Professional Expertise

I sat down with Dr. Carla Winters who serves as the Assistant Director for Athletics Academics & Student Life at The University of Oklahoma. She gave me many resources to assist in my research on the topic. I asked her, "What do you think are the top 5 issues in Athletic Academic Advising?" Her answers and my commentary to her top 5 issues are below:

1. Compliance
2. Working knowledge of academic disciplines
3. Athletic time restrictions
4. Media attention
5. Ethics in Athletics









If anyone wants to be successful as an Athletic Academic Advisor, one needs to be extremely knowledgeable of policies and procedures. The University of Oklahoma, for example, has to remain compliant with University rules, Conference (Big XII), and NCAA rules. Failure to be in compliance of all three could result in fines, sanctions, or even loss of credentials to be an academic advisor for athletics.

Staying current on all academic disciplines is also an important issue according to Dr. Winters. A large, research, doctoral granting institution such as OU has various disciplines. The academic advisors here need to have an understanding of all disciplines because athletes have different areas of study. It is different that in a traditional setting. For example, it is easier for a school of business advisor to be aware of all disciplines and advise students according what is offered because they only have so many degree plans within the school. Athletic Advisor's knowledge of course offerings must be amplified university-wide in order to be of service to student-athletes. If they do not know, they must find someone who can assist them.

Time is of the essence for a student-athlete. Class, practice, homework, games, travel are all aspects in the life of a student-athlete. Often time, the majors selected by athletes are a lot less time intensive because of how much time is devoted to the sport he or she may play. In a 2008 article published by USA Today, "Some athletes say they have pursued — or have been steered to — degree programs that helped keep them eligible for sports but didn't prepare them for post-sports careers." This can be an issue to athletes that never reach the professional level, or athletes that reach the professional level, but career may end short and unexpectedly.

Source: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/2008-11-18-majors-cover_N.htm

















Media attention can definitely have an affect on student-athletes. Whether a star player makes the winning touchdown in a game or miss a 3-point shot in the final seconds and lose a game, overexposure can affect how they are treated in the classroom and can ultimately affect their academic performance. A 2010 article published by The OU Daily says, "Administrators should look out for the best options for their student-athlete and not take their athletic ability and making it a public spectrum, placing them on a king’s throne when they are just a pauper." It is important to treat students as people and not an objectified figure who is only good in whatever sport he or she may excel in.

Source: http://oudaily.com/news/2010/sep/02/column-young-athletes-over-exposed-society/

Ethics in Academic Advising is very important. Teaching our student-athletes ethics and proper decision making skills can assist in their development. Classes are being developed on this topic for student-athletes to ensure they are making the proper decisions during their undergraduate experience. The University of Tulsa has implemented  a course entitled "Ethics & Decision-Making: Critical Thinking Skills Development and Implementation."

Source: http://www.athleticmanagement.com/2011/10/23/spreading_ethics/index.php