Athletics Academic Services works closely with faculty, coaches and other student support services to ensure the academic success of Titan student-athletes.

The mission of Athletics Academic Services is twofold: 
1) to provide effective life skills and academic support services for CSUF student-athletes to encourage timely graduation

2) to ensure student-athletes receive the information they need to be in compliance with institutional and NCAA rules governing continuing eligibility. Academic assistance is provided to all student-athletes through a variety of academic programming and services outlined below:

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT
It is mandatory for all new and continuing student-athletes to meet with an Athletics Academic Services Counselor at least once per semester for general education academic advisement. Additionally, once student-athletes have declared a major, they must also meet with their major advisors at least once per semester to ensure they are making satisfactory progress toward graduation in major coursework. Student-athletes are advised to select courses which will not only help them maintain athletics eligibility, but also lead them directly to graduation. Further, the advisement process encourages student-athletes to take ownership of their academic progress and make appropriate decisions regarding their goals.

ACADEMIC COUNSELING
Academic counseling is designed to provide proactive academic monitoring and guidance for student-athletes confronting a variety of academic challenges. Regular individual meetings with Athletics Academic Counselors are designed to facilitate the development of study skills, such as note-taking, effective reading strategies, test preparation, and time management. Referrals to tutoring provided by Athletics Academic Services or other campus resources are made on an individual basis.

PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Priority registration helps ensure that student-athletes can develop schedules which will allow them to carry a full class load, make progress toward graduation and compete in their respective sports. All student-athletes, including those who have exhausted their eligibility, receive priority registration. Student-athletes are notified of the first day of priority registration. They are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the priority registration date to ensure that they get the classes they need for graduation and for scheduling purposes.

TUTORING
Tutoring is provided to student-athletes in a variety of ways including:

• University Learning Center (PLN, 1st Floor; x2738): Tutoring for almost all undergraduate general education courses. Appointments or submit a paper for online writing: fullerton.edu/ulc

• Writing Center (PLN, 1st Floor; x3650): Assistance with writing assignments. Drop in and appointments.

• Math Lab & Tutoring Center (MH 187, x3631): Mathematics tutoring on a drop-in basis.

• NSM Student Success Center (MH 488 x4158): Math, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics tutoring on a drop-in basis.

• College of Business and Economics (SGMH 2404 West Pavilion x2704): Accounting, Business Writing, Statistics, Programming and Finance tutoring. Drop in and appointments.

Athletics Academic Services can arrange one-on-one tutoring sessions for more specialized needs.

Titan DEGREE (Division I, Eligibility, Graduation, Retention, Engage, Empower) Program
The DEGREE Program is a comprehensive academic support program for student-athletes enrolled in support courses, and/or with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.5. Student-athletes have the opportunity to work closely with the DEGREE Program Coordinator, mentors and tutors, to support retention and graduation goals, as defined by NCAA and institutional measures

STUDENT ATHLETE COMPUTER LAB
The Student-Athlete Computer Lab provides a structured learning environment with computers and study tables for student-athletes to work independently on their class assignments. Each computer is linked to the Internet and hosts a selection of software programs. Computer lab monitors are on hand to maintain a quality learning environment, record attendance and assist with lab maintenance.

Student-Athlete Computer Lab Rules
Student-athletes must sign in with the Computer Lab Monitor before using the space and sign out when leaving for any reason. If the monitor is not in the computer lab, a counselor can be found in LH-215

Student-athletes should respect the rights of the students using the computer lab and those of the surrounding faculty/staff. The StudentAthlete Computer Lab is a quiet environment for serious academic individual study.

Athletics Academic Services requests that student-athletes respect the following rules:

1. Cell phones must not be out and/or visible. All phones should be off or set on vibrate mode. Talking on the cell phone and/or texting in the computer lab is prohibited as to not disrupt others.

