Dear Campus Community:

I am writing to update you on recent activity related to the Sioux nickname and logo.  It is clear after Tuesday’s ruling by the North Dakota Supreme Court that the University of North Dakota and our athletic program will continue to use our current nickname and logo — and to comply with NCAA sanctions — until June 12, when North Dakotans will have the opportunity to vote on the issue.

NCAA sanctions will continue to be challenging for the University.  In addition to restricting how we participate in post-season athletic competition, the sanctions also compromise UND’s athletic recruiting and scheduling, and UND’s overall relationship with other collegiate athletic programs.  Furthermore, I am aware that many students, faculty and staff are concerned that the ongoing lack of resolution to the name and logo issue creates frustration and challenges for morale across the campus.

I believe that it is important that residents of North Dakota are informed about the question to be voted on June 12.  The current status of the issue continues to create uncertainty for the University.  Nevertheless, we remain committed to advancing the full role of the University in the state.  We will continue to provide the highest level of education for all of our students, in keeping with the expectations of the people of North Dakota, who have invested for 130 years in their exceptional university.

Best wishes,

Robert O. Kelley

President