The Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA) held its annual Fall Forum in Tampa, Florida, November 9-11 and focused on issues with academic implications and related to student-athlete welfare.

There also were sessions on the amateurism proposals currently under review in Divisions I, II and III, on academic fraud and on homophobia in intercollegiate athletics.

"The conference also gave FARs a chance to take time out from a busy schedule of teaching and research to review where we are and where we would like to be in regard to our roles as faculty athletics representatives," said University of Michigan Faculty Athletics Representative Percy Bates.

"This year's meeting was well attended and included both new and old FARs, an aspect of the meeting that serves incoming FARs very well. We are told that this is their first opportunity to find out what is expected of them and just what they are supposed to do, so the general orientation at the Fall Forum looked at the commonalities among their roles," Bates said.

Although there are many commonalities, Bates said, the roles of FARs differ on each campus and in each conference, and many of those differences fall out by division. Hence, there were division-specific discussions and activities regarding the work of the Divisions I, II and III Management Councils; the issue of nontraditional seasons, which has been particularly contentious in Division III; and the academic impact of spring sports.

The Forum also included presentations from various NCAA staff members, including an update on litigation from NCAA General Counsel Elsa Cole and a report on the state of the NCAA from Senior Vice-President Dan Boggan.

In addition, student-athletes made presentations on how their lives are affected by the decisions FARs make.

"There's no question that all in attendance believe the Forum provides a worthwhile opportunity to discuss issues head-on," Bates said. "We hope to see more colleagues at next year's event."