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Questions and Comments We've Received

May 20, 2003

I am writing to express my strong support for Tulane Athletics and my firm belief that Tulane football and its other sports should remain at the Division I level.

I attended Tulane on a Dean's Honor Scholarship. I had a chance to go to several prestigious universities, but chose Tulane based on a number of factors, one of which being the wide variety of experiences available to students at the school. One of those experiences was the chance to cheer for our athletic teams competing at the highest levels.

Although this may sound unbelievable to some of Tulane's "intellectuals" out there, I did not apply to ANY university that did not have a Division I football team. To me, those schools seemed "too small" and "not nationally known." This may seem absurd to some people, but to a 17 year old kid it is a genuine, real and legitimate consideration. Therefore, I strongly disagree with the assertion I see made by some people that Tulane is risking "losing" prospective students by continuing to compete at the Division I level - in fact, I believe quite the opposite is true.

There are many benefits to keeping Tulane at its current Division I level, and these benefits have been stated eloquently elsewhere in other postings, so I will not repeat them here. However, I do want to point out this fact: In today's Atlanta-Journal Constitution (May 20, 2003), on the last page of the Sports Section on page C7, in the "Briefly" section, under the subsection "Colleges", there is a blurb that reads "Emory advanced to the NCAA Division III World Series with a 14-4 regional final over Carthage (Wisc.) in Clinton, Miss....." Folks, this is in Emory's hometown paper. They beat Carthage. I don't know about you, but I have never heard of Carthage (I apologize to any Carthage grads who may be reading this). Compare that with the Division I College World Series a couple of years ago, broadcast nationally on ESPN, where Tulane played Stanford!!! Personally, I think it is infinitely better for the school'! s reputation for Tulane to lose to a school like Stanford in front of a national audience than to beat a school like Carthage and earn a blurb in the local paper. And do I even need to mention the impact of our football team winning the Hawaii Bowl, while the announcers remarked how Tulane maintained the highest graduation rate among all bowl teams? Or the impact of profiles shown on TV of star Tulane athletes like Shaun King or Patrick Ramsey? Advertising like that, to attract the best and brightest and most well-rounded kids from around the country, is priceless!

In sum, I urge the Committee, the Board and the President to unite and give strong support to the current Division I efforts of Rick Dickson, Coach Scelfo, Coach Jones and the rest of the coaches and student-athletes who are making us proud to be Tulane grads!!!

*****

As an alumnus of Tulane, a native New Orleanian, and a current resident of New Orleans, I would first like to state that I would have never considered attending Tulane had it been a Divison III institution, or if it didn't have a Division 1A football team. I considered those prerequisites for my college experience.

Reading the transcripts from the public forums, I find it ironic that Dr. Cowen and, presumably, other members of the board/committee/administration do not seem to know the motives behind Tulane leaving the SEC. What is it that they say about those who don't know history?

Since the ad hoc committee has claimed that their chief concern is money, perhaps they should realize that a decision made almost 40 years ago, similar to the one being contemplated today, cost Tulane the opportunity to have a self-sufficient athletic department. I don't hear any news about Vanderbilt, an academically oriented private university located in a major southern city, considering dropping from Division 1A. Why is that? Dropping from Division 1A, or dropping football, would forever rid Tulane of the chance that they missed when leaving the SEC.

The lack of foresight exhibited by this "review" is made all the more shocking by the apparent lack of hindsight. Instead of repeating, or, worse, increasing, the mistakes made by previous administrations, we should be trying to correct them. The administration should be throwing its entire weight behind Rick Dickson and the athletic department in this time of crisis and uncertainty. A model academic/athletic university with the full support of the administration would be appealing to the BCS conferences, as opposed to an ambiguous statement delaying the process even further. I'm sure the Big East, ACC, SEC, and Big 12 are fighting to see who can land a program with a Division III noose hanging around its neck.

Any decision other than an immediate vote to fully support Rick Dickson and the athletic department will cause Tulane athletics to die a slow death. If that is either the goal or result of the board, committe, or president, then they are most certainly not acting in the best interests of Tulane University, its students, alumni, or community.

*****

I wanted to pass on a couple of comments for the benefit of the administration and board as this athletics debate has matured and as outside developments (e.g. BCS conference realignment) have entered the picture.

First, I have read two in-depth research pieces written for USA Today in the late 1990s within the past week. The theme of the articles is that both the level of applications for admission and the average SAT score for incoming freshmen both surged within the past 5 to 7 years at a large number of private, academically strong universities such as Northwestern, Miami (Fla), Gonzaga, Boston College, and numerous other schools. All of these schools, with quotes and statistics provided by university representatives, experienced double digit percentage increases in both applications and incoming SAT scores after experiencing national success and exposure in major college athletics, specifically football and basketball. The article concludes that the connection is clear and acknowledged in academic circles. What other private Division 1A institution has experienced dramatic increases in applications and SAT scores the past 5 years, and has similarly experienced extensive national success and exposure in major college athletics (two bowl victories and 4 winning football seasons in 6 years, trip to baseball CWS)? Why, Tulane University! The institution whose peer schools have much larger endowments and the "incumbency" of long histories ranked as top 20-25 academic schools is competing effectively against many of those schools without the same weapons, and how are we doing it? It is BECAUSE of our Division 1A athletic program and its recent national success that you are able to compete so well academically for the top students and achieve the academic goals you have set for Tulane, I contend. The experience of all of these other private universities, as well as our own, proves it; there is an unmistakeable cause and effect relationship. This is corroborated by the testimony of so many Tulane students who have written and appeared at the two campus briefings on this topic; they have told you over and over that a prime reason they chose Tulane over similar academic institutions without Division 1A athletics is because we offered the experience and excitement of college athletics at the highest level. It proves the point. You are considering eliminating the one differentiating factor and weapon that has achieved the level of academic improvement you sought over the past 5 years.

