Student Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS) is the academic unit that serves the needs of the student athlete. The SAASS staff works collaboratively with other University offices to provide student athletes with the tools necessary for success. The SAASS staff maintains a strong working relationship with departmental academic advisers, professors, and the offices of Student Support Services to ensure that student athletes are aware of, and utilize, the staff and programs on the campus of Northern Illinois University. Student Athlete Academic Support Services, in conjunction with the CHAMPS/Lifeskills program, provides academic and life skills programs designed to enhance the student athlete’s academic, athletic, and social experiences.
What Can SAASS Do For You?
SAASS provides a variety of academic services for student athletes.
These services include:
|
Academic Counseling The SAASS academic coordinators follow the recommendations of departmental academic advisers when working with student athletes to review their course schedules. The academic coordinator ensures that classes will not conflict with practice times and will meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Early Access Registration Each semester student athletes are allowed to register prior to the undergraduates at NIU in order to get into classes that will work with practice times and eligibility requirements. Study Table Study tables are required for all incoming freshmen and for student athletes who do not meet the requisite GPA to leave study tables (this varies by team). Student athletes are required to be in study tables six hours a week. During this time student athletes have access to computers and tutoring services. Study tables are open Monday through Friday and Sunday. Laptop Loan The SAASS office has laptops available for student athletes to check out. They are all Internet accessible and free to use. |
Tutoring Tutors are available through the SAASS office in limited subjects. The SAASS staff works closely with the ACCESS program to provide students with tutors in all areas. ACCESS also provides supplemental instruction in most general education courses. LTRE 190 LTRE 190 is a course required for all freshmen student athletes. The course is designed to help ease the transition from high school to college. The primary focuses of the class are time management and study skills. Absence Letters The SAASS staff and team coaches provide letters to student athletes to distribute to their professors to notify them of any classes they may miss due to team travel. Education Specialist The SAASS office has a full time staff member who can help student athletes with academic challenges. The Education Specialist works with students with learning disabilities to ensure that they are utilizing services available on campus. The Education Specialist also works with student athletes on test taking strategies and study skills. |