The Allen Sack National Symposium Advancing Integrity in College Sport

A one-day symposium featuring national experts and award-winning journalists. Free breakfast at 8:15am and lunch. The purpose of the 2025 Allen Sack National Symposium is to discuss how the landscape of college sports continues to evolve, examining the shifting dynamics between education, athlete compensation, mental health, and the commercialization of college athletics. Expert speakers will explore alternative academic pathways for college athletes beyond traditional four-year degrees and consider innovative academic models. Given the immense pressure on college athletes, the importance of supporting their mental health and well-being will also be a key focus. Additionally, we will address how the changing economic environment impacts gender and racial disparities in the hiring and compensation of women and people of color in coaching and administrative roles within college athletics.

Info: The landmark House v NCAA case has fundamentally altered the landscape of college sports. This panel will delve into the critical questions arising from landmark settlement, exploring the evolving relationship between education, athlete compensation, and the commercialization of college athletics. The panel will further examine how these changes impact smaller institutions with limited resources and explore alternative models for collegiate athletics.

Info: The evolving landscape of college athletics has created ever-increasing demands on the time of college athletes in addition to full-time enrollment, academic degree progress, and other academic eligibility requirements. This panel session will explore alternative academic models, opportunities, and pathways for college athletes beyond traditional four-year degree programs, including the growing importance of post-eligibility academic options such as vocational training, apprenticeships, and trades.

Info: The luncheon features presentation of The Drake Group Education Fund (TDGEF) national awards. The awards program includes recipients of the TDGEF National Public Service Award, the TDGEF Student Journalism Prize for Investigative Reporting in Intercollegiate Athletics, the TDGEF Hero Award, and TDGEF “Making A Difference” Award, among others.

Info: This conversation will delve into new Title IX issues, exploring how the evolving legal and economic framework of college athletics impacts gender equity. How has NIL impacted the gender gap in compensation and sponsorship opportunities for women athletes and Olympic sport athletes? Are there disparities in access to NIL resources and support systems between men's and women's teams? Compensation and revenue sharing: How would the proposed House v NCAA settlement terms impact the distribution of revenue and compensation within college sports and affect gender equity? Are there potential avenues for increased revenue sharing models that better support women's sports?

Info: How does the changing economic landscape affect the hiring and compensation of women and people of color in coaching and administrative roles in college athletics? Our distinguished panelists will analyze subtle and overt biases in performance evaluations, hiring, and termination decisions and examine current data on hiring, compensation, and the representation of women coaches in men's sports.

Host or Publisher The Drake Group