Second, the leadership of the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine appears to have weighed in on the impact of such a move on their program. They have clearly stated that they stand to lose millions of dollars of annual revenue earned for their services, as well as access to research grants involving additional millions. They exist and succeed because of their access to a large base of Division 1A athletes, especially football.

Finally, the board and administration have consistently stated that this issue is purely financial, and not philosophical. One of the cornerstone financial arguments has been the BCS system and its exclusion of schools such as Tulane. As if on cue, the BCS foundation has been shaken; conference realignment discussions, as well as discussions involving the expansion of the number of BCS bowl games, offer opportunity for Tulane not seen in ages. The fact that the ad hoc committee has recognized the need to take this into account is commendable. Now, however, it is absolutely critical for our President and Board to lead us in efforts to capitalize on this opportunity! Thus far Rick Dickson's achievements in terms of achieving dramatic increases in TAF funding and season ticket sales have been nothing short of amazing. However, thus far he has done this with the board and administration remaining silent and offering no public support or assistance in achieving these goals. The Tulane community is responding to the financial challenge in historic fashion, but is missing its leadership, its president, in this campaign. Other athletic directors of other CUSA schools have been quoted with identical comments. Dr. Cowen, you have stated that this strictly is a financial issue and that it has been difficult for you personally because of your affection for Tulane athletics. You can plainly see the progress being made; help us and lead us in this campaign! No one can make the difference that you could make in ensuring the long-term financial success of Tulane athletics through your leadership. The Tulane community will rally around you!

Taking all of these factors into account, as well as the overwhelming message being received from Tulane alumni and contributors to retain our 111 year old Division 1A athletics program and maintain our storied tradition, I feel it is critical that the board of administrators vote to affirm our long-term commitment to Division 1A athletics at the originally scheduled meeting on May 29. The head coaches of our athletic programs have written and implored you to make your decision quickly, otherwise recruiting and retention of staff and student-athletes would be devastated. The BCS opening as well as the success of our own current financial campaign as gives us ALL reason to pull in the same direction and support Division 1A athletics. Plus, we will be honoring our commitment to all student-athletes, coaches and athletic department personnel who've worked so incredibly hard and demonstrated such loyalty to us. Think Green!

*****

As an Alumnus, Tulane Associate, Tulane Athletic Fund contributor, and season ticket holder for Football and Baseball Iam contacting you to express my Emphatic Support for Tulane Athletics to remain in Division 1A Athletics. I feel this important to the University and its National Profile and to the fan base !

*****

It would be a disgrace and detriment beyond imagination if Tulane Athletics were to become Div 3. If Tulane is so committed to a broad liberal arts education and diversity, making athletics div 3 would completely disagree with these core values. Overall, the donations to Tulane would suffer greatly as I and many of my classmates and colleagues would think twice about giving. Afterall, the best and cheapest way to get the tulane name public is through athletics (bowl games, regional baseball tounaments and world series appearances, etc...). This should be considered before making any rash decision that would hurt Tulane more than a president with only emphasis on education could ever imagine.

*****

Please accept these comments from a Tulane faculty member who is committed to the academic community and is an active fan of Tulane sports.

First, I have played sports all my life, lettered in baseball in high school, lettered in crew in college, and believe firmly in the integration of sports and study. My family and I regularly attend Tulane games, at least the ones with outdoor venues, and would hate to see the University without an active athletics program.

On the other hand, it seems clear that the primary spectators and beneficiaries of Tulane sports are local alumnae. I see few students at football games, and fewer still at the games of the highly-successful baseball team. Tennis, despite its high quality, has few spectators whatsoever, and the Tulane players are almost without exception from foreign countries. Our students, then, and their parents, pay one of the highest tuitions in America in order to support games that they do not see, more than a few athletes who are at risk for graduation, and many others who do not even come from the United States. Meanwhile, at the law school at least, the size of Tulane tuition is a serious recruiting problem. We lose good people to schools like Emory that have scaled their programs more realistically.

At bottom, what matters to me and to most of my colleagues is not how many times we appear on the sports pages (and indeed it seems unlikely that at, say, Division III we would drop off of the local sports pages), but the University's reputation for quality as a whole. I would simply like to commend your Committee, therefore, for undertaking the inquiry and asking the questions you are asking. I hope that the observations above will be of use to you.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen and Board of Administrators,

As posted on the Univerisy website, the second goal listed under the "Tulane University's Goals" is to be a "leader in setting the agenda for higher education". This is a very clear and obviously important goal for an institution with Tulane's aspirations and potential. Unfortunately, the Board of Administrators, seems to want to withdraw from the needed debate and reform regarding the current status of NCAA Division IA. If Tulane, as an institution, wants to help set the agenda for the role of athletics within the university level, it must have stake in the discussions, and remaining Division I is the only way to do that.

