BIG EAST Conference
Sub Committee Meeting October 1, 2003

PRESENT: Kenneth Shaw, Jake Crouthamel, Syracuse University; John J. DeGioia, Joseph Lang, Georgetown; Jeffrey Fogclson, Seton Hall University; William P. Leahy, S.J., Boston College; Mark A. Nordenberg, Pittsburgh;; Robert E. Mulcahy, III Rutgers; Edmund J. Dobbin, OSA, Villanova University; Donald J. Harrington, C.M., St. John's University; Kevin O

BIG EAST Conference
Sub Committee Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2003


NOTR E DAME: Tranghese updates the group on the issue of the September 25th meeting with Notre Dame Athletic Director Kevin White and references the talking points provided to the group earlier. He explains that although Notre Dame has several issues that require discussion, they are specifically and primarily focused on the issue of future membership security and stability. Mark Nordenberg echoes Tranghese analysis adds his though on the September 15 meeting he and David Hardesty had with Notre Dame President father Malloy. Discussion focuses on the primary issue of security and how it can be achieved through a prohibitive exit penalty that would be designed to retain membership stability for the foreseeable future.

Father Leahy then speaks to the potential of a possible marriage between Boston College and the ACC. He explains that because of recent media reports -- and it his board's urging -- he must determine how genuine the ACC's reported interest in Boston College as a potential 12th member is before he is willing to commit BC to an exit penalty larger than the already agreed to $5M.

For the sake of clarity, Chancellor Shaw repeats for the group his interpretation of Father Leahy

BIG EAST Conference
Sub Committee Meeting Minutes
October I, 2003

EXPANSION CANDIDATES: Father Harrington asks for to a short executive session to discuss some pertinent issues relative to potential new members. Once the entire group reconvenes, Chancellor Shaw reports that a 1-A CEO will meet with the University of Cincinnati CEO and share the entire groups feelings relative to NCAA compliance in their basketball program. This concept is later modified and extended- Accordingly, it is eventually agreed that Michael Tranghese and a 1-A CEO will meet with the two new 1-A CEO's to discuss global conference issues and expectations- The same would be done for the non 1-A schools- Similarly, Michael and one. AD From each respective group would meet with each of the four named candidate AD's separately to discuss operational and logistical expectations. Further. Fathers Dobbin and Harrington suggest that Stan Wilcox conduct a compliance audit of the four institutions to alert the group of any potential NCAA issues.

Father Leahy adds that there is also some concern about both Louisville and Cincinnati's graduation rates. The basketball schools similarly have some concerns about the depth and breath of programs of their potential identified new members. Both groups will do due diligence on their respective candidates before actually formally committing themselves to these candidates. It is stipulated, however, that the non 1-A group is committed to adding two additional non 1-A members.

TIMEABLE: It is confirmed that the timetable established September 3rd with a formal resolve at the November 4 CEO meeting is anticipated an expected- Mark Nordenberg adds that he hopes that he and David Hardesty hope to have a new constitution available to be voted on at that meeting.

The group asks that the office prepare an outline of issues and items already agreed upon for both reference and presentation purposes to potential new members. They asked Tranghese to arrange to pre-November 4 conference call so that positions are know prior to the annual Presidential meeting

ROBINSON, LERER and MONTGOMERY PROPOSAL: Discussion ensues about the possibility of retaining the PR firm of Robinson, Lerer and Montgomery to assist the conference office. After some discussion, the group asks that Michael ascertain whether or not to hire RLM -- with or without a combination of interaction with Kevin O'Malley. If hired, Father Dobbin and Mark Nordenberg will serve as the point of contact with the office to approve releases and potential action plans

ENTRY DATE: Jake Crouthamel raised the issue of possibly accelerating the entry timeline of new members. Chancellor Shaw suggested and the group readily agreed that the only set of circumstances under which accelerated timetable would be considered would be if Conference USA specifically requested that the BIG EAST reconsider its original timeline and CUSA request that we accept their member earlier -- specifically for the 2004/05 season rather than the 2005/06 season. Jack DeGioia commented that any action that stabilizes the conference would be a positive step.

PRESS RELEASE: Attached is a copy of the approved press release that was provided to the media and membership

BIG EAST CONFERENCE
CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD

FOR IMMEDIATE REI.EASE
October 1, 2003

PROVIDENCE, RI - The BIG EAST Conference today continued the ongoing discussions about its future with a sub-committee group of representative leaders appointed for the specific purpose of recommending a course of action.

"I am very pleased to report that our group had a very productive meeting today to discuss the future of the BIG EAST Conference," stated BIG EAST Conference Commissioner Michael Tranghese who continued. "Our membership is very excited about the future of the conference."

The group expects to continue to meet over the course of the upcoming weeks and months to complete its work.

Big Fast Conference "Talking Points"

1. Membership Security (minimum seven years through '09-'10; preferably 10 years)

2. Membership Invitation(s)

3. Level of member institution engagement/commitment
a. Number of "Core" sports (required)
b. Athletic financial aid minimums
c. Other resource minimum thresholds

4. Identify number of Big East opponents Notre Dame will "consider" to play in football (on an annual basis)

a. Fixed schedule (start date)
b. Meadowlands concept
c. Selection of opponents (by Notre Dame)

5. Secondary Bowl Package
a. Cotton/Holiday
b. Gator (as well as other Big East relationships)

6. Football Officials
a. Big East
b. Michigan Issue (Big Ten)