1

Sport Administration

Program

Master’s Student Handbook

2017-2018

School of Human Services

College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human

Services

Table of Contents

1

Preface ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3

The University and the community ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4

Sport Administration Program -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6

Master’s program of study ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6

Program overview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6

Program objectives ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Curriculum -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

Classes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

Semester schedule of courses ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

Capstone Requirements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

Faculty -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10

Program advisory committee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12

Program communications -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12

Professional organizations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13

Program design and approval --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13

Working with faculty advisor --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Changing faculty advisors ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13

Program plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Transfer of coursework ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Modifying the program plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Completing coursework --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Progress monitoring -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15

Program expectations and review process ------------------------------------------------------------------ 15

Academic performance requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16

University support systems ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16

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Academic resources -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Campus resources ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Graduate student services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

University rules and requirements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17

Grading practices ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Full-time/Part-time enrollment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Full-time course load ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Part-time course load ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Procedures for registration ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17

Registration change --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Withdrawals ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Additional Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18

Graduate credits and grading practices ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Graduation application ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Time to degree --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Right to review records ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Academic dishonesty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Misconduct ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Grievance procedures and other complaint procedures -----------------------------------------------------

19

Financial assistance ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19

Graduate assistantships -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20

Graduate incentive awards ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

20

Termination of award ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

Graduate assistantship policies -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21

GA rights, responsibilities, and grievance procedures ------------------------------------------------------ 21

Course load ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

3

Additional resources for securing financial aid -------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Year-round loan distribution ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Distribution of direct loan funds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Enrollment plan reporting --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

False reporting of enrollment plans --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

Modification of Handbook -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

23

Appendices --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

24

Appendix A. UC SPAD Masters’ Project Guidelines ------------------------------------------------------- 24

Appendix B. Thesis committee selection form -------------------------------------------------------------- 27

Appendix C. Advising sheet ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

Appendix D. Timeline ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29

Appendix E. End of the semester advisor review ----------------------------------------------------------- 31

Appendix F. Semester review --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32

Appendix G. Action Plan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33

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PREFACE

The Sport Administration Program Master’s Student Handbook is intended to provide students with specific

information about the University of Cincinnati; the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services

(CECH); the School of Human Services; and the Sport Administration Program. This handbook is a tool for

students as they progress through the Master’s in Sport Administration Program. Program policies exist within

the framework of those of the College and the University (Graduate School). The Master’s Student Handbook

presents specific policies and procedures specific to the Master’s Degree Program and is compliant with the

rules and policies of the Graduate School, and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

Students are responsible for being aware of Program, College, and University regulations and policies described

in the Master’s Program Policies (http://cech.uc.edu/gradpolicyprocedure.html), the University of Cincinnati

Graduate Handbook (http://grad.uc.edu/content/dam/grad/docs/Publications/handbook.pdf), and the Student

Code of Conduct (http://www.uc.edu/conduct/Code_of_Conduct.html).

Graduate programs at the University of Cincinnati are organized within the Graduate School. The Dean of the

Graduate School is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and administrating all policies, rules, and

regulations pertaining to graduate degree programs, including those of the School of Human Services. Graduate

faculty determine educational policy of the Graduate School and regulates admissions of students, advancement

of candidacy, and awarding of graduate of degrees. The Graduate faculty have sole power in establishing the

requirements, but individual units and programs determine specific course of study, instruction methods, and

evaluation of comprehensive examinations.

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THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COMMUNITY

The University of Cincinnati (UC) consists of 14 Colleges and Schools that provide a wide range of graduate

programs. Over the years, the University has achieved an outstanding national and international reputation in

many areas. The University of Cincinnati is classified as a Research University (Highest Research Activity) by

the Carnegie Commission, and is ranked as one of America’s top 30 public research universities by the National

Science Foundation. U.S. News has ranked UC in the Top Tier of America’s Best Colleges; The Chronicle of

Higher Education has called UC a “research heavyweight,” and UC has consistently been named a “green

university” by Princeton Review. The New York Times, Forbes, Delta Sky and Travel + Leisure magazines

have highlighted UC.

The campus includes excellent facilities for a variety of recreational activities including the Campus Recreation

Center for swimming, basketball, running, tennis, racquetball, weight training, and other activities. There is

wide access to computer labs and wireless networks. The University has undergone extensive renovation to

modernize and enhance student facilities, including our building: The Teachers-Dyer Complex. It also sponsors

movies, concerts, theater, athletic, and musical events. The athletic department competes in the American

Athletic Conference, and Nippert Stadium is home to FC Cincinnati, the new USL team.

The University is situated within the city of Cincinnati, rated as being one of the most attractive and livable

cities in the United States. Greater Cincinnati captures the unique characteristics of three states (Ohio,

Kentucky, and Indiana) within a single metropolitan area. Its hills and valleys surround the Ohio River,

providing a setting for one of America’s most beautiful inland cities. It is a city in the midst of an exciting urban

revival and a place known for its love of the arts, passion for sports, and local food. As the center of culture and

commerce for a region of more than 2 million people, the Queen City is an important hub of the Midwest. The

area is home to nine Fortune 500 companies and lays claim to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the

nation.

The University of Cincinnati offers students a balance of educational excellence and real-world experience, and

the city itself provides a large number of sport opportunities. In addition to the well-known professional

franchises, the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals, the city also has two Division I Athletic programs,

several Division III programs, USL FC Cincinnati, the ECHL Cincinnati Cylcones, the Flying Pig Marathon,

ProCamps, National Association of Sport Commissions, Cincinnati RollerGirls, the 2nd largest tennis

tournament in the U.S. with the Western & Southern Open, and many more sport organizations. Within the state

of Ohio, there are 79 interscholastic conferences, as well as 32 independent schools. There are 10 conferences

and 2 independent schools within Cincinnati. There are numerous sport organizations within a two-hour drive

from Cincinnati that includes addition professional, collegiate, and governing bodies such as the National

Collegiate Athletic Association, Kentucky Motor Speedway, US Track and Field, and many more.

Within the region are many opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, hiking, rock climbing,

downhill skiing, and boating/canoeing. Cincinnatians love festivals; the legendary firework show on Labor Day

weekend, Oktoberfest in the fall, and numerous holiday celebrations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s

Day are special favorites. The cost of living is moderate, as is the climate. There are several quality restaurants,

breweries, and local shops to enjoy, including some of Cincinnati’s favorites: Graeter’s Ice Cream, Skyline

Chili, and the Montgomery Inn.

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The Cincinnati metropolitan area of 2.1 million people has 8 colleges and universities in addition to the

University of Cincinnati. The city is located conveniently along major interstates, as well as airline, train and

bus routes. It is within a two-hour drive of Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington.

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SPORT ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Sport Administration Program at the University of Cincinnati is designed for

students seeking to advance their career in the fields of interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic administration.

