UT Athletes are Students First
The student-athlete play-by-play
Exhilarating moments in The University of Toledo Athletics have served as a unifying force throughout the region. With a rich history in several of the Rockets’ 16 NCAA Division I athletic programs, alumni, students and the community have long had reasons to celebrate UT men’s and women’s sporting accomplishments.
But it is overall student-athlete development that UT is striving for, especially academics. “There is much more to the college experience than just on-field performance,” says Michael O’Brien, Director of Athletics at UT. “We have high expectations of our coaches and staff to help our student-athletes excel in the classroom.”
And clearly they have the right people in place. In the most recent semester, spring of 2009, UT student-athletes earned a collective grade point average of 3.157, by far the highest GPA since the department began keeping records 19 years ago. In fact, for eleven consecutive semesters, at least half of all UT student-athletes have posted a semester grade point average of at least 3.0. UT is also one of only three Mid-American Conference schools that received Public Recognition Awards from the NCAA for three sports in the fall of 2008. With strong support from coaches and staff, UT administration has created a number of resources for student-athletes to stay on top of their academic game.
O’Brien says every coach has his or her own style and requirements regarding academics and community involvement. For example, Tim Beckman, Head Football Coach at UT, requires his students to sit in the front two rows in the classroom, attend every class, and arrive 10 minutes early for classes and meetings, which Beckman calls “Rocket Time.”
In addition to each athletic department’s requirements, individualized programs are available to support the success of each student-athlete.
Study table program
Although many of the academic resources available to students are only as needed, the study table program is mandatory for freshmen student-athletes who are transitioning into college. The program requires freshmen athletes to spend at least six hours a week at the Rocket Academic Center, fulfilling academic obligations.
“The study table shows the level of dedication toward their school work,” says Drew Scales, Director of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services. “If they’re not attending, their coaches will intervene to get them back on track. In addition, it helps freshman student-athletes manage their time properly to accommodate academics, sports and their social lives.”
Mentor and tutorial programs
When independent study isn’t enough, one-on-one assistance can make all the difference. Student-athlete mentors are primarily retired teachers from the community as well as graduate students. Academic coordinators meet with the coaches to identify incoming freshman and sophomores who could potentially benefit from additional help.
“Our mentors are another resource to make sure student-athletes are navigating college life in a way that is healthy for them,” says Scales. “Mentors also help students become independent while they’re working towards graduation.”
For students who struggle in specific classes, tutorial services are available. UT tutors demonstrate proficiency in several subject areas and have strong teaching skills. “It’s a comfortable atmosphere where student-athletes can choose to schedule meetings with a tutor or they can take advantage of the designated tutor hours,” says Scales.
CHAMPS/Life Skills Program
To help create the most well-rounded student-athletes, UT participates in the NCAA’s CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success), an initiative to optimize student-athlete development. The national program promotes academic and athletic excellence, personal and career development, and a commitment to service.
“We want our athletes to be much more than one-dimensional,” says Scales. “We want them to not only be great athletes, but to excel academically and give back to the community.”
Academic coordinators direct the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and host activities for student-athletes to reach out to the community, such as reading to children, volunteering for the Cherry Street Mission or helping Habitat for Humanity.
Community exposure
“In a lot of respects, athletics are a front porch to the university,” says O’Brien. “The exposure provided is tremendous. We have thousands of people coming on campus for events who wouldn’t otherwise come here. Also, when a game is televised, it not only showcases our athletic program, but the entire campus and community.”
Additionally, even students who are not athletes benefit from UT’s strong athletic programs. For example, students enrolled in academic programs such as athletic training or physical therapy, gain hands-on experience through internships with the athletic department.
Life as a student-athlete can be very demanding. But it is also what helps them become successful after graduation. And as the new school year begins, there is a greater reason to celebrate UT student-athletes who work so hard to stay in the game.
To learn more about UT athletics or to purchase tickets, call (419) 530-GOLD.
