Bowling Green State University Athletics

Transcription

1 Bowling Green State University Athletics 2011/2012 Property of: Address: Phone #: In case of emergency, please notify: Name: Phone #: The information in this book was the best available at press time. Watch for additional information and changes School Datebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in any retrieval system, or translated in any form without the written permission of School Datebooks, Inc U.S. Hwy. 231 S., Suite 200 Lafayette, IN (765)

2 Table of Contents From the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President... 4 Faces to Know... 5 Chapter 1 - Introduction... 6 Purpose of This Handbook... 6 Vision Statement... 6 Core Values... 6 Mission Statement - Department of Athletics... 6 Athletics Department Core Values and Behaviors... 6 Mid-American Conference... 6 Central Collegiate Hockey Association... 7 Varsity Teams at BGSU... 7 Chapter 2 - Code of Conduct... 8 Expectations and Responsibilities... 8 Involvement with Internet-Based Social Networking Communities... 8 Academic Honesty... 9 Ethical Use of Software... 9 Paying Your Bills... 9 Team Travel... 9 Gambling and Bribery... 9 Principles of Amateurism... 9 Agents Drug and Alcohol Use Hazing Sportsmanship Chapter 3 - Academic Eligibility Requirements NCAA Academic Continuing Eligibility Requirements BGSU Grade Point Average Requirement University Academic Requirements Chapter 4 - Office of Student-Athlete Services Awards/Honors/Applications Study Table Tutorial Program Student-Athlete Affairs/Life Skills Chapter 5 - Academic Resources College Offices Chapter 6 - Academic Success Setting Priorities Managing Your Time Studying Effectively Developing a Sense of Responsibility Study Tips Chapter 7 - Financial Aid Athletic Grant-In-Aid Scholarships NCAA Special Assistance Fund for Student-Athletes Book Loan Program Summer School Grants Student Athletic Grants -- Appeal Hearing Process Chapter 8 -Compliance with NCAA Rules Sports Wagering/Gambling Outside Competition Amateurism Promotional Activities Employment Academic Year Employment Summer Employment Transferring Limitations on Athletic Activity Extra Benefits Complimentary Admission Chapter 9 - Physical Welfare Athletic Injuries Liability Securing Team Physicians Services Authorization for Medical Services Referral to Medical Specialist Insurance Coverage Drug Testing BGSU s Drug Testing Program Athletic Training Room Services Sport Performance Team Nutritional Supplementation and Prescription Medication Chapter 10 - Athletic Communications

3 Dear Fellow Falcons, Welcome to the school year at Bowling Green State University! BGSU Athletics has a rich tradition and history. Take pride in wearing the Orange & Brown, as the 4,000 letter winners before you created the foundation of success you are now building upon. Our expectation in BGSU Athletics is excellence in all respects. Between the lines, our teams should compete for championships. In the classroom, we are proud that student-athletes as a group have higher GPA s and graduation rates than the overall student body. You are the best of the best at BGSU! BGSU s Athletic Department is designed to help you succeed. Coaches and staff members in areas like academic support, sports medicine, the equipment room, Falcon Club and administration all ultimately serve one customer - you, the student-athlete. Our goal is to ensure you have a rewarding and fulfilling experience at BGSU. Best wishes this year, both in academics and competition. Roll Along! Greg Christopher Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bowling Green State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics SEBO ATHLETIC CENTER, BOWLING GREEN, OH (419) (419) (FAX) 3

4 FROM THE STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Welcome Falcons! On behalf of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), I welcome you to, or back to, Bowling Green State University. To the freshman and transfer student-athletes, welcome and good luck as you embark on a new and exciting journey in your athletic and academic commitment as a Falcon! SAAC is the primary link between student-athletes and the Athletics Department administration. SAAC members represent all 18 varsity sports as well as student trainers. The primary responsibility of SAAC is to support you as a student-athlete. SAAC is our voice not only to represent our selves within the athletic department but, on campus and within the NCAA. The camaraderie among BGSU student-athletes is very special. Joining the Falcon Family takes sacrifice. However, sacrifice is not without rewards. As a member of the Falcon Family, you have gained brothers, sisters, mentors and friends who will have a lasting impact on your life. Student-athletes encourage each other to strive to reach their greatest potential. Beside you are your teammates and friends but, behind you are your coaches, mentors, and the staff of the athletic department. SAAC only serves to strengthen the bond that forms within the athletic community, to highlight student-athlete achievements, and to provide student-athletes with new opportunities. With new opportunities there will always be failure and success. I challenge you to take advantage of your surroundings and those that are there to help, starting with your teammates, other athletes, coaches and the athletic department. We ask that you join SAAC in its efforts by participating in SAAC activities (Falcons Back in Action, speakers, community service events, etc.) and supporting your fellow Falcons at competitions. Plus, get to know your SAAC representative and share your ideas to help make your experience at BGSU the best ever. Just because you are not a SAAC rep or attend the meetings, does not mean your ideas do not count. I encourage you to get involved, share your ideas to inhance our experience as a BGSU student-athlete. Together we can help each other accomplish our dreams! We wish you all the best of luck and look forward to watching you excel in competition, in the classroom and in all aspects of your life! Roll Along! Sarah Reinink Women s Swimming BGSU SAAC President 4

