BYU student-athletes are seeking to excel academically and athletically and are preparing for life after they graduate. The transition into university life can be challenging for any student. This is especially true for student-athletes who are expected to be good students and outstanding athletes. They are also under obligation to understand and comply with a variety of NCAA rules and regulations in order to be eligible to compete. The Student Athlete Academic Center was created to provide a place where student-athletes can receive support and resources as they pursue their goals.

One of the main priorities of the Center is to assist student-athletes as they transition into the BYU culture and the world of college athletics. Student-athletes are assigned an academic advisor to help them register for classes and monitor their progress toward graduation. The advisor is the contact person for student-athletes who have academic or eligibility questions and concerns.

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT 

The main focus of the Student Athlete Academic Center is to help student-athletes graduate on time. To achieve this goal, academic advisement is provided to all student-athletes. Advisors are available to help student-athletes register for classes, monitor athletic eligibility, secure tutorial help, and provide on-going support and encouragement. The academic advisors assist student-athletes by having them set weekly and semester goals, teaching them time management and academic success strategies and helping them communicate effectively with their professors. Advisors also assist the coaching staff in monitoring the day-to-day progress of student-athletes who struggle academically.

TUTORING 

Personal tutors are available for every student athlete through the Student Athlete Academic Center with funds made available by the Cougar Club. Tutors are hired to tutor multiple subjects. To obtain a tutor, student-athletes may contact their academic advisor.

MENTORS

Mentors are available for any student-athlete through the Student Athlete Academic Center. Incoming freshmen will be assigned a mentor for their first semester. Mentors are most often fifth-year student-athletes or graduate students. Mentors provide time management help, study skills, test-taking tips, help adjusting to college, etc.

COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

A primary goal of the Student Athlete Academic Center is to ensure that every student-athlete graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in his or her chosen field of study. To achieve this goal, the Center provides a team advisor as part of the comprehensive academic support program. Each athlete has regular visits with his/her team advisor who assists with registration and monitors progress toward graduation.

COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Student Athlete Academic Center personnel are also active in teaching classes designed to promote leadership, emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills. Student-athletes are taught about some of the unique issues they face in the world of college athletics and how to thrive in the university setting and beyond.

COMMITMENT TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT 

A career specialist is available to assist student-athletes with a variety of career issues. They receive help in choosing a major, building their resume, establishing a career network and preparing for their transition from college athletics into the world of work. These services are available through individual consultation, workshops, computer programs and University courses. Career exploration and career transition classes are highly recommended to all student-athletes. Internship and employment opportunities are also made available through the Career Network, which is made up of Varsity Club and Cougar Club members.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT 

In addition to their athletic success, BYU student-athletes are consistently among the best in the nation in academic achievement and recognition. BYU consistently places more student-athletes on the Academic All-MWC Team* than any other conference school. During the 2010-11 season 235 BYU student-athletes were named to the list out of 1168 in the conference. BYU was followed by New Mexico (159), Utah (139) and Colorado State (110). In addition, men’s volleyball had six student-athletes named Academic All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. 
* To be eligible- 3.0 GPA or better and competed in 50 percent of the teams contests