ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
As an Athletic Department, we strive to encourage student-athletes to reach their greatest potential by providing a variety of support resources to maximize student-athlete success. We expect student-athletes to utilize the resources available to them to reach educational goals that outstretch that of the general student body. As a student-athlete, it is important to set educational goals that mirror the academic expectations of the Athletic Department and push towards excellence. Influencing these goals should be standards for academic achievement, a desire to maintain the utmost academic integrity and the willingness to challenge oneself to be both a successful student and a successful athlete. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (SMART). Each goal should be followed by a plan for successful goal achievement.
DEVELOPING A PLAN FOR SUCCESS
As a student-athlete, the first major step in developing a plan for success is deciding exactly what you want out of college. How important is college to you? How important are good grades to you? How important is your sport to you? How important is an active social life to you? The manner in which you answer these questions will begin the structuring of your priorities. Analyzing situations in relation to your priorities will direct your decision-making in a positive manner. Your priorities should be centered on your values and should focus on your future. After you have identified your priorities, your decisions must be consistent with honoring your priorities. You cannot allow yourself to make decisions that do not align with your priorities. For example, if you say that grades are very important to you but are not willing to sacrifice an event on your social calendar to study for an exam, you have a mismatch of priority and action. This inconsistency will regularly result in dissatisfaction and a failure to achieve your maximum potential. Dedication to making the right choices will help you be successful.
As you develop a plan for success or establish a list of priorities, you should utilize all the resources, including people who are available to help. Do not think you are alone in your journey. There are hundreds of professionals on campus who will gladly assist you with your academic pursuits. Ask for help from your coach, assistant coaches, professors, and athletic staff; we are here to help and assist you in any way we can.
UNDERSTANDING ACADEMIC POLICIES
Members of the athletic department, support student-athletes in the attainment of their goals, but each student-athlete is responsible for the quality of his or her personal conduct, the attainment of his or her college degree, and the maintenance of his or her athletic academic eligibility. It is a student-athlete’s duty to be aware of all university policies and procedures that have been established for the successful completion of his or her degree. In addition, student-athletes must adhere to all standards set forth by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and conference rules.
Student-athletes must read and understand all UMB, athletic department, NCAA, conference regulations and team policies. It is also a student-athlete’s responsibility to keep abreast of any changes to academic policy that could impact his or her matriculation or eligibility.
