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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Office for Accountability and Academics Page 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.
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APPENDIX A: Survey