Athletic Academic Coordinator Meetings
The primary purpose of Athletic Academic Coordinator meetings are to monitor progress and to maintain communication with the university faculty, campus advisors, and staff regarding academic progress of all student athletes.
Student athletes and the Athletic Academic Coordinator work together to develop long and short-term goals that will enhance each individual student athlete’s academic success. They review academic performance reports and oversee the administration and coordination of tutoring, enhanced learning, and academic coaching programs.
The Athletic Academic Coordinator also monitors academic progress while helping the student understand the NCAA, MAC, and University rules. The SAASS team members will help coordinate semester class selections and registration with campus advisors.
Freshman and transfers student athletes are required to meet with their Athletic Academic Coordinator on a weekly basis. Student athletes who continue to need monitored academic support after their initial semester at NIU will continue to meet with an academic team member.
Tutoring and Academic Coaching
The primary goal of the tutoring/academic coaching program is to provide student athletes with academic assistance beyond that which they receive in the classroom. In order to accomplish this goal, tutors provide interactive, objective based tutoring as well as subject specific study techniques.
The SAASS tutoring center is open Monday – Thursday 8am – 8pm and Fridays 8am – Noon by appointment, virtual, or walk-ins.
SAASS is proud to partner with the Huskie Academic Success Center to bring additional resources to the student athletes. Through this partnership, SAASS has been able to bring highly cross trained and additional tutoring and writing support to the Yordon Center while increasing walk in service availability specifically for student athletes at the University Library at central campus. Students can also have tutors scheduled at central campus to make it easier for them to attend tutoring between class sessions.
Disability Resource Center
If students coming to NIU need accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center as soon as possible. The DRC coordinates accommodations for students.
Students can also contact SAASS privately to discuss their accommodations. You will not be required to disclose your disability, only your accommodations. The sooner you let us know your needs, the sooner we can assist in achieving your learning goals at NIU.
Campus Advising
The student athlete’s relationship with their Campus Academic Advisor is an essential and viable resource. They will assist the student athlete in making adjustments, discussing progress in classes, potential majors, and any other academic issues. It is mandatory for student athletes to meet with their Campus Academic Advisor before they meet with their Athletic Academic Coordinator each semester to prepare for enrollment, plan specific classes, and update degree progress reports. College/major advisors will assist student athletes with all aspects of enrollment and ensure timely graduation via proper course selection.
Student Engagement and Experiential Learning
NIU student athletes can, and have, benefited from participating in research and other engaged learning activities. No matter your major or background, there’s a unique scholarly or artistic experience for you at NIU. Our students have participated in such programs as Research Rookies, the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE), Studying Abroad, and much more!
Honors
Students can be champions on and off the field and join the Honors Program and experience specialized courses, enriched educational experiences, and much more – all while excelling in your sport.
Graduation Information
Being a student athlete requires time management and discipline and earning your degree is a big accomplishment. Below are important resources students need to pay attention to in preparation for graduation and the commencement ceremony.
Important Links
Academic Spaces
SAASS is located in the Frances and George Wilkins Academic Support Center. In addition to SAASS offices and Athletics Counseling, there is a smart classroom that can be converted into a larger meeting space for students. The tutoring room provides a collaborative space for students to receive assistance with their courses. There are multiple meeting rooms in addition to the Tom and Donna Kubik Computer Lab that was just furnished with new computers for students.