2. Student-athletes should respect the rights of the students using the computer lab and those of the surrounding faculty/staff. The computer lab is a quiet environment for individual study. If you are working with another student-athlete on a group project, discussing course material, or working with a tutor, you can utilize the tutoring area with permission. Please see an adviser to make special 52 arrangements, you may not violate Academic Integrity; Any such violations will be reported to your professor and/or the Dean of Judicial Affairs.

3. No food, gum, or drinks are allowed in the computer lab. Water is allowed as long as water bottles are kept on the floor away from the computers.

4. No downloading of any materials is permitted, including photos, music or files, unless they are related to class work. Also, Studentathletes should remember to save all papers and files on a personal USB or email them as all computers are cleaned when restarted for virus protection.

5. Student-athletes must leave the study area the way they find it; throwing away any trash and pushing in the chair when checking out.

6. If you behave inappropriately during your academic study sessions or break computer lab rules, you will be ejected and your time will not count towards your computer lab hours. Inappropriate materials and behaviors include non-academic material, talking, sleeping, and looking at social media sites, watching movies, or playing games.

7. Only student-athletes are permitted in computer lab.

GRADE CHECKS
Athletics Academic Services requests mid-semester Academic Grade Checks for every student-athlete at least once per semester. Academic Grade Checks are initiated via an online, web-based program in which individual faculty are prompted to complete a form assessing the academic performance of student-athletes in their class(es). For additional feedback, Athletics Academic Services counselors may request that an individual student-athlete meet with faculty to complete a "hand-carried" Grade Check. This practice encourages student-athletes to communicate directly with faculty concerning their performance in courses and possible strategies to improve their academic success.

This feedback is organized and reviewed by Athletics Academic Counselors and disseminated to the appropriate coaches. If feedback from the Academic Grade Checks indicate a need for academic support and/or tutoring, Athletics Academic Services works with coaches, faculty, and the student-athlete to address concerns and make any necessary referrals and/or plans for improvement.

DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Cal State Fullerton provides support services for students with disabilities, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and learning disabilities. Student-athletes that would like additional information regarding these services can speak with their Athletics Academic Services Counselor or contact the Office of Disability Support Services in University Hall 101, x3117, http://www.fullerton.edu/DSS/.

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES 
Through a close collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Titan Athletics provides psychology services for all CSUF studentathletes. Services include: Individual/Group Counseling (Depression/Anxiety, Relationship/Family problems, Adjustment to College), Assessment (ADHD, Learning Difficulties, Substance Use), and Outreach Presentations (Healthy Eating/Weight Management, Sleep Problems, Managing Relationships).

Confidentiality is a priority for all meetings/communications with studentathletes. For questions or to schedule an appointment contact: Counseling and Psychological Services, 657-278-3040.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Student-athletes on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll are recognized every spring. Eligible student-athletes receive certificates acknowledging their academic and athletic success over the previous calendar year. Those honored include students who: are on a team roster in a Big West Conference sport at the conclusion of the preceding Winter, Spring or championship seasons of competition, were eligible for competition, and meet one of the tiered GPA requirements.

Commissioner's Honor Roll GPA Tiers
Commissioner's Honor Roll: 3.00 - 3.20
Commissioner's Honor Roll with Honors: 3.21 - 3.50
Commissioner's Honor Roll with Highest Honors: 3.51 - 4.00

If a student-athlete’s semester GPA is a 3.50 or higher for at least 12 units of graded coursework he/she will be place on the University-wide Dean’s Honor List for that semester.

UNIVERSITY 115
All first-time freshman student-athletes are strongly encouraged to take University 115. University 115 is a one-unit course designed to help student-athletes develop skills in personal, academic, career and community service success. The course is available for interested transfer student-athletes as well.

