The idea I would like to put forward is for more funding for sports at GCU. This includes, sports and gym facilities, equipment, and GCU sports clubs. When compared to other universities in Glasgow, it is clear that GCU lacks in the sports department, with little funding for clubs and lower quality facilities.

With extra funding, the sports and gym facilities could be greatly improved, encouraging new and existing students to become members and join sports clubs at the university. Studies have shown that when students are involved in sport at their school they have higher retention rates and better grades. It is also widely acknowledged that being involved in university sports makes people feel like they are a part of the university and will improve students wellbeing, social skills as well as their mental and physical health.

Not only is this beneficial to GCU students but it could greatly impact the university as well! Research has shown that when universities invest in sports, it promotes enrollment due to a good sporting reputation, helps get national exposure and sponsorships, and it can create a better relationship with alumni as there will be more oppurtinity for sporting engagement. Students would spend more time on campus and feel more engaged in student life, this could be very profitable for the university.

If you agree, please like and share! Thank you.

Links: https://athleticdirectoru.com/articles/athletics-in-the-higher-education-philanthropic-ecosystem/#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20athletics,by%20providing%20numerous%20engagement%20opportunities.

https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/sport-at-stirling/student-sport-and-wellbeing/#:~:text=Being%20active%20at%20University%20can,included%20in%20the%20university%20community.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9737165/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1558866119840466#:~:text=The%20high%20retention%20rate%20among,was%20much%20lower%20(76.79%25).