To the editor:

The recent article in the Journal-World concerning Kansas University’s graduation and retention rates compared those rates with other Big 12 schools. What I can never understand is why other Big 12 schools are used as a meaningful yardstick in anything other than athletics. As the recent shenanigans with conference realignments underscores, college athletic directors are primarily concerned with what alternative would bring the most revenue to their programs. When Colorado and Nebraska depart the Big 12, does this mean they will no longer be considered schools with which to compare KU for academic excellence?

I have no idea if the constant comparisons with other Big 12 schools originates on Mount Oread or at the Journal-World, but if KU really aspires to be recognized for top tier academics, the comparisons should be with U.S. universities in general and with public universities in particular. Comparisons with Big 12 schools on anything other than the playing fields or courts are meaningless.