Date of Award

Spring 2019

Document Type

Thesis Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs

Committee Chairperson

John Elmore, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jacqueline Hodes, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Orkideh Mohajeri, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Dana Morrison, Ph.D.

Abstract

Student-athletes (SA) at colleges and universities across the country are expected to perform at a high level, especially in Division III institutions. This causes SA to deal with unique pressures in the classroom while playing their respective sport(s). Many SA struggle with both academics and athletics, in contrast to non-athlete students. SA are pressured to compete day-in and day-out all year round and are required by their college/university to meet certain eligibility rules in order to compete. Some examples of the stress that SA face on and off the field include schedule clashes, fatigue, and negotiating the inflexibility of coaches and professors. Student-athletes make up a large and valuable population on college/university campuses across the country, and there is not enough support for this population. While mental health services do exist on college campuses, athletes are not using these services. The program will look to bridge that gap and assist in engaging student-athletes with mental health services and encourage them to seek the help they need to be successful both on and off the field.

Keywords: Student-Athletes, Mental Health, Student Affairs

Download

Share

COinS