I agree with Emmitt from this standpoint - we all know of the universities academic status or perceived status or whatever yardstick you choose to use. No one among us wants success in Athletics to take away from potential successes in the classrooms or research arenas. But he has two points that I strongly disagree with. 1.) That UNT should just "get it over with" and merge with the UT or TAMU system. - I feel the North Texas area is plenty large enough to have its own independent System university. In fact this area's population explosion will only CONTINUE to increase, not decrease due to affordable housing. 2.) That essentially all this effort for fund raising for a new stadium or athletic programs is somehow preventing UNT from putting funds to where it needs to be most to increase the TIER status - Professors, endowment, etc. - The bottom line (at least to me) in raising the bar on our Tier status or academic status is to show the above average student that UNT is a solid 4 year university that aspires to be big time. Yes athletics is only one way to show that but like everyone else has said - perception IS REALITY. And many of the major factors in the TIER ratings that would be improved with better athletic success involve alumni GIVING RATES which directly contribute to ENDOWMENTS, Funded scholarships, etc. Basically the key is to get the alumni to care enough to give back. Two of the biggest things done in the past and hopefully future are and will be : 1.) New college of engineering - HUGE factor to increasing donation levels and quality of applicants. 2.) New football stadium. HUGE factor to increasing alumni apathy and connection to the school.