Al Fivizzani, a biology professor, said the University Senate's resolution was not about the NCAA opposition, but about a national accrediting commission report that suggested UND's nickname and logo ``weaken its performance and impede its full development.''
``We, as a body, want to let them (the state board) know that our accrediting body thinks this is something that makes us a poorer institution,'' Fivizzani said.
Mike Nowacki, a student and Senate member, said the accrediting commission did not ask for feedback from students. He said that the nickname and logo has not been a huge distraction for him.
``The primary place that we see it interfering with our learning is in a setting like this, where staff and faculty are talking about it,'' he said.
``That's because it's not an issue for you,'' responded Birgit Hans, chairwoman of UND's Indian Studies Department. She said it's a different story for American Indian students on campus.
Hans also took issue with Kupchella's recent meetings with tribes.
``I find it objectionable to be talking to the tribes ... and that we've started talking to them about what can come out of this for them at a time when we are under fire from the NCAA,'' Hans said.
Kupchella said that UND has maintained relationships with regional tribes for decades.
— Associated Press
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