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ROGERS STATE UNIVERSITY

2014-2015 Survey of Student Interests in

Athletics, Fitness, and Sports

Office of Accountability and Academics

1/23/2015

This report describes the results of a survey of Rogers State University students conducted at the end of the fall 2014 semester. The purpose of the survey was to assess students’ interests in athletics, fitness, and sports activities, was based on guidelines set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and was modified for online implementation.

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Office for Accountability and Academics Page 1

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

This report presents the results of the Survey of Student Interests in Athletics, Fitness, and Sports

implemented during the 2014-2015 academic year to Rogers State University students. The

purpose of this survey was to assess students’ interests in athletics, fitness, and sports activities.

The Survey of Student Interests in Athletics, Fitness, and Sports was based on guidelines set by

the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and has been modified for online

implementation. The survey instrument appears in Appendix A.

The survey included 15 items designed to determine student interests about programs sponsored

by RSU as well as sponsored by other groups, informal programs, and past activities and

interests in athletics, fitness, and sports. Items were divided into five sections as follows:

1. Interest in athletics, fitness and sports activities

2. Participation in high school athletics, fitness and sports activities

3. Participation in college athletics, fitness and sports activities at RSU

4. Interest in participating in athletics activities at RSU

5. Background information and demographics

Interest level and participation data were collected using a Likert-type scale, and eight

demographic questions were posed to determine generalizability of the sample to the RSU

population. The goal of this survey was to determine relative participation rates and level of

interest of students in sports and fitness activities and teams, and results were disaggregated by

gender. Results will be used to better understand student needs for both male and female

students, and to better evaluate RSU compliance with Title IX.

METHODOLOGY

Students enrolled in at least one course at RSU during fall 2014 were emailed a link to the online

survey at the end of the fall 2014 semester (December 16, 2014). A total of 4,031 students

received the email, and two reminder emails were sent. The survey was held open for one full

month, closing after the first week of the spring 2015 semester (January 18, 2015). Eighty-five

percent of fall 2014 students completed the semester (N = 3,426). A sample size of 251 was

targeted with a 5% margin of error, a 90% confidence level for education research, and a 50%

response distribution. A total of 272 students completed the survey.

Survey participation was voluntary, and all students enrolled in fall 2014 had equal opportunity

to participate. To encourage participation, a $50 gift certificate was awarded to one respondent

through a random drawing at the close of the survey period. Students were given the option to

provide their name and university ID to be included in the drawing, and the Office for

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Accountability and Academics was responsible for the random selection of the gift certificate

winner as well as for the analysis of survey data.

Because survey participation was voluntary, it was necessary to assess for potential response

bias. Demographic data from the sample were compared with demographic data from the overall

RSU population. A chi square statistical test was used to test for difference in response rate by

gender between the sample and University population ( = .05), a key demographic for this

analysis, and no significant difference resulted. Table 1 presents a comparison of population

and sample by gender.

Table 1: Comparison of Population and Sample by Key Demographics: Gender

Gender RSU Population

N = 4,031

Survey Sample

N = 272

Male 37.4% 28.3%

Female 62.6% 71.7%

A relatively even distribution resulted between survey respondents in terms of freshman and

sophomores and between juniors and seniors. Distribution varies within the population; however,

a chi square test revealed no statistically significant difference between population and sample in

terms of academic classification ( = .05). Three graduate students responded to the survey.

Although graduate students are not eligible for intercollegiate club sports, their interest in fitness,

athletics, and intramural sports is of importance, and their responses are included in the results.

Table 2 presents a comparison of population and sample by academic classification.

