Athletics in Institutions Competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision

Abstract

Polarized opinions abound regarding whether athletics and especially football and men's basketball played in institutions competing in the Football Bowl Subdivision contribute to or detract from the mission of higher education. Proponents claim intercollegiate athletics enhances campus culture, provides competitive sport opportunities for athletically talented students, boosts external relations and national visibility, increases student applications, and generates additional donations. Opponents claim intercollegiate athletics require multimillion-dollar institutional subsidies that negatively affect academic programs, undermine academic integrity, and erode rather than enhance the character development of athletes and coaches. Positives and negatives characterizing amateurism, recruiting, academics, and commercialization challenge institutions as they attempt to balance the popularity of intercollegiate athletics with the need for balance in the role of this extracurricular activity in higher education. Fourteen changes advanced by presidents, independent organizations, other individuals, and the author are recommended and discussed.