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Advising Student Athletes

Academic Advising Center

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Athletic differences from high school to college

High SchoolYou are the star of the teamAlways have been a starterMany awards and recognitionsYou are the popular athleteHave many friends

CollegeNew person on the teamEarn your way into the starting

line upNot the superstar anymoreHave to make new friends“Everyone was the star on

their high school team”

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What is Division II Athletics?

A comprehensive program of learning and development in a personal setting

Provides growth opportunities through athletic achievement, learning in high level competition and development of positive societal attitudes in service to community

Each school has a maximum amount of financial aid awards for each sport that must not be exceeded

Few students receive full scholarships D-II sports are financed by institutions budget like other academic

departments on campus. Must sponsor at least 5 men and 5 women sports (or 4 men/6 women)Source : http://www.ncaastudent.org/

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Difference in Divisions

Division I Guidelines to have similar

financial aid award packets to promote fairness – must provide a minimum number of awards without exceeding the allotted amount

At least 7 men/7 women sports (or 6 men/8 women) –also must have minimum participation

Different rules for basketball and football attendance

Source : http://www.ncaastudent.org/

Division IIIEmphasis on impact of sport on

participants not spectatorsStudents receive no “athletic”

scholarshipsAthletic department staffed and

funded like any other department on campus

At least 5 men/5 women sports with minimum contests and participation

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Initial Eligibility

NCAA Eligibility CenterAll students must register with the center

Sign release form (junior year high school) Must be an amateur athlete Academic certification

• Graduate from high school• Complete 16 core courses

• 2.0 gpa required minimum

• SAT 820 or ACT sum of 68

Qualifiers, Partial Qualifiers, Non-Qualifiers

Can’t receive a scholarship, practice or compete until certified

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Continuing Eligibility

NCAA6 credits in previous termDegree progress (September to September)

Average 12 credits a term or 24 credits from most recent Sept. to Sept.

5th semester – must have a major5th semester students registered for at least 12 credits in declared

major

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Continuing Eligibility

NCAACertification before first competition of year

Completion of one season of competition 1.80 Completion of two season of competition 1.90 Completion of three season of competition 2.00

GannonStudent has to be in good academic standing with his/her Dean,

which means not on Academic ProbationStudent can appeal with the Faculty Athletic Rep if the students

meets the NCAA and PSAC Requirements

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Transferrable Skills

TeamworkHard workCommunicationDisciplineGoal SettingTime ManagementLoyaltyFocused

Self-MotivatedFlexibleObservantStrategicDedicatedAccountabilityEfficiencyPerseverance

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Case 1 - Question

Fred is on the baseball team and you are reviewing his 4 weeks grades and they are below average. He tells you he does not test well. What are some things you can discuss with him? How can you incorporate athletics in your conversation?

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Case 1 - Suggestions

Relate an academic test to an athletic competitionCite the similarities of preparationWhat are strategies the student uses for preparation for a

game and how can they be related to preparation for a testCompare the levels of anxiety of taking a test to anxiety of an

athletic performanceHow do you cool down after a game vs. after a test

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Case 2 - Question

A second semester softball player, comes to you on Advising Day? What are some of the major areas you and the student athlete should discuss?

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Case 2 - Suggestions

What to take into considerationIn Season versus Out of Season

Course load

Practice Times When classes begin and end

Classes towards a major Need for eligibility

Travel Schedules i.e. Always leave on Fridays

REGISTER ON TIME!

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Other Situations

Todd, a football player, breaks his leg during the third game of the season. What are some of the feelings he is going through? What can be done to help him?

Jeff is convinced he is going to continue to play basketball once school is over and is only focused on his sport? What do you talk about in your conversations?

A sophomore lacrosse player, has a career ending injury and she can no longer play contact sports? What are some of the issues this student may face? How do you get her involved in other activities?