Table 2: Comparison of Population and Sample by Key Demographics: Academic

Classification

Academic

Classification

RSU Population

N = 4,031

Survey Sample

N = 272

Freshman 35.7% 22.0%

Sophomore 20.1% 22.5%

Junior 19.3% 27.1%

Senior 24.6% 27.1%

Graduate Student 0.3% 1.3%

Because it is essential that RSU investigate possible response bias in race and/or ethnicity of

survey respondents and in full-time and part-time student status, these demographics variables

were also compared. A chi square test determined no statistically significant difference between

RSU’s population and survey sample in terms of race ( = .05). Because RSU has a substantial

Native American population as well as Native American plus one other race, these two

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categories were aggregated. Only one student selected “Other” for a race, and this race was

noted as “Caribbean”. Table 3 presents this comparison.

Table 3: Comparison of Population and Sample by Key Demographics: Race and Ethnicity

Race and/or Ethnicity* RSU Population

N = 4,031

Survey Sample

N = 272

Asian or Pacific Islander 1.3% 2.9%

Black 2.4% 4.0%

Hispanic 4.8% 2.2%

Native American (includes 2

or more races if one race is

Native American) 30.2% 22.1%

White 60.1% 67.6%

Unknown 0.3% 1.1%

Other -- 0.4% *U.S. Department of Education categories used

Statistically significant results were found in comparing full-time versus part-time status of the

sample compared to the RSU population ( = .05). Full-time students were significantly more

likely to respond to the survey than were part-time students. Previous research has informed

RSU that part-time students at the University are more likely to hold full-time jobs and work

more hours than full-time students. Additionally, part-time students were significantly more

likely to report having children or other dependents. Because of this difference, chi square tests

were conducted by full-time/part-time status for items regarding interest in watching athletics,

interest in participating in athletics, and student belief regarding RSU’s emphasis on athletics.

Results indicated a significant difference ( = .05) only for interest in participating in athletic,

fitness, or sports activities as a result of full-time or part-time status, with part-time students

reporting significantly less interest in participating in these activities. These results suggest that

future focus regarding participation of athletic, fitness, and sports activities at RSU can be more

effectively targeted towards full-time students. Table 4 presents the percentages by population

and sample for this demographic variable.

Table 4: Comparison of Population and Sample by Key Demographics: Full-time and Part-

time Status

Gender RSU Population

N = 4,031

Survey Sample

N = 272

Full-time 65.1% 84.3%

Part-time 34.9% 15.7%

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Respondents were also asked to provide their major. Because of the low number of students

enrolled in some majors and because of the higher number of possible majors, a test of

significance was not conducted on this variable. However, percentages for RSU’s fall 2014

population and the sample are presented in Table 5 for critical comparison. In general, survey

respondents reflected their major in the university population with few exceptions. AAS Nursing

majors were less likely to respond to the survey. Most AAS Nursing students work fulltime jobs

and have dependents. BS in Social Science majors were more likely to respond to the survey.

This major has a larger proportion of first-time freshmen than do a number of other majors.

Table 5: Comparison of Population and Sample by Key Demographics: Major

RSU Population

N = 4,031

Survey Sample

N = 272

Missing/Undeclared 16.1% 16.5%

Accounting, A.A. 1.4% 2.2%

Applied Technology, A.A.S. 1.6% 0.4%

Applied Technology, B.T. 0.9% 0.7%

Biological Sciences, A.S. 1.9% 1.1%

Biology, B.S. 7.6% 7.7%

Business Administration, A.A. 5.2% 0.4%

Business Administration, B.S. 12.8% 11.0%

Business Administration, M.B.A. 0.3% 1.5%

Business Information Technology, B.S. 2.2% 2.6%

Communications, B.A. 2.8% 5.5%

Community Counseling, B.S. 1.3% 2.2%

Computer Science, A.S. 1.2% 0.7%

Criminal Justice Studies, A.A. 1.9% 2.2%

Elementary Education, A.A. 2.1% 1.1%

Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S. 0.9% 0.4%

Game Development, B.S. 0.7% 1.1%

Justice Administration, B.S. 1.9% 4.0%

Liberal Art, B.A. 1.5% 3.3%

Liberal Arts, A.A. 1.3% 1.1%

Military History, B.A. 0.5% 0.4%

Nursing, A.A.S.+ 14.7% 7.0%

Nursing, B.S.+ 1.5% 5.5%

Organizational Leadership, B.S. 2.4% 0.7%

Physical Science, A.S. 1.5% 0.7%

Public Administration, B.A. 0.4% 1.5%

Secondary Education, A.A. 0.8% 0.4%

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Social Science, B.S. 5.2% 10.3%

