The University of Colorado named a liaison Wednesday to watch over the school's athletic department while the independent panel's investigation continues.

Dr. John DiBiaggio 70 (pictured, left), was named to the newly created post. DiBiaggio is a Detroit native and son of Italian immigrant parents and currently resides in Snowmass Village, Colo.

University President Betsy Hoffman said DiBiaggio was the first choice because he is a nationally recognized expert on collegiate athletic reform and an experienced administrator. DiBiaggio, a father of three, is a former president of Tufts, Michigan State and Connecticut universities.

"We have to do this at this moment in time," Hoffman said. "This university has to emerge from this stronger, emerge with all the questions answered. We absolutely have to do this."

She said DiBiaggio will help the university figure out whether the athletic department has a culture that is supportive of women or one that somehow encourages sexual assault.

The school says it is a significant next step in the university's ongoing efforts to find the facts about the recent allegations that the university's football program and athletic department uses sex, and alcohol-fueled parties to entice top high school recruits.

CU Athletic Director Dick Tharp issued a statement on DiBiaggio's appointment that said in part: "We look forward to benefiting from Dr. DiBiaggio's wisdom and experience, particularly in our on-going efforts to define the proper role of athletics as a program of the University. We also look forward to his advice and counsel on the most effective ways of meeting our educational mission as outlined in the athletics department's strategic plan."

Reached at his home in Snowmass Village, DiBiaggio said he did not have any specific goals or opinions heading into his new job.

"They (Hoffman and Chancellor Richard Byyny) are interested in assuring that they develop a program in athletics that they can be proud of at the university, a model program," DiBiaggio said. "What they really wish for me to do is serve as an observer and make recommendations to them as to changes that might be considered."

He said he will try to gain an understanding of the culture of the athletics department rather than look deeply into specific issues.

"Often the kinds of things that occur within (any university's athletics department) broad-brush the institution, so it's important for it to reflect what the institution is all about," he said.

DiBiaggio will be paid $21,000 a month with a $1,000 a month housing allowance. The money will come from non-public money from the chancellor's office. The final expenses for DiBiaggio's compensation will be apportioned back to the Department of Athletics at the conclusion of DiBiaggio's appointment.

CI President Elizabeth Hoffman has talked with the governor and the state attorney general about the alleged sex scandal at the state's largest university, raising the possibility that the state could get involved.

On Tuesday, students at the CU Denver campus held a rally demanding that a student panel be included in the investigation.