Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.). Faculty Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics

The Northwestern University Faculty Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics was formed in 1891 “to consider the entire question of athletics at Northwestern”, although its original concern was primarily with the problems engendered by the rise of football as a collegiate sport. Presidents of seven universities met for the first time in 1895, followed by the first meeting of faculty in 1896, eventually becoming known as the “Big Ten”. Committee members are appointed by the University President.

The committee initially adopted rules forbidding competition with professional teams, required players to meet clearly established academic standards, endorsed a list of eligible players and increased university administrative control over the scheduling of games.

...