UWG News Item
Contact: UWG Public Relations Office
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
Mascot Online Poll
September 16, 2005
CARROLLTON, GA - The Athletics Marketing Identity Task Force has issued a revised list of 12 mascot semifinalists for consideration for the new nickname for the University of West Georgia athletics teams. The proposed mascots are Bears, Coyotes, Dragons, Firebirds, Mustangs, Patriots, Power, RedHawks, The Brave, Thunderbirds, Tornadoes, and Wolves.
The Task Force’s next goal is to narrow the list to five finalists for consideration by the university community — students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of UWG. An online poll has been created and can be completed by visiting the website at http://mascot.westga.edu.
Dr. Tara Singer, chair of the Task Force, pointed out that “The Brave” is a proposed nickname and noted that university officials recently requested a clarification from the NCAA on whether either the nickname “The Brave” or “Braves” without associated Native American imagery would trigger the recently adopted NCAA policy prohibiting the display of Native American mascots at NCAA championships.
Bernard Franklin, NCAA senior vice-president for governance and membership, responded that the use of the term “The Brave” as an adjective or noun or in conjunction with patriotic symbols with no verbal or visual reference to Native Americans is appropriate and would not fall within the parameters of the policy.
“The committee, however, is uncomfortable with the term ‘Braves’ given its virtually exclusive connection to male Native Americans,” Franklin stated.
Franklin explained that while the term “The Brave” may connote an image of patriotism, valor and courage, the plural use of this term has traditionally invoked Native American meanings and imagery.
“As such, the use of the nickname ‘The Braves,’ despite the absences of specific imagery, would be construed as a stereotypical reference to Native Americans,” Franklin ruled.
Singer encourages anyone who wants to participate in the polling to do so.
In order to complete the poll, participants must have a registration ticket number. Alumni, faculty, staff, donors and many friends of the university have been mailed red postcard that will provide a unique registration ticket number that will allow an individual to submit their preferences. Students will use their student identification number as their ticket number. The use of ticket numbers is intended to prevent electronic ballot box stuffing.
“If you don't receive a postcard by September 30th, please email Victoria Gunther (vgunther@westga.edu) or phone 678-839-6447 and request a ticket number,” Singer said.
In addition to the poll, the website provides a brief description of each potential mascot and how the nicknames could affect the look and names of stadiums, transit systems and food courts. Symbols, logos and other graphic images are not yet included but will be developed for the five finalists.
United States colleges and universities that use the same mascots are also listed to provide a different perspective and point of reference.
Singer noted that a frequently asked question concerns the results of the first public poll.
“Unfortunately, no clear direction in favor of one or more proposed mascot was provided,” she noted. “Thus, we agreed to re-examine the original 110 nicknames submitted to determine if there are additional choices which might capture the imagination of UWG supporters.”
The online poll will remain active until October 22.
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