5 Greg Christopher Director of Athletics Faces To Know Oversees entire athletic department; Sport coordinator for football Lesley Irvine Associate AD/Senior Woman Admin Sport coordinator for M/W basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, M/W soccer, softball, baseball and swimming; Also administrates athletic training and strength and conditioning Jim Elsasser Associate AD/Internal Affairs Sport coordinator for hockey and M/W golf; Responsible for financial and facility operations Mary Ellen Gillespie Associate AD/External Affairs Leads the fundraising efforts for the department; Sport coordinator for M/W cross country and track and field Mark Shook Associate AD/Compliance and Student-Athlete Services Sport coordinator for tennis; Oversees Compliance and Student-Athlete Services; Academic coordinator for football Chris Marcum Director of Marketing and Promotions Oversees the marketing and promotions of the department Jason Knavel Assistant AD/Athletic Communications Oversees media relations primarily working with men s basketball and volleyball, sports information, and athletic web site Jermaine Truax Director of Compliance and Certification truaxj@bgsu.edu Responsible for compliance, rules education and interpretation, and investigating and reporting rules violations Doug Boersma Assistant AD/Sport Performance dboersm@bgsu.edu Oversees athletic training for all 18 varsity teams; Resource on nutritional supplements and banned drugs Brandon Hourigan Director of Strength and Conditioning bhourig@bgsu.edu Oversees strength and conditioning for all 18 varsity teams Ashley Baker Director of Student-Athlete Services arbaker@bgsu.edu Oversees academic support services for student-athletes and instructor for BGSU 1000 Kerry Jones Asst. Director, Student-Athlete Services kljones@bgsu.edu Assists with Champs/Life Skills; Instructor for BGSU 1000 and an academic coordinator Clint Dowdle Assistant AD for Football Operations/Director of Football Operations cdowdle@bgsu.edu Oversees all areas of football operations and works with football fundraising and marketing 5

6 Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION Purpose of this Handbook This handbook is intended to help you be successful at BGSU. It will serve as a resource guide about the University as well as the NCAA, MAC, and CCHA. Make use of the information provided. Utilize the resources identified in this handbook. Note the important dates and information listed. If you have any questions contact the staff in the Office of Student-Athletes Services. Vision Statement Bowling Green State University aspires to be the premier learning community in Ohio and one of the best in the nation. Through the interdependence of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service we will create an academic environment grounded in intellectual discovery and guided by rational discourse and civility. Bowling Green State University serves the diverse and multicultural communities of Ohio, the United States and the world. Core Values The Core Values to which the University adheres are: 1) Respect for one another 2) Cooperation 3) Intellectual and spiritual growth 4) Creative imaginings 5) Pride in a job well done Mission Statement Department of Athletics The BGSU Athletic Department is committed to becoming a national and community leader demanding academic and athletic excellence fostering integrity, pride, respect, tradition and creative innovation. Athletics Department Core Values and Behaviors Commitment *Promote Department of Athletics at all times *Pursue Excellence Integrity *Take responsibility for personal actions *Honesty Welfare of Student-Athletes *Provide experiences promote education and growth of total person *Consider decisions as they impact the lives of student-athletes Teamwork *Promote cooperation through the Department and the University *Be actively involved Respect *Treat all with dignity and impartiality *Value emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical wellness of others and *Foster an environment that values diversity *Recognize and enjoy exploring differences and/or aspects of subjective culture *Understand and recognize cultural differences exist and how they affect communication, leadership styles and conflict resolution Mid-American Conference The MAC s mission is to offer nationally competitive intercollegiate athletic programs that reflect the interests of students and faculty of its member institutions. The Mid-American Conference is dedicated to student-athlete welfare, academic integrity, athletic excellence, rules compliance, fiscal responsibility, and equity and diversity in all programs. The conference is comprised of twelve institutions: University of Akron Ball State University Bowling Green State University University of Buffalo Central Michigan University Eastern Michigan University Kent State University Miami University Northern Illinois University Ohio University University of Toledo Western Michigan University *Temple University *University of Massachusetts *football membership only 6

