ago?...if this is case, let's simply deal w/this issue solely rather than the entire program taking a new direction...

8) SUGGESTIONS?

a) outdoor & tight - more Tad G., as awful a football stadium as it is, I don't know anyone who did not have a good time...local alumni with children could participate (as opposed to getting sitter for evening game downtown)...not cavernous...

b) rivalries - CUSA members will hopefully develop into thriving ones...give it time...Houston & TCU appear to be coming along...

c) make fun for students - venue needs to be easy for student access & entertaining - consider allowing some type of student events during halftime (i.e. Rice has the "MOB")

d) to take upon Bill W.'s lead, take the smaller kid approach - acknowledge bigger boy LSU may kick our tail in football, and encourage them that a restoring relationship rivalry is important to us for sake of tradition - N.O. is fertile recruiting ground for Tigers and heck will likely be more of an additional "home away from home" game...and we cheer for the 10% upset chance....but it gets us in front of folks across the state....

e) name - encourage us of our original name (not to knock our most benevolent benefactor), but we are the University of Louisiana and should exploit that in conjuction with the Tulane name...okay, complicated, but noteworthy in developing local pride...

f) longshot - money is tight, but SMU's stadium on campus is outstanding...how long does our minimal fee agreement w/Superdome run? Was it 30 years from the deconstruction of Tulane Stadium (2005)? Is this part of what's driving current evaluation?

*****

There is no better marketing arm for Tulane University than Division One athletics. The fact that the program runs a deficit should be viewed as a "loss leader." Certainly other departments are in the red and those departments provide little, if any, marketing for the University.

The way this matter was obviously leaked by a member of the ad hoc committee is inexcusable. This adverse publicity makes an already difficult recruiting process even more difficult. It also is unfair to the current student athletes who are now distracted from their studies and athletics. This was handled unprofessionally.

The current state of Tulane Athletics has never been better. The success of all teams has been stellar. Instead of leaving, coaches are turning down other jobs to stay. A novel concept for Tulane. It is now the administration's job to get with the program.

Let us also remember the impact of Tulane Athletics on youngsters in the community. My four year old son loves nothing more than to put on his Tulane Football jersey and go to any Tulane Athletic event. No matter what sport he may be playing, he will tell you that one day he wants to play it for Tulane. Do you all have any idea what that type of thinking means to Tulane as an institution ? Am I going to have to make him an LSU fan? Those who are passionate about Tulane University should not be penalized because of the ineptitude of those who manage the money for its endowment.

Finally, let me say that if any change is made to the status of any athletic program at Tulane, I will never give another dime to anything to do with Tulane University.

*****

I have been a life-long Tulane fan. I saw Tulane win the first Sugar Bowl game. All through my youth I attended Tulane games in Football, Basketball, Baseball and Boxing. The biggest mistake Tulane ever made was de-emphasizing Sports in the 1950's. Then came the next worse mistake--getting out of the SEC. Please don't throw in the towel again ! Reduce the price of tickets for young people to build up a following for the future. Plead with all Tulane alumni and fans to buy season tickets to all Sports-- or at least to some Sports. Try to sell the athletic programs through the media.

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