NCAA CHAMPS/LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program was developed to prepare student-athletes for life challenges beyond the playing field. The program helps student-athletes develop the individual skills necessary to lead successful, productive lives and become leaders and contributors to the community and the nation. The program consists of five components: academic excellence, athletic excellence, career development, personal development, and service, and is designed to help student-athletes not only bridge the gap from high school to college and from college to the professional world, but also to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The program serves as a resource for students who want to explore issues in personal academic service and career development and provides speakers and/or facilitates discussions on other life skills related topics

MISSED CLASS TIME
In order to minimize interference with student-athletes' academic programs, coaches will limit organized practice activities, the length of their playing seasons, the number of regular-season contests/ dates of competition, and participation in non-collegiate-sponsored athletics activities. All schedules are reviewed and approved by an appropriate Athletics administrator. No schedules may be created or contests scheduled without the approval of the appropriate sports supervisor. An important purpose of the review is to minimize missed class time. Any excessive class time missed by a team must be approved in advance by the Athletics Advisory Council.

No class time shall be missed for practice activities except when a team is traveling to an away contest and the practice is in conjunction with the contest.

No intercollegiate events may be scheduled during finals week, with the exception of NCAA or Big West Conference post-season competition, which occasionally coincides with finals. Any exception to this policy must have prior approval of the Athletics Advisory Council.

Athletics Academic Services utilizes a "Missed Class Letter" for notifying instructors of competition and travel dates. Student-athletes should submit this letter to each course faculty during the first week of school that their sport is in season. The "Missed Class Letter" includes a sports schedule and dates of classes the student-athlete will miss for away-travel. Student- athletes are responsible for reviewing the syllabus for each course right away to determine what, if any, classes will be missed due to competition-related travel. At this time, student-athletes must discuss conflicts with each course faculty to determine plans for making up missed class time, assignments and/or exams. If there are potential problems, it is imperative that student-athletes speak with their Athletics Academic Counselor, as soon as possible, as students cannot drop and add classes after the second week of class.

Student-athletes are expected to attend every class meeting unless competition, serious injury, or serious illness prevents such attendance. Students who must miss class to represent the University or to participate in a University-sponsored activity must remind the class instructor in writing a minimum of two weeks in advance of the absence. Given prior notice, instructors are encouraged to allow students to make up class work, complete class work in advance of the class absence, or complete an alternative assignment without penalty. In case of a disagreement about whether an activity constitutes a University-sponsored activity, the appropriate administrator will make the determination.

Student-athletes are expected to be on time for every class. If unforeseen circumstances cause a student-athlete to be late or miss the class, he/she should meet the instructor after class or make an appointment to apologize and explain the circumstances.

NCAA ELIGIBILITY AND PROGRESS TOWARD DEGREE
NCAA eligibility is always the responsibility of the student-athlete. The university’s Faculty Athletics Representative has responsibility for final certification of each student-athlete’s eligibility for competition and has the final say on all questions of academic eligibility. The office of Athletics Academic Services monitors each student-athlete’s eligibility and assists student-athletes as they make progress toward graduation.

Full-Time Enrollment
To be eligible to participate in organized practice sessions, compete, and receive an athletics scholarship a student-athlete must be enrolled in at least 12 units. (If participating as a graduate student, the individual must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units.) While remedial credit may satisfy enrollment requirements, student-athletes must be aware that these units do not count as credit towards degree (except for up to 6 units during his/her freshman year). Transfer student-athletes who are required to take English 99 and/or Math 40 must enroll in at least 15 units.

Credit Hour Requirements
Each year, all student-athletes must earn at least 18 units that count toward degree progress during the fall and spring semesters combined. Intercession units may also be used to meet this requirement, while summer units cannot. An exception to this rule is a student-athlete who enrolls in his or her first fulltime term of collegiate enrollment in the spring term will not be responsible for earning 18 credit hours until he or she has spent a full academic year at Cal State Fullerton.

Additionally, all student-athletes must successfully complete at least six (6) semester hours that count toward degree progress in their previous regular academic term of full-time enrollment to be eligible to participate in the next regular academic term. Also, student-athletes entering their second year (third semester) of enrollment must have successfully completed 24 credit hours that count toward degree progress.

