Overview
The Office of Student Athlete Support Services is organized to help Northeastern University student-athletes develop and enhance the skills necessary for academic, athletic, and personal growth and success. We provide counseling and services for academic, career, and personal concerns. The staff will help student-athletes learn the appropriate procedures to effectively utilize the services of numerous departments throughout the University community. This serves as a means to anticipate and resolve roadblocks to success. Similarly, when it is appropriate student-athletes may be referred for individual tutoring or workshops. The department supplements and compliments the student personnel staff in all Deans' offices and academic advisors in each department.
Services Provided by the Office
of Student Athlete Support Services
Counseling:
Academic: Time management, study skills, test preparation, note-taking, goal setting, communication with professors, test anxiety, building a "study routine."
Career/Major: Explore your values, interests, and abilities. Examine information on how they fit with various majors and occupations.
General: Student-athletes may encounter situations and circumstances in their lives that interfere with success. Develop strategies and coping skills to adjust, overcome and anticipate such roadblocks.
Support Programs:
Progress Meetings: First year and transfer student-athletes meet with an athletic counselor a minimum of twice per quarter. Meetings familiarize student-athletes with the services available and address any current areas of concern.
A+ Program: Any student-athlete with a QPA below a 2.2 is required to meet with an athletic counselor a minimum of once every two weeks. Students develop strategies conducive to academic success.
Study Hall: Facility provided for student-athletes to study in a controlled setting. Monitors are provided that also serve as tutors.
Tutors: Provided free of charge to all varsity student-athletes regardless of scholarship status.
C.H.A.M.P.S./Lifeskills Program: The NCAA C.H.A.M.P.S. (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) Program provides educational experiences and services in order to develop well-balanced lifestyles for student-athletes. The goals of the program include use of athletics as preparation for success in life, promoting respect for diversity, building positive self-esteem and promoting ownership by student-athletes of their academic, personal and social responsibilities. Each quarter workshops and seminars are held for student-athletes and coaches on subjects such as sport nutrition, eating disorders, stress management, career development, media relations, team building and many more. Specific topics are determined by feedback from student athletes, coaches and athletic administration.
The Husky Challenge: Northeastern University Athletics is committed to helping the surrounding community by taking part in various service projects during the year. The program provides a unique opportunity for student-athletes to make a positive contribution to the community and gain valuable experience at the same time. Each team adopts a community service project during the year: teams are also given the opportunity to participate in other projects such as the NU Service Day in April, the New England Aquarium and various trips to area schools and hospitals organized by our office and the SAAB Board. NU student-athletes in addition, are encouraged to participate in annual projects such as the Reggie Lewis Turkey-Give-Away, The Walk for Hunger, and various projects with the Center for the Study of Sport in Society.
Excuse Letters: Letters outlining the University's policy on excused absences are printed for the professors of each student-athlete. Student-athletes are responsible for providing each of their professors with the letter and an attached travel schedule.
Referrals: Assessments and referrals to specialized services such as the Disability Resource Center, Career Services, Lane Health Center, Sports Medicine, and the Counseling Center are provided when appropriate.
Post-Eligibility Program: All of the above programs are offered to current students who have used their athletic eligibility but are still pursuing their degree. In addition, coping and refocusing skills are addressed to aid in a smoother transition.
Monitoring Programs:
Academic Progress Reports: At mid-point during the quarter a form is sent to each student-athlete's professors asking for feedback on grades, participation, and attendance. All information is forwarded to the coaching staff and athletic department directors.
Extended Monitoring: Immediately after the Add/Drop period ends, professors for student-athletes with a QPA below 2.2 are contacted via phone calls. Current academic status is assessed. All information is forwarded to the coaching staff and athletic department directors.
General Reports: Weekly and bi-weekly reports are sent to coaches and athletic department staff regarding student-athlete attendance of required meetings, study hall, tutor usage updates, and other pertinent information.
Informal Contact: Student Athlete Support Services staff members are consistently in contact with advisors, professors, deans, support staff, and coaches regarding student-athletes' status and progress.
Compliance:
Degree Completion: Student Athlete Support Services plays a formal role in the Degree Completion Certification process (25%, 50%, 75%).
Location:
The Office of Student Athlete Support Services is located at 310/311 Ell Building. Appointments can be made by phone or on a drop-in basis. Once you make an appointment it is expected that the time will be reserved for you and that you will arrive on time. If you can not make a scheduled appointment, you need to call and reschedule in order to make the time available for other student-athletes.
Staff:
Wally Bzdell, M.Ed. (617) 373-2317, e-mail: w.bzdell@nunet.neu.edu
Lisa Finneran, M.S. (617) 373-2315, e-mail: lfox@lynx.neu.edu
Graduate Interns (617) 373-5018
Fax (617) 373-8915