At the pinnacle of these industry segments exist career opportunities as athletic directors and assistant/associate

athletic directors; however, within college and high school athletics there is a need for skilled sport managers in

the areas of sales, development, corporate partnerships, finance, public relations, marketing, facility and event

operations, compliance, and student-athlete support services.

Our one-year program* is built around developing skills in these areas through real-world application of course

content, industry partnerships, and research-based best practices. The master’s program is available both on-

campus and online.

*The program can be completed in one year if the student is enrolled full time.

MASTER’S PROGRAM OF STUDY

Program Overview

The overall mission of the Sport Administration program is to develop scholars, practitioners, and leaders in

sport administration through innovation, collaboration, education, and leadership. Central to our values are

advancement in the classroom, embracing diversity, engagement with the real world, and the building of leaders

specifically in interscholastic and intercollegiate sport. The Master of Science (MS) degree in Sport

Administration reflects these values and engages students in an applied, real-world, and interdisciplinary

learning experience related to the sport industry.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared for a successful career in athletic administration. Specifically,

graduates will enter into the profession in organizations directly affiliated with intercollegiate and

interscholastic sport. Roles may include ticketing, marketing, sponsorship, communication, facility and event

management, student athlete support, and compliance, among others.

The curriculum is designed to focus on developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed to be successful

leaders in each of these areas. In addition to the curriculum, students are able to take advantage of the numerous

opportunities to engage with the real world provided both inside and outside of the classroom. This includes

class projects, site visits, and guest consultants. These experiences, along with our diverse group of faculty

members, advisors, and professional partners, give students the opportunity to develop and/or further unique

professional knowledge and skills that can help launch or accelerate their career.

Program Objectives

The following objectives are representative of what is intended for those within the Masters’ program to

successfully achieve:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of governance structures associated within athletic administration, education, and

student-athlete services.

2. Utilize research methods to address sport-related problems, issues, and opportunities

3. Integrate and apply knowledge and skills to develop best-practice approaches within athletic administration.

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4. Demonstrate the ability to display leadership behaviors consistent with being a well-educated, ethical,

socially-conscious, and competent sport management professional.

Curriculum

Our Master of Science in Sport Administration program is designed to cultivate the next generation of sport

industry leaders in athletic administration. Our master’s curriculum emphasizes the practical application of

knowledge as it relates to high school and collegiate athletic administration.

The curriculum for the Master’s degree was designed with the standards of Commission on Sport Management

(COSMA) Accreditation as a framework. COSMA is a specialized accrediting body whose purpose is to

promote and recognize excellence in sport management education worldwide in colleges and universities at the

baccalaureate and graduate levels through specialized accreditation. The Program, School, and College, and

University are committed to seeking future accreditation review for the Program. Faculty have begun activities

and data collection toward this goal. For additional information about COSMA, please visit

www.cosmaweb.org.

Classes include:

Sport Finance and Budgeting

This course will explore conceptual and theoretical aspects of financial accounting management practices

associated with the organization and operation of intercollegiate and interscholastic programs. Special emphasis

will be placed on understanding budgeting methods, using financial analysis ratios, non-profit sector financing,

and public financing.

Revenue Generation in Athletics

This course will examine the application and effectiveness of the predominant forms of revenue generation

being utilized at both the intercollegiate and interscholastic levels. Students will gain an appreciation for the

intricacies of these strategies and acquisition techniques used for various types of private fund-raising

campaigns, corporate sponsorships programs, ticket sales efforts and in other areas such as trademarks,

licensing and special promotions.

Facility Operations and Systems Management

The course will examine facility and event management within interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics. The

course will examine the process of planning or renovating a new facility through a feasibility study.

Management systems will include capacity management, booking and scheduling, bidding on events,

maintenance and security, and ADA compliance. Issues of volunteer recruitment and management, event

evaluation, and sustainability will be addressed.

Strategic Athletic Marketing and Communications

This course focuses on development of marketing and communication strategies associated with interscholastic

and intercollegiate athletics; specifically, market and customer analysis, market segmentation, and marketing

mix tactics. Topics will cover the strategies used to market the teams and maintain a relationship between the

athletic department and media.

Athletic Governance and Compliance

This course focuses on the structure and operations of interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic governing

bodies. The class will discuss the role compliance serves in the management of athletic administration and how

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rules and regulations impact practices and procedures of athletic administration. Emphasis will be placed on

discerning regulations, eligibility, practice, procedures, and bylaws by proactive oversight.

Sport and the Social Context

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major sociological issues in interscholastic

and intercollegiate athletic administration. All primary issues impacting athletics are covered, including but not

limited to gender and sex, race and ethnicity, disability, religion, media involvement, and globalization.

Managerial Strategies in Athletics

The focus of this course is on the application of leadership and management theory to issues in interscholastic

and intercollegiate athletics, including organizational behavior, strategic planning, and effective human

resources management. Emphasis will be placed on the issues, forces, and problems impacting decision-

making. The course will utilize case studies and draw from current events and trends to connect theories with

practice.

Risk Management and Policy Development in Sport

This course is designed to focus on applying knowledge and skills needed to mitigate risks in athletics.

Emphasis will be placed on administering civil law concepts to common scenarios within interscholastic and

intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, students will learn how to develop, implement and evaluate policies and

procedures addressing areas of liability within sport organizations. Students will be able to identify proper

safety guidelines and standards within a diverse set of sport contexts based on relevant case law, statutes,

federal law, and industry standards.

Semester Schedule of Courses

Fall

SMGT 7012 - Sport and the Social Context (3 credit hours) *

SMGT 7014 - Risk Management and Policy Development in Sport (3 credit hours) *

SMGT 7023 - Athletic Governance and Compliance (3 credit hours)

SMGT 7026 - Revenue Generation in Athletics (3 credit hours)

Spring

SMGT 7013 Strategic Athletic Marketing and Communication (3 credit hours)

SMGT 7024 Sport Finance and Budgeting (3 credit hours) *

SMGT 7028 Managerial Strategies in Athletics (3 credit hours) *

SMGT 7032 Facility Operations and Systems Management (3 credit hours)

Summer

SMGT 8085 - Master's Project - Sport Administration (6 credit hours)

Or

SMGT 8090 - Master's Thesis - Sport Administration (6 credit hours)

Total: 30 hours

*Course are offered online only 2017-18

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Capstone Requirements

During their final term in the Program (typically summer), students will complete one of the following options

as their six credit hour capstone experience. Students will work with their advisors to determine which option is

best aligned with their career goals. The details for the capstone options are as follows:

SMGT 8085 - Master’s Project:

Students have two options to complete the Master’s Project and should work closely with their faculty advisor

to determine which option best suits his/her educational and career goals.

Option 1 (Capstone Project): The first option for students will be to complete an applied project reflecting

application and integration of their knowledge and skills. Students will collaborate with an individual within the

sport industry who is directly involved or in charge of the area the project relates to. Students will investigate a

problem, issue or challenge, or create a plan where the organization possibly has a void or is looking to expand.

