TULANE TALK

June 12, 2003

Good Morning:

Yesterday, I met with members of the Administrative Council and the President’s Faculty Advisory Committee to discuss the content and implications of the resolution (http://www2.tulane.edu/board_061003.cfm) the Board of Tulane adopted Tuesday regarding the role and expectations of intercollegiate athletics at our university.

In my opinion, the board’s review of athletics, in terms of the depth and breadth of the subjects covered and amount of due diligence done, was extremely constructive and productive for the future of our university.

While we have had our detractors, many in the media and elsewhere have lauded Tulane for its willingness to undertake such a comprehensive review, for reaffirming its commitment to a Division I-A program that is a model in terms of academic performance and graduation rates and for demanding that such a program be financially viable on a sustainable basis so as not to impede the basic mission and aspirations of the university.

Beginning now and going well into the fall, I plan to hold a series of meetings with faculty, staff, students and community members to fully explain the substance and expectations described in the resolution. This will ensure that we have a common understanding of how this decision will lead to a stronger and better Tulane University.

I am fully committed to the successful implementation of the provisions of this resolution and to making sure that Tulane University continues its progress as a distinctive and outstanding national research university.

If you have any questions regarding this topic before I have a chance to meet with you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In the meantime, enjoy the summer and Think Green!