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Questions and Comments We've Received

May 28, 2003

Dr. Cowen:

I think the athletics department is being hurt by your public neutrality on the controversy. If you were to speak publicly in favor of D-I athletics, the "process" wouldn't be harmed. Your silence on this important issue gives the impression that you are out to hurt the program, because your silence *does* hurt the program. How are coaches supposed to recruit when even you won't say you're in favor of D-I athletics? Even if the board decides to maintain us in D-I, your public neutrality will leave a dark cloud hovering over the athletic department as long as you are here. If the board votes to keep TU at D-I, I ask that you make a public statement saying the board made the correct decision, and that you were in favor of D-I all along, but had to appear neutral out of respect for the process. I certainly hope this is your true position, for the sake of my alma mater. At Tulane, we've had some really bad teams (not recently), but we've never been known as quitters.

On the other hand, if we drop to D-III, I won't really care what is said or by whom. Even though I live 15 minutes from campus, the only remaining connection I have to the university is through sports. I was on the campus three times last week -- twice for baseball games and once dropping off money we raised for TAF -- and I realized that the only thing I have been on campus for in 9 years since graduation is sports, with the exception of a few theatrical events. Without athletics, I have no connection to Tulane. If there are no D-I sports, I won't care what happens to Tulane. I think I speak for most Tulane fans in saying that I will strongly resent any decision that ignores the overwhelming opinion of the alumni and student body, as expressed on the feedback site. I can't imagine supporting a university that makes such a bad and unpopular decision. Thanks for reading.

*****

The University's attempt to do away with Division 1 A football is a major mistake.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen:

I have been monitoring the recent developments over the last few months on the fate of Tulane Athletics. I'm a big Tulane fan, but it's interesting to note, I'm not a Tulane grad, but an LSU grad, Class of '82. Tulane was my first choice, but due to not taking high school serious enough, I didn't have qualifying grades. So I picked the next best university in the state. My affinity for Tulane comes from my father, who is a graduate of Tulane Class of '52. I have many fond memories of going to games to watch TU in old TU stadium and the dome when I lived in Louisiana. I try to attend at least one game a season, and last year I was at TAG for the Navy game. As a matter of fact, I was walking behind you and gave you a pat on the back thanking you for making this event happen. I plan on being at the Miss State game in the dome and Houston game at TAG this year.

As for the Ad Hoc committee reviewing the fate of TU athletics, as with any business, organization, and entity, it is a president's fiduciary responsibility to look at areas or departments in need of fiscal fixing. Otherwise, one would not being doing their job. As in your case, I commend you for putting this on the top of the table. I have studied the issues, looked at the existing landscape of NCAA sports, and feel and starting to see the fact in action with Dickson and a 5 year plan. It is doable and should be accepted by the University. It has created a rallying cry like I have not seen in TU athletics, and when one is challenged and given the opportunity to meet those challenges, obstacles can be overcome.

Tulane is a model Division I program with success on and off the field. Tulane has a great athletic administration, coaching, and great student athletes that for all intent and purposes are role models (i.e. great grades, and not many times in the news for adverse behavior.) We have a lot to be proud of and it should not be torn down. It makes a great university like Tulane even better.

I endorse Dickson's plan because it's doable and the right thing to do. It is my hopes that on May 29, that the Ad Hoc Committee will vote in favor of the plan. If approval is given, alumni, fans and friends of the university will make it happen.

As a side note, my father is 77 years old and was a long time season ticket holder for football. When my mother died several years ago, and due to his age and living 60 miles from NO, he discontinued the season tickets. However, with the recent developments, he called me and said that he was going to order tickets for this coming football season and beyond. He called me and wanted to know if I could make it down to at least two games. I told him that I wouldn't miss it for the world.

*****

I have contributed financially to Tulane University for many years. My contributions most recently have gone solely to the Tulane Athletic Fund. Rest assured, if President Cowen and the Board of Trustees drops Division 1-A football, I will never contribute to my university again. All the reasons for keeping Division 1-A athletics are known. The financial difficulties are understood and workable. The process of making a decision has been one of secrecy, divisiveness, and lacking in any integrity. It is not what I expect from my employees, my employer, my children, or the leadership of my university.

