Humanities Homework Help

Governance & Admin of Sport

Answer the question and respond to one student.

Part 1: What do you think should be the actual (rather than stated) goals of university presidents and athletic directors? Which should they focus more on?

(A) Achieving student development and growth- in academics, morals, and fitness/health

(B) Financial security, visibility, and prestige for the university and its athletic program

Part 2: Respond to One Student Post

(Ted Hefter) Student:

” First off, almost every university claims through their stated goals that (A) is their actual goal. That may an issue for another discussion because of the lack of clarity of goals and the misleading nature of what is valued in collegiate athletics.

I believe that they “should” focus on (B), but the moment it becomes a constant priority over (A), the whole system crumbles. Student-athletes won’t want to stay or come, the culture will one of greed and ego, and the “product” won’t be happy enough to succeed. Financial security and prestige is vitally important for any university and athletic department, but if it is the sole focus, it becomes obvious to everyone involved. Treating and talking about your student-athletes like they are working for you instead of the other way around becomes obvious quickly. Good organizations can focus a healthy amount on both without letting the priority of (B) get out of hand. “