Social Entrepreneurship, B.A. 0% 0%

Social Sciences, A.A. 1.8% 0.4%

Sport Management, B.S. 2.2% 2.6%

Visual Arts, B.F.A. 3.2% 3.3%

Total 100% 100% +Includes those who have applied but have not yet admitted into the major

SURVEY RESULTS

Results for item responses are presented below and disaggregated by gender. For clarity, missing

data and/or items left blank by respondents are not included in the figures below.

Figure 1 displays interest level in watching or listening to athletic, fitness and sports events on

television or radio or hearing about them in the news. Nearly half (49.1%) of female respondents

reported that they were somewhat interested or very interested, whereas three-quarters (75.3%)

of male respondents reported that they were somewhat interested or very interested, with greater

emphasis on extremely interested.

Figure 1: Interest in Watching Athletics

Respondents were also asked how interested they were in participating in athletic, fitness, or

sports activities, and Figure 2 presents these results. A total of 57% of female respondents

reported that they were somewhat interested or extremely interested, with more somewhat

interested. A total of 73.9% of male respondents reported they were somewhat interested or

extremely interested, with more males than females extremely interested.

41.5%

8.5%

33.8%

40.6%

10.8%

27.3%

13.8%

21.2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

Percent

Ge

nd

er

Not At All Interested

Not Very Interested

Somewhat Interested

Extremely Interested

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Figure 2: Interest in Participating in Athletics

When asked if they believed RSU places too much, too little, or the right amount of emphasis on

intercollegiate athletics, a majority (54.1%) of all respondents reported the University places the

right amount of emphasis on athletics, with no significant difference in opinion by gender.

Approximately one in ten (12.3%) students believed too much emphasis is placed on athletics at

RSU, and slightly more (15.4%) believed too little emphasis is placed on athletics at RSU.

Figure 3 presents these results.

Figure 3: RSU Emphasis on Intercollegiate Athletics

In order to better understand students’ future interest in sports and athletics, respondents were

asked about prior interest and participation in sports and athletics. Figure 4 presents students’

participation rates in varsity sports in high school. Six out of ten (60%) male respondents

participated in varsity high school sports, and nearly half (47.3%) of female respondents did so.

35.4%

17.6%

38.5%

39.4%

16.9%

22.4%

9.2%

18.2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

Percent

Ge

nd

er

Not At All Interested

Not Very Interested

Somewhat Interested

Extremely Interested

9.2%

10.3%

55.4%

57.6%

16.9%

12.1%

18.5%

18.2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

Percent

Ge

nd

er

Don't Know

Too Little Emphasis

The Right Amount

Too Much Emphasis

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Students’ non-varsity high school sports participation rates were similar by gender, with nearly

one-quarter of respondents reporting non-varsity participation as presented in Figure 5. Males

were more likely to participate in non-school sponsored sports and fitness activities in high

school than were females, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 4: Participation Rate in Varsity Sports in High School

Figure 5: Participation Rate in Non-Varsity Sports in High School

Figure 6: Participation Rate in Non-School Sponsored Sports and Fitness Activities in

High School

60.0%

47.3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

21.5%

23.6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

53.8%

35.8%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

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Most survey respondents were not members of an RSU intercollegiate sports team or club, with

16.4% of female and 20% of male respondents reporting intercollegiate participation in the last

year (see Figure 7). Most common sports for female club members were soccer, basketball and

cheerleading (see Figure 8). Most common sports for male club members were soccer, golf, and

basketball (see Figure 9). The majority of respondents were not members of club sports, and this

indicates that survey results are indicative of the opinions of most full-time RSU students.

