UConn Keeping Conference Options Open

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — University of Connecticut President Susan Herbst says the school is keeping its options open amid the defection of Syracuse and Pittsburgh from the Big East Conference to the ACC.

Herbst, who became UConn's president in July, issued a statement Sunday saying the departure of the two schools is a "jolt, but not a huge surprise."

Herbst says she believes it's her responsibility to be "actively involved in discussions with our counterparts from around the country to ensure the successful long-term future of the university's athletic department."

Shortly after Herbst took office, she began a review of the athletic department that ended with the retirement of Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway and the hiring of Paul Pendergast, who starts work on Oct. 1.