Academics Factor in UMD Big Ten Decision

Joining the Big Ten Conference was not only an athletic decision, but also an academic one, according to University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh.

By becoming part of the Big Ten, the university will be part of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, a consortium of universities that share academic resources and research.

The financial gains from joining the Big Ten will be used to earmark substantial funds for students in need, not just student athletes, according to Loh.

This marks a new financial paradigm for intercollegiate athletics where the athletics help support university, Loh said.

"That's paramount in these tight times," he said.

The money will also make sure Maryland is competitive not only in the Big Ten, but nationally.

CIC Member Universities:

• University of Chicago
• University of Illinois
• Indiana University
• University of Iowa
• University of Michigan
• Michigan State University
• University of Minnesota
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Northwestern University
• Ohio State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Purdue University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison