ATHLETICS ACADEMIC SERVICES

The University of North Dakota Department of Athletics is proud of the academic excellence of its student-athletes whose athletic achievements are matched by academic distinction each year. The Athletics Academic Services (AAS) department was developed to assist our student-athletes academically and ensure continued excellence in the classroom.

The seven major areas of activity for Athletics Academic Services include: Advisement and Academic Performance Monitoring, the Athletics Study Center, the Laptop Computer Check- Out Program, the Proctoring of Examinations, Life Skills/CHAMPS and Events/Opportunities Programming, Priority Registration and Academic Data Collection.

Advisement and Academic Performance Monitoring
Laptop Computer Check Out Program
Proctoring of Examinations
Priority Registration
Academic Data Collection

Advisement and Academic Performance Monitoring

One of the primary functions of the athletics advisor is to provide direct, one-on-one advising and counseling throughout the year to UND's 400+ student-athletes.

• One-on-one advising is available to all student-athletes with referrals made to specialists as needed. Accurate and current academic information, as defined by NCAA Bylaw 14, is applied in the advisement of all student-athletes regarding academic eligibility and progress-toward-degree.
• A major component of academic progress monitoring involves academic progress reports in conjunction with deficiencies [report of unsatisfactory progress] to identify areas needing strengthening and how best to intervene and acquire appropriate help. [Identification of appropriate help may include referral to any of the campus-wide tutoring services.] 
• 'At Risk' Student-Athlete Meetings and Monitoring:

• Provisionally-admitted student-athletes are required to meet bi-weekly with the Director of AAS who monitors their use of a planner in conjunction with course syllabi. The focus on developing time management skills is essential for these students so that they may learn how to manage the many demands placed on them, including attending class, studying, practice, strength training, travel, and competition.
• Student-athletes who receive 'F' academic progress reports and 'F' deficiency reports are required to meet with the academic services director weekly until grades of 'F' are raised, or it is determined that it is in the best interest of the student-athlete to drop the course.
• Student-athletes who become academically ineligible are required to meet bi-weekly [or weekly if deemed necessary] with the Director of AAS in order to identify what conditions led to ineligibility and to identify assistance in order to regain eligibility. Progress toward regaining eligibility is tracked by collecting academic progress reports and by working closely with academically-ineligible student-athletes and their instructors to improve deficient progress reports to satisfactory status. 
• Borderline academically-ineligible student-athletes are identified and required to meet with the Director of AAS bi-weekly in order to determine what deficiencies need strengthening and what resources should be used to do so.

Laptop Computer Check Out Program

Laptop computers are available for check-out to use in the ASC and for student-athlete use while traveling to away competitions. A laptop may be reserved for up to one week. The computers must be reserved in advance. Rules for use:

1. Student-athletes must return the computer within 24 hours of their return to campus;
2. Computers must be returned in good condition with all accessories;
3. Student-athletes will be held accountable for any missing or damaged computers; and,
4. Failure to abide by the terms of the laptop check-out program set forth risk losing their check-out privileges in the future.

The Proctoring of Examinations

The Director of Athletics Academic Services is available to proctor examinations according to the following procedure:

1. The student-athlete is required to request that the director is available to proctor the examination;
2. The student-athlete notifies the faculty member or testing center that the director will accept the responsibility of proctoring the examination;
3. Together the student-athlete and director determine a mutually-agreeable time for the student to take the examination;
4. The faculty member supplies the director with the examination or the testing center provides the director the password by which access is gained to the examination;
5. The director ensures that the faculty member receives the examination after it has been completed.

Priority Registration

Student-athletes have the privilege of priority registration for the fall and spring semesters. Priority registration is an exceptional opportunity for student-athletes. By using priority registration student-athletes are able to obtain ideal schedules in most cases. By using priority registration, scheduling conflicts between classes and practice for the most part can be avoided. 

One needs to be fully prepared to use priority registration. Well in advance, an appointment with the academic advisor needs to be scheduled and held. Any holds on Campus Connection accounts need to be lifted. Using priority registration requires many steps that require preparation. It is a privilege well worth the effort.

The Athletics Academic Services department is responsible for producing academic performance reports as requested for NCAA, conference, university, or Department of Athletics use. AAS personnel compile academic honor roll information and assist in the development of student-athlete recognition programs as requested. AAS also assists in nomination procedures for various academic awards and aids various offices on campus in preparation and reporting for APR and Graduation Reports.