Intercollegiate Athletics: Challenge to the Academic Mission

Abstract

This chapter makes the argument that “American universities have been captured and are being held hostage by intercollegiateathletics, major athletic conferences and the NCAA.” It describes the cost of athletics and the drivers of these costs with special attention to coaches’ salaries that are frequently ten to fifteen times salaries paid to professors. Intercollegiatesports have gained inordinate power and resources often through mandatory fees paid by students driving up the cost of education. Preferential treatment of athletes in admissions and in much of their campus life is becoming increasingly evident. The growing list of concerns, issues, and scandals surrounding athletics raises the questions about presidential leadership and governing boardoversight as well as the impact of athletics on the academic mission of our universities.