Here are your answers and comments
Feb. 21, 2002
Q: From RAPHAEL SALADRIGAS, WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: I HAVE AN ONGOING DISCUSSION WITH A CO-WORKER ABOUT THE GRADUATION RATES FOR THE FOOTBALL TEAM. MY CONTENTION IS WE HAVE BEEN SITED FOR ACHIEVEMENT NUMEROUS TIMES BY THE CFA. HE IS ACCESSING WEB SITES THAT SUGGEST THAT MIAMI HAS THE LOWEST GRAD RATES OF THE BIG THREE FOOTBALL SCHOOLS. WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
THANK YOU,
RAPHAEL F. SALDRIGAS
BACH.ARCHITECTURE/85
A: There are two different methods of calculating the football graduation rates. First is the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) method which does not penalize a university if a student transfers or leaves in good academic standing. The NCAA method is simply a raw score ratio (the number given scholarships divided by those that graduate). It does not accommodate good standing issues. Our AFCA rates for past years have been:
University of Miami exceeded 70 % in 1992, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 2000
Florida State exceeded 70% in 1994, 96, & 97
University of Florida exceeded 70% in 1992 & 98
Q: Tom Pettit, Wilton, Ct: Congratulations on Rose Bowl win. I graduated in 1972 and it is alot more fun watching this football team. I attend 3 or more games a year and wanted to know if there are any plans to renovate the Orange Bowl.
A: We are working with the City of Miami to determine the amount of funds available for such a project. When they have been determined we will work on the specific improvements.
Q: From Steve Brown, Hamilton, Mass: Hello Mr. Dee, My question is why do we not play Florida and Florida State in Men’s Basketball? I would think this would be good for the state and increase attendance for non conferance games?
Thank you!
A: We are working in both directions. I think within a year or two we will play either Florida or FSU.
Q: From George Muzea, Reno, Nevada: Mr. Dee,Are you planning on raising the salaries of the assistant coaches so that they are the highest paid coaches in the country. It seems that there is a direct correlation between Coker’s success and the abilities of the ast. coaches. It would be a shame to lose Chudzinski and Shannon because they are not paid enough to keep them. It also seems since Coker’s salary is less than other comparable schools, you have space to raise the assistants substantially. Thanks
A: We try to be as competitive as we can be in our salary structure. To be sure our assistant coaches have done a very good job and should be rewarded. I plan to visit with Coach Coker shortly on this matter.
Q: From Kevin C. Walford, Tallahassee, FL: I’m a long distance season ticket holder to both the Hurricanes and the Dolphins.Many of the Florida Specialty License plates have undergone revisions over the years with the notable exception of UM’s.Are there plans in the future to revise the plate, especially if we are fortunate to win our 5th Football Championship in January?Personally, I would like the green base banner to be changed to orange and have the letters/numbers in green, and for the “U” to replace the Ibis.Two reasons for this: the current plate is not distinctive (looks too much like the Miami Dolphin plate) like the other plates and that the orange paint, when used for the letter/numbers, fades quickly to white and one is left with an embarrassing looking tag (esp. up here in Seminole country).For some reason the orange paint never fades when used in other ways (like the top banner on UF’s tag).
Thanks, and if the plate is changed, please don’t put the new “Nike Ibis” on the plate. It is very unattractive.
Go Canes!
A: We’re looking at reviewing our license plate program.
Q: From richard shafron, weston, fl: Paul, Don’t you think it is about time that Jim Kelly is honored with a spot on the Ring of Champions at the Orange Bowl? Nobody is more deserving than Kelly.
Sincerely,
Dick Shafron
A: We are in the process of reviewing all candidates for the Ring of Honor. Jim Kelly certainly is among them.
