May 4, 2006

Dear Dr. Carothers,

I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the possibility that swimming and diving may be eliminated from the athletic programs at the University of Rhode Island.  It is disturbing to think that every time that there is a budgetary crisis or a Title IX issue, a sport like swimming gets the hit.  Swimming is a program that brings in a large number of students to universities who enter academic programs that enhance the reputation of the school, and then these programs take the fall.  Why?

Looking on various websites, it is obvious, too, that this program has student – athletes who contribute significantly to the Athletic Department.  Given the fifty-five (55) student athletes who are on the men’s and the women’s rosters, the amount of tuition this program brings in must overwhelm the cost to sponsor this sport activity at the University of Rhode Island.

            It makes no sense that the solution to the University’s Title IX and budgetary problems is the elimination of swimming, an activity that: 1. Reflects a growing market of high school and age groupers who sustain an interest throughout Rhode Island for a lifetime, 2.  Already has a great facility, which benefits greatly because it has a flagship, Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving, to help promote it, 3.   Provides many, many opportunities for its students.   There appears to be no justice or reward from pursuing an idea of eliminating a sport that has so many positives and costs so little.

            I am wondering how a decision like this reflects stated mission statement as found on your web-site:  “The Mission of the Department of Athletics is to provide experiences that are consistent with the mission of the University and the NCAA Division I philosophy.  The Department provides opportunities for students and the larger community that encourages the pursuit of lifetime activities, commitment, teamwork, competitive success, the development of character, and leadership skills.  We maintain an environment that values integrity, diversity, gender equity, high academic achievement, and sound fiscal management.  Athletics strives to provide facilities and programs that cultivate an exciting atmosphere for the University and community.  WE SERVE, CHALLENGE, AND SUCCEED…

            The implications and the ramifications to the overall image and reputation of this school needs to be considered in this matter.  The outcry may seem large now because it appears as if your great university is considering cutting a program at this late date.     Can you guarantee that the long run implications won’t impact.  And this will affect both returning students as well as entering freshmen.  And, you were under-enrolled this past year! 

Now is the time to look at all alternatives and steer furthest away from those choices that hurt more people than they help.  Save the reputation of your fine school. Thank you for your consideration in this very important matter.

                                                                                    Very truly,