Students will develop a summary of the project, outlining goals for the idea proposal to the faculty advisor and

designated project instructor. Once approved by the faculty advisor and project instructor, students will provide

a review of literature, implementation timeline and specific details, and evaluation plan for the project. Finally,

students will provide a reflection of their project specifically indicating the application of materials from their

course of study in the Master’s program. In this option, students will work with their advisor to develop their

project idea and to propose it the course instructor. Guidelines for the project can be found in Appendix A.

Option 2 (Portfolio & Field Experience): The second option for the students is to complete an academic

portfolio in conjunction with a field experience. The portfolio will include major projects and presentations the

student developed through the course of Master’s degree with corrections and updates from the class

assignment to incorporate faculty feedback in order to demonstrate further comprehension, integration, and

application of the material. Students are responsible for retaining all major projects during their coursework as

well as all feedback and notes for the projects. Students must provide a one- page reflection for each course,

including major concepts and theories learned, and how they view the application to their future careers. The

practical component of the portfolio includes participating in an experience that consists of 400 hours working

with the same sport organization, with prior approval of the faculty advisor and the course instructor. The

practical experience may include graduate assistantships, full and part-time positions, and internship

opportunities within the sport industry. However, when students use an existing position that they held before

starting the master’s degree program, they must complete a specialized project outside their normal duties and

responsibilities. This project should be consistent with career goals, and incorporate knowledge and skills

reflected in their course work. The faculty advisor will evaluate the project, with the site supervisor contributing

feedback toward the final evaluation.

SMGT 8090 - Master’s Thesis: Students who have strong research interests and potential and those who plan to

pursue a doctoral degree will have the option of completing a Master’s thesis, with the approval of their faculty

advisor. Students who select the thesis option may need to complete an additional research course if deemed

needed by the advisor and Program Coordinator. The student will select a thesis committee who will review the

proposal and approve the final product (see Appendix B). The committee should consist of three members (two

Sport Administration faculty and one faculty member external to the program). This course will assist students

with designing, constructing, writing, and presenting an original research project. The thesis committee chair

and committee member(s) will guide the student through the process. The entire thesis process needs to be

completed for a passing grade to be assigned for the course. In selecting their topic of investigation, students

should work directly with their advisor/committee chair.

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FACULTY

Currently, eight full-time faculty members are responsible for the Sport Administration Program. They are

comprised of five research faculty and three educator faculty. All members of the faculty possess years of

experience in both the field and education, and continue to work within the industry via research, partnerships

or service.

Core Faculty

Thomas J. Aicher, Ph.D. (Associate Professor) is a graduate of Texas A&M University joined the faculty in the

Fall of 2011. He spent seven years in the industry before returning to graduate school working in minor league

baseball, player representation, and sport event management. Dr. Aicher’s research centers on consumer

behaviors of endurance sport athletes, as well as the impact sport events engender in the host community. He is

currently serving as co-editor of the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics and on the University of

Cincinnati Athletics Advisory Council.

Andrea L. Buenaño, Ed.D. (Assistant Professor - Educator) joined the Sport Administration faculty in the Fall

of 2017 and was a former collegiate softball student-athlete. Dr. Buenaño has degrees in higher education

leadership, organizational leadership, and sport management. Prior to her arrival at UC, Dr. Buenaño was an

instructor at the University of North Florida in Sport Management. Dr. Buenaño worked in intercollegiate

athletics at Penn State University and Nova Southeastern University, in addition to teaching and lecturing. She

has more than 10 years of sport industry experience that includes, professional, recreational, interscholastic

athletics, and intercollegiate athletics at the Division I and II levels.

Alicia Cintron, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor) completed her Doctorate at the University of Louisville. Dr. Cintron

joined the Sport Administration faculty as a visiting professor in the Fall of 2016 and was added to the faculty

in the Fall of 2017. She has more than 7 years of experience working in the sport industry in the areas of facility

marketing and management and student-athlete development. Her area of research centers on sport facility

development and urban planning.

Heidi L. Grappendorf, Ph.D. (Associate Professor and Program Coordinator) completed her PhD from the

University of New Mexico and has more than 18 years’ experience in higher education. Dr. Grappendorf’s

teaching emphasis are in Diversity in Sport and the Sociology of Sport. Her areas of research and expertise

include the reasons for the continued under-representation of diversity, and particularly women in sport

management and leadership positions within sport. Dr. Grappendorf is very involved nationally and has held or

holds several national positions within sport management.

David Kelley, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor - Educator and Online Master Program Coordinator) has more than 20

years combined experience in education-based athletics and higher education teaching. As a graduate of Ohio

University, Dr. Kelley has developed an expertise in coordinating with a variety of athletic organizations and

constituencies including interscholastic athletic programs, professional sport organizations, intercollegiate

athletic departments and an array of other sport businesses to assist with their fundraising and development. He

currently serves on the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Special Committee on the future on

Interscholastic Athletics.

Michael A. Odio, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor) joined the Sport Administration faculty in the Fall of 2014 and is

a graduate of the University of Florida. His scholarly interests include organizational behavior and human

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resource issues in sport as well as career and learning outcomes for nonstandard workers (e.g., temporary,

seasonal, part-time) and internships.

Patty Raube Keller, Ed.D. (Assistant Professor - Educator) joined the Sport Administration faculty in the Fall

of 2016 and was a former two sport collegiate student-athlete. Dr. Raube Keller began her career as a physical

education teacher, athletic trainer, and soccer coach at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North

Carolina. Dr. Raube Keller began her 16-year career working in college athletics in all phases of student-athlete

advising, NCAA compliance, and administration. Dr. Raube Keller has worked at every level of the NCAA;

Rutgers (NCAA DI), Campbell University (NCAA DI), Rowan University (NCAA DIII), and University of

Mary (NCAA DII), in addition she was a junior college athletic director at Camden County College.

Jason Simmons, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor) joined the Sport Administration faculty in the Fall of 2014, and is

a graduate of the University of Louisville. After graduating, Dr. Simmons spent three years on the faculty at the

University of Tampa. Prior to attending graduate school, he worked as an Assistant Sports Information Director

and in media relations. His research focuses on the intersection of sport and family, specifically inter role

conflict between sport and family roles, as well as sport consumer behavior.

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PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The program advisory committee includes individuals representing the community and sport industry. This

group is an important vehicle for community and industry input, future planning, collaboration for local

professional development and experiential learning opportunities, and in general, receiving feedback and input

on program planning and direction.

Bob Bedinghaus, Director of Business Development, Cincinnati Bengals

John Cappella, Race Director, Flying Pig Marathon

Nick Carparelli, Senior Director of College Sports, Under Armour

Gregg Darbyshire, Co-Founder/Chairman, ProCamps Worldwide

Jeff Fogelson, Retire Athletic Director, Seton Hall and Xavier Universities

Karen Forgus, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Cincinnati Reds

Ray Harris, Owner, Cincinnati Cyclones/US Bank Arena

Joe Luckey, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Cincinnati

Jolinda Miller, Athletic Director, Hughes High School

Steve Neil, Assistant Commissioner, Ohio High School Athletic Association

Jackie Reau, CEO, Gameday Communications

Mark Simendinger, Executive Vice President, Kentucky Motor Speedway

Mary Wineberg, US Olympic Gold Medalist/UC alumna and former UC athlete

Phil Schildmeyer, Director of Sales, Cincinnati Recreation Commission/Billy Casper Golf

PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS

Faculty and student communication is essential and is fostered through several means including communication

in program courses, individual and group meetings between program faculty and students, Blackboard, social

media- including the program Twitter account, and other student meetings and social events.