So far, neither the Board or the Ad-Hoc Committee has stated a reason for changing the athletic status of Tulane other than the financial burden. If this is true, it strongly implies that in principle, the Board does not object to Division I athletics per se. If the major consideration of maintaining Division I status is financial, and by implication the current revenue distribution of the NCAA, there are two ways to initiate reform without leaving the table.

I would strongly encourage considering a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA to force revenue sharing in football as in basketball. What the exact basis would be I am not sure, but the 5 BCS conferences are acting in collusion against the interests of the rest of the NCAA members, and I would bet that a strong legal basis could be found and made. I also believe that Tulane could strike a leadership role in recruiting other schools that have similar feelings.

Alternately, Tulane could push for the abolition of the federal tax-exempt status of Division I athletics based on the increasing drive for profitablity and the increasing irrelevance to the acedemic mission. This would force all but the most profitable schools to drop Division I athletics. This is based on an argument made by Sally Jenkins in the May 17th Washington Post.

There are countless reasons to remain in Division I, which others are making, but there is only one way to help set the agenda of the role of Division athletics in the University, and that is to work at reform. I implore you not to walk away.

*****

A friend of mine put it thus: If the sociology, chemistry or political science department ran an annual deficit approaching $10,000,000, that department would be scaled back, programs would be scrapped and very likely people would lose jobs. Why can athletics get away with it?

"Tulane's purpose is to create, communicate, and conserve knowledge in order to enrich the capacity of individuals, organizations and communities to think, to learn, and to act and lead with integrity and wisdom.

Tulane pursues this mission by cultivating an environment that focuses on learning and the generation of new knowledge; by expecting and rewarding teaching and research of extraordinarily high quality and impact; and by fostering community-building initiatives as well as scientific, cultural and social understanding that integrate with and strengthen learning and research. This mission is pursued in the context of the unique qualities of our location in New Orleans and our continual aspiration to be a truly distinctive international university."

I blatantly plagarized this passage from the Tulane University Mission and Strategic Plan website (http://www2.tulane.edu/administration_mission.cfm) on May 20, 2003. As I see it, fairly rational and "normal" thinking will have athletics as no more than a very small part of that mission, indeed if it is a part at all. Tulane University is an academic institution, and its academic needs are the priority.

I realize that athletics serves as one way to keep both current students and those outside of the University--members of the New Orleans, Louisiana, national and perhaps even international communities, whether they are alumni or not--interested in Tulane. I think that this is a worthy and vital goal. I work in the Tulane Annual Fund Calling Center, where we have direct contact with alumni. I know firsthand that Tulane's alumni show relatively low interest in and affection for their alma mater, at least in the sense of how willing they are to give monetary donations to the University, when compared to the alumni of some of our peer institutions. So while athletics theoretically serves a good higher purpose, I am fairly certain that the last thing Tulane University needs is another financial burden.

Do not misunderstand me; I very much enjoy going to Tulane's athletic events. However, I believe that the funds that are going down the metaphorical drain in the name of athletics could be put to better use improving the academic experience of Tulane students.

I apologize if I have rambled or exercised some poor arguments here, but I think that you get the general idea. Thank you for your time and consideration.

*****

As a recently retired high school coach I can assure you that the status of Tulane's classification contributes to the reputation of Tulane. Regardless of the success of Tulane athletic program, D-1 classification shines a spotlight on Tulane that keeps it's academic excellence exposed to the Nation. Reduction in classification would bring Tulane to a level of a Rhodes College, Lambirth, Millsap and the likes. Although these are very fine academic institution, their success on the national level is unknown. Tulane has had a wonderful athletic year. Success promotes success. The athletes at Tulane are excellent ambassadors for a great university. Don't interrupt the progress that has been made. Give this fine staff of coaches and administrators the opportunity to build on the success of late and advance this success to the economic level. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. The problems have now been identified to the public, give the public the opportunity to respond. There is no quick fix. Always remember in athletics winning cures many,many problems. The formula is simple; Time + great people will fix this problem. The university has the great people, (coaches, administrators, and athletes), in place. All they need is the time. Regards...

*****

To the Ad Hoc Committee:

I am a member of the Tulane Track and Field and Cross Country team. I feel it is imperative to stay as a Division I university for several reasons. First, prospective student-athletes lean toward Division I schools. Thus, if Tulane stays as a Division I school, it will havw the ability to pull in a greater number highly qualified students who will perform academically and athletically well. Tulane should also stay as a Division I school because of the available opportunities to compete against top athletic and academic institutions--it helps to put Tulane on the national and world maps of athletics and academics. Thank you for reviewing my opinion on the matter, and I hope you all make the choice to keep Tulane University as a Division I university.

Sincerely,

*****

I have reviewed many of the comments on the feedback page over the last two weeks. While recognizing the need to close the financial deficit brought on by the lack of support for our athletic program, I fully support the efforts of Rick Dickson and his team to increase contributions, sell more season tickets, and gain greater business and community support for Tulane athletics at the Division 1-A level. Its the right thing to do and I believe it can succeed.

Our student athletes have brought great credit to Tulane in recent years-- not only on the playing field but in the classroom. We have some of the highest SAT scores among incoming Freshmen athletes seen at any school in America. Our graduation rates, grade point averages, and post-school success is at good as any college or university anywhere. Our athletes add racial, economic, and geographic diversity to our university and the degrading (possibly bigoted) comments made by a couple of professors on the "feedback board" should embarrass everyone who reads them.

Athletic success has added to our visibility and the number of student applications over the last few years and, contrary to at least one comment I read, our school has its best SATs ever, and is more highly rated than at any time in its history. Athletics has helped, not harmed, our academic reputation.

