An analysis of student-athlete perceptions of athletic, academic, and developmental opportunities at Texas A&M University

The purpose of this study was to profile the perceptions of student-athletes regarding the effectiveness of athletic-department sponsored programming related to the provision academic, athletic, career development, personal development, and service development opportunity. A secondary purpose of the study was to analyze key responses so as to profile the perceptions of student-athletes on the basis of gender, ethnicity, sport participation, and transfer status. The study utilized an exit questionnaire developed by the researcher.;The population consisted of scholarship student-athletes (n = 83) from the 19 sports sponsored at Texas A&M University concluded their athletic eligibility or declined to participate in their respective sport in fall 1995 or spring of 1996. A 96.3% overall response was achieved. Each individual participating in the study completed a self-response questionnaire, which provided data related to athletic department programming.;After collecting student-athlete responses, reviewing the comments furnished, and conducting an analysis of overall and grouped ratings of athletic opportunity the researcher concluded the following: To afford equal opportunity for non-revenue participants locker room facilities should be constructed, or improved, for men's and women's cross country. and indoor and outdoor track and field by the athletic department. In order to improve athletic opportunities for men and women in the non-revenue sports of cross country, indoor and outdoor track the current position of a head coach for men's and women's track at Texas A&M should be divided into two head coaching positions. Existing promotional opportunities for women and non-revenue sports should be evaluated. Steps should be considered to communicate to women participants and student-athletes in non-revenue sports of the existing efforts dedicated by the athletic department to the provision of promotional opportunities for all sports. Existing opportunities for women and non-revenue sports should be evaluated as it relates to the training room and sports medicine facilities. Particular emphasis should be given to determine if the provision of personnel and resources are adequate to meet the needs of women and participants in non-revenue sports. The method and supervision utilized in the provision of required study hall should be examined. An examination of existing formats utilized by coaches and academic advisors in the conduct of sport specific study hall should evaluated. Input from student-athletes should be obtained and utilized to develop an understanding of the reasons for the incidence of displeasure associated with the provision of study hall.