Academic Services 2050 Hixson-Lied Student Success Center
Ames, IA 50011-1382
515-294-0531
Academic Services
Academic Services Mission The mission of the Iowa State University Athletics Academic Services Office is to emphasize the importance of education and to help student-athletes pursue successfully academic and personal success. Academic Services offers programs and services to facilitate the academic and personal development of Iowa State student-athletes. The academic services staff promotes skill development and academic excellence, while adhering to Iowa State University, Big 12 and NCAA regulations. The office operates with the guidance of four core values: integrity, scholarship, compliance and citizenship.
Orientation Program All Iowa State student-athletes participate in an orientation program, which includes information about academic, athletics and personal success and wellness. Student-athletes are also introduced to some of the policies and procedures of various student services programs within the University.
Personal Development Academic Services provides opportunities for student-athletes to participate in seminars throughout the year that explore topics such as academic planning, time management, eligibility, financial planning, career exploration and social issues. In addition, guest speakers from various student services offices explain the facilities and services available at Iowa State University.
Referral Services: The Iowa State University campus also runs a number of programs to assist student-athletes with various personal and social issues. Academic Services staff members work closely with the ISU Student Counseling Service, the Dean of Students Office and other academic, student and personal support offices on campus and can make referrals when necessary.
Academic Enrichment: Our staff monitors academic progress and academic wellness throughout a student-athlete's career. Among the issues addressed are grade and attendance reports, continuing eligibility status and adherence to all NCAA, Big 12 Conference and University academic standards.
CHAMPS / Life Skills
The CHAMPS / Life Skills program provides a proactive personal development plan to meet the individual needs of student-athletes. It is grounded in the principle of making a commitment to academics, athletics, career development, personal development and community service. More information: CHAMPS / Life Skills.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC):
Established in 1994 to provide a mechanism for student-athletes to participate in the governance structure of the athletics department, SAAC was designed to ...
provide an opportunity for student-athletes to communicate effectively with the athletics department administration and staff;
enable student-athletes to have a forum for making recommendations to improve their academic, athletics and personal welfare;
actively encourage student-athletes in campus and community projects;
design and implement programs that encourage academic achievement, health, social responsibility and career development; and
promote unity common purpose and collaboration between teams and among all student-athletes.
There is SAAC representation from each team and monthly meetings are conducted to address issues such as education, career development, community service, department policies, grievances, equity and NCAA legislation.
Academic Assistance
A major priority of Student-Athlete Services is to ensure that student-athletes progress toward a meaningful undergraduate degree. They must learn to balance the demands of being both a student and an athlete as they grow and develop as young adults. They need to budget time and energy as they combine practice, travel, and competition with academics. Because of their unique demands, some student-athletes need academic assistance.
Learning Strategists: Academic assistance is a continual process of promoting cognitive growth, building academic self-confidence and encouraging accountability and responsibility. Iowa State University employs Learning Strategists to help guide student-athletes through the process of learning new concepts and refining study techniques. These individuals also respond positively to student-athletes while allowing them to do their own work and to make their own choices as they grow in maturity. Learning Strategists have a very important role in contributing to the academic success of student-athlete, and their attitude, dedication and willingness to help student-athletes ultimately determines their impact and success.
Tutoring: Academic Services collaborates with the ISU Academic Success Center to provide tutorial services to all student-athletes. The tutorial staff is familiar with NCAA rules and regulations and assists student-athletes within the allowable guidelines. The intent of the tutoring program is to supplement and support educational practices that are crucial for academic success. The tutors and students work together to develop the independent thinking and learning skills necessary to achieve positive results without compromising the integrity of the educational process. If you would like to become a tutor: Tutor/ Mentor Program.
Learning Center: Academic Services provides educational and study environments for its student-athletes in the form of learning centers. Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to utilize the Beyer learning center as often as necessary to develop the appropriate study and learning skills to become better students. Study groups, learning strategists, and tutors are also available at these learning centers.
Academic Recognitiont: Academic Services recognizes, annually, student-athletes with exceptional academic records at a scholar-athlete banquet. University administrators, faculty members and athletics department personnel attend the dinner which recognizes academic accomplishments of ISU scholar-athletes in a number of areas. Additionally, the office hosts a reception annually for student-athletes who complete their graduation requirements.
