April 19, 1999 - Faculty states that athletic programs should be integrated into the University governance structure and not perceived as an independent function of the University. It was decided that all academic matters related to student athletes should be implemented in accordance with academic policies. Recommendations were made.
The Faculty members voted 14-13 to send a statement to President Faulkner expressing concerns about athletics programs. The faculty asked for involvement in decisions about sports programs including athletic construction projects. The faculty was concerned with the over-emphasis of sports at U.T. and that there was a widespread perception that Texas was directing resources to frills rather than for educational purposes. It was brought to the attention of the faculty that female athletes had an all-time high-grade point average, but male athletes were academically challenged with a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. 13% of males vs. 2.23 females were on academic probation.