Students are expected to stay in close communication with faculty teaching courses, their advisors, and the

Program Coordinator to stay apprised of any program policies, expectations, changes, news, etc. The program

communicates with students via an initial orientation and the Handbook (as a primary source of official

requirements) and also through communication in required courses, meetings with faculty and students, and via

e-mail. Students are reminded that University rules require that faculty and students communicate via e-

mail using only the UC account, not other accounts. It imperative students check their UC e-mail frequently

and correspond with faculty using only these accounts.

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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

There are several valuable sport management organizations that provide additional educational, professional

development and networking opportunities. Students are strongly encouraged to become members or attend

conferences, proceedings, symposiums, workshops, etc. provided by these organizations. While this list is not

exhaustive, it does provide the majority of organizations aligned with the Sport Administration Program.

● College Sport Research Institute (www.csriconference.org)

● National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (http://nacma.nacda.com/home)

● Collegiate Event and Facility Management Association (http://www.nacda.com/cefma/nacda-cefma.html)

● National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals

(http://www.nacda.com/nfoura/nacda-nfoura.html)

● North American Society of Sport Management (www.nassm.org)

● National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (www.nacda.com)

● Women Leaders in College Sports (www.womenleadersincollegesports.org)

● National Association of Sport Commissions (www.sportscommissions.org)

● National Collegiate Athletic Association (www.ncaa.org)

● National Federation of State High School Associations (www.nfhs.org)

● National Sport Forum (www.sports-forum.com)

● Ohio High School Athletic Association (www.ohsaa.org)

● Sport Event and Venues Tomorrow (www.sevt.org)

● National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (www.niaaa.org)

● Sport Marketing Association (http://www.sportmarketingassociation.com)

PROGRAM DESIGN AND APPROVAL

Working with Faculty Advisors

All students in the Sport Administration Program will have an assigned faculty advisor. Regular contact with

the faculty advisor is essential for the student's smooth progression through the program. Among other tasks,

the faculty advisor will help explore career options; complete an advising sheet (see Appendix C); facilitate

processing of routine forms; facilitate progress in meeting program requirements, and assist and serve on

either a project or thesis committee. Further, students and advisors should discuss important dates and the

timeline of when certain items are due (see Appendix D). The Program Coordinator will certify the

graduation upon receiving the graduation check-out form completed by the faculty advisor.

It is the student’s responsibility to maintain open and consistent communication with their assigned faculty

advisor. To make contact with the faculty advisor most productive, the student should be prepared for advising

meetings and should bring necessary documents such as their degree audit report, which can be found at

www.onestop.uc.edu/degree_audit.html.

Changing Faculty Advisors

After admission, each student is assigned a faculty advisor. Occasionally, during the course of one's studies, one

may wish to change faculty advisors. To change advisors, the student must request a change of advisor in

writing to the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator in consultation with the student and graduate

faculty will determine the appropriate action.

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Program Plan

See Semester Schedule of Courses to know what courses are offered each semester.

Transfer of Coursework

Students who have completed graduate work at other schools or at UC may petition their graduate program

director for transfer of credits to be applied towards a master’s or doctoral degree at the University of

Cincinnati. This petition is evaluated by the program that has been petitioned. A University of Cincinnati

graduate program can accept or reject transfer credits at its own discretion, regardless of the graduate degree

program or discipline in which they were earned. Should the program choose to accept the credits, the program

(not the student) will complete an online form that will be accessed in GradTracker. The number of credit hours

transferred from a course taken at another institution into a program at the University of Cincinnati cannot

exceed the number of credit hours given for a University of Cincinnati course that covers equivalent material.

(When converting quarter hours to semester hours, 3 quarter credit hours are equal to 2 semester credit hours; 1

quarter hour equals 2/3 semester credit hours.) Normally, credits are not transferred if they were earned more

than five years prior to the date of the student’s application to the University of Cincinnati program that is

considering the credit transfer without approval by the Director or Associate Dean of the Graduate School.

Some students may wish to take courses outside the university while they are a matriculated student in a UC

degree program. If a student wishes to take courses from outside the university as part of their graduate degree

at UC, they must obtain advance approval from their program for those transfer credits prior to enrolling in the

outside courses.

In no case may more than 50% of the final program requirements for a Master’s degree be satisfied by credit

transfer from another institution. At least 50% of graduate credits must be 41 completed while matriculated in

the graduate program granting the degree. The minimum number of graduate credits to earn a Master’s degree is

30 credits, but many programs require more credits, and students should confer with their individual programs

to ascertain program requirements.

Modifying the Program Plan

As educational goals or career plans change, it may be necessary to modify the program plan. Changes to the

program plan must be described in writing, must have advisor approval, and must be filed as part of the formal

program plan. Note: the program plan is, in fact, a planning document, not a record of activities completed.

Completing Coursework

A scheduled plan for completion of the M.S. in Sport Administration has been designed to ensure full-time

students can complete their programs in an orderly and efficient manner. Full-time Master's degree students

must adhere to their curricular schedule to avoid graduation delay. Part-time students should work closely with

their advisor to avoid problems in course sequencing which could delay graduation. See Appendix C for the

program advising sheet to keep students on schedule.

Students may track their completion of the curricular requirements for their program by referring to the Degree

Progress Audit system available at the One Stop Student Services website:

http://www.onestop.uc.edu/degree_audit.html. Drawing on the Registrar’s database of courses attempted and

completed, this service compares the student’s record of completed coursework to the required curriculum for

the student’s academic program. Regular review of one’s completion status can help the student avoid

graduation delays.

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The following section reviews in detail the program requirements and expectations, including policies on

selective retention.

PROGRESS MONITORING

Program Expectations and Review Processes

The Sport Administration faculty are dedicated to developing leaders in the sport industry through experience-

based learning, best practice approaches, and industry collaborations. To ensure the satisfactory progress toward

degree completion, the advisor will continually monitor student performance, and will meet with students to

complete an end of the semester advisor review form (see Appendix E). Further, at the end of each semester all

Graduate faculty will meet and review student progress, including academic standing by reviewing all course

final grades and the students’ GPA (see Appendix F). If a student is NOT in good standing related to course

grades, GPA, or conduct as set forth by the graduate school, an email will be sent from the Program Coordinator

and faculty advisor informing the student of their standing outlining the issue, and requesting a meeting with the

student to decide the appropriate course of action. As needed, a written Action Plan may be used to set specific

targets and goals for improvement, delineate plans, and note review dates and expectations for good progress. A

template of the Action Plan is included in Appendix G.

