January 25, 1996 Vol. 25 No. 19

University makes all-around gains
from inclusion in Big Ten

In athletics, universities improve through competition with strong opponents. In academics, they improve through collaboration with quality colleagues. With the Big Ten and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), the Big Ten's academic arm, Penn State has the best of both worlds.

"The Big Ten and the CIC represent a group of educational institutions that have a strong desire to be the best and work together in athletics and academics," John Brighton, executive vice president and provost, told the Board of Trustees Jan. 19.

"Without reservation, I can say that our joining the CIC has been the best thing to happen to Penn State during my many years with this institution. And I'm confident that this alliance will continue to be a tremendous benefit to Penn State for many years to come."

The Big Ten is the only athletic conference with an academic counterpart, and collectively it has by far the highest academic reputation of all the major athletic conferences.

Dr. Brighton highlighted the educational benefits the CIC affiliation brings to Penn State and also took time to speak proudly of Penn State's outstanding athletic teams. The most important benefit of the affiliation is the "greater opportunities to improve the way we do our work -- from teaching students to managing our finances. The University's energy and vigor has increased across the board as a result of our interaction with the CIC."

Among the educational and academic benefits he cited are:

-- Sharing the latest ideas in teaching, research and program curricula.

-- Designing and implementing collaborative programs in areas such as library resource exchanges, technology in the classroom and study abroad.

-- Keeping informed and working together to influence federal legislation affecting higher education.

-- Participating in the Academic Leadership Program, which develops leadership and managerial skills in faculty and staff members who have demonstrated exceptional ability and administrative promise.

Dr. Brighton said he believes the completion of the Bryce Jordan Center would not have happened as quickly as it did without Penn State joining the Big Ten.

"It was a great experience to be 11 and 0 and playing the first basketball game in this arena last week," he said. "The Jordan Center joins a group of outstanding athletic facilities belonging to the institutions of the Big Ten. These universities also have well-run and highly competitive programs that stress the importance of academics."


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This page was created by Annemarie Mountz.
Last updated Jan. 24, 1996.