I just received this email from the SID at RPI. Thanks to Kevin
Beattie for sending this to the RPI list.

I hope I am not violating anything by passing it on to hockey-L. I am
assuming it will be added to by letters from the other schools involved
and some of the D-III schools not involved.

Tony Buffa
RPI '64

-------- Original Message -------










Rensselaer President Issues Statement Regarding
NCAA Proposal for Reforms in Division III

The following statement was issued by The Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson,
Ph.D., President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in response to the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) proposal for reforms in
Division III:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute strongly opposes the National Collegiate
Athletic Association's (NCAA) proposal to eliminate the awarding of
athletics aid by Division III member institutions in sports classified in
Division I. If it is approved, this proposal could place Rensselaer's
well-respected hockey tradition in jeopardy, and hamper the ability of ice
hockey players to receive the benefits of a Rensselaer education.
Rensselaer has a fabulous tradition in ice hockey. It has sent a number of
players to the National Hockey League (NHL), and has been inspirational and
satisfying for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.

The NCAA President's Council recommended the proposal apparently in the
belief that reforms are needed in Division III athletics to address the
ongoing relationship between athletics and education. At Rensselaer, we
scrupulously maintain a balance that encourages our hockey players to
perform at optimum levels in academics and on the ice. These players truly
represent the highest values of the scholar-athlete. Their grades,
graduation rates, and their overall achievements in life are a testament to
the success and integrity of our program. In short, Rensselaer already
adheres to the spirit of the Division III philosophy, and, as such, is a
credit to the NCAA.

In our view, the NCAA should not punish the multi-divisional schools to
address Division III concerns. Rather, the NCAA should consider conducting
audits of all Division III institutions. Rensselaer's program would easily
withstand such scrutiny.

We are proud of our athletic programs, our players, our fans, and our long
tradition of Division I men's ice hockey, which we intend to continue at
Rensselaer as we support all of our athletic programs at the highest
possible levels. Rensselaer will engage in a vigorous and sustained effort
to defeat the NCAA President's Council's proposal.


Kevin Beattie
Sports Information Director
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
[log in to unmask]

AS + RC
110 8th Street
Troy, NY  12180-3590

518-276-2187 (phone)
518-276-2188 (fax)