A recently formed task force will not only review a financial report on UAB athletics, but also can determine whether enough money is available to support the eliminated football, bowling and rifle programs.

President Ray Watts noted that questions have been raised about the UAB Athletics Assessment Task Force's independence and the scope of its work. He wrote a letter to the group to clearly outline the work the group will do.

The task force will choose an independent firm to review the Carr Report, which led to the elimination of the programs. It also can form subcommittees, including one to evaluate donations that could sufficiently fund the return of the programs.

"If our efforts reveal that there are sustainable financial resources available in the public and private sector that are not currently available to UAB to support the return of these programs at a level of excellence that the UAB family deserves, then the decision previously reached may change," Watts wrote.

UAB officials have cited the financial commitment needed to keep the football team competitive as a driving factor in the decision to end the program. The Carr Report determined that the school would need to invest $49 million over the next five years to keep the program competitive.

The task force, led by UAB National Alumni Society President Wes Smith, met for the first time Friday. They have emphasized independence and transparency, saying they will provide updates throughout their work.

"The level of passion, talent, and love of UAB was evident from everyone in the room," Smith said in a prepared statement.

The task force discussed the best way to conduct the review, perhaps by pairing a well-known, respected financial firm with a partner that has extensive knowledge of intercollegiate athletics.

"The results must be understandable and able to withstand public scrutiny," Smith said.

The review will include the data and projections outlined by the Carr Report, along with "any additional reasonably quantifiable projections," Watts wrote.

"The full task force will select an independent, national firm experienced in working with universities across the country on collegiate athletic financial and operational issues to undertake a comprehensive, professional review of the Carr Report," Watts wrote.

Clay Ryan, an attorney, will serve as university liaison to the task force. Ryan was hired in December by UAB to work on educational and governance issues, including strategic planning initiatives and working with community and government leaders.

Once a firm is chosen, Smith and Ryan will work with them as they conduct the review. UAB will establish a way for the public to provide input.

When the report is complete, it will be delivered to the task force and disseminated to UAB administrators, students, faculty, alumni, other employees, friends, supporters, community leaders, public officials and the general public.

Task force members also discussed how to include constituents throughout the process.

They will attend a town hall meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, though a location has not yet been announced. The meeting is a regularly scheduled town hall organized by the Undergraduate Student Government Association.

The group can appoint subcommittees without restriction, and those groups would provide a written report to the full task force upon completion of its work, Watts wrote.

A subcommittee could measure the financial support that is available "to support UAB football and sufficient to fund the return of the UAB football, rifle and bowling programs," Watts wrote.

The task force is made up of members representing various constituent groups: Shannon J. Ealy, interim athletic director; Dr. Pamela Paustian, representing the Faculty Senate; Dr. Harold Jones, dean of the School of Health Professions; Don Hire, community leader and UAB athletics supporter; Dr. Frank Messina, UAB Faculty Athletics Representative; Anjali Wagle, president of the Undergraduate Student Government; Tandy Dolin-Petrov, president of the Graduate Student Government; and a former student-athlete to be determined.

"I am excited and encouraged," Smith said. "I truly feel our team already has a real sense of connection to each other, to our mission, and a commitment to get this done right and to do it the right way."

Watts has expressed his confidence in the task force and the work that lies ahead.

"I am encouraged by the passion of the UAB family and believe that we will be better tomorrow than we were yesterday," Watts wrote.