I have seen a number of miss-statements made through ignorance rather than malice printed in the feedback section. One person wanted to go to Division III to "beat McNeese and Nichols State." Sorry, those are 1-AA schools, not Division III. The American Southwest Conference (Division III) is where Tulane would go. Its members are Howard Payne, Hardin-Simmons, East Texas Baptist, Austin College, Mississippi College, Louisiana College (they lease the Pineville High School Stadium, which seats 5,000 for their football games), Sul Ross, Texas Lutheran, McMurry College, and last year's conference champion, Mary Hardin- Baylor. Maybe that is what some want, but not me. I want the best for my university, and that isn't it.

Others have suggested that getting rid of football only is the answer-- remove 85 scholarship athletes from the campus, because you could give those scholarships to men and women in other sports. Again, sorry, that wouldn't save money, it would redistribute it. If we get rid of football and retain Title IX equity, we might retain men's and women's basketball, golf, and tennis. If we also retained baseball, we could have 11 scholarships for women's sports, also. Volleyball, soccer, swimming, diving, track and field, and cross-country are Title IX-driven to equal the number of scholarships in football. I don't know what would happen to them.

Some have suggested we cannot compete, but five of our athletic teams have or will compete in the NCAA tournaments in their given sport and our football team won the Hawaii Bowl against a team with 10 wins last season. We can compete; we do compete; and we will compete if given the chance.

Education is a great thing. And through education, a person can aspire to greatness, not settle for mediocrity. Yet, that is the fate some would wish on my university. Its time to solve the problems, not look for excuses. Division 1-A athletics is a good thing for Tulane University.

*****

I've been a supporter of Tulane Athletics since I graduated in '85. Some of my most memorable moments were sporting events at Fogelman and the Dome. The sporting events were some of the only activities that brought the campus together. I was in a fraternity and the football games were just about the only time all of the frats were together in a social environment. Never mind that we didn't have a good football team then (we did have some near huge upsets), it was still a wonderful spirited collegiate event. I'll never forget the whole Phelps dorm pouring out of their rooms and cheering when the basketball team upset Nebraska (I think) in the NIT in '81/'82. Or when Hot Rod outdueled Keith Lee in the famous Mardi Gras game when everyone got together to throw mardi gras beads on the court after the first basket...a game in which Tulane went on to win against #5 ranked Memphis State. Not to condone that activity, but the point is that the Tulane fans teamed up to do something as one. That's what big time sports brings to a college and that's why it's got to stay.

I've since followed Tulane sports actively since graduating and I must say that I don't think I'll follow them any longer if the opponents on the field are I-AA schools. Tulane v SW Texas St. is going to make the Dome feel worse than a high school field hockey game. As far as I'm concerned, Tulane sports would be as dead as when the campus suffered from the point shaving scandal! I implore you to keep Division I-A athletics at the University.

*****

I implore you to permit Tulane University one last chance to remain in Division I-A athletics by giving Athletic Director Rick Dickson's proposed one-year and five-year plans the time to attempt to achieve their goals. In the context of over 110 years of athletic competition, the six-week period from the time of "the leak" of the Board's Ad Hoc Committee evaluation of our Division I-A athletic program is simply not enough time for alumni and the public to show their support with the purchase of season tickets and pledges to TAF.

Personally, I have written to you (now twice), written to the Times-Picayune, doubled my football season tickets, pledged to double my basketball season tickets, pledged to purchase a baseball season ticket next year, doubled my TAF pledge for the coming fiscal year, and I have urged others to do the same.

As stated in my first e-mail to you dated April 23, below, I believe that the model for Tulane University, in all respects, should be Stanford, which creates a public perception that it does everything well, in almost all phases of academics and almost all phases of athletics. If any study should be undertaken, it should be a study of how Stanford does it ! I would also consider Duke, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Rice and Georgia Tech to share our values. I realize that those schools may well have greater endowments than we do and I believe that all share in BCS Bowl revenues, which we do not. But with respect to those BCS Bowl revenues, there are presently two "irons in the fire," so to speak, for us: (1) conference realignment, which is commencing with the proposed expansion of the Atlantic Coast Conference, leaving open the possibility of merger between some members of the Big East and C-USA to form a a potential BCS conference, and (2) a potential antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA regarding the BCS revenue sharing arrangement, which should be expanded to include not just 63 schools but all 116 Division I-A schools - Professor Gary Roberts has already testified to a Congressional committee on that.

In my opinion, it would be premature to "kill" the Tulane athletic program while these two matters are pending and without giving Rick Dickson's proposed one-year and five-year plans a chance.

As mentioned earlier, I believe that the value of Division I-A athletic competiton cannot be measured solely in dollars and cents; rather, it is public relations and marketing in putting the name of the university in a positive light in the media, both locally and nationally. Of all the quotes that I have read from others on this topic, I want to make sure that you note the following from this morning's Times-Picayune, quoting DePaul Athletic Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto (and I have never before in my life had any occasion to quote anybody from DePaul), who said the following:

"I think that after all the presentations have been made, the board and the president will see fit to continue the program at Tulane and really support it.... There's so much attention in our business about generating revenue or at least breaking even, and that's not what it should be about.... There are departments that generate money and some that operate for the greater good. I've seen that Tulane's deficit is about $ 5 million. I don't think that's that significant."