The entire process has been a public relations disaster for our school. Alumni are enraged; state senators are protesting; the city council has come down against this proposal; and, if my contacts are any indication, future fundraising for the school is in serious jeopardy. If the decision is made to drop football at the Division 1-A level, newspaper articles will not be helpful. The "spin" that conditions have changes and that this will make a stronger, more academically viable university will be viewed as silly. The pitch has been that we are in trouble financially. It has never been expressed as an issue of academics or anything else, where are athletic program has been a model of achievement. We will be yet another small private school going through financial difficulties and cutting programs in hopes of saving ourselves.

The students and professors who claim athletes (specifically football players) cannot do the work at Tulane need to check the facts and get into the "real world." Our student athletes perform better in the classroom than the student body as a whole-- grade point averages, graduation rates, any measure you can devise. The issue is finances. And it is not the professors or the current students who support the university endowment and fundraising efforts. It is the alumni. Elimination of Division 1-A football and the downgrading of our athletic department by eliminating 85 commensurate women's scholarships will reduce alumni giving. I do not know anything more certain.

The deans of various schools will be addressing the Board of Trustees today saying how much more money they will have if we get rid of football. If successful, next year, a subset of that group will say, how much more money they will have if we get rid of the School of Social Work. The following year, the ever smaller group will make the same pitch regarding the school of Architecture. Engineering will be next. As each goes, the expected "windfall" of money will not occur because, fewer and fewer people will be answering the ever more desperate fundraising requests.

Tulanians against Tulanians is not the way to "grow" our school. We need to strive for excellence in all things and our athletic program-- according to EVERYONE-- is excellent in every way but financially. Let's solve the financial problem and not head down the slippery slope suggested by those who would "cut our way to success." That doesn't work in the business world and it won't work for Tulane.

*****

Dear President Cowan

We live in Trinidad, West Indies and we are the parents of a young woman who will be entering Tulane University as a freshman and a member of the Greenwave swim team this fall.

We had the opportunity of visiting the campus for the first time earlier this month where we were hosted by Coach Daniella Irle and her assistant, Frannie DeBord.

Our daughter was in the fortunate position of having a choice of scholarship opportunities from a number of very fine universities in the United States. She is one of our country's elite swimmers, having qualified for the upcoming world championships to be held in Barcelona, Spain and also the Pan Am Games to be held in Santo Domingo in August. She chose Tulane without ever having seen the campus because of the University's reputation for academic and sporting excellence of which we were aware through the various sporting channels available to us in this country, such as ESPN and the networks, and a number of local alumni with whom we spoke.

It is for this reason that we feel compelled to let you know, following our visit, how fully justified we feel in our decision, and how impressed we were with every aspect - the curriculum, the facilities, and the commitment and professionalism of the coaches. We are assured that our daughter will receive a balanced education of the highest quality.

We are confident that our daughter will be a credit to Tulane and we want to give you the assurance that we will do our part as parents to support that goal, and to support Tulane to the best of our abilities.

With every good wish

*****

Tulane University needs and deserves visionary leaders, not a divisive ones. We need a president and a board that can see the future and inspire the support of the alumni as opposed to insulting their devotion to the school. Over the past few weeks I have been thinking a lot about the situation here at Tulane. I recently graduated and spent this past weekend sitting in the bleachers at Turchin Stadium cheering on the Wave in the CUSA tournament. What I saw in the stadium was proof that people love Tulane as a school and as an athletic program.

It did not go unnoticed by ANYONE that you, President Cowen were no where to be seen. To claim that you support athletics and then do not appear at the conference championship game makes you much more of a a "so-called wave fan" than any of the people that you have branded as fanatics. I for one do not appreciate it when someone tells me one thing and does the exact opposite. That sort of behavior is a red flag that a fast one is being pulled. In my mind the only sort of fast ones that Tulane should be throwing as from the mound at Turchin (because we have a fantastic pitching staff), not from offices in Gibson Hall. But, then again I might just be one of those crazy fans that you and others who are hell bent upon de-emphasizing athletics think harm the school.

I do hope that the board makes the right decision to maintain Division 1 status in all sports and finally offers full support for all of our programs. Tulane has the opportunity to set the standards for other universities to follow. Our students can compete not only in the classroom but also in the field. It is the obligation of the board to help Tulane become the best university it possibly can, and maintaining competitive teams who's rosters are full of students who graduate among the highest rate of student-athletes in the country is something to be proud of.