On-going evaluation in regard to selective retention is focused on demonstration of the following criteria:

● Adherence to the University of Cincinnati Student Code of Conduct

(http://www.soa.uc.edu/life/conduct).

● Maintenance of a 3.0 with at least a grade of B in all but one course.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students must adhere to all University and Colleges rules, policies, and requirements for graduate students.

Students also must meet Program requirements for good academic standing, which include:

● All Master’s level courses must be taken for a letter grade and all students are required to earn a grade

of B or better in the core curriculum courses.

● A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for graduation.

● Whenever a student obtains a substandard grade (B-, C+, C, or F) in a course required as part of the

student’s program plan, the student will be notified by the advisor and Program Coordinator. They

must meet with his/her advisor and Program Coordinator to discuss his/her status in the program and

develop an Action Plan (Appendix E). Students are allowed one B- grade in a course before they will

be required to retake a course. This will include retaking the class and earning the grade B or better.

The student has one academic year to achieve a B, or probation or dismissal may occur, depending on

the severity of the deficit and the lack of progress to remediate. According to University policy, the

original substandard grade remains on the official transcript.

● Four situations can lead to an Academic Probation status including:

(a) failure to remediate a substandard grade in a course required in the student’s program plan,

(b) more than one grade below a B in graduate work,

(c) a failing grade in any course, or

(d) falling below a 3.0 GPA

17

Failure to remediate probationary status may lead to dismissal from the Program. A student who has

been terminated under this policy may appeal the decision by following the University Graduate Student

Grievance Policies (http://grad.uc.edu/student-life/policies/grievances.html).

UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Graduate study is extremely challenging and demanding, both academically and personally. The Sport

Administration faculty expects each graduate student to demonstrate maturity, initiative, and independence, and

we also strive to support and assist student in their endeavors. An emphasis on close student-faculty relationship

is maintained by carefully limiting the number of students enrolled in the program to allow for regular meetings

between the faculty advisor and advisees. Advisors will meet with advisees once a term to ensure progress

towards degree completion. Further, students are encouraged to actively collaborate as a cohort and develop

support networks for study.

Various support systems exist within the University to assist students. These include:

Academic Resources:

Anonymous Reporting Hotline: Anonymously report harassment, fraud, theft, research misconduct and other

violations of UC policy through the UC hotline. Call toll-free 1-800-889-1547 to report a suspected violation.

Academic Calendars

Graduate Credit and Grades Policies

OneStop

Tuition and Fees

Campus Resources:

Bookstores

Campus Ministries

Campus Safety

Center for English as a Second Language, which administers English as a Second Language classes

Computer lab locations and hours

Extracurricular Activities and Opportunities

Ombuds Office - provides mediation services for resolving multi-party disputes and conflict coaching

On-Campus Dining

Parking

Student Health Insurance

Graduate Student Services:

Career Development Services

Childcare services at UC

Counseling & Psychological Services

Disability Services

Ethnic programs & services

Graduate Housing Options

International Services

Library resources & services for graduate students

Testing Services

University Health Services

18

Further information, including maps can be found at:

http://grad.uc.edu/student-life/campus_life.html

UNIVERSITY RULES AND REQUIREMENTS

Students are expected to adhere to all University rules. Pertinent requirements are highlighted here.

Grading Practices

The Sport Administration Program uses the grading practices specified in the Handbook of the School of

Graduate Studies and Research (www.grad.uc.edu).

Full-time/Part-time Enrollment

A graduate student in the Sport Administration Program may attend either on a full-time or part-time basis.

Students must take a minimum of one graduate credit that contributes to the degree requirements per academic

year to maintain active status. If a student does not maintain active status, he/she may apply for reinstatement

within three years or apply for readmission to his/her program thereafter. Please see the graduate school

handbook for more information about this process.

Full-time Course Load

Students must be registered for 10 or more graduate credits each semester to be considered full-time students.

All students receiving a University Graduate Incentive Award (GIA) or a Graduate Assistantship (GA) must

qualify as full-time graduate students during the period covered by the award. Full-time students are expected to

carry 12 graduate semester credit hours (exclusive of courses taken as audit courses) per term to receive this

financial support. Students do not have to register for summer semester courses to maintain their status.

Students taking courses for audit or to satisfy undergraduate deficiencies must still take 12 graduate credit

hours.

Part-time Course Load

Students who can devote less than full time to graduate study may register for the number of graduate credits

judged by their program advisors to represent the appropriate fraction of a full-time load. Students should

confer with their program to ascertain program policies pertaining to part- time student status.

PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION

A student who has applied to and been admitted by the Graduate School registers each term by obtaining,

completing and processing registration materials and promptly making full payment when billed. A student may

not attend classes until registration is completed. Registering involves the use of your student login and

password to the university's on-line registration site (http://onestop.uc.edu ). The full listing of available courses

is included online as part of the registration process.

Registration Change Procedure

Once a student has completed registration, the official record can be changed only with a

registration change form (Drop/Add Form). The Drop/Add form can be obtained School Offices 450 TDC or

UC. One Stop. Students should consult the Registrar's Website (http://www.uc.edu/registrar) and the U.C.

19

One Stop Center (http://www.onestop.uc.edu/) for current information about add/drop deadline and refund

policies and procedures.

Withdrawals

The days for course withdrawal can be found here: http://grad.uc.edu/student-life/critical_dates.html. Between

the last day to drop a class and the last day to withdraw from a class, a student may drop with a grade of either

"W" or "F" to be assigned at the discretion of the instructor. The last day to withdrawal from classes, no

withdrawal will be approved, except for reasons beyond the control of the student, such as sickness or accident.

The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services

judges the advisability of such exceptions. All late withdrawals must be made through the Associate Dean's

Office either in person or by letter. A student may be withdrawn by the instructor at any time in the semester

when excessive absences have been incurred. A student withdrawn because of excessive absences is not eligible

for academic credit, refund of fees, or reinstatement as an auditor in that course.

Students requiring a withdrawal should consult the U.C. OneStop website to confirm the correct procedures:

http://www.uc.edu/registrar/policies_and_procedures/withdrawal_procedures.html

Note: In addition, withdrawals may impact a student’s financial aid status and should be considered carefully

with the student’s advisor to determine the impact of the withdrawal on graduation and other academic issues.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Graduate Credits and grading practices:

Please see the graduate handbook for this information:

http://grad.uc.edu/student-life/graduate_studenthandbook/graduate_credit_andgrades.html

Graduation Application:

Upon meeting all requirements for the M.S. in Sport Administration, students must apply for graduation

online at www.grad.uc.edu. Deadlines for graduation are strictly adhered to by the Graduate School. Students

are required to be aware of these dates, which are posted on the Graduate School Website and communicated

through repeated emails to students from the Graduate School. It is the student’s responsibility to apply at the

online graduation website before the deadline posted for the term in which they plan to graduate.