The quote is not artistic and it is not the business of the DePaul A.D. to judge whether $ 5 million is significant or not in our context, but the substance of the quote infers that there is a "greater good" from the investment. I contend that the "greater good" from a Division I-A athletic program is comprised of the following: (1) positive public relations and marketing of the university, (2) chief source of contact and identity with our alumni nationwide, encouraging both personal involvement in the university and financial support, (3) enhancement of diversity within the student body through the student athletes (and you are very clearly on record as being in favor of that with respect to the affirmative action issue), (4) fostering a sense of identity, spirit and pride within the university, and (5) positive interaction between the university and the local community at large, thereby diminishing "ivory tower syndrome." Anything less than Division I-A athletics would not accomplish any of the above, as the target audiences thereof would not care about a Division I-AA, Division II or Division III program - it would not attract the attention needed to achieve the above results.

Therefore, let us at least give respect to 110 years of athletic history by giving the Rick Dickson one-and-five-year plans a fair opportunity. If we cannot reach his proposed revenue goals, then, and only then, should we wave the white flag of surrender.

*****

I am an instructor in University College.

My feelings about Tulane football, in a few words -- I COULD CARE LESS!

I do have serious concerns about athletes in my classroom. They should not be treated in any special way -- I am specifically referring to their "athletic counselors". If they are Tulane students they should be expected to perform as all other Tulane students. Part of any university learning experience is being able to keep up with the coursework (assignments, deadlines, punctuality...) without hand-holding "athletic counselors". If the administration sees the special treatment of athletes necessary, well then fine but please do not involve my time and energy by asking me to complete special forms (Tulane Student Athlete Grade Check Form) and make special efforts for student athlete counselors.

I am a part time instructor and go far beyond my allotted classroom schedule to assist all students who initiate outside meetings to discuss coursework. My student athletes have the same opportunities to meet with me but I do not appreciate communicating with their student athlete counselors. Good day!

*****

I follow Tulane sports, and while I love it, we are in clearly the "have nots." Unfortunately, the separation between the haves and have nots will only grow over time. Our deficits will only grow over time. $14 million (including scholarships and the subsidy) is already too much.

I commend you for having the prescience to study this issue now before the deficits start hitting $20 - 30 million. I know it is difficult, but you have fiscal responsibility here.

*****

Tulane should absolutely stay a division I school. Should Tulane become a division III school, overall school spirit as well as prospective student interest will decline. Making Tulane a division III school would be a poor decision, and before any decisions are made the pros and cons should be weighed and analyzed. I think the pros will outweigh the cons if the committee thinks about the issue from a students point of view.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen: I am writing this letter to you and the Board of Administrators not to pursue changing the current Division 1-A status of the Tulane Athletic Department. I strongly believe that Tulane‚s participation in Division 1-A intercollegiate athletics has contributed to the overall objective developing and enriching students with the capacity to think, learn, and to act and lead with integrity and wisdom. The Tulane Athletic Department has been instrumental in producing numerous Doctors, Attorneys, CPA‚s, PhD‚s, Engineers, Businessmen, Politicians, Professors, Teachers, and Coaches. I strongly believe that having a Division 1-A Athletics program is an important factor for students who want to compete at the highest level, both athletically and academically to chose Tulane University. Tulane University should follow the example of other prestigious Universities that excel both academically and in their sports programs. Stanford University comes to mind as a good example. I hope that when evaluating Athletics and its role within Tulane, you and the board will consider this submission as evidence to fully support a strong Division 1-A Athletic Department and the leadership that it fosters in our student athletes.

*****

To the Ad Hoc Committee, The continued existence of Tulane University as a participating member of the Division 1 in the NCAA is of great importance to me and my fellow student body members and to our belief in and spirit for our university. I am positive that one of the deciding factors for prospective students to metriculate at our school is because of the fact that we are a Division 1 school and that they will be given the opportunity to take pride in their school for reasons other than outdtanding academics. Of course, we have much to offer besides this aspect, but I can tell you that I have taken (and hope to continue to take) great pleasure in attending many of our athletic events. Our homecoming last year against Navy was an out and out success, primarily due to the fact that for the first time in a long while the game was held at an outdoor venue. Our students reveled in the opportunity to tailgate and have a true homecoming/football game experience as opposed to attending a game in the vacuous Superdome, where any spirit or crowd noise seems to be quashed by the enormity of the venue. In addition to this, attending the Tulane-Memphis basketball game was equally thrilling for me and my friends. Playing to a sellout crowd at Fogelman Arena, the Green Wave nearly toppled a team that was regarded as one of the best in the nation. The fact that we were two points away from victory despite playing as a legitimatly "weaker" team proves that future of Tulane basketball and sports in general can be as bright as ever and that it is neccessary for there to be continued confidence and investment in our sports. Lastly, can we not forget that our Football team was victorious just last year in an exhilerating bowl game against home team and favorite Hawaii? Although this was a newly born bowl game, it proved that we are a valid contender in the vast world of college sports. It was also a rare opportunity for me as a Tulane student to show my pride in my University, which provides little other opportunities for me to do so otherwise. It is my wish that you take to heart this expression of feelings, which I am confident is truly representative of the student body's sentiments. It would be a devestating and disheartening mistake for the school to lower the level of its committment to our athletic program. Though I realize that the current state of college athletics today (i.e. conference realignment) and our interest in boosting the school's academic stature are of greater importance to you, the committee, in the final decision-making process, I dearly hope that you do not overlook the sentiment of the students of this University, whose collegiate experience will be drastically affected if you decide on downgrading the Athletic program to a lower division. Thank you for your time, and I truly hope that you decide to do what is right for not only for this institution, but for the students who make its existence possible.

