The saga continues...
The Ann Arbor News four part investigative series into the academic practices of the Michigan Athletic Department concluded with the following articles:
Day Three
- U-M's "safe harbor" is general studies
- M Hockey player Eric Werner just short of graduating
- General studies uncommon at M's "peer" universities
- Football responsibilities overrode Pierre Woods' other aspirations
Day Four
- Counselors push narrow academic path
- Graduation eludes ex-lineman Gabe Watson
- No standard model for academic support
- M Academic Success Program co-Director Shari Acho
After reading the four days worth of articles regarding the results of the seven month long investigation into the academic policies of the Michigan Athletic Department, I have concluded that Michigan is doing things the right way. If this is the worst that turns up when Michigan is put under the microscope then Michigan has a lot of which it can be proud. Keep in mind that the Ann Arbor News investigative story only presented one viewpoint. For a different perspective on academic issues at the Athletic Department, refer to my post of this time last year (Michigan achieves on and off the field: 3/3/07). Also, contrast the situations of Pierre Woods, Gabe Watson, and Brent Petway (all as featured in the AA News series) with the experience of football and academic All-American Dr. Stefan Humphries who was co-Captain of the 1983 Wolverine football team. (see June 4, 1984 Sports Illustrated article: "He came out picture perfect"-part I, part II, part III, part IV, part V; orig. SI article). Dr. Humphries managed his time at Michigan and was able to obtain an education, go on to a successful NFL career, then go on to become a doctor. It is more about the individual taking advantage of the opportunity than the opportunity not being available for the individual (yes, I'm looking at you Gabe Watson). Go Blue!
Labels: Academics, Shari Acho
posted by mzgoblue @ 11:20 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
wow, that series really kinda fizzled, didn't it? somehow, i was expecting more. of what, i'm not sure, but i feel like i'm left hanging. not that there's anything wrong with that in this case, but i'm just saying....
That series sounded to me like it was done by social misfits in school who were jealous of the "jocks" for being popular and actually getting laid once in awhile. They should have called it "Revenge of the Nerds: Part 10."
I posted a mock-heroic satire reply in the comments section of the A2Snooze taking them to task for the series being so one-sided and not taking into consideration those who had majored in medicine or aeronautic engineering, for example, or those who had become successful businessmen, coaches, or teachers. I was very happy to see a similar opinion on this blog.
The worst part of this whole debacle was listening to Carty talk about how "objective" the piece was on the radio. I know it's a no-no to say something like "my boss told me to do it so I did and I'm not allowed to criticize him or the work," but he could have at least admitted that the piece was a one-sided POS.
Inexplicably, the New York Times picked up the first installment of the series. More telling, though, they didn't pick up the rest of it. So much for delusions of grandeur; we won't be seeing Carty or Heuser working for the Times anytime soon. I hear that the National Enquirer offices down here in Florida are interested in all concerned, though.
Maybe this will inspire someone in Columbus to do the same thing. I have a feeling the results would be a lot different than they were in Ann Arbor. Despite the series being a crock and a waste of time, people did read it. I wonder if Booth Newspapers or whatever they are called now have a paper in Columbus?
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