Tulane is a good school. Clearly there are areas that can be improved upon, but that goes for any institution. Please let the Green Wave continue to be among the best in both academics and athletics. Division 1 is the way to go. Don't let us down.

Roll Wave!

*****

The Board and the Administration need to acknowledge publicly that Tulanians have heard and are heeding the "wake up call" to support Tulane athletics financially. It is time for the "neutrality" to end, actually past time, and time for our leaders to step in and do their part to further one of the most awesome mobilizations of support for an institution that I've seen during my four decades plus on this earth, an outpouring of support all the more amazing because of the extent to which it has been a "grass roots" effort. Our entire athletics program, including D1A football, is a beacon of light in Division 1, a credit to the university, a valuable PR tool, and a beloved tie to the university for legions of us. It is now on the path to financial soundness as well. It would be extremely, extremely short-sighted and unwise for the Board and the Administration not to endorse, immediately, continuation at the D1A level, and to get behind (or even better, in the midst of!) the remarkable job of fundraising and consciousness-raising that is taking place in support of Tulane's major college athletics program.

*****

I have been a Tulane basketball season ticketholder for 3 of the last 4 years. I will continue to be a ticket holder as long as Tulane remains Division I. I buy two tickets and take various friends with me to the games to try to increase interest in the team. I believe the D-I status also brings supporters from opposing teams to New Orleans. D-III status will not bring any toursists to New Orleans. As a season ticket holder I have noticed that the Times-Picayune has done a horrible job of covering Tulane's basketball team. UNO's team too for that matter. I think Tulane's basketball program that is sold at home games would be much improved if it included opposing teams stats in addition to their roster. This can easily be printed off the internet.

*****

A decision to alter the current status of Tulane's division 1-A athletics program is not in the best interest of the University and would instead do irreparable harm. Anything short of a full commitment to athletics, including all current sports, would be a clear signal that the administration seeks to diminish the stature of the University as a whole. Moving to Division III or dropping football would not solve Tulane's fiscal problems; indeed careful analysis would suggest it would only make the problem worse. We are Tulane; we should remain Tulane. We have enormous potential in all areas, including athletics, if we all pull together to make our great University better. We don't need to redefine or reshape Tulane; we need to focus building on our over 100 years of tradition.

Tulane does not belong to any one President or board member; it is an institution that collectively belongs to many who have passed through its halls, walked its paths, sat in its classrooms, stood in its arenas and dared to care enough that they contribute financially or emotionally so that the common experience afforded us might be shared by others in the future. Does that mean that serious decisions on the course of the University must not be made by its current administration? Of course not. But it does mean that monumental attempts must be made to maintain the essence of the University in which we all have so much invested. Divisiveness should not be the outcome any decision, unity and community should. I ask: what is so wrong with wanting Tulane to be first rate in everything, including athletics, that it does? But more importantly, why havenât those who support athletics been given the opportunity to make it work?

The current discussion on athletics is having multiple outcomes; the very suggestion that we are even considering a change suggests we are floundering in direction as a school, while on the other hand the broad-based support being shown by those who love Tulane and wish to maintain Tulane's heritage is truly remarkable. But the very fact that a significantly large segment of alumni, friends and family have to step up and declare their support for something so integral to the University and so close to the hearts of many on such short notice is more than a bit disturbing.

There are many questions that need to be addressed on the athletics "review", particularly in the origin and purpose of the exercise and the initial lack input from the Tulane family. But those questions perhaps are irrelevant at this juncture; you've asked for comments and feedback on a topic that, to many Tulanians, is one which shouldn't even be an issue. To this observer, it seems that certain factions are bent on destroying a part of the University that is an integral piece of our history and provides a rallying point for many, many people who love the school. One must ask: why is something which supplies so many valuable benefits to the University even being threatened with a "review", much less elimination? You see I happen to be one of those who want Tulane to do well in all its endeavors, from academics to music to theater to athletics. I would hope the Board feels the same way. And, by the way, Division III effectively means elimination of athletics from The Tulane University of Louisiana, as does something that sounds so simple, but is just as disastrous, like dropping football.