*****

Dear President Cowan,

Please keep football at Tulane a division one sport. It help the school grow in name and also with the outstanding academic record that the players have makes the school itself look extremely prestigious in the view of the division-I schools in the united states.

Sincerely,
Tulane student

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen:

For the sake of the creditability and eliminating the potential for embarrassment of Tulane University, let's give Rick Dickson's goals for adding Athletic Funds a chance to work. His strategy is very realistic and obtainable if done correctly. For example, I have already received 2 new commitments to the Westfeldt Club, added 12 new season football tickets, plus 7 members to the Green Team. It was rather easy, all I did was ask.

Failure of Tulane to continue to have a major model Athletic program (best in Division I-A) will cause a serious decline in the gifts and donations on the Academic (non-athletic) side of the equation.

Please don't let the Board of Trustees "turn their backs" on the thousands of us who continue to support Tulane Athletics. Now is the time for you, as President, to step up to the plate and stop the negative media publicity and not only think GREEN, but think positive and innovative. The goals can be reached. We must remain in Division I at the current levels.

Sincerely,

*****

While I sympathize with the current fiscal situation regarding athletics, I feel it would be a tragedy to lose our status as a participant in the "first division" of college sports. Has C-USA been (really) trying to become part of the BCS? Has Tulane tried to re-join the conference it should have NEVER left, the SEC? It seems that much of the problem we currently have is the result of our questionable decision to leave the SEC way back when, and the resulting loss of "conference money".

Heck, if we were still in that conference, we could still look down at Vandy!!

*****

As your average college student, it is unlikely that I have the level of expertise of Division I Athletics that the members of your committee have come into over the course of your review. However, I would like to express my opinion on what I consider to be a very valuable part of my college experience.

I feel as though having Division I athletics provides Tulane with a national stage on which to perform as a university, and a chance to get its name out on a national level. I feel as though a nationally televised sporting event is the equivalent of a giant billboard for Tulane University. Personally, I doubt I would have ever heard of what ended up being my college choice had it not been for the 1998 football team (Shaun King's Liberty Bowl Champion team). While over the past five years only the baseball program has offered similar success, I feel as though it at least places Tulane in a national forum that unfortunately mere academics could not.

I'd also like to offer an example of a successful athletics program directly causing an improvement in its academic standards. As a member of a family full of Gonzaga University alumni, I have been witness to the joy that comes with sudden success in the world of athletics (the Gonzaga basketball program has become arguably the premier mid-major program in the country). The success of the Gonzaga basketball team has brought such notoriety to the school, that its applications have more than doubled, and subsequently the average GPA and SAT scores have risen considerably. My mother, who cares little about basketball, is pleased to see the rising standards of her alma mater as much if not more than the sports fans among the alumni are to see the athletic success of their Bulldogs. The myth that athletics must take away from academics is far from true, and in fact in some cases the opposite may be the case.

Personally, I feel as though years from now, I will be certainly use the Tulane athletic teams as a means of staying current with the happenings of my alma mater, which would become almost impossible if the Green Wave was moved to Division 3.

Thank You for reading this,

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Dr. Cowen and Ms., Yvette Jones variously report Tulane's athletic department as running a $5 or $7 million cash dollar deficit. But that's not what they told the U.S. Department of Education for the year ending 6/30/02. They reported a breakeven financial picture to the G-Men. Not being an accountant it's hard for me to figure where all that money went to so fast. Any siggestions?

Revenues
.........Men's Teams....Women's Teams....Total
Basketball....935,309....17,827....953,136
Football....2,646,743..............2,646,743
Total Revenues of all Sports, except football and basketball, combined
423,469....26,191....449,660
Total Revenues....4,005,521....44,018....4,049,539

Not allocated by gender....14,692,959
Grand Total....18,742,498

Expenses
.........Men's Teams....Women's Teams....Total
Basketball..1,491,279....1,368,606....2,859,885
Football..6,380,668....6,380,668
Total Expenses of all Sports, except football and basketball, combined
2,297,635....2,647,117....4,944,752 Total Expenses..10,169,582....4,015,723....14,185,305 Not allocated by gender....4,557,193 Grand Total....18,742,498

Please advise as to how we could be finding such varying financial information reported to different authorities.

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As a young professor in the health sciences, and an avid sports fan, I find myself somewhat torn about the Athletics issue facing the Board and the University community. To me, the issue boils down to the mission of this University. I believe that our mission should be driven by academics. Since our endowment is quite low and the losses from Athletics, when scholarships are accounted for, are in the millions each year, the issue seems rather cut-and-dried. Our University would be best served by moving to Division III. As an aside, I graduated from a Division III school-one that really valued participation in sports. The school had a diverse student body and many student-athletes were equally committed to sports and academics. There is no shame in Division III. What we will gain more financial stability will allow this University to grow as an academic institution-and that's what Tulane needs to do.

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Winning one for the admissions office. At colleges nationwide, athletic victories are boosting academic prowess. Sports a great calling card to present to potential students USA Today; Arlington; Jul 11, 1997; Mike Dodd;

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.I am from CT and am going to be a junior at Tulane.