7 Central Collegiate Hockey Association Since its inception in , the CCHA has grown in stature from a collection of fledgling hockey programs to the most respected conference in the nation on the ice, off the ice and behind the bench. The conference is comprised of twelve institutions: University Of Alaska Miami University Northern Michigan University Bowling Green State University University Of Michigan University Of Notre Dame Ferris State University Michigan State University Ohio State University Lake Superior State University University Of Nebraska Omaha Western Michigan University Varsity Teams at BGSU Women s Sports: Men s Sports: Basketball Baseball Cross Country Basketball Golf Cross Country Gymnastics Football Soccer Golf Softball Ice Hockey Swimming Soccer Tennis Track, Indoor/Outdoor Volleyball 7

8 Chapter 2 -CODE OF CONDUCT The code of conduct is made up of broad expectations and responsibilities as well as behaviors related to specific issues and activities. In addition to the guidelines outlined in the BGSU Student Handbook, student-athletes are expected to abide by the following policies. Expectations and Responsibilities Student-athletes success in their arena of play and in the classroom is possible because BGSU student-athletes, coaches, and administrators share in the commitment to maintain the tradition of excellence. A vital component of the commitment to the tradition of excellence is the understanding that Bowling Green s athletes are students first. Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the highest standards and to uphold the integrity of Bowling Green State University. Always remember, athletics participation is a privilege, not a right! As such, our student-athletes have a responsibility to fulfill clear expectations, which include: Earning a degree should be the primary goal of a student-athlete. The assumption of personal responsibility is the foundation of the education experience. All student-athletes should be aware that at all times they represent the University, the Athletics Department, and their team. Upperclassmen must understand that it is their responsibility to serve as role models for new student-athletes. Student-athletes must adhere to the principles of amateur competition. Student-athletes should always remember that they are highly visible representatives of their team and of the University. Strive to achieve, in your public conduct, the high standard of excellence to which you aspire as a member of BGSU s athletics program. On a team trip, or trip for MAC/NCAA conference meetings, or any team-related function, team members cannot consume alcohol, use tobacco products, or use illegal substances. This includes travel to and from an event, home games, team gatherings before or after games, and any time the team is together in an official capacity. Remember, as a student-athlete, you represent the University. Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times, both during athletic competition and in their personal lives in the community. It is expected that student-athletes will meet all academic responsibilities: attend every class, submit assignments on time, interact with faculty, meet with college and faculty advisors, and take advantage of the university s resources. All student-athletes should strive to be involved as a member of the university community and make a strong effort to make the most of their educational experience. Student-athletes will understand and utilize the support services available in the Office of Student-Athlete Services; and assume the responsibility to seek assistance when needed. Making a commitment to academic integrity, every student-athlete must be familiar with the University s Academic Code of Conduct. Student-athletes are expected to meet all academic eligibility requirements, and to do so in accordance with the Bowling Green State University Student Code governing academic honesty and class attendance. Involvement with Internet-Based Social Networking Communities 1. Internet Social Networking Community Sites. Internet sites such as Facebook.com, MySpace.com, Twitter.com, LinkedIn.com and others provide individuals with an opportunity to interact with an amazingly expansive universe of new people and connect with current friends. Postings on personal profiles, groups, and chat rooms are in the public domain and easily accessible by anyone including reporters, parents, coaches, fans, predators, employers, and graduate school admissions officials. Once information is posted, it can be retrieved by computer savvy individuals even after it has been deleted. 2. Athletic Department Policy. Participation in intercollegiate athletics at Bowling Green State University is a privilege, not a right. The Athletic Department student-athlete conduct policy states, Student-Athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the highest standards and upholds the integrity of Bowling Green State University. While the Athletic Department does not prohibit student-athlete involvement with internet-based social networking communities, the expectation of a high standard of excellence and integrity includes comments and postings made to internet sites. The Athletic Department reserves the right to take action against any currently enrolled student-athlete engaged in behavior that violates University, Department, or team rules, including such behavior that occurs in postings on the internet. This action may include education, counseling, suspension from the team, termination from the team, and/or reduction or non-renewal of any athletic scholarships. 3. Recommendations. Immediately review any internet websites you may have posted on the internet to ensure that the postings are consistent with university, department, and team rules and that they present you in a manner be-fitting a BGSU student-athlete. For your safety and privacy, you should refrain from posting and should promptly remove any personally identifiable information such as telephone numbers, addresses, class schedules and places frequented as well as any photos you may have posted. Alert the Compliance Office of any sites that falsely appear to be yours as this constitutes identity theft, and the University will assist your efforts to have the offensive site removed. Be cautious about which chat groups you join to be sure you want to be publicly associated with that group. Once you become a member, you are linked to the discussion that takes place within that group. Only the group s administrator is able to delete your group membership or postings made to a group site. 8

