Department Mission
In alignment with the educational mission of The College, we inspire and empower our student-athletes and staff to realize their intellectual, athletic and personal potential. Embracing a culture of respect, integrity and inclusion, we serve as ambassadors for The College and a source of pride for our alumni and the Charleston community. Through student-athlete focused programming, we compete for championships and graduate leaders.
Academic Advising
Staff members serve as the primary academic advisors for NCAA student-athletes until student-athletes declare their major when the SAAS advisor becomes a secondary academic advisor, supporting the assigned faculty advisor.
- For the undeclared student, SAAS advisors assist with course selection that encourages exploration of majors, with a focus on completing general education requirements.
- SAAS advisors advise students regarding scheduling, making graduation in four years a priority, while aiding student-athletes in meeting NCAA requirements and in pursuing an enriching athletic and educational experience.
NCAA Compliance
SAAS works with the NCAA Compliance Office to ensure that student-athletes are on track to meet NCAA benchmarks and maintain a high standard of academic integrity.
Monitoring Academic Progress
SAAS is responsible for monitoring the academic progress of our student-athletes and requests progress reports from faculty twice a semester. Additionally, SAAS advisors review midterm and final grades. Monitoring allows SAAS advisors to provide appropriate intervention and referrals to student-athletes who are struggling academically.
Study Hall Facility
Open nearly 70 hours per week and located in TD Arena, Study Hall is a place where student-athletes study throughout the day. The positive environment encourages student-athletes to do their very best!
Academic Awards
Coordinating with the Athletics Communications Office, SAAS nominates student-athletes for academic awards on campus, in the conference and on the national stage.
Athletic Travel
Though student-athletes are ultimately responsible for communicating with professors regarding absences for team travel, SAAS creates an absence memo for each team at the beginning of each semester to assist student-athletes with starting the conversation about athletic absences with their professors. Then before each team road trip, SAAS e-mails professors officially documenting the upcoming absence. SAAS advisors are also available to assist student-athletes in creating and following a time management plan during busy travel seasons.