Figure 7: Participation Rate in RSU Sponsored Club or Intercollegiate Sports in the Last

Year

Figure 8: Participation in RSU Intercollegiate Programs Among Female Students in the

Last Year

20.0%

16.4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male

Female

0%

1.2%

1.2%

1.2%

1.8%

2.4%

3.6%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Golf

Track and Field

Softball

Cross Country

Cheerleading

Basketball

Soccer

9


Figure 9: Participation in RSU Intercollegiate Programs Among Male Students in the Last

Year

Note: Football is not currently a club sport at RSU; however, students may have transferred from other universities

where they played intercollegiate football.

This survey was designed to garner past, present and future interest and self-reported abilities of

students regarding athletic, fitness and sports activities. Results were disaggregated by gender,

and female respondents’ results appear in Figures 10 – 16. Results for male respondents are

presented in Figures 17 – 23.

RSU Female Student Results

Nearly half (47.3%) of females reported that they participated in varsity sports in high school,

nearly one-quarter (23.6%) participated in non-varsity sports, and approximately one-third

participated in non-school sponsored sports or fitness activities. Most common varsity sports

included basketball, softball, track and field, cheerleading, soccer, cross country and volleyball,

in respective order (see Figure 10). Non-varsity sports were similar but with lower frequency

(see Figure 11). Most frequent non-school sponsored activities consisted of hiking, jogging, and

yoga as presented in Figure 12.

0%

1.5%

3.1%

3.1%

6.2%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Baseball

Football

Basketball

Golf

Soccer

10


Figure 10: Varsity Sports in High School Among Female Students

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

1.2%

3.0%

3.0%

3.6%

6.1%

6.7%

7.3%

10.3%

15.2%

17.0%

18.2%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Wrestling

Swimming

Ice Hockey

Gymnastics

Football

Field Hockey

Color Guard

Archery

Baseball

Tennis

Golf

Dancing

Volleyball

Cross Country

Soccer

Cheerleading

Track and Field

Softball

Basketball

11


Figure 11: Non-Varsity Sports in High School Among Female Students

Note: Academic Bowl, Band, and JROTC were each mentioned once.

0.6%

0.6%

1.2%

1.2%

1.2%

1.8%

2.4%

2.4%

2.4%

3.6%

3.6%

3.6%

5.5%

6.7%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Rodeo

Archery

Wrestling

Tennis

Cross Country

Golf

Track and Field

Swimming

Dancing

Volleyball

Cheerleading

Basketball

Soccer

Softball

12


Figure 12: Non-School Sponsored Sports or Fitness Activities in High School Among

Female Students

To determine interest in future participation in intercollegiate club sports, respondents were

asked to rate interest for a list of currently existing programs and programs that could be formed.

Figure 13 presents these results disaggregated by students’ self-reported ability levels. For

females, dancing was the most popular program, with 32.7% reporting interest. Nearly one-third

of interested females reported that they have the ability to dance competitively and the remainder

reported that they would need to develop the ability. Interest was also shown for hockey (27.3%),

swimming (23.0%), volleyball (20.0%), and tennis (16.9%), among other sports. A majority of

interested females reported that they currently have the ability to play hockey and volleyball.

Interest and self-reported levels of ability indicate that additional club talent exists in RSU’s

existing student body.

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

1.2%

2.4%

2.4%

3.6%

4.2%

4.8%

5.5%

6.7%

7.3%

7.9%

9.1%

10.3%

10.3%

14.2%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Wrestling

Rock Climbing

Pilates

Martial Arts

Horse Riding

Baseball

Areobics/Zumba

Cross Country

Gymnastics

Cheerleading

Basketball

Tennis

Volleyball

Soccer

Dancing

Weight Lifting

Swimming

Softball

Yoga

Jogging

Hiking

13


Figure 13: Interest in Intercollegiate Club Sports by Ability Level Among Female Students