9 Academic Honesty Student-athletes are expected to uphold the standards of academic honesty at all times. If you cheat on exams or plagiarize assignments, the professor may fail you on the exam or paper or give you a F in the course. Plagiarism means stealing another person s ideas, even if you state them in your own words, without giving proper credit to that person. The University community takes this offense very seriously. It is your responsibility to be familiar with all aspects of the BGSU Student Handbook to avoid accusations of academic dishonesty. According to the BGSU Code of Academic Conduct there are six types of Academic Honesty Violations. These consist of: 1) Cheating - Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. 2) Forgery Altering a score, grade, Schedule Change Form or academic record; forging an instructor s or another student s signature. 3) Bribery/Threats Offering a bribe or making a threat or coercion related to a grade or an academic exercise. 4) Fabrication - Falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. 5) Plagiarism - Representing the words or ideas of another as one s own in any academic exercise. 6) Facilitating academic dishonesty - Helping or attempting to help another to commit an act of academic dishonesty. *For complete Code of Academic Conduct please see the BGSU Handbook. Ethical Use of Software Unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted software is illegal and unethical. Respect the laws governing the use of all copyrighted material, including software. Paying Your Bills Student-athletes are responsible for all miscellaneous charges on their Bursar accounts, and their eligibility status depends on their accounts in the Bursar s office being current. In this regard, each student at BGSU must sign a financial responsibility agreement. If your account is not paid in full, it could affect your housing, class registration, enrollment, and athletics eligibility. Miscellaneous charges including but not limited to: bookstore charges, not returning books received through book scholarship on time, parking tickets, and other incidental charges. Team Travel The Athletics Department realizes that you are a STUDENT-athlete. For that reason the number of class days that a player is allowed to miss should not exceed nine (9) complete days per term, without the prior approval of the Director of Athletics. Additionally, no more than six (6) complete class days should not be missed in any one month. Specific requirements for dress, conduct, curfews and free time activities are determined by individual Head Coaches. It is very important to remember that when you are traveling as a team, you are representing the University and you are expected to conduct yourself appropriately. Your Head Coach will let you know if specific dress is expected. In general, you should simply use good judgment; taking into consideration the location or function you are attending. Prior to leaving campus, you should remind your instructors of your absence from class as well as request copies of any notes or handouts you may miss from them as well. Remember, it is your responsibility to make arrangements for missed assignments or tests. Gambling and Bribery Student-athletes shall not knowingly provide information to assist individuals involved in gambling activities, accept a bet on any BGSU team, or take part in any organized gambling activity involving intercollegiate athletics and professional sports. If you are approached by an individual asking for information that might relate to a competition (i.e., injuries on the team), it is best to refer that inquiry to your head coach, respective sport administrator, or the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. In light of the numerous examples of student-athletes becoming ineligible and/or taking legal and/or financial risks, do not think that it cannot happen to you. Principles of Amateurism To be eligible for college competition, amateur status must be maintained as defined by the NCAA. The following actions would terminate amateur status: If student-athletes receive payment (in any form) or the promise of pay for participating in an athletic contest; If student-athletes sign a contract or verbally commit with an agent or a professional sports organization; If student-athletes request that their name be placed on a draft list or otherwise agree to negotiate with a professional sports organization; If student-athletes use their athletic skill for pay in any form (i.e., commercials, demonstrations); If student-athletes play on a professional athletics team; If student-athletes participate on an amateur sports team and receive - directly or indirectly - any salary, incentive payment, award, gratuity, educational expenses, or allowances other than actual and necessary; Accepting any remuneration for or permitting the non-paid use of your name or picture to advertise, recommend, or promote directly the sale or use of a commercial product or service. 9

