UNC Statement Wednesday, January 8, 2014 University statement on CNN report A Jan. 7 CNN story quoted a source who claimed that a former UNC basketball player was unable to read or write. We do not believe that claim and find it patently unfair to the many student-athletes who have worked hard in the classroom and on the court and represented our University with distinction. Our students have earned their place at Carolina and we respect what they bring to the University both academically and athletically. University officials can’t comment on the other statistical claims mentioned in the story because they have not seen that data. University officials have asked for that data, but those requests have not been met. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions looks closely at standardized test scores and grade point averages among many factors in determining whether an applicant is admitted to the University. That office has the final decision-making authority for all candidates for admission. The Undergraduate Admissions Advisory Committee, a standing faculty committee appointed by the chancellor, provides guidance and advice to the admissions office. A subcommittee of this faculty committee established guidelines and procedures for the admission of student-athletes and other students with special talent. The University has been and continues to be committed to offering admission to students who can succeed academically and earn their degree. Last August, the University convened the Student-Athlete Academic Initiative Working Group, led by Provost James Dean Jr. and Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham to develop a best in class national model of practices that will ensure that we meet those goals. News Services contact: Karen Moon, (919) 962-8595, karen_moon@unc.edu