Our meeting with the University of Miami President Donna Shalala was a straightforward exchange of views and ideas. The issues discussed are of great importance to our universities and all of intercollegiate sports. We remain intensely committed to preserving the Big East Conference.

• Richard McCormick, president, Rutgers University

• Philip Austin, president, University of Connecticut

• Mark A. Nordenberg, chancellor, University of Pittsburgh

• Charles W. Steger, president, Virginia Tech

• David C. Hardesty, Jr., president, West Virginia University