10 Agents An agent may not represent student-athletes. An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has agreed (orally or in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletics ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports shall be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual shall be ineligible to participate in any sport. Securing advice from a lawyer concerning a proposed professional sports contract shall not be considered contracting for representation by an agent unless the lawyer also represents the student-athlete in negotiations for such a contract. Drug and Alcohol Use The use and abuse of drugs may threaten your own well-being; create an unfair, illegal advantage in competition; or endanger the safety of teammates or opponents. You are one of the more visible elements of the University community, constantly in the public eye and subject to scrutiny. A drug use situation affecting your well-being not only impacts you, but can have a potentially greater effect on others--your family, teammates, coaches, the department, and the University. Drug abuse should be understood to include the use of any substance (tobacco, alcohol, legally obtained over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs, including anabolic steroids), such that the user experiences physical, emotional, or social complications that threaten or impair his/her well being, or the well being of others around him/her. The use of all tobacco products by players, athletics department personnel, and officials on the field, court, track, or course and adjacent areas (i.e., dugout, sideline, bench) shall be prohibited during pre-game activities and competition. Any individuals discovered by officials to be in violation of this rule shall be ejected from the contest. This is a Mid-American Conference and an NCAA policy. A student who is found to have utilized a substance on the list of banned drugs published by the NCAA (via NCAA drug testing procedures), shall be declared ineligible for participation in post season and regular season competition in accordance with NCAA and BGSU regulations. Any athlete involved in the use of drugs may face dismissal from the team and/or University as well as legal action, as it pertains to the rules and regulations published in the BGSU Student Code. All students are subject to the laws of the City of Bowling Green as well as State and Federal law. Campus Wide Drug and Alcohol Policy It is the policy of Bowling Green State University to prohibit the unlawful use, sale, dispensing, transfer, or possession of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, drugs not medically authorized, or any other substance that may impair an individual s academic work or performance or pose a hazard to the individual, public, students, or employees of the University on its property, or at any of its activities. If a violation of this policy occurs, support programs will be made available where appropriate. Disciplinary action may include dismissal or expulsion from the University and possible criminal prosecution. Hazing Hazing, or any allegations thereof, is taken extremely seriously by Bowling Green State University. The BGSU Athletics Department supports only those activities that are constructive and conducive to the well being of all individuals who participate in BGSU Athletics. The Athletics Department will not tolerate any harassing instances that may invoke feelings of embarrassment and physical or mental discomfort, whether the situation is voluntary or not. Such instances may endanger the health, safety, and well being of all involved. Hazing may include, but is not limited to the following: - Any initiation activities where some team members subject others to ridicule. - Forcing an individual to consume alcohol or other illegal substances. - Forcing an individual to eat objects that an individual would not otherwise eat. - Forcing the shaving of an individual s body parts, or any other cosmetic alteration. - Pressuring individuals to engage in any illegal acts, public humiliation, public degradation, or any other public or private acts that are perverse. This includes endorsing pranks, theft, etc. - Awakening individuals during normal sleeping hours. - Forcing individuals to participate in any activities, such as extra workouts, that they do not endorse. - Physical abuse, or other abuse to the body, such as markings or defacing an individual s body with mud, paint, etc. - Psychological abuse, such as verbally ridiculing individuals or belittling them. Ohio Hazing Law - Section Any person who is subjected to hazing, as defined in division (A) of Section of the Revised Code, may commence a civil action for injury or damages, including mental and physical pain and suffering that result from the hazing. The action may be brought against any participants in the hazing, any organization who tolerated hazing The negligence or consent of the plaintiff or any assumption of the risk by the plaintiff is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to this section. 10

11 What does this mean? YOU COULD BE SUED IF YOU HAZE SOMEONE OR DO NOTHING TO PREVENT HAZING FROM OCCURING, EVEN IF THE PERSON BEING HAZED DID NOT OBJECT! Ohio Hazing Law - Section A. As used in this section, hazing means doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. B. No person shall recklessly participate in hazing of another. Ohio s Hazing Law applies to ALL student organizations including but not limited to, fraternities/sororities, sport club teams and intercollegiate athletics teams. HAZING IS ILLEGAL! BGSU s Hazing Policy - The BGSU Community is unconditionally opposed to any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Respect and cooperation among peers within recognized student organizations is a guaranteed right that all students possess. Hazing is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and is a crime in the state of Ohio. - Hazing encompasses any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; and/or which demeans, degrades, or disgraces any person regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action or situation that intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student for admission to or affiliation with any student organization. If you or your organization/club/team is found responsible for hazing, you could face a range of sanctions that could include service hours, probation, suspension, and expulsion. In addition, your organization could lose its status as an officially recognized organization as well as University Funding. Hazing includes but is NOT limited to the following examples: - Scavenger hunts for meaningless objects - Any form of demerits - Calling new members demeaning names - Never doing anything with new members - Having new members do chores (dishes, clean apartment, clean house, get food, rake leaves, etc.) - Silence periods for new members - Having new members streak or do other activities involving nudity or the removal of clothing - Sleep deprivation of new members - Verbal abuse of new members - Questioning of new members under pressure or in an uncomfortable position - Requiring new members to wear ridiculous costumes or clothes - Requiring new members to perform ridiculous activities - Requiring new members to perform personal service to the other members (carry books, takes notes in a class, running errands, etc) - Having new members do calisthenics If you are unsure whether an activity is hazing, ask yourself the following questions: 1. Is alcohol involved? 2. Are new members being asked/ordered to do activities that the established members would refuse to do? 3. Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse? 4. Is there risk of injury or a question of physical abuse? 5. Do you have any reservation describing the activity to you parents, to a professor, or to a university official? 6. Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or filmed by the local TV news crew? If the answer to any of these questions is YES, the activity is probably hazing. Additional information regarding hazing is available upon request from: Office of Student Life, 301 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Sportsmanship The Department of Athletics expects sportsman-like conduct at all times from its student-athletes. The following behaviors are unacceptable: - Physical abuse of an official, coach, athlete, or spectator - Seizing equipment or cameras from the media - Inciting spectators to violent or unsportsmanlike behaviors - Using obscene language or gestures - Making statements to the press that are negative, controversial or not in compliance with Athletics Department policy 11

