The Effects of Higher Admission Standards on NCAA Student-Athletes: An Analysis of Proposition 16

This study examines the effect of an increase in minimum admissions standards on college enrollment and graduation rates of student-athletes. In 1996, the NCAA enacted Proposition 16, which increased the admission standards for freshmen student-athletes at Division I schools in an effort to improve graduation rates. Results indicate that Proposition 16 increased graduation rates significantly for black student-athletes, and had no significant impact on graduation rates for white student-athletes. Results also indicate that graduation rates declined for black student-athletes at Division II schools, which may be driven by students transferring to Division I. As a result of the higher admission standard Division I schools changed recruiting patterns and relied less on freshmen student-athletes, particularly black student-athletes, to fill scholarships. Even though fewer black freshmen student-athletes enrolled in Division I schools, the overall number of black student-athletes did not change, suggesting that greater proportion of transfer students into Division I schools were black

The Issue of Compensation: Should NCAA Athletes be Compensated Above Their Scholarships

There is an issue of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes being exploited by their respective universities and a need for change in the way the student-athletes are being compensated for their efforts. The history of the NCAA has established the landscape of the organization today. The ways in which NCAA student-athletes are exploited can be investigated through a review of the history of the NCAA, court cases involving compensation of student-athletes, including the legal aspects of compensating the athletes, and a plan to potentially alleviate the turmoil that has taken place within the NCAA

The transitioning process: A qualitative case study of international swimming and diving student-athletes competing in the NCAA

Prior studies examining international student-athletes’ transition experiences to life on American colleges campuses have generally focused on outcomes related to their recruiting experience and change adaptation. Few studies included the adjustment process and challenges faced by the individuals. The primary purpose of this case study was to add to the existing literature by expanding on the psychological transition process of international swimming and diving student-athletes experience after joining an American intercollegiate athletics team. Utilizing Bridges (1986) model, the present study employed semi-structured interviews amongst 10 international student-athletes from a large NCAA Division I university. A thematic analysis revealed seven major themes, which were: realization that change was necessary, reflecting on the decision, language barrier, education system, cultural adjustment and valuable lessons,international bond, and words of wisdom. The findings suggested transition is a multi-stage process that occurs throughout student-athletes’ experiences on campus.   Key words: college athletics, international student-athletes, transitioning proces

Institutions Compromising Academics for Athletic and Economic Reward

Student athletes are an integral part of NCAA divisions, specifically student athletes of color. Through research regarding athletic and economic statistics, it has been proven that the necessity of talent in athletics is far more important than success in academics. Student athletes are often represented through their role as an athlete first, then followed by the role of the student. Graduation rates, athletic success, and economic profit is all explored in a racial context in this paper in order to further prove the exploitation that institutions involve themselves in

Writing Centers in Athletics, A New Contact Zone

When I meet someone for the first time and explain what I do, I commonly hear some version of the question “So, what? You write papers for football players?” It was in the spirit of combating this disheartening and marginalizing view of student athletes and athletics support services that I wrote my initial Praxis column, “Supporting Student Athletes.” There, I describe the Writing Lab (Lab) at The University of Texas at Austin’s (UT’s) Football Academics Center and our approach to working with student athlete football players. In beginning this conversation, my intent was to disavow notions that our writing tutors are doing more than they should for our student athletes and highlight writing center work happening in unconventional environments.University Writing Cente

Should the NCAA Have to Pay? Long-Term Injuries in College Athletics, Improper Assumptions of Risk, and Coverage of Medical Expenses After College

Student-athletes spend years training, perfecting their sport, and working hard in school in order to make it to the big leagues: Division I College Athletics. However, when student-athletes finally get there, they are met with empty promises, and often leave with injuries that no one took the time to warn them about. That is because, despite being told that they must sign an agreement with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) which binds them to the organization’s rules, athletes learn quickly that the other side of that agreement is rarely, if ever, upheld when they need it. Courts fail to recognize the coercive nature of the relationship between the NCAA and student-athletes, and completely ignore the duty of the NCAA to adequately inform athletes of the potential risk of their athletic participation. The long-relied-upon assumption-of-risk doctrine utilized by the NCAA as a defense should no longer be accepted by the courts, as it is clear that the nature of participation in athletics is not always entirely voluntary. Thus, the NCAA should be held liable for the lifelong medical expenses of student-athletes brought about by injuries sustained while acting as athletic representatives of their school

The Experiences of LGBT Students in School Athletics

This research brief examines the experiences of LGBT student athletes between the ages of 13 and 20. Findings in this research brief uncover four key concerns:1. Physical Education classes were unsafe environments for many LGBT students. 2. LGBT students may be underrepresented on extracurricular sports teams. 3. Many LGBT students experienced discrimination and harassment in school sports. 4. LGBT student athletes may not be fully supported by school athletics staff and policies

\u27Cat Tracks

News briefs and updates about student athletes, coaches, and alumn

\u27Cat Tracks

News briefs and updates about student athletes, coaches, and alumn

\u27Cat Tracks

News briefs and updates about student athletes, coaches, and alumn