Academic clustering in intercollegiate athletics

Abstract

Academic clustering is the occurrence of twenty-five percent or more of a single athletic team enrolled into a major (Fountain & Finley, 2009). Although clustering appears to have the possibility to occur among all college students, it seems to be more prevalent within intercollegiate athletics. There are several different factors that influence the prevalence of this experience. For the collegiate student-athlete, these factors include the National Collegiate Athletic Association, university athletic departments, individual differences among student-athletes, and characteristics associated with the university. While these are likely not the only contributors of academic clustering, they seem to be very prominent. Further, given that attention has been given to identifying the negative consequences of academic clustering in intercollegiate athletics, clustering also may result in positive implications. The purpose of this report is to provide information and increase the awareness towards academic clustering. Additionally, this report provides information as to the causes, but also offers recommendations that have the potential to lessen academic clustering within intercollegiate athletics. Master of Science Masters Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology Brandonn S. Harris

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ACADEMIC CLUSTERING IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS


by



KAYDEE K. MCCORMICK



B.A., Benedictine College, 2008



A REPORT


submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree


MASTER OF SCIENCE


Department of Special Education, Counseling, and Student Affairs
College of Education




KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Manhattan, Kansas


2010

Approved by:

Major Professor
Brandonn S. Harris, Ph.D.

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Abstract
Academic clustering is the occurrence of twenty-five percent or more of a single athletic team
enrolled into a major (Fountain & Finley, 2009). Although clustering appears to have the
possibility to occur among all college students, it seems to be more prevalent within
intercollegiate athletics. There are several different factors that influence the prevalence of this
experience. For the collegiate student-athlete, these factors include the National Collegiate
Athletic Association, university athletic departments, individual differences among student-
athletes, and characteristics associated with the university. While these are likely not the only
contributors of academic clustering, they seem to be very prominent. Further, given that attention
has been given to identifying the negative consequences of academic clustering in intercollegiate
athletics, clustering also may result in positive implications. The purpose of this report is to
provide information and increase the awareness towards academic clustering. Additionally, this
report provides information as to the causes, but also offers recommendations that have the
potential to lessen academic clustering within intercollegiate athletics.

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Table of Contents
List of Tables Page v
CHAPTER 1 – Introduction
Definition of Relevant Terms Page 1
CHAPTER 2 – National Collegiate Athletic Association Page 4
Basic Academic Eligibility Requirements for Student-Athletes
40-60-80 Rule
Academic Progress Rate
CHAPTER 3 – Athletic Departments Page 9
Coaches
Athletic Academic Counselors
CHAPTER 4 – The Student-Athlete Page 16
Under Prepared
Time Management
CHAPTER 5 – The College Institution Page 22
Class Time
Program Requirements
Favoritism

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CHAPTER 6 – Is Academic Clustering Avoidable? Page 25
Transfer Students
Interests/Background
Performance within First Year
Team Unity
CHAPTER 7 – Summary and Conclusion Page 29
CHAPTER 8 – Recommandations Page 31
References Page 35
Appendix A – APR Worksheet Page 38

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List of Tables
Table 1
Estimated Division I Team Scholarship Loss under APR (based upon NCAA 2003-2004
data)

Table 2
Estimated Probability of Competing in Athletics at a Higher Level
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