12 Chapter 3 - ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Student-athletes must comply with NCAA, MAC, CCHA, and University rules regarding academic eligibility. While the Office of Student-Athlete Services will monitor student-athletes academic progress, it is the student-athlete s responsibility to know and understand the rules that govern their eligibility and be accountable for such. NCAA Academic Continuing Eligibility Requirements A student-athlete must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of no less than 12 hours each semester to be eligible for practice and competition. A student-athlete must earn 6 hours of course work each semester in their major area to be eligible for the following term. All continuing student-athletes must earn at least 18 of the hours required for satisfactory progress during the regular academic year (fall and spring). Example (for a first-year student-athlete): - 24 hours after first year of enrollment. - Minimum of 18 hours must be completed in the academic year (fall & spring semester) - Remaining 6 hours can be completed during summer school to reach 24 hours A student-athlete must declare a major (i.e. designate a degree program) by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (or fifth semester). A student-athlete must comply with the 40/60/80 rule (i.e. the fulfillment of percentage of degree requirements). For student-athletes enrolling fall 2003 or later, 40% of degree specific course work must be completed entering the fifth term of enrollment. Students entering the seventh term must have completed 60% of the required courses. Students must have completed 80% of the courses required for their major before entering the ninth term. Bowling Green State University Grade Point Average Requirement To be eligible for competition a student-athlete must achieve the following cumulative grade-point average, based on a 4.00 scale: Entering second term of enrollment: Student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 1.50 or greater 12 Entering third and fourth terms of enrollment: Student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 1.80 or greater Entering fifth and sixth terms of enrollment: Student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 1.90 or greater Entering seventh term of enrollment (and beyond to graduation): Student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater University Academic Requirements Students who maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average are considered to be in good academic standing. A student must be in good academic standing in order to graduate from the University. Any student-athlete on suspension/probation status cannot participate, or compete within Intercollegiate Athletics. He/She must appeal their Unsatisfactory Academic Progress with the Office of Student Financial Aid in order to receive disbursement of their financial assistance. CLASS STANDING HOURS EARNED WARNING PROBATION/ SUSPENSION Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior 90 or more GPA

13 Chapter 4 OFFICE OF STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES The Office of Student-Athlete Services, located in 206 University Hall, provides a multitude of services for the University s studentathletes. We hope that you will take full advantage of these opportunities that are available: Academic Advising Priority Registration Mentor Meetings with Academic Coordinators Tutorial Program Study Table Program Book Loan Program (Based on Scholarship) Academic Progress Reporting Student-Athlete only sections of BGSU 1000 NCAA Eligibility Monitoring Scholarships, Awards, and Honors Recognition Life Skills Program Laptop and Calculator Loan Program The office also has a fully equipped computer lab and rooms for studying or for tutor sessions. Awards/Honors/Applications The Office of Student-Athlete Services is proud of all student-athletes and their academic pursuits. The Office of Student-Athlete Services will submit nominations for NCAA, MAC, and CCHA awards, honors, and scholarships for qualified student-athletes. The Intercollegiate Athletics Department honors all student-athletes who earn a 3.00 accumulative grade point average and/or receive conference recognition at the annual Athletics Honors Night each spring. Study Table Department policy requires all new students and continuing students with a cumulative grade point average below a 2.5 to attend at least six (6) hours of study table each week. Individual coaches may require a greater amount of time spent in this structured study setting. Students may complete their study table obligation at any time between 8:00 AM 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and 8:00AM 5:00 PM on Friday and Sunday evenings from 5:00-8:00 PM. You will need your BGSU ID card to check-in at study table. Students may choose to study in a classroom setting, a quiet reading room, or a computer lab. Computers in the lab are strictly for academic use. Using websites such as Facebook, MySpace, or YouTube is not permitted and will result in loss of study table privileges for the remainder of the day. Student-athletes will be required to sign, and abide by, a study table behavioral expectations contract at the beginning of the academic year. Tutorial Program Tutorial assistance is available to student-athletes at no cost. To request tutorial help complete a Tutor Request Form from the Office of Student-Athlete Services. Return the completed form to the Tutor Coordinator in 206 University Hall. The individual seeking assistance must make all requests. You will be notified via about the status of your tutor request in a timely fashion. If a tutor is not available in your subject area or times are conflicting between you and the tutor, then another resource on campus will be recommended to you. Tutorial support is meant to be a preventative resource to aid student-athletes in maintaining good academic progress. It should not be used as a last resort resource to salvage a failing grade. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO MAKE A REQUEST! Tutoring appointments will be held in the Office of Student-Athlete Services during the Sunday evening or daytime study tables. Tutors are not permitted to tutor student-athletes in any other place on or off campus without permission from the Tutor Coordinator. Appointments can be scheduled either during the weekday or Sunday evening hours. Tutorial appointments are scheduled for 1 hour. The Tutor Coordinator must approve additional time. Tutorial contracts are for weekly appointment for the entire semester, not on an as-needed basis. Please arrive on time for your appointment. If you know you are going to be late, or if you are unable to attend and you were not able to reach your tutor, please call the Office of Student-Athlete Services at and leave a message for your tutor. Cancellations must be made at least 12 hours in advance of your scheduled tutorial session. 13

