The SMU Faculty Senate discussed the changes in requirements for incoming student athletes Wednesday afternoon.
To be considered for admission, an athlete must have an SAT score within 200 points of the average score from the previous year. Over the years, the average SAT score has risen from 1243 to 1268.
Provost Harold Stanley said SMU used to “look below the line” for athletic talent, but will now adhere to the academic standard.
If an applicant receives lower than 900 on his or her SAT, or a GPA lower than 2.5, he or she will be directed to the Faculty Athletics Admissions Subcommittee (FAAS). The FAAS reviews athlete applications to see if the student will be able to meet SMU’s academic standards.
The senate also discussed the financial changes the Big East could bring to SMU. Some senate members said they hoped the profit gained from the conference change would trickle down to the university.
“They are playing college football, so if they are profiting as a football team, it is only because they are a part of the college,” Associate Anthropology Professor, Carolyn Smith-Morris said.
Some members were concerned the Athletic Department would say it needed more money to compete at a higher level. They also feared money would be drawn from faculty benefits and salary accounts for athletics.
The All-University Finance Committee estimated it would cost SMU $1.5 million to leave Conference USA and $5 million to join the Big East.
No motions were passed during the meeting.
Senate also discussed different retirement plans for faculty and staff, final exam policies (professors are not required to give final exams) and a change in the drop date for classes.
The Calendar Committee requested the drop date be moved earlier in the semester. The committee felt it was too close to final exams and would encourage students to blow off classes. This change would not be implemented for another two years.
“If I am a student, I would love to drop a class after the final exam. That’s not fair game,” Senate President José Lage said.
Finally, the senate discussed Centennial Hall and future sophomore housing. Members were pleased with the success of Centennial Hall in Hughes-Trigg. During the first home game, more than 1,400 visitors explored the hall.
Regarding sophomore housing, the senate expects it to be up and running in two years.
