MASCOT  COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE/MINUTES

The next Mascot Committee meeting has not been scheduled.

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - June 5, 2006 [not yet available]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - May 17, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - April 5, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - March 8, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - March 1, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - February 22, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - February 8, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - January 25, 2006 [as PDF]

Mascot Committee Meeting Minutes - January 4, 2006 [as PDF]

MASCOT  NAMING PROCESS

The decision-making process involving the ULM mascot, nickname and identity is a transparent process involving ULM students, alumni, faculty, staff and the communities which ULM serves. During this time, this web site will be updated with progress and recommendations from the Mascot Committee.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2006 the Mascot Committee unanimously voted to recommend to ULM President James Cofer to enter a process to change the University’s mascot

On Monday, January 30, 2006 University of Louisiana at Monroe President Dr. James Cofer announced he is accepting the recommendation of the University Mascot Committee to change the university’s mascot and charged the committee to establish a process to guide development of a new university marketing identity.  Components of the identity will include the nickname for athletic teams, mascot image and word marks, a sideline mascot costume and other mascot-related issues.  An expanded Mascot Committee, chaired by George Luffey, will coordinate the process.

The basic responsibilities of the committee going forward are as follows:

1. Select and identify the role of an outside consultant in the development process.
2. Coordinate the effort to solicit from individuals and established ULM constituents nominations for mascot naming consideration.
3. Develop a plan to adapt the new identity to other areas of the University for marketing, branding, merchandising and cultural identity.

As was the case with the initial charge, this effort will be open to input from all of the ULM constituencies.  The process for the mascot selection will include:

1. A “call for nominations” from all university constituencies in which mascots are suggested and reasoning for support are provided.
2. A “narrowing” of proposed names to a revised list of 10 to 20 semi-finalists by the mascot committee.
3. A further “narrowing” of proposed names to a revised list of 3 to 4 finalists for consideration by all constituents.  To facilitate ULM ’s mascot design process, a consulting firm will prepare symbols, logo concepts, and other graphic images for each of the finalists for review through forums and website display.           
4. Presentation of 3 to 4 finalists with associated logo, marks and mascot associated imagery to all ULM constituencies for a vote. 
5. Selection by Mascot Committee in conjunction with the President of the University of a New Mascot.

The committee will attempt to complete its work by June 1, 2006.  Until the end of the spring semester, the university’s athletic teams will continue to be known as the ULM Indians.

A student forum to discuss the mascot issue was held Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at 8:00 PM in the Nursing Auditorium. This forum was open to all ULM students.

A staff forum to discuss the mascot issue was held Monday, January 23, 2006 at 2:00 PM in Biedenharn Recital Hall. This forum was open to all ULM staff and faculty.

A faculty forum to discuss the mascot issue was held Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 1:00 PM in the Airway Science Building (AIRW), Room 134. This forum was open to all ULM faculty.

A RSO (Recognized Student Organizations) forum to discuss the mascot issue (as part of a larger agenda for RSOs) was held Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 4:00 PM in Stubbs Hall (STBS), Room 100. This meeting was for RSO officers and advisors only.