14 If you do not show up for a tutorial appointment and fail to notify your tutor and the Office of Student-Athlete Services, the Tutorial Coordinator will determine your tutorial assignments and the conditions of your appointments for the remainder of the semester. Your tutor privileges will be revoked if you are repeatedly late for scheduled appointments, miss an abundant number of classes, or participate in other counterproductive behaviors, such as coming unprepared to tutor sessions. Please notify the Office of Student-Athlete Services immediately if your tutor fails to show up for an appointment or continually cancels appointments with you. If you wait too long, your grade in the course may suffer. Our tutors are students, and have their own academic responsibilities and commitments, but they have also made a commitment to the Office of Student-Athlete Services and you. Don t rely just on your tutor. You should also take full advantage of your professor s office hours and campus resources. The Learning Commons, which includes: Writing Center, Math & Stats Tutoring Center, and Study Skills Center are valuable tools available to assist you. Ultimately, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your academic success! Student-Athlete Affairs/Life Skills The Life Skills program was developed for the student-athletes at Bowling Green State University to not only make each of them a better student and athlete, but to prepare them for the biggest challenge of all -- life after graduation. Programs and workshops concerning a variety of social issues that face many student-athletes are conducted as part of the academic, personal, and career components of the Life Skills Program. Workshops to assist and educate the student-athletes include: computer skills, goals and values, health and nutrition, resume-writing workshops, and business etiquette for juniors and seniors. Life Skills activities also include community service volunteer projects; nationally known guest speakers for student-athletes; and participation in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Life Skills has given Falcon student-athletes the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs emphasizing five key commitments: academics, athletics, personal development, career development and service. Some of the programs include: Falcon FAMILY Program - Student-athletes volunteer their time to visit local schools and organizations to speak about social issues affecting today s youth. Life Skills Community Service - Throughout the course of the academic year, all 18 intercollegiate athletic teams participate in community service projects. Some past projects include working with the Special Olympics, Adopt-A-Highway, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Dance Marathon Student-Athlete Hour, Relay For Life, Habitat for Humanity, and Race for the Cure. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee - The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) consists of some of our top student-athlete leaders who represent all 18 BGSU sports and the student trainers. Mission Statement The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Bowling Green State University strives to be the primary link between student-athlete population and athletic administration in order to enhance the experience of all student-athletes and to promote efficient communication. Some of SAAC s events include: Falcons Back in Action, Fall & Spring Wellness Speakers, Career Workshops, Business Etiquette Dinners, Social Outings, Faculty Appreciation Reception, etc. Purpose: 1) Gain student-athlete perspective on issues in athletics. 2) Address concerns among student-athlete population. 3) Develop unity and camaraderie between teams and among all student-athletes. 4) Organize campus and community service efforts and actively encourage student-athlete involvement in an effort to bring BGSU core values to the community. 5) Develop student-athlete driven programs and events associated with the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. 6) Encourage BGSU student body to support athletic events on campus. 14