The benefits from Division I-A athletics are enormous and in many ways immeasurable. The "easy" analysis is to look at the athletics "deficit" on a cash basis only; that is the elimination of Division I-A athletics would save x dollars per year. Seems like an easy, simple solution right? The tough analysis is to assess the costs to the University in dropping down to Division III, or eliminating a sport like football, when many of these costs are intangible: vast media exposure; school pride, spirit and community; a contact point for alumni; advertising for prospective students; and the prestige from being associated with the elite group of Universities that compete at the highest level in athletics.

But if the main reason for this review is financial, that is an issue that has two sides to it - the situation the athletic department is in and the financial condition of the University as a whole. Leaving the athletic department aside for a moment, the real problem is very likely that Tulane is, as the Board knows better than anyone, a tuition-dependent school. And tuition-dependent schools need to maintain a high profile in order to attract students, and that is one big reason why Tulane needs to maintain its Division 1-A status in athletics. Without the exposure and name recognition from athletics, the school is likely to receive fewer applications and could face a decline in full-paying students, therefore exacerbating the school's financial issues. Aside from the numerous benefits to the morale of the school and the pride alumni feel in their alma mater, it might be wise to consider Division 1-A athletics as an investment in advertising. In order to maintain the size and scope of the University without broad based exposure and awareness that athletics brings, a much larger endowment than the one Tulane currently has is needed. But, importantly, I would assert that any "savings" would be swamped by revenues lost either from tuition or, without equivocation, from donations from alumni. You would be alienating way too many people who love Tulane athletics to ever make up for the harm it would do. Now if the exercise is to rationalize cost centers within the University, I would suggest that is not the direction a non-profit institution should be taking anyway. Suppose Tulane experienced a sharp decline in business school applications and enrollment. And suppose the business school's fixed costs then caused a deficit to materialize. Should we drop down in "class" in order reduce our expenses? Should we eliminate the business school because it had a, hopefully temporary, decline in students and revenues? Of course not. And I would suggest that is the same way we should look at all aspects of the University because every department is an integral part of who we are. We must not simply cut and run because the current environment seems unfriendly. We must creatively meet the challenges we are faced with in order to preserve and maintain our heritage and keep the constituency that supports the University intact.

As one who has been a close observer of Tulane for over 20 years since my graduation, I would argue vehemently that revenue shortfalls in athletics has been a direct result of the perception within the Tulane community that there is not support from the administration for athletics. Let me put it simply - Tulane fans have not been convinced that the school has been fully committed to developing and maintaining a successful athletics program. I'm not saying this is the case, I'm relaying what the perception is. All it would take is a simple public statement of full support for athletics from the administration to sway opinions of many Tulanians who have been on the sidelines for too long. I've heard too many comments from our core constituency along these lines and whether accurate or not, it leads to under-participation and a lack of revenue. And this is one more reason why this hastily announced "review" is misguided. It does not adequately assess the position the University itself has put its own athletic department in.

Despite the hurdles our athletic department has had to overcome, we have been remarkably successful recently. The exposure, pride and spirit that our success on the fields and courts has brought to the University has been tremendous. But it unites the Tulane community in a way that is difficult to achieve through any other means. I don't have to list the many accomplishments, but suffice it to say we have a lot to be proud of, as you know. Just having experienced packed houses at Turchin Stadium this past weekend, it was a truly great experience to visit with fellow Tulanians in such an atmosphere. How else do you achieve that type of school pride and how else do you maintain a relationship with your school if not through athletics? Yes there are other ways, but many of the people there would not have any other contact with Tulane if not for their interest in football, basketball, baseball and other sports. Or, put another way, itâs another sales channel for the school. Is there a way to grow athletic department revenues? Yes, unquestionably. I believe that Rick Dickson is doing a phenomenal job in working towards that end. Let's give his plan a chance to work. The response so far has clearly been encouraging, to say the least. A lot of Tulane people who need to step up and support the program are finally starting to do so. It's the Tulane base we need to go after first and it is clearly starting to happen. There are too many people I know of that have expressed a clear desire to help support the program through donations and ticket buying. I think we are barely scratching the surface at this point.

