Date Approved

10-3-2016

Embargo Period

10-4-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Higher Education

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Sisco, Burton R.

Keywords

Athletics, Attitudes, College, Higher education, Intercollegiate, Involvement

Subject(s)

College sports; College students--Attitudes

Disciplines

Higher Education

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to (a) analyze undergraduate residential student attitudes towards athletics at Rowan University; (b) discern differences between self-identified student-athletes and non-athletes with respect to athletic programs at Rowan University in regards to resource allocation, corruption, relevance of athletics to the college experience, and academic matters of student-athletes; and (c) examine differences in attitudes of the student sample at Rowan University with previous studies. The survey tool that was utilized consisted of 44 items, which collected demographics and employed a series of Likert-style statements. The subjects consisted of 431 residential, undergraduate students at Rowan University enrolled in classes during the spring semester of 2016. The results of the study suggested that students at Rowan University are generally supportive of intercollegiate athletic programs. Results also indicated that there is an established difference of attitudes between the athlete and non-athlete sample toward intercollegiate athletics and that athletes report a more positive disposition. Finally, results conclude that student attitudes between athletes and non-athletes are similar between various institutions, regardless of size, NCAA division classification, or personal experience.

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