Spring Break
New sports management major in development
Mark Norris, Senior Staff Writer, mnorris@smu.edu
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: News
SMU seems to be taking action.
The school received between $10 and $12 million from boosters to hire a new head coach. Jones is reportedly receiving $1.7 million per year, easily making him the highest paid coach in SMU history.
The creation of the new sports-fitness major is another way to try and change the results on the field; it is also a sign of a commitment from those in charge.
"That may be one sign," said athletic director Steve Orsini.
He said the facility's ability to raise and pay market value for a head coach is just one of many ways of showing a commitment.
"Looking at our processes here, whether they be admissions or transfers or broadening the curriculum - that's trying to be nationally competitive, not just for athletics though," Orsini said.
"It's going to appeal to more athletes than non-athletes and I don't want to lose sight of that. The trustees want this university to grow and that's why they're doing that, at least in my opinion."
Chard, like Orsini, emphasized the major isn't solely for athletes. He said other potential students could include dancers who want to own their own studio and those interested in working with senior citizens.
Chard said the school is currently developing the curriculum for the major with faculty that would teach some of the courses. Then the curriculum would be submitted to the Academic Affairs Council of the Faculty Senate. If the council signed off on it then the major needs approval from the entire Faculty Senate.
Next, the curriculum is sent to Provost Paul Ludden's office for approval by a committee appointed by him. Eventually, Ludden would sign off on the program. Final approval rests with a vote of the Board of Trustees.
"By offering another school, range in the curriculum to go, that helps broaden the attraction to student athletes," Orsni said. "And they get the education they want."
Orsini said the athletic department is talking with the provost's office and the leaders of the different colleges to keep track of possible changes to transfer hours.
"There's been progress. Is the job done yet? No," Orsini said.
The school received between $10 and $12 million from boosters to hire a new head coach. Jones is reportedly receiving $1.7 million per year, easily making him the highest paid coach in SMU history.
The creation of the new sports-fitness major is another way to try and change the results on the field; it is also a sign of a commitment from those in charge.
"That may be one sign," said athletic director Steve Orsini.
He said the facility's ability to raise and pay market value for a head coach is just one of many ways of showing a commitment.
"Looking at our processes here, whether they be admissions or transfers or broadening the curriculum - that's trying to be nationally competitive, not just for athletics though," Orsini said.
"It's going to appeal to more athletes than non-athletes and I don't want to lose sight of that. The trustees want this university to grow and that's why they're doing that, at least in my opinion."
Chard, like Orsini, emphasized the major isn't solely for athletes. He said other potential students could include dancers who want to own their own studio and those interested in working with senior citizens.
Chard said the school is currently developing the curriculum for the major with faculty that would teach some of the courses. Then the curriculum would be submitted to the Academic Affairs Council of the Faculty Senate. If the council signed off on it then the major needs approval from the entire Faculty Senate.
Next, the curriculum is sent to Provost Paul Ludden's office for approval by a committee appointed by him. Eventually, Ludden would sign off on the program. Final approval rests with a vote of the Board of Trustees.
"By offering another school, range in the curriculum to go, that helps broaden the attraction to student athletes," Orsni said. "And they get the education they want."
Orsini said the athletic department is talking with the provost's office and the leaders of the different colleges to keep track of possible changes to transfer hours.
"There's been progress. Is the job done yet? No," Orsini said.
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