Also, we should not be too concerned with the BCS/non-BCS issue at this point. As was written recently in some national media outlets, the BCS is starting realize the errors of their way in excluding too many schools from the revenue pie and has been discussing adding the current non-BCS schools into the mix through a fifth bowl game. There are just too many dynamics at play right now to give up. Tulane can be as good as Tulane wants to be. We have the name and the reputation; my opinion only but we'd be highly desirable for inclusion if we only stressed our goal is to compete at the highest level and supported, rather than undermined, athletics.

My challenge to the Board is: let's try and build upon a lot of the fantastic successes weâve had recently. We have too much momentum at this point. I think you all are finding out right now how much support there is for the school. Tulane needs to be Tulane; we need to quit trying to redefine who we are and where we're going. The Tulane University of Louisiana holds a prominent place in the history, culture and society of New Orleans and Louisiana and the region. Those are both our roots and our strengths; let's exploit it. The quality of a University should not be measured by SAT scores or how many people are accepted or any other quantitative means that are so popular these days. What students want, and what alumni cherish, is a quality education in a selected field in conjunction with a college experience. I have no doubt that our education is first rate; let's focus on the "college experience", as that is the tie that binds generations of Tulanians together. And, without question, athletics has been a very important tool in maintaining the bond that many have with their alma mater.

To summarize:

1. Anything other than the current status of athletics is a vote to diminish the stature of the University as a whole. It may not seem like it, but thatâs the way it will be viewed.

2. It is inherently unfair to make changes without giving those of us who care deeply the time to make the model work. Rick Dickson is a great leader and should be given time to complete the job. The University must through its support behind making athletics work as well.

3. Tulane would alienate a large faction of financial supporters of the University if anything changes in athletics. Tulane would be the net loser in that equation as donations dry up.

4. The benefits of Division 1-A athletics are enormous, including numerous national TV appearances that showcase the University to a broad audience.

5. School finances will be even worse off without athletics the diminished awareness of the school causes applicants to shrink and tuition revenues to decline. It has been clearly shown that applications rise with athletic success.

6. Athletics are a source of school pride that keep alumni connected with their University.

7. Tulane can be as great as Tulane wants to be if we all pull together in common support of our traditions, including Division 1-A athletics.

8. What is so pressing that such a big decision that affects so many must be made so hastily with so little input from all concerned? It just doesnât make sense.

In full support of The Tulane University of Louisianaâs Division 1-A athletic tradition, ROLL WAVE ROLL!

*****

Dr. Cowen, members of the Ad-Hoc Committee and Board of Administrators/Trustees:

On May 11th, I wrote Dr. Cowen a letter expressing my continued support of Tulane competing in intercollegiate athletics at the Division 1-A level. I also sent copies of this letter to Rick Dickson, Director of Athletics and Don Gatzke, Dean of the School of Architecture. In addition, an e-mail copy of my letter was posted on the "feedback" website on May 12th.

At that time, I said that Tulane's goals should be academic excellence as well as athletic excellence. I view the current situation of conference realignment as an opportunity to obtain membership in a BCS conference. And, I stressed that Stanford University's athletic program is what we should be striving towards.

I assume that I am in the minority of young alumni that actually give back financially to my alma mater. In addition to the annual fund, I made a three year pledge totaling $1000 towards the renovation of the Richardson Memorial Building (home of the School of Architecture). I honored my pledge despite being unemployed for a majority of 2002.

I always supported Tulane Athletics. My campus visit during my senior year of high school was the weekend of the 1990 Tulane-Florida State football game. One of the first things that I did during Freshman orientation was pick up my football season tickets. I camped out for Basketball tickets for "the" ESPN game. And, I drove many miles to see games with fellow students/alumni on the road.

Despite my rabid support, I never donated to the Green Wave Club/Tulane Athletics Fund. Following the 1998 Liberty Bowl and the "unbelievable" perfect season in football, I was prepared to give but no one ever asked!

In my previous letter I said that " I [was] willing to give what I can (without neglecting my beloved School of Architecture). All that the Tulane Athletics Fund has to do is ask!" On May 15th, I received a phone call from Lacey Vicknair, Revenue Development Officer for TAF about my offer of support.

I am proud to say that I made a five-year commitment to the TAF at the Crest Level for a total of $625. Of course this is contingent that Tulane remains at the Division 1-A level.

For the first time in my over a decade long association with Tulane, I can honestly say that I see leadership coming out of the Wilson Center. Please give Rick Dickson the opportunity to prove that not only do Green Wave athletics deserve to remain at the Division 1-A level but that they will succeed at this level as well!

