I have a problem with the notion that GPA can be manipulated. In the early 2000s, when I was getting my second MA from Wyoming, I was a tutor for athletics. While there is pampering (and indeed, there exist courses that are on the "rocks for jocks" level), the notion that a low GPA can be balanced by a high GPA is simple ignorant. GPA average for a team is one thing, for a student it is another. A student below a 2.0 GPA is on probation - period. If that low GPA lasts they are no longer students. All students can find the easy courses, and if they get their degree at the 2.02 GPA then they will likely find the job market equally responsive...
While an athlete has access to tutors and academic help, so do ALL the students at the University of Wyoming. There is a Writing Center, there are Academic Support groups, there are College-based support groups, and there are almost mandatory counselling when a problem arises. Students who don't take part of these have one person to blame - themselves. I know, I did this in 1986 when I had a semester of 4 F's and an A. Athletes have to go to tutoring, I did not...but it was there.
Saying GPA for the team is manipulated is an ignorant position. If the team is graduating players, if they are not only above the minimum requirements but to the point where there is not even a question, then this is not a question at all.
Shyatt has been a damn good example of make the "student" in student-athletes mean something. I teach one course a semester at UW, and I have athletes in my classes each semester. They do the same work as any students, and it is tougher for them as them miss so many classes with their travel schedule.
While an athlete has access to tutors and academic help, so do ALL the students at the University of Wyoming. There is a Writing Center, there are Academic Support groups, there are College-based support groups, and there are almost mandatory counselling when a problem arises. Students who don't take part of these have one person to blame - themselves. I know, I did this in 1986 when I had a semester of 4 F's and an A. Athletes have to go to tutoring, I did not...but it was there.
Saying GPA for the team is manipulated is an ignorant position. If the team is graduating players, if they are not only above the minimum requirements but to the point where there is not even a question, then this is not a question at all.
Shyatt has been a damn good example of make the "student" in student-athletes mean something. I teach one course a semester at UW, and I have athletes in my classes each semester. They do the same work as any students, and it is tougher for them as them miss so many classes with their travel schedule.
