The Educational Responsibility to Understanding the Academic Aspirations of Special Admitted Student-Athletes

• In Event: College Athletics: Academic and Organizational Success

Abstract

Universities go to great lengths to recruit and retain top student-athletes as academic success continues to be a focus. To further serve student-athletes this study was conducted to better understand similarities and differences of academic aspirations between Division-I student-athletes who were special or regular admits. A quantitative cross-sectional nonexperimental study was conducted with survey instrumentation. Sample size was 184 participants (n = 18) special and (n = 107) regular admits. Findings identified significant differences between regular and special admitted student-athletes regarding academic aspirations. Those admitted through special admission processes have lower sense of academic and athletic identity as it relates to institution and degree commitment. Findings suggests universities should focus on development of initial and extended academic supports for success.

Authors

• Megan O'Quin, California State University, Fresno

• Mariya Yukhymenko, California State University - Fresno

• Jennifer Watson, California State University - Fresno