Sincerely,

P.S.-- Before you make your decision please walk through the University Center and look into the glass case outside of the bookstore. I saw this display two weeks ago and I think that it says everything...

*****

To the feedback poster who just posted a message regarding dropping football, your post was especially interesting given that it is being reported that the anti-athletics faction has shifted its emphasis to one of eliminating football and keeping other sports Div. 1, in an effort to salvage their effort from total defeat. Are you perhaps connected to those folks in some way? As to your assertion that the students don't care about football, you may want to check with the 5,000 students who attended the Texas game, the 4,200 who attended the Tad Gormley game etc. before you purport to speak out for Tulane's students. Finally, as to your assertion that football players (and no other athletes) are disruptive in class, do you really expect anyone to believe that as a group football players behave collectively in this or any other fashion? Given that their team GPA is roughly a 2.9, that they have to practice 3-4 hours per day, study, and make up lost time from road game trips representing the university as part of their scholarship obligation, I would imagine you have fabricated that part of your "testimony", as if many found that hard to figure out.

*****

Dr. Cowen and the Board

I am not a Tulane grad, just a 45 year fan of the entire Tulane sports program. I am a Baseball and Football season ticket holder. I certainly hope that the board decides to leave the athletic program right where it is. I do not see the university being better able to connect with it fans, alumni, or the New Orleans community without being in big time sports. Just one example was the CUSA baseball tournament this past week at the university. The name of the university prominently displayed on the sports pages of the local newspaper, Turchin Stadium with 2800 - 3500 fans for each game, and all the positive publicity the school received in being on national TV. for the championship game. How can you measure this in dollars and cents ?

In stead of dropping down in class the university should decide to become a leader in the intercollegiate world. You graduate your athletes at a better percentage than over 90% of D1 schools. The G.P.A. is excellent, and very seldom is there any negative things printed about Tulane athletes being in trouble. You have done things that others schools only give lip serviced to. Step up, be a leader, and show every one that sports does not have to be the 2 headed monster that it is at some schools !!

Please give Rick Dickson the necessary time to put the financial ship in order. From all accounts he has made significant progress over the last several weeks. Get behind his fund raising efforts, as you could make a hugh difference in his abilities to bring money into not only the Athletic Department but the university as a whole. Successful D1A sports can do this for you.

Thank you for allowing me to state my opinion and for taken the time to read it.

*****

Has anyone on the education side realize how much money can be made in athletics. I thought you guy's at Tulane were smart and opened minded. If T.U. can get off their high horse and look at Miami of Florida, Georgia Tech and Stanford, just to name a few, but are all know as Academic Universities.

Tulane has had some of the best AD's and Head Coaches that any school can ever have, but we let them go, because Tulane University has made it so difficult for these coach's to recruit. If Tulane is such a prestigious University why are so many prestigious New Orleans kids are going to Virginia, Ole Miss, Harvard, SMU.... it looks and sounds like anti-sports and jealousies.

Since Tulane dropped out of the SEC and begened playing an Independent Schedule, what has Tulane's past president's to Dr.Cowen have brought to the table of ideas to really make things work for athletics, and why does Yvette Jones hate sports so much. Are you two guy's sports Nazis. After hearing about the way T.U. operates with this kind of hate, I will be sending my kid somewhere else.

Maybe it is time to protest and investigate T.U. and start telling kids not to go to Tulane. Lets see how it feels when we all love the same institution and some selfish person is willing to tear it all down for some short term solution. So many people have said the same thing for so long about the tactics to get rid of athletics, I think you guys have done a fine job doing it. Now I know why so many Louisianians have a bad taste for TULANE.

*****

Dear Dr. Cowen,

Would you please explain: You have said the Athletic Department will lose Approx. $ 5 million dollars this year. It has also been stated it would cost $ 3 to 5 million dollars to run a top notch D3 program. Also everyone consides that a D3 program will not bring in any revenue. You have also stated that the university, will at a minimum, participate in D3 sports. If there is no revenue and the cost is 3 to 5 million then what is the difference in losing money as an all sports D1A program and a D3 program? If money is the issue, as you have stated, could you please explain why this discussion is even taken place.

