Todd A. Petr

Bio: Todd A. Petr is an academic researcher from Philippines National Collegiate Athletic Association. The author has contributed to research in topics: Data sharing & Athletes. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 77 citations.

In-Season vs. Out-of-Season Academic Performance of College Student-Athletes

Abstract: There is a commonly held belief within the intercollegiate athletics community that student-athletes perform better academically during their season of athletics competition than they do outside the season of competition. The thought is that the structured nature of the playing season leads to more structure in student-athletes’ academic lives and better academic performance. However, it is difficult to find empirical studies supporting this belief. A series of three studies was conducted to assess whether there is a difference in the grade-point average and credits earned of student-athletes in their season of competition vs. their off-season. These three studies are distinguished by NCAA membership division (Division I, Division II or Division III) and the specific nature of the data available in each of those divisions. The Division III study served as a pilot and examined over 3,000 student-athlete records at eight schools. The Division II study included nearly 12,000 student-athletes at 92 schools, a...

Academic Research and Reform: A History of the Empirical Basis for NCAA Academic Policy

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide an historical overview of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) academic reform, with a particular focus on the empirical basis for the decisions made. The authors outline four eras of academic reform, examine the types of information the NCAA has collected and used to make decisions about academic policy, and explore the limits of such academic data.

The collection and use of academic outcomes data by the NCAA

Abstract: This chapter describes how the NCAA uses academic data on high school and college student athletes and the national policies that have been framed by these data.

A Process for Sharing Research Data Collected by the NCAA

Abstract: The importance of managing, archiving and potentially sharing large-scale data collections has become salient in many academic fields of study during the past decade. Technological innovations have quickly enhanced our ability to manage and archive data. However, the sharing of data among social sciences researchers has remained a rather limited practice (Breckler, 2009; Freese, 2007a), despite some evidence showing that benefits accrue even to the researchers providing the data to others (Gleditsch, Metelits, & Strand, 2003). Although some funding agencies require (e.g., the National Institutes of Health) or encourage (e.g., the National Science Foundation) data sharing in certain circumstances and most social science disciplines express broad support for the practice in one form or another (Freese, 2007b; King, 2007), movement toward routinely sharing data has been glacial in education and psychology among others fields (see Azar, 1999; Breckler, 2009; DeAngelis, 2004). Certainly, concerns about the confidentiality of research participants, the time and cost involved in preparing data for broad dissemination and the desire to fully mine data that may represent a substantial financial and intellectual investment all play into data-sharing hurdles faced in these areas of study. At the same time, most would agree that a discipline benefits when substantial or unique data are made available to other qualified researchers. The study of intercollegiate sport is a discipline that would likely benefit substantially from an enhanced commitment to sharing research data. This was noted during the first annual Scholarly Colloquium at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Convention in January, 2008. Jay Coakley presented a broad review of factors affecting research in the area of intercollegiate athletics, and the ability of scholars to conduct such research effectively (Coakley, 2008). One of the issues that Coakley raised was the wealth of quantitative data collected by the NCAA to answer research questions posed by its members and assist in the development of national athletics policies. Given the difficulties scholars of intercollegiate athletics often face in financing large-scale studies on athletics issues, gaining access to student-athletes on many campuses and even knowing what lines of research are already actively under study at the NCAA, Coakley suggested that “the first and most important strategy for stimulating research on intercollegiate sports is to institutionalize the dissemination of information about the athletic department, sport teams, and athletes to the faculty...

A Conceptual Model of Academic Success for Student–Athletes

Abstract: Concern over the academic talent development of Division I student–athletes has led to increased research to explain variations in their academic performance. Although a substantial amount of attention has been given to the relationship between student–athletes and their levels of academic success, there remain critical theoretical and analytical gaps. The purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual model to understand and explain the cumulative processes and characteristics—as a whole and in stages—that influence academic success for Division I student–athletes. Research on student–athletes and academic success is reviewed and synthesized to provide a rationale for the basic elements of the conceptual model.

Individual and institutional challenges facing student athletes on U.S. college campuses

Abstract: Student athletes face challenges of individual nature including their personal involvement in academic oriented activities, time constraints, class attendance, personal goal setting and career choices, physical and emotional fatigue, transition to college environment and academic grades, as well as external ones such as coach demands, institutional policies, discrimination; marginalization from college mainstream activities; college mission and learning environment, and eligibility demands from National Collegiate Athletic Association and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. It is prudent for college administrators to purposely create an accommodating learning environment as well as striving to integrate the student athletes into college wide activities. Key words: Student athlete, faculty, racism, stereotype, gender inequality, student involvement theory, intercollegiate athletics/sports, graduation rate.

Academic Research and Reform: A History of the Empirical Basis for NCAA Academic Policy

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide an historical overview of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) academic reform, with a particular focus on the empirical basis for the decisions made. The authors outline four eras of academic reform, examine the types of information the NCAA has collected and used to make decisions about academic policy, and explore the limits of such academic data.

Stress in Academic and Athletic Performance in Collegiate Athletes: A Narrative Review of Sources and Monitoring Strategies.

Abstract: College students are required to manage a variety of stressors related to academic, social, and financial commitments. In addition to the burdens facing most college students, collegiate athletes must devote a substantial amount of time to improving their sporting abilities. The strength and conditioning professional sees the athlete on nearly a daily basis and is able to recognize the changes in performance and behavior an athlete may exhibit as a result of these stressors. As such, the strength and conditioning professional may serve an integral role in the monitoring of these stressors and may be able to alter training programs to improve both performance and wellness. The purpose of this paper is to discuss stressors experienced by collegiate athletes, developing an early detection system through monitoring techniques that identify the detrimental effects of stress, and discuss appropriate stress management strategies for this population.