To the Editor:

I am writing in response to numerous concerns that Binghamton University's academic standards will falter because of the move to Division I. As a student-athlete, I have been exposed to all the misconceptions the student body and alumni have expressed about the reasons behind the move, as well as the athletic department and the athletes who are involved in the program.

Binghamton University is well known for its challenging academic programs and maintains the reputation of being the public alternative to the Ivy League experience. The move to Division I has not tainted this in any manner; in fact, it has helped to promote awareness of the University.

Being a Division I school enables the University to compete at a national level, which generates more publicity and sparks people's interest to find out where the school is located, what its reputation is and more. Last year, 18,000 people applied to Binghamton University, the highest number yet. The average SAT score for this incoming academic class was 1236 -- 200 points above the national average.

The University's athletes were awarded the 2001-02 America East Academic Cup for posting the highest grade-point average in the America East Conference. Bearcat athletes maintained a 3.05 GPA in the school's first year of Division I and first year of membership in America East.

Most people are unaware of the rules and expectations that come with being a Binghamton athlete. Mandatory practices, held six days a week, involve weight training, cardiovascular training and skill-and-agility training. Athletes are required to follow the rules set by the NCAA and the University's athletic department. Certain rules restrict athletes from consuming any alcohol 48 hours prior to a competition. Athletes are also subject to random drug tests, administered by both the NCAA and the athletic department. Violation of these rules calls for immediate suspension from the program; each individual's case is reviewed by the athletic department. Student-athletes are expected to maintain a set GPA and to attend mandatory study hall sessions.

Since the move to Division I and entrance into the America East Conference, BU athletes are required to spend more time traveling. Conference games take place on weekends, and in many cases, a team leaves on Friday afternoon and returns very late Sunday night. The popular belief that athletes are given special privileges because of this travel requirement is untrue. Professors are understanding, but they require athletes to complete the work that is assigned for the class, just as they do any other student.

I hope this letter will help people see the move to Division I has not been -- and will not be -- the downfall of Binghamton University. I understand that some people will not change their opinion on this issue, but by writing this letter I hope to give some insight into the conduct of the athletic department and the student-athletes who are being recruited for the program.

-- Jennifer Richardson '03
Member of the Women's Softball Team, 1999-2003