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#Mizzou reacts to allegations of academic violations

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A former tutor for Mizzou athletics, Yolanda Kumar, has self-reported herself of wrong-doing in what she called “academic dishonesty,” in a post on her private Facebook account Tuesday afternoon.

“I have knowingly participated in academic dishonesty in my position as a tutor at the University of Missouri-Columbia Intercollegiate Athletic department, which is not limited to assistance with assignments. I have taken and assisted with entrance assessment, completed entire courses, and I been present to provide assistance with online assessments. It was encouraged, promoted, and supported by at least two Academic Coordinators for athletes in revenue generating sports, however, the wide spread desperation to succeed by other student-athletes at the bottom of an inverted pyramid of the organization’s construct cross (sic) multiple sports. I self-reported on November 2 and naively wanted to close the door on the manner after seeking counsel. I immediately resigned from my position on November 7 prior to meeting with a member for compliance, general counsel, and an individual that reports to the chancellor.

“You are able to see this post because I respect and honor your thoughts of me. I wanted you to hear it from me first. I apologize for disappointing you.

“I just can’t carry this burden anymore.”

From Kumar’s response, she is clear to point out, “revenue generating sports,” which are football and men’s basketball.

The news from Mizzou came out the same day when Notre Dame football was forced to vacate wins and pay a fine after an athletic training for the team was completing assignments and classes.

While the facts of the case at Missouri are still left to be determined, the penalty could be strong and harsh if it is proven that Kumar was pressured or forced by members within the athletic department to help.

STATEMENT FROM MIZZOU ATHLETICS

The University of Missouri has received allegations of potential academic rules violations by a former tutor in the Athletics Academic Services area.  Consistent with our commitment to rules compliance and to operating our athletics program with integrity, we are conducting a review of the allegations.  We also have informed the NCAA who is working with us on this matter.  To protect the integrity of the review process, we will not comment further at this time.

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JIM STERK

“While we recognize that there will be many questions regarding this situation, these investigations take time to ensure that we do it the right way.  As always, our mission is to uphold the highest standard of academic performance and ensure the proper conduct with all of our programs.”

Curators approve Sterk for #Mizzou AD job

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Jim Sterk

Jim Sterk

During a closed door meeting on Tuesday evening, the University of Missouri Board of Curators approved the hiring and contract of Jim Sterk to become the next Athletic Director for Mizzou Athletics.

“My passion is building upon the successes of good athletic programs and helping to make them great,” Sterk said in a statement on MUTigers.com. “Whether it is guiding and mentoring student-athletes, working with coaches to ensure they have the resources they need or cheering with the fans, I realize that athletics is one of the most visible programs at a university. Mizzou’s recent entry into the SEC makes it highly visible, and I am excited about the opportunity to help continue to lead it on the national stage.”

Sterk will receive a seven-year contract and will be paid a base and guaranteed salary of $700,000 that will officially start on or before Sept. 1.

Sterk will be introduced on Thursday morning at 11 a.m.

Missourinet will provide live updates via Periscope on Twitter @Missourisports

Jon Sundvold’s first sit down interview since his selection for the University of Missouri Systems’ Board of Curators (PODCAST)

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Jon Sundvold said he feels "zero" pressure (photo/mogolf.org)

Jon Sundvold (photo/mogolf.org)

I met up with Jon at the Ken Lanning Golf Center in Jefferson City, the day after Governor Jay Nixon made his announcement that Sundvold had accepted one of the three open positions on the University of Missouri’s Board of Curators .

Sundvold is someone who is tied to the Columbia campus in many ways. He was a star basketball player under Norm Stewart.  His family,  including his wife and sons,  has attended the school.  He provides color commentary on television broadcasts during the basketball season.

Nixon appointed three new curators to fill the gap from six to nine.  Sundvold and the others do not need Senate approval, but are guaranteed no more than six months.  When a new governor is sworn into office, that could all change, but Sundvold is “0% nervous.”  He understands what his role will be from now until January.  He told me the number one priority for the next six months is to find a president that has a clear vision for the future.

Not only is Sundvold coming in with no pressure, but also 0% of a political agenda.     If January rolls around and the new governor goes in a different direction, Sundvold will go back to running his own business, continue as Director for the Junior Golf Foundation and continue broadcasting basketball games. He’s at peace with whatever the future brings.

Sundvold has had a bird’s eye view of the happenings on the Columbia campus, not just as an alum, but from the perspective of his children who lived on the campus.  As I mention to him, his hands are clean.  He sat back and observed and held judgment to himself, until now.

Sundvold’s greatest asset may be the fact that he brings with him nine years of experience in the NBA, where people work together as a team.  As you listen, you’ll understand what he learned in his time as a pro basketball player will serve him well as a curator.

Enjoy!

Former Mizzou, NBA star Sundvold, two others appointed as University of Missouri Board of Curators

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Jon Sundvold while working television for a Mizzou basketball broadcast

Jon Sundvold while working television for a Mizzou basketball broadcast

Gov. Jay Nixon appointed three members of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, including former basketball star Jon Sundvold.

He was an All-American basketball player for the University of Missouri from 1979 to 1983, Sundvold is a member of the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame and was honored by the MU Alumni Association as an outstanding alumnus in 2009. After playing in the NBA for nine years, he became a college basketball analyst for ESPN and CBS and is currently a color analyst on the SEC Network for Tiger games.

Sundvold is also president of the Missouri Junior Golf Foundation which recently opened a nine-hole course in Jefferson City designed specifically to meet the needs of children and individuals with disabilities.

