Its very clear after even light inspection of the athletics academics controversy that statistics and opinions will prevail as the defining points of the two arguements. But even so, one can still come up with a way to get both sides to come together if one truly discovers what both sides are really arguing for in a larger context, and how this larger context can be realized by both sides of the debate without ironically, compromise. In this page, based on the research I have conducted, I will come up with a series of steps that I beleive could lead to a positive end to the arguement, rather than as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would say " a negative peace."

One of the first steps toward resolving this controversy is to first, redefine the goal of the American intercollegiate institution where borth sides can agree. . It is self evident that history and society in terms of technology, health, and pleasure has changed over the last fifty years leading to a vast reconstructuring of the American collegiate university in the form of courses offered and practices promoted. Therefore, both sides need to look clearly at the "new identity" of the collegiate institution in an American sociological context. For one, colleges provide students with all kinds of extracurricular activities in order to extend an individuals level of interest in a particular passion. In this sense, intercollegiate athletics is a vital component to the university atmosphere, in which it provides those with exceptional skill in an activit a chance to grow and improve that current skill set. In addition to this detail, the American intercollegiate university also has a goal of educating individuals so they can be effective components to aid the American economy. This idea is more crucial that ever now, considering the United States is slowly losing its position as a world power to other developing countries such as China. Based on these two different scenarios the factions within the debate should come together to agree on a definition that sets their individual institutions structure. By setting a clear definition right away, responsiblities for students, coaches, and faculty will become much more clear, overall alleviating the stifling controversy.

2) Those against college athletics beieve that the growing commercialization and media exploitation of intercollegiate athletics has, and continues, to negatively affect the college university. One possible solution to appease both sides is to start a minor league sports division for each individual sport that would be seperate from the universities. In this league, individuals who have no intention of trying to gain an educational experience in the college enviroment would be able to showcase their skills while the diverting media attention away from the intercollegiate universities and to the athletes who want to have a professional career.

3) Financially, I beleive alll budgets and athletic department revenues should be publicized to the head departments of each segment of the collegiate university. Though the head of departments will not be able to challenge the figures unless they go to the educational board, they will be able to keep track of the numbers and figures in a consistent manner. This will alleviate "finger pointing" that occurs when the true financial figures are not disclosed to those in the proper position in the university who challenge intercollegiate athletics.

4. Every year, discussions should be held where the practices of the athletic programs in the collegiate institution is thoroughly evaluated. Before each session, people on each side of the issue will agree on the issues that need to be adressed such as budgets, allocation of funds, student athlete gradepoint averages, and the link of the university to the media. I beleive this scenario will be effective because it will crystallize the issues that need to be adressed in the debate. It will also reveal whether one side has a legitimate problem with the practice of the other, or if the antogonastic feelings are a result of inherent biases against for or against intercollegiate athletic programs.

5. Last, but most importantly, both sides need to gain the the crucial feedback of the intercollegiate college athlete. This feedback could be crucial in deciding how to structure the athletic programs and its policies in order to end the controversy once and for all.

LAST THOUGHTS

I Hope you enjoyed this site. Though our intellectual journey ends here, if you are passionate about this topic, do not cease in your research. My goal in this site is to provide the public and those who are passionate tabout the current status of our nations colleges and sports programs with a way to think about these topics in a way that they can see all the various angles and implications. It is very important that you see what's beyond the surface, because it is only by grabbing this stiffling issue's roots that we can destroy it, once and for all.