Do American Universities pass Athletes no matter how poor they perform in class?

Question

I teach at a Korean University, (conversation english) and sometimes get "specially talented atheletes" in my class.

The University policy is that they get a "reasonable passing grade," even if they never come to class, and fail all exams.

This is a carryover from Korean high schools, and I think it is unethetical to give them anything other than F.

Some won't even bother to buy a textbook. The atheletes know we have to give them "B" or 80 % so they just don't care about attendance or how they do on theexam, (if they show up)

Haven't American Universities done away with this giveaway?

What are your thoughts.

I hate giving them B's.

Will

Answer 1

It depends on the school. America has really good academic schools and really bad ones. The good ones tend to have some minimal academic standard for their athletes. Same goes for the not so good schools that don't have large sports programs. In the sports news here, you'll hear about a major team that loses a star due to academic suspension every now and then. Some schools will fail their athletes.

Giving a B is really high. Maybe the standards to remain eligible to play are lower here, but a C average should keep most athletes eligible to play. Pretty easy to stay eligible as long as you take enough easy A courses.

Answer 2

That has happened in American universities, but more as something that is "understood" than as a stated policy. This would usually happen in schools where alumni contributions rose and fell along with the win/loss record of the football team. Later, it became Division I schools and the revenue that came from televised games. In either case, the members of the team who were crucial to helping the team win stayed academically eligible, no matter what. There does seem to be movement away from this in recent years, but there seems to be a scandal every few years about athletes registering only for easy classes, classes taught by the football coach that include only football players and have required assignments, and that sort of thing.

I'm not sure that you've got a way to fight this, since you describe it as a policy. I hope that Korean schools will, like US schools, eventually consider things like graduation rate and what these students will do for the rest of their lives. After all, athletic careers are short and education can only serve as an insurance policy if the student gets one...

Answer 3

No they have not....It depends on where you go, if you go to Duke or a top rated academic school your still going to have to work hard...However, i know people that go to major universities and are placed in the easiest classes where they dont do anything... I went to a small, private college and doubled majored in engineering and bus/econ..no football or basketball players in those classes...when i fulfilled my requirements i took easy classes and sure and be hold, tons of athletes....During that semester i didnt even show up to classes, imagine that with a max of 20 people per class..I got a 3.9 that semester and played golf everyday instead of going to class, best days of my life

Answer 4

I agree with you they should not receive a grade they did not earn. I used to get upset when universities allowed athletes to miss classes all the time because of games. While everyone else gets docked. I do believe they still have to earn their grade they just get to schedule make up exams in case they miss a test.

Answer 5

Some professors at some American Universities still do this. I did it once for a friend of the Dean's daughter.

Answer 6

I think the whole world should think so, not only American. You are watching for the good performances of athletes and country is second thought.

Answer 7

It's a matter of principle. Refuse to go along with the crowd if you have principle.

If you have principle, be prepared to sacrifice tenure or future contracts. Get ready for your unemployment checks.

I would personally favor "principle." How about you?