As the Faculty Athletic Representatives of Ohio University, we must respond to Natalia Radic’s letter to The Post on Feb.12. All NCAA member schools are required to have FARs appointed by the president. It is our responsibility to ensure student-athlete well-being, the academic integrity of the athletics program and the institutional control of the athletic program. NCAA regulations require intercollegiate athletic programs to be designed as a vital part of the educational system and the student-athlete be an integral part of the student body.
Ms. Radic seems to take issue with student-athletes receiving scholarships based on criteria other than pure academics. Most scholarships are based on criteria other than pure academic achievement. Criteria may include ethnicity, domicile, nationality, musical, artistic talent or an intended major. Ohio University admissions criteria are not based solely on academic achievement. A student’s activities and experience in high school play a role in the admissions decision. Student-athletes must meet the same admissions standards as any other student admitted to Ohio University, considering both academic and other criteria.
Once admitted to the university, student-athletes must meet rigorous nationwide academic standards set by the NCAA. These standards include minimum grade point requirements as well as progress towards their degree. Both of these standards are higher than required by Ohio University for students to be in good standing. As FARs, we must certify that student-athletes meet these requirements in order to be eligible for competition.
The academic progress of all student-athletes is taken very seriously, not only by the FARs but also by the athletic department administration and the coaches. The average GPA, retention and graduation rates of OU student-athletes are higher than the average of all OU students. Fewer student-athletes are on academic probation than all OU students. In general, student-athletes are held to higher academic standards than those specified by the student handbook. For example, student-athletes are required to attend class and study hall.
Ms. Radic also believes that student-athletes are given preferential treatment regarding course assignments. Such treatment would be a violation of NCAA regulations. Students miss class or need extension on assignments for various reasons such as illness, work, family issues or other university activities such as the Singing Men of Ohio or Women’s Glee Club and class field trips.
Both the faculty handbook and the student handbook discuss procedures to be followed when students miss class for university-sponsored activities. Student-athletes receive no different treatment than any other student at Ohio University.
As members of the faculty of Ohio University, we are proud of the academic achievements of our student-athletes. Unlike some Division I institutions, OU student-athletes’ majors are broadly distributed across all colleges. Over 200 student-athletes had grades of 3.0 or better every quarter with over 100 over 3.5. On average approximately 80-student athletes were on the Dean’s List each quarter.
Athletics is often thought of as the “front door” of a university. It can be a point of pride for alumni as well as student and faculty. We believe Ohio University has a top quality athletics program that is nationally ranked. Quality in athletics and academics enhances Ohio University’s reputation and adds value to an OU degree regardless of the major, thus funding of athletics is a sound investment of resources.
Robert A. Colvin and E Ann Gabriel are faculty athletics representatives for Ohio University.
