Academic Support
and Student Services:

The Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center

Mission Statement

The University of Texas-Pan American has renewed its commitment to ensuring that all student-athletes receive the full benefits of the educational experience while assuring that participation in NCAA Division I athletics enhances, rather than detracts from, the realization of earning a university diploma.  The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in conjunction with the support of University administrators, has established the Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center to assist Bronc and Lady Bronc student-athletes in realizing and maintaining high levels of academic success.  Although the primary focus is on academics and the rigors of studying in the university setting, student-athletes must learn to successfully combine academic endeavors with athletic ones.  This is no easy task.

The Director of Academic Support and Student Services is dedicated, along with the rest of the academic support staff, to providing comprehensive services to ensure a successful student-athlete experience academically, personally, vocationally and athletically.  The Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center offers a variety of services and programs designed to assist student-athletes in their quest of earning a university degree.  In addition to providing a quiet place to study, the Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center offers access to a state-of-the-art computer lab, study table area, a conference area to meet with tutors, the Freshman/Transfer Orientation program, various study skills workshops and NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills seminars.
Academic Support and Student Services
The Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center provides and environment and the applicable resources that each student-athlete must be afforded in order to excel academically.  In addition to providing a quiet place to study, the Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center offers access to a state-of-the-art computer lab where student-athletes can type papers, create spreadsheets, check electronic mail, and conduct research via the World Wide Web and the Internet.  The Academic Learning Center is run by the Director of Academic Support and Student Services, whose primary responsibilities include monitoring individual academic progress; Student-Athletes meet on a regular basis with Chris Uchacz, Academic Coordinator.
supervising and conducting the Freshman/Transfer Student-Athlete Orientation Program; providing various study skills workshops and NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills seminars; and academic counseling.
Computer Lab
The computer lab is located on the first floor of the Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center.  This state-of-the-art computer facility houses 20 IBM-compatible computers equipped with the latest software.  Each computer offers access to word processing, spreadsheet programs, publishing software while also providing access to electronic mail (E-mail), the Internet, and the World Wide Web (WWW).  All of the computers are networked to a laser printer for various printing purposes.
Study Hall
Mandatory weekly study hall hours must be completed by entering freshmen, transfers, and returning student-athletes, as designated by the Director of Academic Support and Student Services and the head coach of each sport. The study hall is closely monitored during all hours of operation, in order to ensure a quiet environment where student-athletes can study or meet with assigned tutors.  Student-athletes are encouraged to focus on specific goals in order to use time effectively while working in the study hall.
Study Skills Workshops
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, various study skills workshops will be offered to the student-athletes.  These workshops have been designed to assist athletes in such areas as time management, stress management, networking with faculty, note taking and term-paper writing, and exam preparation, just to name a few.
NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Seminars
The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is a certified member of the
NCAA-sponsored CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.  This is a program designed to help student-athletes realize their potential for higher academic achievement, to increase retention and graduation rates and to explore various career opportunities while increasing responsibility and maturity.  The program's mission is to provide a systematic personal development program designed to reach each student-athlete based on his/her individual needs.  The program focuses on individual development as a result of acknowledging the changing needs of student-athletes during their stay at UTPA and after graduation. Regular CHAMPS/Life Skills seminars will be held during the fall and spring semesters.
Freshman/Transfer Student-Athlete Orientation
All entering freshmen and transfer student-athletes are required to participate in this orientation program (independent from the UTPA orientation) aimed at minimizing the effects of the transition to life at Texas-Pan American and in the Rio Grande Valley.  Some of the topics that will be covered during this 10-week orientation program will include an introduction to the UTPA Library and the library's web site; making the transition to university academics; conflict resolution; and much more.
Academic Progress Evaluation
Several times during each semester, progress reports are circulated to all UTPA faculty and staff who are instructing student-athletes.  These reports offer instructors a forum to comment on student-athletes' class attendance and participation, their timely and accurate completion of assignments, and make a brief evaluation of the student-athletes' overall performance.  This feedback is critical in enabling the Director of Academic Support and Student Services to monitor academic progress on a semester-by-semester basis, while simultaneously monitoring continued progress towards degree attainment.  Student-athletes who receive unsatisfactory progress reports will be required to participate in various workshops and seminars designed to enhance their academic successes.
Academic Counseling
The Director of Academic Support and Student Services and the Athletic Academic Counselor will be available, throughout the academic year, to meet with student-athletes who are in need of academic advising. In conjunction with individual college advisors and advisors from the University Counseling and Advisement Center, the Director of Academic Support and Student Services and the Athletic Academic Counselor will assist student-athletes in choosing classes and assessing progress towards earning their degrees.

 

Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center Hours of Operation

Sunday 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 10:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday Closed 
Fall 2002
Labor Day Holiday
Monday, Sept. 2 Closed

Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, Nov. 27 Closed
Thursday, Nov. 28 Closed
Friday, Nov. 29 Closed

Final Examinations
Saturday, Dec. 7 Closed
Sunday, Dec. 8 Closed
Monday, Dec. 9 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, Dec. 10 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday, Dec. 11 8:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, Dec. 12 8:00am – 5:00pm

Final Examinations
Saturday, Dec. 7 Closed
Sunday, Dec. 8 Closed
Monday, Dec. 9 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, Dec. 10 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday, Dec. 11 8:00pm – 5:00pm
Thursday, Dec. 12 8:00am – 5:00pm 

Spring 2003
Martin Luther King Holiday
Monday, Jan. 2 Closed

Spring Break 2002
Sunday, Mar. 9 Closed
Monday, Mar 10 Closed
Saturday, March 15 Closed
Sunday, March 16 4:00 pm-10:00 pm

Easter Holiday
Friday, Apr. 1 Closed

Final Examinations
Sunday, May 1 Closed
Monday, May 12 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, May 13 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday, May 14 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday, May 15 8:00am – 5:00pm

Return to Academic Main Page