Proposal for Adopting WSU’s Athletic Academic Model for a Pilot Program for Minority Students
The Cap and Gown Program
Background
As part of an internship project a graduate student was tasked with analyzing Wright State’s athletic
academic model to determine if this model could be implemented in a pilot program for a select group
of minority students. After a series of interviews, reviewing the model, and actively engaging, for a
period of four months, in a setting in which the model is implemented; the graduate assistant developed
the following proposal.
Summary
Beginning Fall Semester of 2015 though the Spring Semester of 2020 the (Insert department) proposes a
pilot program, The Cap and Gown Program, for a select group of minority students that models the
athletic academic model used at Wright State University. There will be a very selective scholarship
application process that will allow 10 students to be placed into this program. These students will be
provided a full scholarship including: tuition, fees, books, dining, medical insurance, and campus
housing with the understanding that they will be required to obey all campus rules and regulations as
well as terms set to receive, maintain, and renew the Cap and Gown Scholarship. Upon satisfying all
academic requirements for program of study and Cap and Gown program requirements, the program
will provide the students with a cap and gown.
Reasoning
Athletes are provided with extra resources and support that the non-athletes are not provided and
graduate at higher percentages than non-athletes. Division I student-athletes who entered college in
2006 earned their degrees at the highest rate ever at 82 percent. [3] Data showed that athletes that
enrolled at Wright State between the years of 2001 and 2007 with ACT scores of 15-20 were retained
and graduated at higher rates than non-athletes with the same test scores. Athletes that scored a 20 on
their ACT showed a graduation rate 61% while non-athletes that scores a 20 showed a graduation rate
of 31%.[1]
Not only do non-athletes graduate at lower percentage rates than athletes, less minority students,
specifically Africa American and Hispanic students graduate compared to Caucasian students. In the
years between 2002 and 2004 Wright State graduated 1,000 African American students and 54 Hispanic
students compared to 5,077 Caucasian students. [1] It is anticipated that a program such as the Cap and
Gown program would support the initiative of increasing the retention and graduation rates of minority
students.
Current WSU Athletic Academic Model:
1. Staffing
a. Two full time academic advisors
b. One learning specialist that works with the athletes one on one with tutoring and basic
learning skills and techniques
c. Student tutors and study coaches
2. Study Tables and Tutoring
a. All first year student-athletes at WSU are required to complete at least 6 study table
hours a week, this includes tutoring.
b. After the first year, the advisors will implement study table hours based on the
academic performance of the individual athlete and/ or by the required hours coaches
have in place for their teams.
3. Advisor Meetings
a. Based on the academic performance of the athlete some athletes are required to meet
with one of the advisors or learning specialist once a week, every other week, every day,
or several times a week.
4. Pilot Access and Grade Sheets
a. The advisors can access the student’s grades on pilot in the case the students forget or
do not provide the advisors with their assignments and grades.
b. One of several duties these advisors have is keeping track of the student athletes’
grades. One advisor keeps grades sheets for her assigned teams. These sheets contain
all the student’s classes and assignments and as the student’s grades come in the
advisor records them. This allows the advisors to intervene early with academic support
if needed.
The Cap and Gown Program
Staff


Advisor
o Help students decide the classes they need to take
o Keep track of the students’ progress in each class
o Keep track of the students’ progression toward intended degree
o Conduct advisor meetings
o Monitor student compliance in regards to terms of the scholarship
Tutors and Study Monitors
o Tutors will be selected on a need basis
o Study monitors will supervise study tables to ensure the students are studying without
any disruptions
Structure

Advisor Meetings
o




Each student will be required to meet with the advisor at least once a week for the first
semester. After the first semester the advisor can decide the frequency of the meetings
depending on the student’s academic performance.
Study Tables and Tutoring
o Each student will be required to attend at least 6 hours of study table hours or tutoring
hours per week.
Internships and shadowing
o The second semester the students will be required to shadow a professional in the field
the student intends to work for at least 12 hours
o The students will also be required to complete at least 50 internship hours in their
intended professional field before their senior year.
Community Service
o The group will be required to complete at least 20 hours of community service per
semester
Mentorship
o Mentors will be matched with the students that wish to have one
Cap and Gown Scholarship
The Cap and Gown Scholarship will be awarded to a hand selected group of minority students that
display merit and financial need. The scholarship requirements and process are as follows:
Requirements


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2.5 -3.5 high school GPA
18-22 ACT Score
Have not missed more than 10 days of school all four years unless related to serious illness or
certain family circumstance. Student allowed to explain situation
500 word essay
3 reference sheets from people that can speak on the student’s academic potential
Scholarship Process for the Program



Apply
Interview with Cap and Gown Committee
Committee selects 10 applicants to be accepted in the program
Terms for maintaining scholarship


Maintain at least a 2.5 gpa
Attend required advisor meetings , meet required study table/ tutoring hours, community
service and internship hours, and show participation in events and activities hosted by the
program and department


Comply with all university rules and regulations
Housing Cost- The program will provide funds for housing as long as the student resides in
campus housing
Failure to meet any of the above terms may result in revocation of the scholarship
Cost Associated with the Program

An excel sheet is attached that list the cost per year for tuition, housing, and fees and tutors
Assessment

A focus group will be conducted with the group after each semester and exit interviews will be
conducted with each student upon completion of the program
References
1. Wright State University. Access, Progress, Success Recommendations for Increasing Retention
and Graduation in the Semester Transition. 2012
2. Wright State University Dayton Campus, New Direct from High School African- American
Students Fall 2013 Profile. Office of Institutional Research. K:\ir\Aaron\Colleges\UC\Advising &
Transfer Services/Fall 2013/African-American New Student Profile. 10/2/2013
3. Hosick, M. 2013. Division I student-athletes make the grade.
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/division-i-student-athletes-makegrade