Regarding the athletics situation, I feel it should be only Tulane's inability to compete in Division I athletics that would prompt moving to a lesser competitive level. But this hasn't been the case. As you know football recently won against Hawaii in a bowl game while the men's and women's tennis teams each won the C-USA tournament and baseball remains a perenial force. And yet, fan support among the community and the students is weak. There are many options that should be considered to first improve school and community spirit before making such a rash decision.

While I recommend Tulane enter the BCS in football, it is perhaps in basketball that Tulane has the most room for establishing itself. The C-USA is a good basketball conference, we have a stadium on campus and there are many good players to be recruited in the area (unlike football in which the regional's best attend LSU, Nebraska and Texas to name a few).

Aside from that I always wanted to attend tennis matches, but they were scheduled too early for me and many of my friends to attend (11:00 on Sunday is early after a long night). Also, to generate interest how about regular Tulane students (or local high school kids) get the opportunity to square off against members of the tennis team or play a little one-on-one in basketball? I'd love the opportunity to see if I could win a game from one of the guys. Maybe this could be a fund-raiser. What I do know is that the student body wants something to root for. We are not apathetic, but we haven't had a tradition. I and many that I know are willing to create one though. Good luck!

*****

I think the University should drop to Division III....It would be a lot more fun to tailgate at Tad Gormley and watch us whup up on McNeese and Nicholls than to see us lose to Texas and USM in a half empty air-conditioned antiseptic Dome. It would also lend itself to the student body coming out to the games and hence, a lot more spirit. Also, perhaps then the University could start a Green Wave Band and we could even have real half time shows.

Or,

Maybe they enjoy seeing 5,000 Tulane septegenarian alums from Tulane's golden era attend the vacuum Dome with no tailgating, no band, no spirit, no money, and no prestige. The rest of the alums don't even live in New Orleans, Louisiana, or even the South; they all moved back to Jersey and upstate New York. My God, we finished 12-0 and beat the hell out of everybody in '98, and we did note even get a BCS bid!

I think I'll convert to the Tigers; at least they're making a commitment to more than just academics (Top 5 in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Top 20 in all other Engineering disciplines. Top 30 MBA and Business School, Top 3 in Veterinary Medicine and Landscape Architecture, one of 25 Land, Sea, and Environment - Grant Institutions in the nation, only Meteorology/Hurricane Engineering Curriculum in existence., etc. Go LSU! Go Greenies.... (Yes, I am a fan and alum of both)....

*****

The thought of removing sports from division 1 is a disgrace and an absolute insult to all the students and the alumni of Tulane University. Tulane is not as well known as many of the other schools of its caliber. The fact that the athletic events are nationally televised, such as the bowl game, the basketball game vs. Kentucky, and the womens basketball team making the NCAA tournament bring a tremendous amount of exposure to the University. One of the reasons I came to Tulane instead of other schools that accepted me was the perfect season that the football team had in 1999. Without Division 1 sports Tulane will become no different then any small liberal arts college with the same sized student body.

As for the argument that Tulane is losing money from the athletic programs, please allow me to retort. Yesterday afternoon, May 18 2003, I listened to a radio interview on WFAN 660 in New York with the Athletic Director of Temple University. He stated that 95% of all Division 1 schools lose money from athletics. This includes the University of Miami, even though they went to the national championship game in football. This means that only a luck 5% of all Universities are in the black as far as Athletics are concerned.

I am also pretty sure that the University receives alot of donations during homecoming. I doubt that alumni will fly down and give donations to see their beloved alma mater play against a division 3 community college.

I thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I hope your final decision will be one that reflects the views of all of the students and faculty, which is to keep division 1 athletics.

*****

No, i dont think Tulane should change their current place in college athletics.

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I just finished my freshman year at Tulane University. I strongly agree that our school should have division 3 athletics. I feel that a shift to academic focus would benefit our school. It is really unfortunate that the academic reputation of our school has fallen in its present slump. I am thrilled at the efforts being made by the current administration to place precedence in the academic growth of our school. I understand the benefits of having a well-known athletic program, such as attracting new applicants and pleasing alumni. Tulane, however, is a prestigious university that has a respected niche in academia. We should pride ourselves in the the achievements of our faculty, the beauty of our campus, and the minds of our student body, not in the athleticism of small population of our students.

*****

Although I am not an undergraduate, I am never one not to share my opinion. Bear in mind that this is my impression and is stated without any financial data to back this up....

The mere fact that in your strategic question you listed "resources of TU" last in the areas of consideration and the fact that there have been ads on the local stations requesting "support" belies that this is about money...and that, basically, there isn't enough to support a D1 athletics program.

Here's the problem: athletics at TU will never support itself. TU will never have a alumni following like LSU or Mississippi State because such a large percentage of TU students come from around the country, and, once they graduate, they leave NOLA/LA/the South. Having attended the LSU-Mississippi State game last autumn, I observed that what supports athletic programs is alumni attendance and dollar...and you just don't have that. Further I observed that people enjoy a good game, and, unless you put MORE money into the program, you will never have sufficiently compelling athletics and athletes to draws the unaffiliated attendee in its own right.

It's a conundrum, but if athletics aren't working for you (i.e., essentially paying for themselves), you have to drop the D1 program, as hard as it is. However, bear in mind that, at the end of the day, once you fall out of D1, because you won't attract the same support for athletics or the athletes, you'll never get back into D1...so, if you withdraw from D1 now, it'll be forever. And, do you really want to be "that guy?" That's a big burden to shoulder.

