Athletics department has no plans to create mascot
Student Government Association leaders are working to create a mascot for athletics events, but have yet to earn the support of university administrators.
Following a survey distributed by the SGA earlier last month, 574 students indicated they would be in favor of creating a school mascot.
Despite student interest, Craig Willey, senior associate athletic director of external operations, said a mascot isn't something the athletics department is willing to consider.
"We don't have a mascot, (but) we're really comfortable with our branding and position," Willey said. "There's a great responsibility that comes along with (using the Chippewa name). Our use of that name — our logos, our marks — it's all been developed over the course of many years in conjunction with our partners at the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. When we look at our brand, our position in the market place, the 'Action C' is nationally renowned."
Willey said he's not sure how much money it would cost the university to create a mascot because it's not something athletics has "really explored."
Royal Oak junior and SGA senator Kit Skoog isn't deterred by Willey's comments.
"I'm totally not shocked (the athletics department) doesn't find the importance in (creating a mascot)," Skoog said. "This isn't athletics' top priority right now, but it doesn't put a damper on (our) plans because this is a student project. I'm sure once this becomes more real, they'll give us a second glance."
She said the two most common responses to the survey were a Flying C mascot, or bringing back the Dragon — the university's nickname from 1925 to 1927.
Skoog's resolution debuted in the SGA house and senate on April 4 and was passed in both bodies, but not without contention.
Some members of the senate were hesitant on passing the mascot bill, as they were not sure if keeping the name Chippewa but not having a correlated mascot would still be considered offensive.
"There was some discussion in my committee that even though (the university) will not be using a Native American symbol or (any part of their) culture (as the mascot), we should have some discussion with the tribe as to what would or would not be offensive to them before passing (the legislation)," said SGA senator and Cheboygan junior Kait Ridings.
Involving the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe was a major point of contention in the house as well.
"Although it was not mentioned in the bill, we will be discussing this with the (Saginaw Chippewa Indian) Tribe and any (necessary CMU) administration members," said Birmingham sophomore Connor Stein, a member of the joint committee that helped to ensure the bill's creation.
Skoog assured members of the senate the bill was just a stepping-stone toward a "long process."
"This is the first step in the very long journey of a mascot," she said. "The backbone of this legislation is just to say students want a mascot. Further down the road, there will be concrete talks with athletics, the tribe and anyone (who takes part in) making the mascot."
While Willey said he'd be open to discussing the matter with Skoog and other members of the student body, he doesn't think it's likely for a mascot to be made any time soon.
"The athletics department is always open to discuss ideas with our fans, supporters and the student body to help improve our game day atmosphere," he said. "But there's many different ways to accomplish fan engagement and right now we certainly have no plans for a mascot."