at RSU

1.8%

1.2%

1.8%

1.2% 4.2%

1.2%

6.1%

6.1%

3.6%

5.0%

7.9%

7.3%

6.1%

11.5%

4.2%

12.1%

9.1%

18.2%

13.3%

0.6%

1.8%

1.2%

3.0%

1.2%

4.8%

1.8%

3.0%

6.7%

6.1%

4.2%

5.5%

7.3%

3.6%

12.7%

7.9%

13.9%

9.1%

19.4%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%

Wrestling

Field Hockey

Football

Lacrosse

Baseball

Ice Hockey

Weight Lifting

Soccer

Gymnastics

Track and Field

Cross Country

Basketball

Cheerleading

Softball

Tennis

Volleyball

Swimming

Hockey

Dancing

Have Ability

Need Ability

14


Students were asked to identify obstacles they experience or have experienced in participating in

RSU intercollegiate athletic programs over the last year. The most common obstacle (40.0%)

was that it would interfere with their studies. Other obstacles included: interferes with job

(34.5%); not interested (27.3%); interferes with family (23.0%); takes too much time (21.2%);

and not good enough to make the team (20.6%). All identified obstacles for female students

appear in Figure 14.

Figure 14: Obstacles to Participation in RSU Intercollegiate Athletic Programs Among

Female Students in the Last Year

0%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

1.2%

1.8%

1.8%

2.4%

2.4%

6.1%

6.7%

10.9%

10.9%

11.5%

13.9%

14.5%

15.8%

20.6%

21.2%

23.0%

27.3%

34.5%

40.0%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Disqualified

Transfer student

Out of shape

No equestrian team

Involved in intramurals instead

Too far to drive

Programs are not very good

Not eligible

Not available at Bartlesville

Don't know people/New

Physical injuries

Limiting disability or medical condition

Too old

Programs not offered that I'm interested in

Don't have the energy

Financial contraints

Don't have physical ability

Not familiar with programs

Not good enough to make team

Takes too much time

Interferes with family

Not interested

Interferes with job

Interferes with my studies

15


Intramural programs present additional options for RSU students, and survey respondents were

asked to rate their interest in a number of intramural and fitness programs at RSU. Greatest

interested was reported for a yoga program, with half (50.3%) of all female respondents

reporting interest. Other programs of more frequent interest include: dancing (29.1%); aerobics

and/or Zumba (26.0%); hiking (20.6%); swimming (14.5%); and jogging (13.9%). Ratings are

presented in Figure 15.

Figure 15: Interest in Intramural Programs Among Female Students at RSU

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

1.2%

1.2%

1.2%

1.8%

2.4%

2.4%

3.0%

4.2%

5.5%

6.1%

6.7%

7.3%

8.5%

10.3%

10.3%

13.9%

14.5%

20.6%

26.0%

29.1%

50.3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Rodeo

None

Martial Arts

Kickboxing

Football

Figure Skating

Female-specific Fitness Class

Equestrian

Disc Golf

Color Guard

Archery

Lacrosse

Field Hockey

Baseball

Ice Hockey

Soccer

Cross Country

Track and Field

Gymnastics

Cheerleading

Basketball

Softball

Weight Lifting

Tennis

Volleyball

Caving

Jogging

Swimming

Hiking

Aerobics/Zumba

Dancing

Yoga

16


To inform planning of new intramural sports and fitness activities, respondents were asked to

rate their ability levels for specific sports and activities for which they reported interest.

Response options included: not interested, interested and have the ability, and interested but

would need to develop ability. Similar to responses for intercollegiate sports, females reported

dancing as the most popular program, with 24.9% reporting interest. Most interested females

reported that they would need to develop the ability. Interest was also shown for hiking (23.2%),

volleyball (15.8%), softball (15.7%), swimming (15.2%), and jogging (15.1%), among others. A

majority of interested females reported that they currently have the ability to play softball and to

participate in a hiking program. Figure 16 presents these results disaggregated by students’ self-

reported ability levels.

