Dean Wormer: “Here are your grade point averages. Mr. Kroger: two C’s, two D’s and an F. That’s a 1.2. Congratulations, Kroger. You’re at the top of the Delta pledge class.” Animal House, 1978
“Grads & Grades”: find out if a disproportionate number of athletes on the team share an unusually high number of the same major. Are, say…80% of the team’s players enrolled as “general studies” majors? What is the team’s overall GPA and how does that compare to other programs at the school and the conference? What percent of the team actually graduates? Do they graduate on time? Are they able to secure meaningful employment after their athletic career ends?
“Grads & Grades”: find out if a disproportionate number of athletes on the team share an unusually high number of the same major. Are, say…80% of the team’s players enrolled as “general studies” majors? What is the team’s overall GPA and how does that compare to other programs at the school and the conference? What percent of the team actually graduates? Do they graduate on time? Are they able to secure meaningful employment after their athletic career ends?
Become educated on each school’s track record. These might be red flags for where that program’s priorities are concerning academics and development of the student-athlete for a career out of sports.
Call each program’s athletic compliance department to get this information. Unlike with coaches and recruiters, there is no limit to the number of times a family can be in contact with a school’s compliance department and academic advisors. Be assertive.
