University researchers are designing a survey to discover the reasons behind the apathetic response to a hardship seminar cancelled here earlier this summer.

The survey, to be sent to several Division I schools, will help explain the lack of participation at a June-scheduled conference to discuss the issues faced by collegiate athletes planning to turn professional, a survey planner said.

"The survey will give us an idea of the kind of interest we have for such a conference and exactly what the invited Universities are looking for," said John Bove, Penn State's recruiting coordinator.

Universities invited to attend maintain programs that regularly provide professional athletes, such as basketball or football.

The conference was designed for university coaches and other athletic staff members to hear key figures such as Joe Paterno, members of the NCAA and former and present professional athletes speak about turning professional, Bove said.

"We wanted to stress the importance and advantages of working with an agent, as well as discuss the problems and needs of the athlete," he explained.

Of the approximately 1,800 flyers sent to universities nationwide, Bove said, he received only 20 responses from people planning to attend the conference. The lack of response forced it to be cancelled.

"I didn't think it was fair to have such a fine group of people lined up to speak to an audience of only 20 people," Bove said.

Ken Lusht, professor of business administration, said the lack of response was probably due to the conference's timing.

"The conference was planned for the same time that the College Football Association conference was scheduled to be held, and many athletic staff members figured they couldn't attend both," Lusht said. He added that many similar topics were to be discussed at each conference.