15 Chapter 5 ACADEMIC RESOURCES The Learning Commons located on the 1 st floor of the Jerome Library includes: - The Study Skills Center which helps students to learn effective study skills and textbook reading skills and to apply them to their coursework. Mentor groups are available for many General Education courses. - The Math and Stats Tutoring Center which helps students to understand basic as well as more advanced concepts in mathematics. Contact the Mathematics Center during the following times to arrange tutorial assistance: - The Writing Center which shares successful composing strategies with writers from all departments on campus and helps those writers apply more effective strategies when writing essays, research papers, lab reports, and other writing projects. The Academic Resource Center located in 103 Olscamp Hall (419) arc@lists.bgsu.edu Hours: Mon-Thurs - 8:00am to 8:00pm; Friday - 8:00am to 5:00pm; Saturday Closed; Sunday - 1:00pm to 8:00pm The Academic Resource Center (ARC, for short) promotes campus technology and general information technology (IT) literacy. We help students and faculty help themselves, and aid them in understanding how various campus technologies can help streamline and improve their studies. ARC offers: Workshops, Tutorials, Blackboard Support, Turning Point, Laptop Loan Program and Color Printing. College Offices For advising appointments, call the appropriate college office. Arts & Sciences Administration Building Business Business Administration Building Education and Human Development Education Building Health & Human Services Health Center Musical Arts 1031 Moore Musical Arts Center Technology 102 Technology Building Academic Enhancement (Pre-major Advising & UPAS) 101 University Hall

16 Chapter 6 - ACADEMIC SUCCESS Setting Priorities The first major step in developing a plan for success is deciding exactly what you want out of college. How important is college to you? How important are good grades to you? How important is your sport to you? How important is an active social life to you? These questions need to be answered in order to begin to develop your plan. How you answer these questions will begin the structuring of your priorities. Analyzing situations in relation to your list of priorities will direct your decision in a positive manner. Your decisions need to be consistent with your values. You cannot allow yourself to make decisions that do not align themselves with your priorities. Do not say grades are very important to you if you re not willing to dedicate the amount of time that is needed to be academically successful. It is important to realize that while you are trying to develop a plan for success or establish a list of priorities you should utilize all of the resources, including people, that are available to help. Do not think you have to do everything by yourself! There are hundreds of professionals on campus who would gladly assist you with your academic pursuits. Talk to your Athletic Academic Coordinator and see what specific services are available and then follow through on all recommendations. You will find the faculty and staff at Bowling Green State University are committed to excellence in all academically related endeavors. Managing Your Time During your initial semester of enrollment, you are going to be overwhelmed with all of the demands on your time. You will feel as if you have no control. This key component, time, must be managed in order to be successful. The sooner you get a handle on your time management skills, the sooner all of the pieces of the academic puzzle will fall into place. Being able to organize and manage your time will enable you to maximize your opportunities for success. Developing a list of permanent time commitments (i.e. classes, practice, meals, sleep, etc.) will help you plan your complete schedule. Each week set time aside for preparing assignments, reading, library research as well as social activities be specific. It is important to remember that no matter how well you plan your schedule, there will always be things that arise that will alter your perfect plan. But, by having a well thought-out schedule you will be able to see where adjustments can be made to allow you to adapt to surprises that may arise. You will have put yourself in a situation where one setback will not cause major problems. During the course of your day, you will find yourself with small blocks of free time. You may find that you consistently have ten minutes while waiting for class to begin. It is imperative that you utilize these blocks of time effectively. Prepare yourself to handle mini projects that can be done quickly. Using note cards for review is a great way to utilize small blocks of time. Studying Effectively If you have managed to set a firm list of priorities and have the concept of time management mastered, you are ready to actually attack your coursework and earn the grades that you want to achieve. Your preparation for exams needs to be more thorough than most of your high school experiences. The quality of your studying needs to be at a level that will allow you to achieve your maximum grade. Staying current (even slightly ahead) of reading assignments is critical to effective studying. A key idea to keep in mind is that it is not the length of time that you study, but the quality of studying that matters. Begin test preparation early enough to be thoroughly prepared. Don t allow yourself to fall behind with the reading or try to do everything the night before the exam. By reading ahead of the syllabus you will have the opportunity to make connections between the reading and the lecture material. The information you hear in class will not be new to you and key vocabulary terms will not sound so foreign. How you use your textbook in college is very different from what you may be used to from high school. You are responsible for all of the text and other books listed on the syllabus. Your instructor may not draw directly from those sources during the lecture but you are still responsible for the information in the texts. You should not be surprised by a question that comes from any source listed on the syllabus. By preparing early you will be able to take advantage of all the information and resources. Comparing your class notes with notes or highlights from the text or other books will allow you to make connections and see relationships in the information. Working in study groups allows you to hear different interpretations and viewpoints regarding the information. It is healthy to hear other perspectives. Some students may have a different view of the subject. They may have heard something in the lecture that you missed. Your class instructor is a valuable source if you feel uncertain about class material or test format. Do not be hesitant to meet with your instructor during his/her posted office hours. If you are unclear at all, go to the source to clear things up. Your instructor will not think less of you for not knowing something. As a matter of fact, this level of maturity is looked upon favorably. By making personal contact you will no longer be just an identification number. 16