“It is vitally important that the University of Missouri System has the leadership it needs to continue to be an internationally-recognized model of academic excellence,” Gov. Nixon said. “I appreciate this immensely qualified and diverse group of leaders for stepping up at this critical time to serve this institution, its students and our state. With a full complement of members, the Board of Curators is well-positioned to complete the task of selecting the next system President in the next few months.”

Governor Nixon also appointed:

[Read more…]

University of Missouri fires professor Melissa Click

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MU Assistant Professor Melissa Click seemed to be instructing students and protesters to block reporters attempting to access protesters’ campsite on public ground. (photo from video by Mark Schierbecker)

MU Assistant Professor Melissa Click seemed to be instructing students and protesters to block reporters attempting to access protesters’ campsite on public ground. (photo from video by Mark Schierbecker)

The University of Missouri has fired Melissa Click, the assistant professor shown on video threatening a student journalist in November, and cursing at a police officer during the Homecoming parade.

Board of Curator’s letter of dismissal to Click

University of Missouri System Interim President Hank Foley and Board of Curators Chair Pam Henrickson made the announcement that Click, an Assistant Professor of Communication, had been terminated after a vote from the board of curators.  The announcement came Thursday afternoon during a media teleconference and was based on an investigation initiated after Columbia City prosecutor Steve Richey charged Click with assault and battery in the campus incidents.

“It was the action of the prosecutor that stimulated the request for the investigation,” Henrickson said.

Read the investigative report to the board and Click’s formal response .

Henrickson told reporters today, “I can’t say there was much on Dr. Click’s behalf that was compelling.”

 

 

Concerned Student 1950 re-issues demands to the University of Missouri

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Concerned Student 1950, led by University of Missouri graduate student Jonathan Butler, second from right, speaks following the announcement that University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe would resign. (file photo)

Concerned Student 1950, led by University of Missouri graduate student Jonathan Butler, second from right, speaks following the announcement that University of Missouri System President Tim Wolfe would resign. (file photo)

Concerned Student 1950 released revised demands with further information for the University of Missouri on Wednesday, in an effort to promote their stance for the “advancement for Blacks on campus.”

The revised demands are three-through-eight of their original list which was released in late 2015 following protests on the UM-Columbia campus which led to the resignation of University of Missouri System President, Tim Wolfe.

In a statement released through the group’s Twitter account, they made it clear that these demands are not requests and they must be met.  The group set deadlines mostly falling in the range from March 2016-August 2016.

Below is a transcript of Concerned Student 1950’s demands:

[Read more…]

University of Missouri Police have apprehended and identified suspect who posted threats to campus on social media (UPDATE at 8:35 a.m)

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Hunter M. Park (photo/Boone County jail)

Hunter M. Park (photo/Boone County jail)

University of Missouri Police have apprehended the suspect who posted threats to the campus on YikYak and other social media. The suspect is in MUPD custody and was not located on or near the MU campus at the time of the threat.

Police arrested a man in Rolla early Wednesday identified the suspect as 19-year old Hunter M. Park.

Park was arrested in Rolla at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday. He was brought to Columbia and booked on suspicion of making a terrorist threat.  Park’s hometown, listed on the Boone County Sheriff’s website, is Lake St. Louis.

He was transported from Rolla to Columbia where he was arrested and charged with making a terrorist threat. He’s being held at the Boone County Jail on a $4,500 bond.  Park is a student at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, according to the school’s online directory.

MU Police press release

One of those threats that first appeared on said: “Some of you are alright. Don’t go to campus tomorrow.”

The threats came after a day after University system President Timothy Wolfe resigned and Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced he was stepping down from his position.

Gary Pinkel and coaching staff standing behind boycotting players

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Gary Pinkel poses for a picture with coaches and members of his Missouri Football team (photo/Twitter @GaryPinkel)

Gary Pinkel poses for a picture with coaches and members of his Missouri Football team (photo/Twitter @GaryPinkel)

Gary Pinkel, along with his assistant coaches, posed with players of the Missouri football team as Pinkel tweeted a photo this morning.

“The Mizzou Family stands as one. We are united. We are behind our players.”

This is the first public response from Coach Pinkel after black football players at the University of Missouri banded together vowing to not participate in any practices or games until University of Missouri System president Tim Wolfe resigns or is terminated.

University of Missouri president Tim Wolfe not resigning…vows open dialogue

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University of Missouri president Tim Wolfe

University of Missouri president Tim Wolfe

Statement released by University of Missouri president Tim Wolfe.

It is clear to all of us that change is needed, and we appreciate the thoughtfulness and passion which have gone into the sharing of concerns. My administration has been meeting around the clock and has been doing a tremendous amount of reflection on how to address these complex matters.

Clearly, we are open to listening to all sides, and are confident that we can come together to improve the student experience on our campuses. We want to find the best way to get everyone around the table and create the safe space for a meaningful conversation that promotes change. We will share next steps as soon as they are confirmed.

In conjunction with campus representatives, the university began work on a systemwide diversity and inclusion strategy, plan and metrics for the University of Missouri System as part of my strategic goals (see 1.4.i of the System Strategic Plan) as approved by the Board of Curators in summer 2015.

Our due date for announcing the strategy was April 2016, having allowed for multiple stakeholders (e.g., faculty, staff, students, consultants) across the system to provide input into the plan.

The majority of items listed on the Concerned Student 1950 List of Demands were already included in the draft of the strategy.  While the student list provides more detail and more specific metrics than had been established in the UM System plan, we had anticipated providing specificity and detail to the plan over the coming months.

In the meantime, I am dedicated to ongoing dialogue to address these very complex, societal issues as they affect our campus community.