Division I Sports

Name of Concept: School Spirit and Alumni Enhancement Through Division I Sports

Overview:

Move at least woman's hockey and woman's basketball to D1; and at least men's basketball to D1 to round out the wonder of the "college experience" for students, provide an RIT campus-wide unity--and create loyalty among the alumni.  Other sports that create excitement across the campus should also be D1.  To facilitate these ventures two new state-of-the-art athletic facilities must be constructed. [Side bar: Even now the hockey rink is simply woefully inadequate!] Football is exciting for students, but very expensive.

How this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise:

RIT's move to to D1 hockey provides a foundational experience that can be amplified to other D1 sports.

Main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea:

Alumni Association

How you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an important or emerging field:

Whether "academicians" like it or not there is an actual and a perceived real value to visible intercollegiate sports.  Competing in national and international athletic events creates visibility, which creates interest, which create stature. 

A major purpose of the college experience is the creation of a whole person who is ready and able to assume the responsibilities associated with a democratic society. Sports is part of that equation.

Why you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate itself through this idea:

Unique means one of a kind.  I'm not sure RIT truly wants to be unique.  There are some great benefits to possessing commonalities with other institutions of higher learning.  Sports is one venue for a meaningful, purposive alignment with other universities.  Let our unique qualities derive and rise from the other important connective bonds with our fellow members of the academy.