In October 2005, the Catawba College Board of Trustees authorized an official appeal to the NCAA with regard to the limitations they had placed on our continued use of the Catawba Indians as the nickname for our athletic programs. In follow-up to our appeal, we have had two conversations with Dr. Bernard Franklin who chairs the NCAA committee responsible for reviewing appeals. We also arranged for Chief Gilbert Blue of the Catawba Indian Nation to speak directly with Dr. Franklin.

We were then notified that the February 1 date for the enforcement of their previous rulings had been suspended for all schools who were in the appeals process. We were later informed that decisions on our appeal would not be made until April 2006. This delay was to allow the NCAA Appeals Committee to meet with the Executive Committee of the NCAA to review their earlier rulings on these matters. Our understanding is that the NCAA is proceeding carefully to assure consistency in their response to the appeals.

We should hear from the NCAA with a decision on our appeal sometime in April. Until that time, we continue to use the Catawba Indians nickname for all of our athletic teams and hope that the NCAA will rule favorably upon our appeal to continue that usage.

We will inform alumni and friends of the decision when we receive it and any subsequent actions that may need to follow. Thank you for your continued support and interest in the athletic programs of Catawba College.

In October 2005, the Catawba College Board of Trustees authorized an official appeal to the NCAA with regard to the limitations they had placed on our continued use of the Catawba Indians as the nickname for our athletic programs. In follow-up to our appeal, we have had two conversations with Dr. Bernard Franklin who chairs the NCAA committee responsible for reviewing appeals. We also arranged for Chief Gilbert Blue of the Catawba Indian Nation to speak directly with Dr. Franklin.

We were then notified that the February 1 date for the enforcement of their previous rulings had been suspended for all schools who were in the appeals process. We were later informed that decisions on our appeal would not be made until April 2006. This delay was to allow the NCAA Appeals Committee to meet with the Executive Committee of the NCAA to review their earlier rulings on these matters. Our understanding is that the NCAA is proceeding carefully to assure consistency in their response to the appeals.

We should hear from the NCAA with a decision on our appeal sometime in April. Until that time, we continue to use the Catawba Indians nickname for all of our athletic teams and hope that the NCAA will rule favorably upon our appeal to continue that usage.

We will inform alumni and friends of the decision when we receive it and any subsequent actions that may need to follow. Thank you for your continued support and interest in the athletic programs of Catawba College.