Figure 16: Interest in Intramural programs by Ability Level Among Female Students at

RSU

0.6%

0.6%

0.6%

0.6% 3.6%

4.8%

2.4%

4.2%

2.4%

1.8%

3.0%

3.0%

9.1%

3.6%

4.8%

10.3%

6.1%

13.9%

9.1%

15.2%

9.1%

0.6%

1.8%

2.4%

3.0

1.2%

0.6%

3.0%

3.0

3.6%

4.8%

4.8%

5.5%

1.8%

9.1%

9.1%

4.8%

9.1%

1.8%

6.7%

8.5%

15.8%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0%

Wrestling

Field Hockey

Lacrosse

Ice Hockey

Cross Country

Weight Lifting

Football

Baseball

Soccer

Gymnastics

Cheerleading

Track and Field

Basketball

Tennis

Caving

Jogging

Swimming

Softball

Volleyball

Hiking

Dancing

Have Ability

Need Ability

17


Male Student Results

A majority (60.0%) of male respondents reported that they participated in varsity sports in high

school, nearly one-quarter (21.5%) participated in non-varsity sports, and more than half (53.8%)

participated in non-school sponsored sports or fitness activities. Most common varsity sports

included basketball, football, baseball, track and field, softball, soccer, cross country and

wrestling, in respective order (see Figure 17). Non-varsity sports were reported with lower

frequency (see Figure 18), with basketball, football, rugby, baseball, and volleyball mentioned,

in respective order. Most frequent non-school sponsored activities consisted of basketball

(21.5%), jogging (15.4%), weightlifting (15.4%), and soccer (12.3%) among other activities, as

presented in Figure 19.

Figure 17: Varsity Sports in High School Among Male Students

0.6%

1.5%

1.5%

3.0%

3.1%

4.6%

7.7%

10.8%

15.4%

17.0%

21.5%

21.5%

27.7%

27.7%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Rugby

Powerlifting

Cheerleading

Golf

Tennis

Golf

Wrestling

Cross Country

Soccer

Softball

Track and Field

Baseball

Football

Basketball

18


Figure 18: Non-Varsity Sports in High School Among Male Students

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

3.1%

3.1%

4.6%

4.6%

7.7%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Wrestling

Trap/Skeet

Softball

Soccer

Rodeo

Marching Band

Volleyball

Baseball

Rugby

Football

Basketball

19


Figure 19: Non-School Sponsored Sports or Fitness Activities in High School Among Male

Students

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

3.1%

3.1%

4.6%

4.6%

4.6%

6.2%

6.2%

10.8%

10.8%

10.8%

12.3%

15.4%

15.4%

21.5%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

Ultimate Frisbee

Kendo/Kempo

Golf

Dagorhir

Cross Country

Bowling

Aerobics

Ice Hockey

Caving

Track and Field

Tennis

Swimming

Hiking

Football

Volleyball

Softball

Baseball

Soccer

Weight Lifting

Jogging

Basketball

20


To determine interest in future participation in intercollegiate club sports, respondents were

asked to rate interest for a list of currently existing programs and programs that could be formed.

Figure 12 presents these results disaggregated by students’ self-reported ability levels. For males,

football was the most popular program, with 40% reporting interest. A total of 29.2% of

interested males reported that they have the ability to play football competitively and the

remainder reported that they would need to develop the ability. Interest was also shown for

basketball (33.8%), weight lifting (27.7%), hockey (23.1%), volleyball (23%), baseball (23%),

and tennis (20%), among other athletic programs. A majority of interested males reported that

they currently have the ability to substantively participate in football, basketball, weight lifting,

hockey, volleyball, baseball, and several others programs.