Before the program can certify that a student can graduate, the student must meet the following requirements:

● The student must earn satisfactory grades for all courses required.

● The student must complete the 30 hours required for the degree.

● The student must satisfactorily complete the required capstone experience (i.e., project or

thesis).

● The student must satisfactorily complete all applicable College and program requirements specific to

the student’s program of study.

20

● The student must maintain active student status; meaning the student must register for at least one

graduate credit in their program in an academic year, after having met minimum degree

course/candidacy requirements.

● All grades of NG, I, UP, SP must be satisfactorily resolved to ensure on time graduation.

If students have any outstanding issues in their graduation application progress report, they should work with

their advisor to resolve these issues prior to graduation.

Time to degree requirements:

University policy specifies total time-to-degree limits. The University limit is 5 years for the Master’s

degree.

Right to Review Records:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), is the federal law that governs the release of

and access to student education records. FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education

records. For the complete FERPA information, consult the “FERPA and Records Privacy” page of the

Registrar’s Office website:

http://www.uc.edu/registrar/FERPA_and_records_privacy/FERPA_and_right_to_review.html.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty in any form is a serious offense and cannot be tolerated in an academic setting.

Dishonesty in any form (e.g., cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, fabricating data) may result in a

failing grade in a course or graduate research credits and/or immediate suspension or dismissal from the

program. Further information about academic misconduct may be found at:

http://www.uc.edu/conduct/Academic_Integrity.html.

Misconduct:

Instances of student academic or non-academic misconduct should be reported, in writing, to the Program

Coordinator. Next steps will be guided by the University of Cincinnati Student Code of Conduct

(http://www.uc.edu/conduct/Code_of_Conduct.html ).

Grievance procedures and other complaint procedures:

Grievance on the part of any student will be processed as described in the University of Cincinnati Graduate

Handbook and Graduate Student Grievance Procedures http://grad.uc.edu/student-life/policies/grievances.html.

This includes but is not necessarily limited to grievances pertaining to probation, dismissal from a graduate

program, or improper handling of financial aid. Allegations of discrimination will be handled according to the

University of Cincinnati Discrimination Policy administered by the Office of Equal Opportunity (513-556-

5503). Allegations of sexual harassment will be handled according to the University of Cincinnati Institutional

Policy on Sexual Harassment administered by the Office of Equal Opportunity (513-556-5503;

http://www.uc.edu/hr/equal_opportunity.html). Students are encouraged to consult with the University Ombuds

Office regarding procedures, http://www.uc.edu/ombuds.html.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Sport Administration Program actively assists as many students as possible in obtaining financial

assistance. It is our intention that full-time students receive aid for part of their graduate study.

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The Sport Administration Program offers two kinds of financial aid, (a) assistantships (GA, Graduate

Assistantships), and (b) scholarships (GIA, Graduate Incentive Award) when available. Financial aid

decisions are made by the Program Coordinator subject to review by the Sport Administration Faculty.

An applicant for financial aid must confirm his/her acceptance of the award offered within 10 days of the date

of the award letter. If acceptance of the award is not confirmed within this period of time, the offer is

automatically withdrawn unless a specified extension has been granted by the Program Coordinator and

approved by the School Director.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS (GA)

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to students through the Sport Administration Program

(normally four assistantships). Full-time Master’s students in good academic standing may qualify for a

graduate assistantship in the Sport Administration Program. An assistantship is awarded for an academic year

(Fall and Spring ONLY) and is ordinarily not renewable. Students receiving an assistantship are expected to

participate in assigned activities which typically include research, teaching, grading, program-related service, or

work with an industry partner (if GA funded with a university partner). GA’s will be assigned to faculty, and

are required to work twenty hours per week. Of the twenty hours per week, at least 10 of the hours must be

spent physically in the GA offices in the Teachers/Dyer complex. A Graduate Assistantship includes a stipend

plus a tuition scholarship.

GRADUATE INCENTIVE AWARDS

When available, Graduate Incentive Awards shall be awarded based on merit as judged by the program faculty

holding the responsibility for making programmatic recommendations regarding these awards. The awarding of

Graduate Incentive Awards (GIA) shall be by the Director of the School of Human Services, following the

program recommendations, in a letter that outlines the conditions of the award.

All awards are for a period of one academic year (Fall and Spring Semesters) or for one summer term. The

award will pay partial-full tuition costs for 12-15 graduate credit hours each semester (graduate academic credit

only). Students must register for at least 12 credit hours. Only graduate credit hours count toward this

requirement. Registration for more than 15 credit hours will require the student to pay for those hours in excess

of 15. A student's eligibility to be awarded a GIA is limited to no more than two years.

A Graduate Incentive Award will not cover the general fees unless specifically indicated in the award letter. In

addition, students receiving Graduate Assistantships are not eligible for Graduate Incentive Awards.

An applicant for financial aid must confirm his/her acceptance of the award offered within 10 days of the date

of the award letter. If acceptance of the award if not confirmed within this period of time, the offer is

automatically withdrawn unless a specified extension has been granted by the Program Coordinator and

approved by the School Director.

Termination of Award

● Termination of the award may be initiated by the financial aid recipient, the School Director, or the

Dean of the Graduate School.

22

● Award recipients wishing to terminate the award prior to the expiration date must notify the School

Director in writing. Except in emergency situations, such early terminations should occur only at the end

of an academic semester.

● If termination during an academic semester results from self-initiated action by the award recipient for

other than medical reasons, s/he may be required to repay tuition costs for that term.

● Termination also may be based on unsatisfactory academic performance (including unsatisfactory

progress, course grades, or GPA), or academic dishonesty. Immediate termination also may result if the

award recipient fails to maintain full-time student status (a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours each

term). Termination based on unsatisfactory academic performance will become effective at the end of

the academic term during which the termination decision is made.

● Termination based on academic dishonesty may become effective prior to the end of the academic term.

● Performance deemed unprofessional by the organization or program.

● Procedures for appeal and possible redress of grievances pertaining to Graduate Incentive Awards are

set forth in Graduate Student Grievance Procedures (available at www.grad.uc.edu).

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP POLICIES

Policies, procedures, rights and responsibilities pertaining to graduate assistantships in the

School of Human Services are based upon the Graduate Handbook and interpreted or clarified in this

document. Copies of the Graduate Handbook may be obtained through the Office of Research and Advanced

Studies (www.grad.uc.edu). All faculty, staff, and graduate assistants should familiarize themselves with both

this document and the Graduate Handbook. In addition, graduate assistants will receive a separate Sport

Administration Program policies and procedures document.

GA Rights, Responsibilities and Grievance Procedures

Additional rights and responsibilities of graduate assistants are outlined in the Graduate

Handbook. Procedures for appeal and possible redress of grievances arising out of a graduate assistant's

academic relationship with the School, College, or University are set forth in Graduate Student Grievance

Procedures (http://grad.uc.edu/student-life/policies/grievances.html).

