Opinion: This is a time for UCLA to be a leader in truly prioritizing student athlete well-being holistically and creating a new model for athletic departments
Some opponents to the Big Ten migration have raised concerns that Black male students, in particular, would be most harmed by the decision. Black males make up about 14% of UCLA’s student athletes, according to data from UCLA’s admissions office, and Black male student athletes who remain at UCLA for five or six years have graduation rates that are equal to, if not higher, than Black males who are not student athletes.
Moreover, the Big Ten will allow UCLA to provide enhanced resources that players are asking for to compete as elite students and elite athletes. For instance, the athletic department could double or even triple its investment in learning specialists, tutors, mentors and other academic support staff. By providing student athletes with more customized support, including virtual tutoring and mentoring, academic outcomes can improve significantly.
Another area of investment could be in mental health support. Many college students, including student athletes, struggle with anxiety, depression and other issues. By hiring more therapists and mental health specialists who would work exclusively with student athletes, the university would be taking a bold stance to make student wellness and mental health a priority.
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