As the University’s athletic department works to create a “formal consortium of like-minded universities” to discuss athletic problems and solutions, it should push for similar groups nationwide.
This recommendation by the Rawlings panel, unlike many others, is actually realistic — if not necessary — for UNC to pursue.
Before the panel had even published its findings, the athletic department had already been working to form one of these consortiums, which is still in the process of being finalized.
The athletic department’s proactivity in forming this group proves that it is indeed using its status as a nationally recognized program to lead athletic reform.
Nationwide change in the culture of college athletics is in its infancy, and grouping schools by academic and athletic success in order to promote discussion about their futures is necessary.
By speaking with like-minded universities, UNC could share the experience it has gained through the recent scandals to ensure that these institutions are well-equipped to avoid a similar fate.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is composed of universities with varying academic backgrounds and athletic prominence, not all of which belong in the same consortium as UNC.
UNC can use its leadership in the ACC to persuade other schools in the conference to create other such groups with their peer institutions.
This would ultimately work toward the goal of a nationwide network of diverse associations that could each bring unique insight to a national forum.
