Student Athlete Support Services

CHAMPS > Commitment to Academic Excellence

To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
Top Tigers 2007-2008

Overview

The Auburn University CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is committed to supporting the academic progress of student-athletes toward intellectual development and graduation. The Program seeks to develop strategies for academic success as well as an appreciation for learning within all of Auburn's student-athletes.

Academic Advisement and Counseling

Each student-athlete is assigned an academic counselor who monitors academic performance and continuing eligibility. Counselors may assist student-athletes with registration and career planning, and they monitor use of services such as tutoring and use of Study Table. SASS Counselor provide direction for student-athletes regarding Auburn University, NCAA, and SEC guidelines, with the ultimate goal of empowering the student of make responsible decisions.

Tiger Tutor Program

The SASS Tiger Tutor Program is designed to enhance student-athletes' educational experience by "helping students to help themselves". Our ultimate goal is to help our student-athletes become self-directed learners via the following strategies:

Study Table Program

In keeping with the mission of the Auburn University Athletics Department, SASS is committed to the enhancement of academic and interpersonal skills in order to promote the development of self discipline and responsibility for all students. All freshman, transfer, and at-risk student-athletes must attend a minimum of 10 hours a week in structured study table. The study table criteria is based on cumulative GPA per student-athlete.

All student-athletes are encouraged to work with their academic counselors, coaches, and SASS staff to work out study table hours, academic aides, and tutoring.

Tiger Advantage (Supplemental Instruction)

Tiger Advantage (TA) provides weekly review sessions for students taking historically difficult courses. Graduate students, selected by their respective departments, attend class sections and lead TA group discussions that are open to all AU students.

Tiger P.A.W. Program

The Tiger PAW (Promoting Academic Winners) Program was specifically designed for student-athletes who have a history of academic difficulties, either from high school or beginning in college. The program emphasizes pinpointing students' individual learning styles and educating them on using appropriate study methods. The PAW Program strives to meet each student where they are, and to provide the student with what he or she needs in order to succeed. PAW services are coordinated by a Learning Specialist, who serves as a liaison between SASS and the AU Program for Students with Disabilities.

Computer/Technology Facilities

The Student-Athlete Development Center has a computer lab located on the lower level. Computers are all equipped with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, etc. Student-Athletes may also browse the internet and access their Tiger Mail, OASIS, and E-bill accounts.  The SADC also has study carrels and a study lounge, which are all fully wired for students who wish to bring their laptops. The SADC is also on the campus wireless network, making it convenient for students with wireless laptops. Laptops are also available for student-athletes to check out during team travel. A laptop request should be submitted at least 48 hours before the travel date.

Awards and Recognition

Auburn's student-athletes are recognized for their academic achievements as well as their athletic performance. The following distinctions are awarded each year to AU's student-athletes:

The SEC H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Award
Awarded to student-athletes who have completed eligibility or who are actively competing in their final year of eligibility. The recipient of this honor must achieve a 3.2 cumulative GPA, and must have lettered while attending Auburn University.

The Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Program
This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who are enrolled in a graduate program. The recipient of this honor must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5, and must have lettered while attending Auburn University.

The SEC Academic Honor Roll
Each year, the SEC recognizes students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or who achieved a 3.0 GPA during the academic school year. Recipients of this honor must have lettered while attending Auburn University.

Academic Top Tiger
Each year, Auburn University and Student-Athlete Support Services recognizes its top scholar-athletes. Student-athletes much achieve a 3.0 GPA during their past two semesters, or cumulatively. They must also have lettered while attending Auburn University. Student-athletes who meet these requirements are invited to the Top Tiger Awards Banquet at the end of the Spring semester.

Leah Rawls Atkins Award
This is the highest honor that a female student-athlete can receive at Auburn University. It is given annually in recognition of the female student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of scholarship, character, leadership, and athletic accomplishment.

Cliff Hare Award
This is the highest honor that a male student-athlete can receive at Auburn University. It is given annually to the male student-athlete who, in addition to athletic and scholastic achievements, possesses a high degree of leadership ability, integrity, and courage.

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Life Skills Course Offerings

COUN 1000 -  Career Awareness for Student-Athletes 

Student-Athletes will learn about themselves as they develop personal and professional goals.  Students will also explore majors and career options and learn how to research occupations.  Recommended for Freshmen & Sophomores.

COUN 2970 - Athletes In Society 

Student-athletes will be introduced to the concept of Service Learning and enhance the relationship between student-athletes and the surrounding community.  Service learning supports students? academic studies and helps to develop the skills, citizenship and values of a diverse society.  Recommended for Juniors & Seniors.

COUN 2970 -  Life Skills for Student-Athletes 

This course provides freshmen & transfer student-athletes with a variety of Life Skills components necessary to maximize their educational success in college and in life.  Students will explore issues relevant to first year students in the university setting.  Freshmen & first semester Transfer students recommended.

COUN 2970 - Career Success for Student-Athletes 

Student-athletes will explore career directions based on their major and/or their skills, and their interests.  Students will research selected occupations and the job market for career choice They will polish job search skills including resume-writing, interviewing and business etiquette.  In addition they will be involved with various on campus Career Development Services activities. Juniors/Seniors recommended.