The Impact of the NCAA's 2003 Academic Reform
Author: Roberta (Bobbie) Lee Cesarek
Publisher:
Published: 2009
Total Pages: 454
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThis study examined the affects of the NCAA's 40% percentage of degree continuing eligibility academic standard relative to student-athlete participation opportunities and the construct of career maturity. The Academic Reform initiative, instituted in the fall of 2003, required fifth semester student-athletes to attain 40% of their major degree program at the start of their fifth semester while 25% had been required of previous student-athletes to be eligible for competition. This 15% increase not only called into question competitive opportunities for student-athletes but concerns that the increased standard shortened the time frame student-athletes had available to declare their major degree program, or projected career path, thus reducing opportunities for career exploration. Relative to competitive opportunities, the failure to attain athletics eligibility for student-athletes required to adhere to the 40% percentage of degree standard was compared to two other groups: student-athletes required to attain the previous 25% academic standard and a group of students from the general student body. The chi-square analyses conducted found no statistically significant difference between the proportions of student-athletes who failed to attain the 40% percentage of degree standard and the student-athletes who failed to attain the 25% standard. However, a statistically significant difference was found between the proportions of student-athletes and students from the general student body who failed to attain the 40% academic standard. The demographic parameters of gender, entering admission status, entering ACT test score, entering class rank percentile and fifth semester GPA were analyzed among the three participant groups for comparative purposes. Chi-square and t -test analyses demonstrated statistically significant findings for the parameters of gender and entering high school class rank for the student-athletes and students from the general student body, both of whom attained the 40% percentage of degree standard. Relative to career maturity, a survey instrument designed specifically for the study to assess career maturity was administered to the student-athletes required to attain the 40% academic standard and the students from the general student body. T -test analyses identified no statistically significant findings between the two groups relative to six variables related to career maturity.