Figure 20: Interest in Intercollegiate Club Sports by Ability Level Among Male Students at

RSU

1.5% 7.7%

1.8% 6.2%

9.2%

1.5% 4.6%

12.3%

4.6%

7.7%

9.2%

7.7%

7.7%

3.1%

21.5%

13.8%

18.5%

18.5%

20.0%

29.2%

3.1%

4.6%

0.0%

6.2%

3.1%

1.5%

9.2%

7.7%

1.0%

9.2%

7.7%

9.2%

10.8%

10.8%

16.9%

1.5%

9.2%

4.6%

9.2%

13.8%

10.8%

0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0%

Cheerleading

Dancing

Softball

Wrestling

Cross Country

Jogging

Gymnastics

Field Hockey

Track and Field

Caving

Swimming

Ice Hockey

Soccer

Lacrosse

Tennis

Baseball

Volleyball

Hockey

Weight Lifting

Basketball

Football

Have Ability

Need Ability

21


Students were asked to identify obstacles they experience or have experienced in participating in

RSU intercollegiate athletic programs over the last year. The two most common obstacles were

that it interferes with their studies (36.9%) and it interferes with their job (36.9%). Other

obstacles included: programs are not currently offered that they are interested in (23.1%), takes

too much time (21.5%); interferes with family (20%), not good enough to make the team

(13.8%), and not interested (13.8%). All identified obstacles for male students appear in Figure

21.

Figure 21: Obstacles to Participation in RSU Intercollegiate Programs Among Male

Students in the Last Year

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

4.6%

4.6%

6.2%

6.2%

10.8%

12.3%

12.3%

12.3%

13.8%

13.8%

20.0%

21.5%

23.1%

36.9%

36.9%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Programs are not very good

Out of shape

Not a social person

New to RSU

Live too far away

Not eligible

Involved in intramurals instead

Limiting disability or medical condition

Don't have the energy

Physical injuries

Not familiar with programs

Financial contraints

Don't have physical ability

Not interested

Not good enough to make team

Interferes with family

Takes too much time

Programs not offered that I'm interested in

Interferes with my studies

Interferes with job

22


Because intramural programs present additional options for RSU students, survey respondents

were asked to rate their interest in a number of intramural and fitness programs at RSU. Greatest

interested for male respondents was for a football program, with 30.8% expressing interest.

Other programs of more interest include: basketball (21.5%); baseball (20%); hiking (16.9%);

volleyball (15.4%); weight lifting (15.4%); and tennis (12.3%), among other sports and

activities. Ratings are presented in Figure 22.

Figure 22: Interest in Intramural Programs Among Male Students at RSU

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

1.5%

3.1%

3.1%

4.6%

4.6%

4.6%

4.6%

4.6%

6.2%

6.2%

6.2%

6.2%

7.7%

9.2%

10.8%

10.8%

12.3%

15.4%

15.4%

16.9%

20.0%

21.5%

30.8%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Video Gaming

Rugby

None

eSports

Aerobics

Dancing

Cheerleading

Yoga

Swimming

Softball

Gymnastics

Cross Country

Track and Field

Jogging

Field Hockey

Caving

Lacrosse

Wrestling

Soccer

Ice Hockey

Tennis

Weight Lifting

Volleyball

Hiking

Baseball

Basketball

Football

23


To inform planning of new intramural sports and fitness activities, male respondents were asked

to rate their ability levels for specific sports and activities for which they reported interest.

Response options included: not interested, interested and have the ability, and interested but

would need to develop ability. Males self-reported their highest ability levels for basketball at

30.8%, and an additional 9.2% of interested respondents noted that they would need to develop

the ability. Other potential programs for which males reported strongest interest and ability were

football, volleyball, weight lifting, baseball, hiking, and tennis, among others. Figure 23 presents

these results disaggregated by ability level.

