Academics

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 Counselors 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:

• Familiarizing students with course topics
• Exposing students to a variety of study techniques
• Providing support and encouragement
• Preparing students for academic success
• 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 mentors, 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 (SADC) 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 must 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.

Swimming & Diving Academics Success

Rhodes Scholarship

Jordan Anderson became the fourth Auburn University student to be named a Rhodes Scholar in 2010. He is studying at Oxford University, pursuing a master’s degree in global health science.

Two other swimming & diving athletes have been named Rhodes finalists in the last four years:

• Erica Meissner (2011)
• Dan Mazzaferro (2012)

CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-Americans

• 2012: Kyle Owens
• 2011: Dan Mazzaferro & Erica Meissner
• 2010: Melissa Marik & Jordan Anderson
• 2008: Kara Denby
• 2007: Kristen Hastrup
• 2006: Kara Denby & Kurt Cady
• 2004: Caesar Garcia & Lauren Duerek
• 2003: Caesar Garcia
• 2002: Caesar Garcia
• 2000: Matt Busbee
• 1999: Matt Busbee & Romain Barnier

SEC & NCAA Honors

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

• 2012: Erica Meissner

Walter Byers Scholarship

• 2000: Matt Busbee

H. Boyd McWhorter SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year

• 2011: Dan Mazzaferro, Erica Meissner
• 2010: Jordan Anderson
• 2008: Kristen Hastrup
• 2004: Caesar Garcia

SEC Swimming & Diving Scholar Athlete of the Year

• 2012: Kyle Owens
• 2010: Jordan Anderson
• 2007: Kara Denby

Swimming & Diving Academics By The Numbers

• 149: CSCAA Scholar All-Americans and Honorable Mention Scholar All-Americans since 1993
• 41 Tigers named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2010-11
• 40 Swimming & diving student-athletes honored at the 2011 AUSPY Awards for posting a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• 31 Times the Auburn men or women have been named a CSCAA All-Academic Swimming Team
• 16 Tigers named CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All Americans since 1999
• 3 Rhodes Scholarship finalists since 2009
• 1 Rhodes Scholar