Charge to the Committee

To:       Members of the Athletics Review Committee

From:    Richard L. McCormick

Subject:  Charge to the Committee

Intercollegiate athletic competition is highly important to Rutgers today and is an integral part of our mission.  Thus, it is important to take account of the recent events and reports that have raised questions about the Athletics Program at Rutgers-New Brunswick. In the spirit of transparency and to ensure our adherence to sound business practices, I am asking you to undertake a review of, and to probe deeply, all the issues that arise in the course of this examination.  The administration of the University, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, and all other offices and units at Rutgers will be instructed to cooperate fully and promptly with your requests for information and documentation.  You will also be provided any and all information that may become available from other sources.  My office will ensure the provision of staff support for your work.

The findings and conclusions of your review should be expressed in a complete and candid report on issues including, but not necessarily confined to:

• the transparency of transactions and information, 
• contracts and relationships with sports marketing firms, and
• the internal control environment within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Where you find processes and practices that should be improved, you should call attention to them in your report and recommendations. I would like to receive your report by early fall, at which time I will share your findings with the Board of Governors, my Cabinet, the University community, and the larger public. I intend to take the results of your work seriously and to take appropriate action in response to your report.

Thank you for taking on this important review.