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Committee Members:

My family has truly been blessed by Tulane Athletics.

In 1986 I was offered and accepted a full scholarship to play football for Tulane University by then assistant coach Greg Davis. My wife accepted a full scholarship to play women's basketball in 1988. We both took full advantage of the opportunity afforded us and obtained our degrees; mine from Arts and Sciences in 1991 and my wife's from the A.B. Freeman School of Business in 1992. We met each other in February of 1991. We were married in March of 1993. Today I am a successful attorney in Houston, Texas working for the J.P. Morgan Private Bank... and an avid fan and supporter of all Tulane athletics programs. We have been blessed.... My degree and experience at Tulane provided me the tools that eventually led to my law degree. My wife's degree afforded her the skills necessary to provide for us both while I pursued a higher degree... Would we have achieved what we have today with Tulane Athletics? ... Maybe, but I seriously doubt it. What I can say is that we likely never would have met each other. What a shame to realize that the very programs that afforded us our college degrees and our relationship are in danger of extermination. It pains me deeply to see the University in the midst of this self-inflicted examination of the athletic program. The fact that the school has so publicly conducted this examination will have lasting effects on the morale of our coaches and on the willingness of able high school athletes to commit themselves to the vision of success at the University for years. At a time when our programs are seeing their greatest success in the school's history, this exercise seems ill-timed and extremely detrimental, regardless of the outcome. My hope is that this process will be brought to a close immediately and the focus is shifted to the all-important fundraising that has not received proper attention so long as I have been associated with the program....

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Moving to Division III is not any solution to this problem, but a failure from those in charge. Being the largest Division I university in the Greater New Orleans area (1.3 million people), you are saying there is no way Tulane can have a successful athletic program?

This is a huge mistake, and I hope the board makes the right decision. What kind of drops in ticket sales, merchandise revenue, applicant pool's, alumni support, etc. are being taken into account because of this move? Wasn't it a mistake to opt out of the SEC years ago? Tulane should look at marketing the programs more effectively... There is no question that the athletic program is underachieving...but is this the best solution?

-Don't play football games in the dome...move it to Tad Ghormley. Why has it taken so long for anyone to do this?

-Require incoming freshman to purchase season tickets to a sport, or package a couple football, baseball, and basketball games together. Package the best games, get them into the events as freshman.

-Promote the events better...focus on the fraternal organizations and dorms. How hard would it be to get someone in the UC or Riley a few days before each game selling tickets and promoting the event with a booth or something. Maybe a business school class on marketing or advertising could offer a credit to get students to help promote athletics...cost nothing, probably learn something tangible, you would get people to the game.

-The baseball and basketball programs have the best shot at bringing in national interest at a low cost...Get Tulane Basketball into the NCAA tournament...make an upset here or there and they are back on the way.

*****

I just read the following on the "Role of Intercollegiate Athletics at Tulane" website:

"The Ad Hoc Committee of the Board of Tulane that is studying the role of intercollegiate athletics at the university will postpone presenting final recommendations at the board‚s May 29 meeting. "The Ad Hoc Committee's decision was prompted by news of impending conference realignments. These events, combined with additional information expected to be provided to the committee by the Department of Athletics, will extend the timeline required to develop final recommendations about the role of intercollegiate athletics at Tulane."

This is the wrong message to send when, at this very moment, realignment decisions are being made and programs and conferences are evaluating prospective partners. Is it not an extreme liability in attempting to better one's conference standing in a realignment process that is moving at 900 miles an hour to say, in effect, "we're not sure we're committed to Division 1 and 1A football, we'll wait and see how this thing shakes out"? The answer is painfully obvious.

This process began, according to what we have been told, because revenues were out of kilter with expenses. Those alumni and fans who support major college athletics at Tulane, myself included, have stepped forward in droves to provide increased contributions and ticket sales immediately and to pledge our continued support of Division 1 intercollegiate athletics and 1A football. We are doing our part. Now is the time for the Board and the administration to do theirs. An immediate and public announcement ought to be made that, in light of the successful launch of AD Dickson's fundraising plan, Tulane is committed to Division 1 intercollegiate athletics and to 1A football. That, and only that, will ensure that we have a spot at the table for the realignment of major conferences that is not only sure to come, but is indeed unfolding at this very moment.

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In my opinion participation by Tulane in division one athletics is extremely important for the school community. I enrolled in Tulane because it provides its students with a well-rounded education. This includes academics, clubs, leadership opportunities, excellent programs, and yes - athletics. I must also add that I am not a member of any Tulane sports team, nor do I know any students who are. However, participation in division one athletics is one thing that drew me to this university. Participation in division one allows the Tulane name to be heard on a daily basis. In addition, athletic programs give students a central goal and yet another reason to be proud of their university. When I receive my degree from Tulane I want to be proud that I graduated from a school which provided me with a well rounded education.

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It is my personal belief that Tulane should maintain Division I status if at all possible. I think Athletic Director Dickson's campaign is very appropriate and I expect to respond to it. Tulane's graduation rate for student-athletes is outstanding. I would like to maintain academic excellence and Division I status.

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As someone who has had to suffer through this entire ordeal while studying for finals and board exams, I would like this issue resolved by the date that the Board of Trustees and President Cowen set previously (May 29th). Remember, you are dealing with people's LIVES...from coaches and their families, to the athletic staff and players, and to the fans who also would like to get on with their lives.

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