The stated role of people working in academic support programs is to help athletes succeed in their academic work. However, what raises questions about their real goals?

The reason the option regarding the administration and location of academic support programs raises questions about their real goals is due to the potential conflict of interest that arises when such programs are directly controlled by athletic departments. When academic support services for athletes are housed within the same departments that prioritize athletic performance and success in sports, there is a concern that the true focus may lean more towards maintaining athlete eligibility for competition rather than fostering genuine academic achievement. This dynamic suggests that the primary objective could be more about keeping athletes eligible to play, rather than ensuring they receive the comprehensive academic assistance they might need to succeed in an academic environment.

In contrast, other options such as funding by student fees do not inherently imply a conflict of interest related to academic integrity. Providing minimal academic guidance or focusing only on eligible students also highlights shortcomings but does not directly address the structural concerns of loyalty and priorities that arise from the department's administration.