Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes

Prospective Student-Athletes

All varsity student-athletes have access to the services of the ASP. The program is free of charge to all student-athletes.

Components of the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes

To engage student-athletes academic and life skills:

To engage advisors and faculty in student-athletes' academic progress:

Guided Study ˆ

Guided Study is a proactive monitoring program, which identifies student-athletes who may confront a variety of challenges either in their transition to AU or as upperclass students. Student-athletes selected for guided study meet weekly with an academic counselor to develop study skills, including time management, in order to effectively balance their academic and athletic commitments. Referrals to other campus resources, such as the Writing Center and the Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab, are made on an individual basis.

Study Hall ˆ

All first-year and transfer student-athletes are required to attend study hall during their first semester at American University. Once student-athletes demonstrate successful academic progress, as defined by their team, student-athletes manage their own study time. At any point in their academic career, student-athletes may again be required to attend study hall if their grades fall below team standards.

Tutoring Programˆ

All student-athletes have access to individual peer tutors without a fee through the Academic Support Program. The tutoring program is designed to aid and enhance students' academic performance. The program employs both graduate and undergraduate students as tutors. Student-athletes are encouraged to meet regularly with a tutor to address issues with course content.

Student-athletes are also directed to the Writing Lab and Writing Center for assistance, as well as the Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab. Student-athletes are also encouraged to attend Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions, available in designated classes. Supplemental Instruction, a service offered by the Academic Support Center, is a peer-led group study program in selected courses, incorporating content and study strategies.


TALONS ˆ
Thinking and Learning Opportunities for New Student-Athletes

TALONS addresses relevant topics for new student-athletes in an interactive workshop format. Workshops are designed to help first-year and transfer student-athletes understand and cope with academic, social, athletic, and personal pressures related to the transition to college. The goal of TALONS is to offer practical strategies and information to help student-athletes adjust to college academics and athletics.

Priority Registration ˆ

Beginning with the second semester enrolled, student-athletes have the opportunity to register for courses before other undergraduate students. Student-athletes must meet with their academic advisor before registering and follow all other registration procedures. Student-athletes entering their first semester register with all incoming freshman; therefore, it is important to complete the registration process promptly to minimize academic/athletic conflicts.


Travel Letters ˆ

At the beginning of each semester student-athletes are issued letters to give to their professors with the travel schedule of the appropriate sport. The letter provides a basis for a student-athlete's discussion with each professor about potential academic/athletic conflicts.

Academic Progress Reports ˆ

In order to monitor student-athletes' academic performance, and provide support if needed, progress reports are sent at mid-semester to all of their professors. Professors are asked to indicate the students' progress and current grade. Progress reports are returned to the ASP office and shared with coaches and student-athletes.

Additional Information ˆ

The Academic Support Program is located in the Department of Athletics in the Sports Center. If you are coming to campus for a recruiting trip, please ask the coach to make an appointment on your behalf.

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Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes

Bender Arena 219
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016


Phone: 202-885-3890
Fax: 202-885-3029