Abstract
Increasing the graduation rates of student athletes is one of the more visible NCAA academic goals. Overall student-athlete graduation rates have improved significantly among many institutional members. However, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) student-athlete graduation rates lag considerably behind. Although the NCAA asserts that a causal relationship exists between lack of economic resources and lower student-athlete graduation rate for HBCUs, the presence of additional impacting factors are also admitted as not all HBCUs are struggling in graduating their athletes. Seeking an additional explanation for graduation rates, this case study examined key components of organizational culture in the form of policy, language and ritual of an HBCU athletic department with an exceptionally high student-athlete graduation rate. Framework for the study is based on historical research connecting performance to organizational culture and understanding how policy, language and ritual transmit culture through socialization. Results indicate that a focus on purposefully designed policy, language and ritual can shape a culture in athletics geared toward academic success.
Recommended Citation
Charlton, Ralph
(2011)
"The Role of Policy, Rituals and Language in Shaping an Academically Focused Culture in HBCU Athletics,"
Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics: Vol. 4, Article 8.
Available at:
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/jiia/vol4/iss1/8