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Sometime ago, we discussed the approval of a new department of education, etc. that could provide athletic frendly majors. I don't know if Copeland "anounced" it or we just assumed that this was the case based on information each one of us had access to from our friends and acquantances. But now, it seems that this is a long way from being reality, perhaps as much as ten years from now. The program will begin with a graduate program and eventially develop an undergraduate program. That is what I have been hearing, what has anyone else heard?

I read an article about it in the DMN a few weeks ago, and to me it sounded more like SMU was trying to develop a program that would have political appeal to our current president and first lady than a program that would was designed to help the athletic department. Not that there is necessarily anything wrong with that since we are trying to land the library and this could very well help us in that process if not only were we to have the library but have a program dedicated to whatever principles are behind the no child left behind act. I just don't think it is designed to be the gift the athletic program needs.

There is no light switch for creating the majors we need. That being said, all along, in the discussions of creating the School of Education and Human Dev't, there have been discussions of creating a sports management degree. It is driving the faculty nuts because they see it as worthless, but it is there. If you look at other schools that offer such a degree, it is often offered in their School of Education and Human Dev't, or equivalent. There is a plan, but it takes time to implement; profs to be hired; curriculum to be developed; the money has to be there; etc. If you look at what is in the School of Education and Human Dev't, it is mainly programs that were already available at SMU.

In othere words, "Someday."

If you want an "athlete" friendly major, look around at how many top programs are suddenly adding "sports management" as an option. Not sure what that degree means. Preparation for a life in coaching/athletic director???