The momentum of a new University athletics task force has slowed, and task force members aren’t sure when the group will begin meeting or what their objectives are.
The task force, established Dec. 7 to advise University President Dave Frohnmayer on national athletics issues and to strengthen the relationship between University academics and athletics, has yet to meet formally.
A news release in early December said the group of 11 faculty, staff and students would begin work after Jan. 1, but several members said they are still awaiting instructions.
“We haven’t had any discussions yet,” law professor James O’Fallon said.
Frohnmayer and University Senate President Nathan Tublitz appointed the task force members. The group has yet to name a chair.
The task force will advise Frohnmayer on national athletic issues, such as a recent joint resolution on athletics, passed by a Big Ten Conference committee in early November. In part, the resolution seeks to slow the rapid construction of athletics facilities on college campuses. A similar resolution was passed by university senates in the Pacific-10 Conference in spring 2001.
Frohnmayer is the Pacific-10 Conference representative to the NCAA board of directors.
The task force members are: Brad Shelton, mathematics professor; Margaret Paris, associate law professor; Nathan Tublitz, biology professor; Suzanne Clark, English professor; Martin Smith, head men’s track coach; Bill Moos, athletic director; James O’Fallon, law professor and faculty athletic representative to the NCAA and Pac-10; Dan Williams, vice president for administration and finance, ex-officio; and students Jenny Kenyon, Jeff Oliver and Amanda Studdard.
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