Course Load

The normal academic load for graduate assistants is a minimum of 12 graduate term hours each term. A

maximum of 3 additional term hours of credit may be taken upon the specific approval of the Program

Coordinator.

Additional Resources for Securing Financial Aid

The University Financial Aid Office at the University Pavilion (www.financialaid.uc.edu;

513-556-9900) can provide additional information and assistance.

Year-Round Loan Distribution

As a result of regulatory changes that introduced Federal Subsidized Loan timeframe limits, schools are now

required to schedule the disbursements of Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS Loans according

to a student’s expected period of enrollment. This change is effective for the 2013-14 academic year and

beyond.

23

Distribution of Direct Loan Funds

Direct Loans, like other aid, are initially awarded for fall and spring. Since this is the academic year that most

students follow and plan to attend, funding is split evenly between fall and spring. Students attending only fall

and spring will not see a change in their loan distribution.

In cases where students plan to be enrolled at least half-time in fall, spring, and summer semesters, their Direct

Loans must now be evenly divided over all 3 terms (rather than fall and spring semesters as originally

awarded). It will mean slightly smaller loan funds each term, but it will also mean that the student

benefits from loan assistance throughout the enrollment time frame.

Enrollment Plan Reporting

Students are asked to provide enrollment plans when accepting their aid online. These reported plans are used to

give students an appropriate aid eligibility budget as well as determine if the Direct Loans have to be

redistributed over all three terms.

It is important that students accurately report their enrollment plans. Doing so will maximize your aid eligibility

over the course of the year and for future years.

Any changes in your enrollment plans should be reported to Student Financial Aid.

NOTE: Students who change plans and are no longer planning to attend summer must inform Student Financial

Aid at least 2 weeks prior to spring exam week in order to receive any of the planned summer loan allotment.

False Reporting of Enrollment Plans

We understand that some students may prefer to receive two half-sized payments on their Direct Loans rather

than three payments at one-third the total amount. But attempting to falsify information to achieve this goal

violates the federal regulations that govern your financial aid and can have unintended consequences.

Students planning on attending all 3 terms (even with different costs due to classes, co-op, or a smaller course

load in summer) have costs for each term. Having the Direct Loans distributed over all 3 terms helps you to

anticipate meeting more of your costs throughout the year.

Multiple changes to your enrollment plans can lessen aid eligibility, result in retroactive adjustments to loan

amounts (causing immediate past due balances subject to late payment fees), and initiate holds on future aid

disbursements.

For students subject to the new subsidized loan limits, measurement of 150% can be accelerated (causing you to

lose subsidy earlier) when the academic year for a year-round attendee is not calculated as all three semesters.

Loss of subsidy due to time frame limits will mean higher loan payments post-college.

Year-round attendance most dramatically affects Direct Loans. At the same time, other aid sources can be more

properly maximized through accurate reporting of year-round attendance.

● Scholarships: Scholarships are generally limited to full-time terms. Students attending year-round and

eligible for renewable scholarships can use an additional term of funding toward their four-year

equivalency.

● Grants: The Federal Pell Grant will post for fall-spring. Pell-eligible students are only eligible for

summer Pell if they did not receive their annual allotment in fall-spring (either through non-attendance

or attending part-time). State grant programs such as OCOG work similarly with restrictions on summer.

Other grant programs including Federal SEOG will only carry over to summer if you are on co-op in fall

or spring.

● Work-Study: Students are eligible to continue work-study employment during the summer (even if

enrolled less than half-time as long as they will be enrolled the following fall). A specific summer work-

study application available after February 1 is required.

24

● Loans: As noted, Federal Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized and PLUS Loans are now processed over the

terms of enrollment (including summer when a student is in class or on co-op) per federal regulations.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan annual loan amounts are divided into equal thirds when a student is

enrolled over summer as well as fall and spring. Some students, based on mid-year class progression to

sophomore or junior status, could seek a loan increase at the time of the advanced grade level. The

Federal Perkins Loan is only available for fall and spring (unless a student co-ops when the funding will

shift to the appropriate in-class terms). Alternative educational loans are processed based on the request

of the student and encouraged over all terms of enrollment for any given academic year.

MODIFICATION OF HANDBOOK

Please note that this handbook is subject to modification with approval from the Sport Administration Program

Coordinator, Sport Administration Program faculty, and Director of the School of Human Services.

25

Appendix A. UC SPAD Masters’ Project Guidelines

UC SPAD Masters’ Project Guidelines

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to online UCSPAD students seeking to complete the

capstone requirements for attaining their Master’s Degree from the University of Cincinnati. This guide

reinforces the steps and formatting for the successful completion of the capstone project and insuring that your

project meets all of the requirements.

Your project should be divided into five sections:

1. Capstone Project Introduction

2. Capstone Project Literature Review

3. Capstone Project Content

4. Capstone Project

5. Capstone Project Conclusion & Implications

1. Capstone Project Introduction

Demographics for your school/college/university/organization and its environment or

surrounding community.

A brief description of your project.

Research question(s) or a statement of a problem or issue to be addressed.

Length: 1-3 pages formatted following APA guidelines.

2. Capstone Project Literature Review

Students will provide a thorough review of the literature associated with your research

question(s) or statement of the problem.

This should include at least 12 references, 8 of which must be peer-reviewed journal articles.

The literature review should follow either the thematic or study-by-study design, and

students should clearly outline the implications of each study. See literature review

guidelines for more details.

Length: Varying page length & formatted following APA guidelines.

3. Capstone Project Content Successive text/body paragraphs must include the following five items:

a. Purpose Statement: What is the purpose of the project?

b. Significance: Describe the anticipated impact of this project. What population is the project is

designed to benefit?

c. Methods: How will the data be collected and/or how will the project be implemented?

26

d. Timeline: Provide an explanation of the process including the anticipated sequence of events for

project implementation.

e. Risk Management: Identify any associated risks (e.g., policies, industry guidelines, government

rules, precedents, costs, change, personnel, etc.).

Length: Varying page length & formatted following APA guidelines. (A comprehensive

description of your project can vary in length depending on the size and scope of the project.

However, students should be sure to include the: Who, what, where, when, why and how).

4. Project

Project should be designed to meet the specific needs of the school/college/university/organization

and/or community. It should be guided by the principles and knowledge students have gained

throughout their course of study. Students should identify how their project has met the learning

outcomes of the program. Students must include documentation of all material used to develop and

implement the project.

Learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of governance structures associated within athletic administration, education,

and student-athlete services.

2. Utilize research methods to address sport-related problems, issues, and opportunities

3. Integrate and apply knowledge and skills to develop best-practice approaches within athletic

administration.

4. Demonstrate the ability to display leadership behaviors consistent with being a well-educated, ethical,

socially-conscious, and competent sport management professional.

5. Capstone Project Conclusion & Implications Describe the impact on stakeholders and the expected time for project results. How will this affect

the sport organization and what benefits will it provide? In addition, this section includes a summary

analysis of the project with your conclusions and observations. You should identify all courses in the

online MSSA Curriculum or other resources that assisted in the development and implementation of

the project in the summary analysis.

