The high-pressure, complicated and often overwhelming life of a collegiate athlete creates a difficult atmosphere for learning and career planning, especially when the majority of athletes will not be going on to a professional sport. However, UW-Madison admirably supports its student-athletes in a variety of ways, and student-athletes must do their share to honor the academic commitment of which they are a part.
UW-Madison devoted $1.4 million to academic services for its athletes in 2007 - nearly double the budget 10 years ago. These services range from numerous tutors in a variety of subject areas to career development and planning for the future. The services are a welcome program for varsity athletes, who face the handicap of a tight daily training schedule.
However, some aspects of the university's support are simply outrageous. The university employs class checkers - students paid to make sure student-athletes are attending class - as a way to ensure student-athletes are honoring their academic commitments. The university spends $24,500 alone on these class checkers, a sad and embarrassing service that should not be necessary to encourage learning. Academic support should be provided to athletes, not a babysitting service. Athletes should not need this kind of motivation to go to class.
To their credit, athletes are responding strongly to the help. From 1997 to 2007, student-athlete graduation rates rose from 56 percent to 76 percent. Considering the general student population hovers around a 78 percent graduation rate, student-athletes are thriving under the increased academic funding. However, their GPAs still fall off considerably compared to the student body, because they are not seeking out the services available to them.
Athletes must hold up their end of the bargain if they are to receive such a large sum for academic services. UW-Madison should hold its varsity sports accountable for GPAs or redirect the funding for these services to the rest of the student body. Athletes receive the means to handle the busy lifestyle they live, but only they can choose to utilize them or not. Athletes are only required to maintain a 1.8 GPA to stay eligible, which is more than generous.
There's a reason the university refers to them as student-athletes. They are here for academics first, whether or not their future is in professional sports.
