This is an e-mail sent out by Prez Barker today. This is all I wanted, an explanation. This should be great fodder for dumbass remarks that are to be made by the TNetters.
Dear Clemson:
In recent weeks I have learned that the words "One Clemson" are easy to say
but harder to live. However, any success we've had as an institution is the
result of operating as a unified institution. That does not mean everyone
at Clemson thinks the same and never disagrees. In fact, a great university
is one that welcomes a free exchange of ideas, encourages debate and is not
afraid of change. Such exchanges are healthy and productive. However, we
are in danger of becoming deeply divided because of questions and
misperceptions about our process for admitting student-athletes. To have a
healthy discussion, we must all have the same facts and discuss them in an
atmosphere of respect and courtesy.
Let's start with facts about our general admissions process. Nearly 14,000
students applied to attend Clemson this fall, and about half of them will
be turned down because of objective criteria such as grades, class rank and
test scores. Some of those who are denied will appeal the decision, which
means they will appear before a board of faculty and admissions officers
who will consider each student on a case-by-case basis. It is by nature a
subjective process that offers a second chance.
By NCAA regulations, our process for admitting student-athletes is similar.
Those who do not meet objective criteria are sent to an appeals board
comprising faculty, admissions officers and Vickery Hall staff. They
consider each appeal on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of determining
whether or not an individual can be successful at Clemson. The committee's
purpose is to identify reasons to admit, not deny. If they do deny
admission, the decision can be appealed to the Provost by the Athletic
Director. Because the process is subjective, it is not infallible. At times
we admit a student who does not qualify under NCAA guidelines, and at times
we deny a student who goes on to be successful at another institution.
There is evidence that our system works well. We are bringing outstanding
recruits to Clemson, and our graduation success rate (a new NCAA mandate)
is among the nation's highest. There is also evidence that the process may
need to be evaluated and revised. The bottom line is that our process is
not perfect, but it also is not a barrier to competitiveness as some have
suggested.
Any administrative process can usually be improved through thoughtful
analysis and review. Few are improved through hasty changes made in anger
or in response to criticism. I will commit that Clemson will conduct a
thorough review of its process, with full involvement of faculty,
admissions officials and athletics staff. Ultimately we may decide to keep
the process we have, make minor modifications, tighten standards further,
or create an entirely new system. My only directive will be that we have a
process that maintains academic integrity while not putting Clemson at a
competitive disadvantage. This is not a competition between academics and
athletics: it's between Clemson and all the institutions who are recruiting
the same students.
One of the hallmarks of Clemson is its competitive spirit. We love to win,
and we have chosen to compete at the championship level. We know that we
cannot be successful unless we are able to recruit, retain and graduate
talented student-athletes. But we also insist on winning with integrity,
and we have proven that we can do both.
Sincerely,
James F. Barker, FAIA
President
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