ROLL WAVE

*****

TO: President Cowen, Ad Hoc Committee to Review Athletics, and Board of Trustees

As the Father of an incoming freshman I want to share our views regarding the Athletic Review process. It is untimely, unprecedented, and unnecessarily lengthy in its existing form. In addition, the process conflicts with all six „Core Values‰ adopted by the President‚s Cabinet as part of the University‚s „Strategic Planning‰ upon which we relied in part to shape our decision to attend Tulane.

This Review should have been conducted when all Athletic competition was completed for the year. Since late April when it went public, Tennis, Track, Baseball, and others were actively carrying Tulane Green Wave colors, pride, and tradition into competition. How much support do you think Players and Coaches felt coming from this review process and those behind it? You have every right to study anything you want. You also have an obligation to optimize scheduling of these events and maximize support for your student athletes.

The review is unprecedented for many reasons. Your athletes have and are distinguishing themselves in competition and in the classroom. Your programs are nationally ranked. Your Coaches and Athletic Director are outstanding. You are not just pursuing excellence; you have achieved it. NCAA Division 1A is the best Collegiate athletic program on earth. Why would any University spend so much time and energy destroying over one hundred years of progress and achievement? No precedent for this action exists. There is, however, precedent for questionable athletic decisions at Tulane such as leaving the SEC and tearing down two football stadiums.

Whatever choices you make, you should make them now. Extending this process beyond May 29th is unfair and unnecessary. My son chose Tulane for both its Tier One academics and Division 1A athletics. Hundreds of other incoming freshman and existing students have done the same. Tell them where they stand so their decision process is not hampered by your indecision. Dragging this review out will also continue to hurt recruiting and long-term athletic fundraising efforts. Do not wait for President Shalala at the University of Miami to make her move. Please lead Tulane and make it‚s decisions, do not follow UM.

Core Values are the foundation of your strategic planning. How these values are reflected in the review process is a subject of debate:

Humanity emphasizes treating each other with dignity and respect, regardless of views. By omitting from the Athletic Review the option of „Working with the Athletic Department, Alumni, Community and sponsors to eliminate the deficit‰, you have compromised the dignity and respect of all the Athletes and Staff.

Openness discusses the need for candid and open discussion and the search for truth. This debate has certainly been open. Opinion has come in from all possible sources. Will the Ad Hoc Committee‚s meetings be open? Will the Board of Administrators meetings be open? Will transcripts of both be available? Openness should apply through the end of the review so that all who observe will hear not just the decision, but also the truth.

Integrity promises ethical and responsible actions, and the willingness to be held accountable. You have advertised to the world a Division 1A program. You have made commitments to students and staff, and they to you. Lowering to 3A or dropping football would be neither ethical nor responsible in view of these promises.

Courage addresses strength of character, and conviction of belief to make the right decisions to insure the future. Anybody can look at red ink and cut costs or drop the program. True leaders of strength and conviction will recognize the value of and need for a successful athletic program not only to education and campus life, but to the community and region as well. Courage mandates working towards success and improving Tulane, even in the face of a .83% shortfall verses total operating expenses.

Creativity commits you to look for new and creative ways to solve problems and improve Tulane. A „The Outlook For Tulane Graduates‰ booklet mailed to us after my son‚s acceptance with a cover letter from President Cowan presents the lifetime earnings potential of a private research University like Tulane at $1.6 million. It also tells us that 92,000 graduates reside in the US, 47,000 of which are located in 10 major cities. Assuming 30-year careers, an average donation of $50 per graduate (about .1% of annual earnings) per year alone would do it. We all know there are dozens of other potential sources of income also capable of closing the gap.

Excellence speaks to exceeding expectations and reaching for the top. Ladies and gentleman, Division one is as good as it gets. Dropping football or going D3 is striving for lowered expectations and ultimately failure.

My greatest hope is that somehow out of this review a stronger, a better University will emerge. Tulane has opportunities to grow academically and athletically, but can only do so behind adherence to its Core Values and wise, timely, open decision-making. The Tulane I want to send my son to can be in the „top ten‰ in all departments. Popular opinion is telling you what to do. I can only hope you listen to it and have the wisdom to weigh and respect the intangibles during this process. Stay Division IA. Announce it May 29th. Get to work supporting athletics, not tearing it down.

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