The preceding numbers reflect minimum standards. Student-athletes are always able and encouraged to earn additional units toward graduation.

Percentage of Degree Requirements
For each year of full-time enrollment student-athletes must have completed a specific percentage of units toward their degree. Student-athletes entering their third year (fifth semester) of enrollment must have completed 40% of their course requirements toward a degree, 60% for those entering their fourth year (seventh semester), and 80% for those entering their fifth year 56 (ninth semester). Credit hours achieved during the intercession and summer terms may also be used to fulfill this requirement. In order to meet these requirements, student-athletes must declare a program of studies leading to a specific baccalaureate degree (i.e. major) in order to determine percentage of degree earned.

Summer Credit Hours
Six summer credit hours may be used to satisfy the 24-credit-hour requirement when certifying a student-athlete entering his or her second year of collegiate enrollment. Summer hours may also be used to meet the 40/60/80 percent-of-degree-requirements. Pre-approved summer hours taken at other institutions may also count toward progress toward degree, but not toward the CSUF institutional GPA. Student-athletes must discuss such courses with their Athletics Academic Advisor before assuming that they will count in progress toward degree. It shall be noted that summer hours cannot rectify a 6-credit hour or 18-credit hour deficiency.

Repetition of Courses
Student-athletes may repeat up to a maximum of sixteen (16) units of C-’s, D’s, F’s or WU’s for better grades. Units earned at other schools are counted in the sixteen. Repeated classes do not count toward the required number of hours of degree credit for each semester. As such, if a student-athlete is repeating a course, he/she must be enrolled in at least 12 other units of classes toward the degree for that semester.

STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC)
The mission of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience at Cal State Fullerton. SAAC is dedicated to connecting student-athletes to the university and to one another, and providing student-athletes with avenues for voicing opinions and concerns to Athletics and the University.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee:

Strives to develop champions for life through leadership, school involvement, academic support and community outreach; Establishes and maintains open channels of communication with all student-athletes and administration in order to appropriately express any issues of concern relevant to student-athletes; Gives student-athletes the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the University and the community as a whole in the hope that they will use their athletic abilities to enhance the lives of others as well as themselves; and Educates student-athletes about rights and regulations that pertain to them in accordance with Conference and NCAA guidelines.

SAAC has two voting representatives from each of the intercollegiate teams, as well as the cheer and dance teams and the student athletic trainers. Each team elects two representatives to the Committee. The team representatives on the Committee elect their board members. All student-athletes are welcome to attend Council meetings and should contact a representative if they have interest or inquiries. At the meetings, representatives discuss matters affecting student-athlete life and welfare, learn about NCAA and Conference rules, and plan events. The Associate Director of Athletics/Director of Athletics Academic Services and the Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance serve as Staff Advisor to the Council.

Council meetings are held once per month and are open to all student-athletes.

SAAC members participate in the Big West Conference SAAC (meetings twice per year attended by two officers) and in the NCAA Division I national SAAC.

ATHLETICS ACADEMIC SERVICES STAFF

• Meredith Basil, Ph.D.
Associate Director of Athletics, SWA
Director, Athletics Academic Services
Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Athletics
657-278-2648
MBasil@fullerton.edu

• Allyson Kelly, M.A.,
Assistant Director, Athletics Academic Services Counselor
657-278-8468
Akelly@fullerton.edu

• Dee Dee Kingsbury, M.A.
Athletics Academic Services Counselor
657-278-3541
DKingsbury@fullerton.edu

• Erin Mena, M.ED.
Athletics Academic Services Counselor
657-278-2867
erinmena@fullerton.edu

• Shakayla Collins, M.A.
Life Skills Coordinator/Athletics Academic Services Counselor
657-278-3495
sncollins@fullerton.edu

• Diana Alvarez
Office Manager
657-278-3067
Dalvarez@fullerton.edu