>

People of Color in Predominantly White Institutions

Different Perspectives on Majority Rules (1996)

Art
<Previous Article Next Article>

TITLE:
The Educational Experiences of African American Football Players at Small Colleges in Iowa

AUTHOR(S):
Eddie Moore Jr., Director of Intercultural Life/White Privilege Conference, Central College, Pella, IA

DOCUMENT TYPE: Article

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this session is to explore the educational experiences of African American male football players at small liberal arts colleges in the Midwest. This session will examine four major issues researchers studying African American male student-athletes at Division] institutions have identified as having a significant impact on African American male student-athletes' educational experiences. These issues will serve as a starting point for this study. Academic Challenges: African-American male student-athletes come to college to play sports and to receive a quality education. However, many are not prepared for the rigors of academia. The areas of concerns include taking notes, preparing for tests, taking tests, and writing term papers. Eventually too many male student athletes end up majoring in eligibility. Cultural Adjustments: Many African American male student-athletes at PWI's find it difficult making the transition from high school to college for a number of different reasons in addition to academics; these reasons include level of maturity, the social environment, and negative stereotypes. Time Management: African American male student-athletes are faced with the difficulty of having to balance many different activities and events at once. They are faced with the time pressures of athletic responsibilities like practice, weight training and team travel and academic responsibilities, including class attendance, completing homework and/or term papers and preparing for tests, quizzes, and final exams. Career Aspirations/Choices: A part of the college educational experience is exploring and discovering a sense of personal and professional identity. Students learn more information about career and job opportunities, as well as the different skills and tools to perform the jobs.