Length: 2-4 pages & formatted following APA guidelines.

Literature Review Guidelines

Introduction:

Research question introduced

Importance of the research established

Statement of purpose and outline of the paper’s organization

Evaluate the

work: Relevant scholarly sources (>8)

Implications of studies discussed

How do the studies inform your question?

Reminder: The introduction should begin with a strong opening paragraph that uses stats/data, quotes,

or other information to capture the attention of the reader. Next you should introduce your research

27

question, establish why it is important, and then finish with your purpose statement for the project and

paragraph outlining the rest of the project.

Timeline for Fall Start Full-time Students

November 1st:

Declaration of project or thesis (see form in graduate student

handbook).

March 9th: Must meet with advisor & project instructor to discuss topic and

committee (see form in graduate student handbook).

June 20th: Draft of Capstone Project Introduction & Capstone Literature Review

due to advisor & project instructor

July 20th: Entire draft of capstone project due to advisor & project instructor

August 1st: Capstone project due

Timeline for Spring Start Full-time Students

March 1st:

Declaration of projector thesis (see form in graduate student

handbook).

July 1st Must meet with advisor & project instructor to discuss topic and

committee (see form in graduate student handbook).

October 1st Draft of Capstone Project Introduction & Capstone Literature Review

due to advisor & project instructor

November 27th Entire draft of capstone project due to advisor & project instructor

December 9th Capstone project due

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Appendix B. Thesis Committee Selection Form.

Thesis Committee Form

Student Name: _________________________ _________________________

Print Signature

Faculty Advisor: _________________________ _________________________

Print Signature

Title of thesis: _______________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Committee Member: ________________________ Signature: _________________________

Committee Member: ________________________ Signature: _________________________

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Appendix C. Advising Sheet for Master’s Degree in Sport Administration

Student name: _______________________________________________

Advisor name: _______________________________________________

Full time: ___ Part time: ___

Fall Courses Year 1 Completed Grade Earned SMGT 7012 - Sport and the Social Context

SMGT 7014 - Risk Management and Policy Development in Sport

SMGT 7023 - Athletic Governance and Compliance

SMGT 7026 - Revenue Generation in Athletics

Spring Courses Year 1 Completed Grade Earned

SMGT 7013 Strategic Athletic Marketing and Communication

SMGT 7024 Sport Finance and Budgeting

SMGT 7028 Managerial Strategies in Athletics

SMGT 7032 Facility Operations and Systems Management

Summer Project/Thesis Year 1 Completed Grade Earned SMGT 8085 - Master's Project - Sport Administration

Or

SMGT 8090 - Master's Thesis - Sport Administration

Fall Courses Year 2 Completed Grade Earned

Spring Courses Year 2 Completed Grade Earned

Summer Project/Thesis Year 2 Completed Grade Earned

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Appendix D. Timeline

In-person SPAD grad

program

Time line 2017-18

August 15, 2017 Grad students report

August 20, 2017 Online orientation must be completed

August 21, 2017 First day of classes

September 5, 2017 100% Refund Period Ends (any classes must be dropped or student will be billed)/Student

Health Insurance Deadline

September 19, 2017 Last Day to Apply for Fall Graduation

October 8-10 Women Leaders in College Sport Convention

October 9-10 Fall Reading Days (regular classes suspended; co-curricular activities continue)

November 1, 2017 Declaration of project or thesis

November 10, 2017 Veterans Day -off

November 12-14 OIAA State Conference, Columbus OH

November 22-26 Thanksgiving break

December 3, 2017 Fall Classes end

December 8-12 NFHS-NIAAA Convention Phoenix, AZ

December 15, 2017 Last day of grad students fall responsibilities

January 3, 2018 Grad students report

January 8, 2018 Spring classes begin

January 15, 2018 MLK off

January 16-19 NCAA Convention, Indianapolis, IN - students attend Jan 17th

January 23, 2018 100% Refund Period Ends (any classes must be dropped or student will be billed)/Student

Health Insurance Deadline

February 4, 2018 Super Bowl

February 6, 2018 Last Day to Apply for Spring Graduation

February - TBA Symposium

March 9, 2018 Must meet with advisor to discuss topic and committee (see form in graduate student

handbook).

March 12-18 Spring break

April 12-14 CSRI Conference TBA on dates

April 20, 2018 Spring semester ends

May 3, 2018 Last day of grad students spring responsibilities

May 7, 2018 Summer classes begin

May 22, 2018 100% Refund Period Ends (any classes must be dropped or student will be billed)/Student

Health Insurance Deadline

May 29, 2018 Last Day to Apply for Summer Graduation

June 5-9 NASSM Convention Halifax Nova Scotia

June 20, 2018 Draft of Capstone Project Introduction & Capstone Literature Review due to advisor

31

June 25-July 2 NACDA National Convention, Washington, DC

July 20, 2018 Entire draft of capstone project due to advisor

August 1, 2018 Capstone Project due

August 4, 2018 Summer semester ends

Events in red are optional: these conferences are great to go to if you are able, some funding may be available for

travel.

32

Appendix E. End of the semester advisor review

University of Cincinnati Sport Administration End of Semester Advisor Review

Name of Grad Student: _________________Advisor: ______________________ Date: _______

Graduate Standard Exceptional Proficient Needs

Improvement Weak No Data

Progress towards degree at this point (grades, tracking, etc.)

Plan for completing coursework and degree

Career planning

Communication with advisor

In class behavior Out of class behavior Response to constructive criticism

Critical thinking and problem solving

Rubric: Exceptional= significantly above the standard for level of training Proficient= on target for the standard for level of training Needs Improvement=below the standard for level of training; intervention may be necessary. Weak=Student requires intervention and corrective help to change

behavior.

Comments from faculty advisor: Comments from student:

33

Appendix F. Semester Review

Student Name: ___________________________________________________

Date/Semester Term: ______________________________________________

Meets Course Grade Requirements: ___

Meets GPA Requirements: ___

Meets conduct requirements as indicated in Graduate Handbook: ___

Action Plan Recommended Yes No

Comments:

34

Appendix G. Action Plan

Sport Administration Action Plan

Student Name Date: _________________

Items to be addressed:

____Course Grades

____GPA

____Other as noted in the graduate handbook

Action plan items and conditions that address aforementioned items (e.g., attendance, punctuality, quality of

work, etc.):

For you to continue to progress toward receiving your sport administration degree, the faculty is collectively

requiring that you engage in the following activities. For each competency listed a date by which satisfactory

progress must be made should be documented.

Area Requiring improvement: Required activities to show

improvement:

Date by which

progress will be

satisfactory:

I understand and agree to all of the conditions of this document. If I do not follow through on completing all of

the tasks outlined in this contract deadlines prescribed, I will be subject to termination from the Sport

Administration Program.

Student Signature _____________________________________ Date: __________________

Program Coordinator: ___________________________________Date: __________________

Faculty Advisor ________________________________________Date: __________________