Figure 23: Interest in Intramural Programs by Ability Level Among Male Students at RSU

1.5%

1.5%

1.5% 4.6%

3.1%

9.2%

9.2%

10.8%

9.2%

6.2%

7.7%

13.8%

18.5%

7.7%

24.6%

20.0%

16.9%

23.1%

27.7%

30.8%

3.1%

4.6%

3.1%

7.7%

3.1%

4.6%

3.1%

7.7%

12.3%

10.8%

7.7%

3.1%

15.4%

1.5%

6.2%

10.8%

7.7%

3.1%

9.2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Cheerleading

Dancing

Gymnastics

Cross Country

Field Hockey

Track and Field

Swimming

Jogging

Wrestling

Lacrosse

Ice Hockey

Soccer

Softball

Tennis

Hiking

Baseball

Weight Lifting

Volleyball

Football

Basketball

Have Ability

Need Ability

24


CONCLUSIONS

The mission of the Rogers State University Athletics Department is to achieve excellence within

intercollegiate athletic competition while modeling the NCAA’s core values of integrity, respect,

responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. The department endeavors to promote an

environment of excellence and accountability for student athletes as well as all RSU students

through athletic, sports, and fitness opportunities. The purpose of this study was to assess

student interest in athletics, fitness, and sports activities at the University. Information was

requested regarding student participation, interest, and ability levels in a variety of existing and

possible sports and programs. Further, obstacles to student participation were identified to inform

future program planning.

All students enrolled at RSU during the fall 2014 semester were emailed an invitation to

participate in the online survey at the end of the fall semester. Participation was voluntary, and a

$50 gift certificate was used as an incentive to participate. Students were assured their responses

would be kept confidential; only overall results of the survey are of interest for RSU planning

and Title IX compliance. A sample of 251 students was needed for a 5% margin of error and

90% confidence level. A total of 272 students responded, and respondents were representative of

the RSU student population in terms of gender, race and ethnicity, academic classification, and

major. Full-time students were significantly more likely to respond than were part-time students.

However, there was no significant difference in interest in watching athletics or belief regarding

RSU’s emphasis on athletics as a result of full-time or part-time student status. There was a

significant difference in interest in participating in athletics as a result of full-time or part-time

student status, with part-time students significantly less interested in participating. These results

suggest the survey findings can be implemented more effectively with full-time students than

with part-time students at RSU. Major findings of the study are summarized below.

Results indicate a majority of RSU students are interested in athletics, fitness, and sports. A total

of 57% reported being interested in watching or listening to athletic events, with 21% rating their

interest level as “extremely interested”. A total of 62% reported interest in participating in

athletic, fitness, or sports activities, with 23% rating their interest level as “extremely interested”.

Approximately half of students rated RSU’s emphasis on intercollegiate athletics as “the right

amount”, with 15% rating it as too little and 12% rating it as too much.

A majority (52%) of male and female students were involved in some type of athletics programs

during their high school experiences. Most common high school sports activities included

basketball, baseball or softball, track and field, cheerleading, and cross country running. With

regard to intercollegiate participation at RSU, the vast majority of respondents had not

participated in competitive club sports within the last year; however, a significant percent of

students indicated interest in one or more athletic sports or programs (66.9%). Males were most

interested in football, basketball, and weight lifting. Females were most interested in competitive

dancing, hockey, swimming, and volleyball. Females were less likely to report having

25


competitive ability but reported an interest in developing their abilities. Males were more likely

to report currently having competitive ability.

Obstacles to participating in club sports were similar for both males and females. Most common

obstacles included interference with academic studies, interference with job/employment,

interference with family responsibilities, and amount of time required to participate.

Intramural sports and programs are a more realistic option for most RSU students. Half of all

females (50.3%) reported interest in a yoga program at RSU. Dancing (29.1%), aerobics (26%),

hiking 20.6%), swimming (14.5%), and jogging (13.9%) were also rated as popular. Nearly one-

third (30.8%) of males reported interest in intramural football at RSU. Basketball (21.5%),

baseball (20%), hiking 16.9%, volleyball (15.4%), weight lifting (15.4%), and tennis 12.3%)

were rated highest. Hiking, tennis, and volleyball were more popular activities for both genders

and hold potential for coeducational implementation.

26


APPENDIX A: Survey

2014-2015 survey of student interests in athletics ... · 2014-2015 survey of student interests in...

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