Faculty Executive Committee consider new athletics task force

The Faculty Executive Committee said there needs to be a task force assigned to protect the University’s academic integrity and the academic interests of athletes at a meeting on Monday.

The new task forcececommittee would educate the campus community on current policy issues in college sports and plan University responses, according to the committee’s response to a resolution proposed by the Faculty Council.

“The idea would be to create opportunities for faculty and students to learn more about this issue from people who are experts on the topic,” said archaeology professor Vin Steponaitis said.

Jay Smith, a history professor, said recent citations from tthe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges — , including inefficient faculty governance and a loss of control over athletics — , brought these issues forward.

“This calls for a new departure, not simply sending the issue to a standing committee,” Smith said.

“The Faculty Council needs to make a vigorous statement about its priorities and its principles.”

The committee discussed concerns about whether the ad hoc task force would undermine the duties of the existing Faculty Athletics Committee.

The athletics committee informs faculty about aspects of athletics, including varsity athletes’ academic experiences and the general conduct and operation of the University’s athletic program.

Joy Renner, chairwoman of the Faculty Athletics Committee, said it’s critical to research what other faculty athletics committees across the nation are doing before creating a separate group.

“We know the strength of our FAC is only as strong as the coalition we are trying to build with other schools,” Renner said.

“No institution can unilaterally do anything or make any decisions at this point.”

Ethics under review

Michael Gerhardt, a law professor and vice chairman of the committee, said committees at the University are reviewing existing ethics guidelines.

“Ethics and integrity is important to our self-identity,” Gerhardt said.

“The point of these committees is to bring these important concepts and commitments to the forefront all across campus.”

Gerhardt said there are four components in analyzing integrity at the University: auditing, committing to ethical principles, evaluating existing strategies and changing the campus culture.

Renner said a lot of institutions left out faculty members when deciding who should be accountable for ethical issues.

Bruce Cairns, faculty chairman, said it’s important for faculty members to take a look at themselves when evaluating ethics.

“As faculty, our commitment to our students should be first and foremost,” heCairns said.

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