What should be done with new funds?

[rhineaux]

_ This is so important it needs to be done with or without accessing the "new money". I honestly believe an academic center is one of the cornerstones of what is absolutely necessary to attract quality student athletes. _

Is this something that HAS to be done by the athletic department and not the university. Am I assuming correctly that it does have to be done by the ath. dept because it's something only used by athletes?

And mike, when you say "build and academic center", do you mean actually constructing a building on the camplus or ath complex, or do you mean building a program? I am not sure about this, but do the student athletes have any required time per week that they have to be in front of a tutor or something? I know that frat's make their pledges do that. But, do some of the teams have a deal where they go to a study hall or something after practice?

[Cajun Express]

_ Is this something that HAS to be done by the athletic department and not the university. Am I assuming correctly that it does have to be done by the ath. dept because it's something only used by athletes?

And mike, when you say "build and academic center", do you mean actually constructing a building on the camplus or ath complex, or do you mean building a program? I am not sure about this, but do the student athletes have any required time per week that they have to be in front of a tutor or something? I know that frat's make their pledges do that. But, do some of the teams have a deal where they go to a study hall or something after practice? _

CM and I have had this conversation often. A visible center would be best. It sends a visible positive message to mom and dad. If that is too expensive, convert a building an staff it.

R, academic commitment to the student is the most important thing to a parent. Building and staffing such a facility is a concrete evidence you are serious about making sure their children's welfare is at the top of your list.

Of course the what academically benefits the student benefits the program. If you lose fewer quality players you gain in the W & L wars. You win in the W & L wars and you gain in the recruiting wars. Yes we have a program now, but it could be so much more.

[Cajun Power]

_ Is this something that HAS to be done by the athletic department and not the university. Am I assuming correctly that it does have to be done by the ath. dept because it's something only used by athletes?

And mike, when you say "build and academic center", do you mean actually constructing a building on the camplus or ath complex, or do you mean building a program? I am not sure about this, but do the student athletes have any required time per week that they have to be in front of a tutor or something? I know that frat's make their pledges do that. But, do some of the teams have a deal where they go to a study hall or something after practice? _

I would say that it HAS to be done by the athletic department for two reasons:

1) It only directly benefits athletes, so it would be unfair to divert funds away from non-student athletes.

2) If you're waiting for the University to build such a center, you'll be waiting forever because there just isn't enough money.

I do agree that this might be one of the most important things to do, outside of upgrading certain facilities, such as baseball. By building an academic center for student athletes you not only attract recruits but also quality coaches. Also, some of my LSU-supporter friends constantly harp on 'how badly UL treats their athletes,' this being a reason they don't support UL. I think it's BS, but at the same time I really think it sends a message to potential fans that UL is also in the business of building quality students and quality graduates who are ready to make a difference in the world.

[RonMexico]

I would say that it HAS to be done by the athletic department for two reasons:

1) It only directly benefits athletes, so it would be unfair to divert funds away from non-student athletes.

2) If you're waiting for the University to build such a center, you'll be waiting forever because there just isn't enough money.

I do agree that this might be one of the most important things to do, outside of upgrading certain facilities, such as baseball. By building an academic center for student athletes you not only attract recruits but also quality coaches. Also, some of my LSU-supporter friends constantly harp on 'how badly UL treats their athletes,' this being a reason they don't support UL. I think it's BS, but at the same time I really think it sends a message to potential fans that UL is also in the business of building quality students and quality graduates who are ready to make a difference in the world.

get new friends.

[DaddyCajun]

_ Maybe just a touch of the money can go into making a Fideaux the Bull Gator mascot costume. _

That is my vote for a mascot!!!

DaddyCajun

[Turbine]

Seems like it is almost the low vote getter but for me t is a no brainer: Bring in better teams

I had origionaly proposed putting new appearance money into a kitty to be used to bring in a name school or a name football program. It could only happen every few years but it would keep getting UL noticed.

It would also help with recruiting and probably TV coverage.