University of Hartford

The Athletic Counseling Office for Student-Athletes was established to provide services to ensure each student-athlete's personal and academic success.
Participation in athletic is important, but it represents only one aspect of the individual's college experience. Academic achievement is of prime concern. Since student-athletes are required to commit a large percentage of their time to athletic activities, the university realizes the need for a support program to assist student-athletes in achieving their individual, academic, personal and athletic goals. The University of Hartford is committed to its student-athletes as a total person.

The Athletic Counseling Program consists of the following: Study Hall; Tutors; Academic Progress Reviews; Academic Recognition Awards; Study Skills Training; Academic Orientation; Senior Exit Seminar; Newsletters; Career Services; Champs Life Skills Programs; Personal Counseling and various academic and sports-related workshops. Thus the student-athlete is provided with a variety of resources - all aimed at academic, personal and athletic development.

The University's Career Center is available to assist student-athletes in:

The Professional staff at the Learning Skills Center can assist individuals with:

In addition, athletic counselors work with academic high-risk student-athletes on an individual basis. A study Skills Workshop is also provided.

New Student-Athlete Orientation to assist student-athletes in making transition from high school to college, this workshop addresses the following areas:

The Study Hall is designed to provide a programmed time for study compatible with the athlete's practice and competition schedule. Tutoring is available at no cost to assist student-athletes. For each study session, participants are encouraged to focus on specific goals.

The Study Hall program has been well-received by its participants and has helped increase individual grade-point averages. This program is mandatory for freshman and for any student who falls below a 2.2 semester average.

Each semester Progress Report Forms are circulated to the University of Hartford faculty. These forms provide faculty with an opportunity to comment on the student-athletes' attendance, class participation, class assignments and projected grades. Student-athletes who receive below passing grades are required to work with the academic counselor to design a program which will enable them to successfully complete the course requirements. This program may include tutorial assistance, student-professor conferences and personal counseling.

Qualified tutors are available to student-athletes seeking assistance. The service is available, free of charge, through the Academic Counseling Office and Student Government.

The University of Hartford offers the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills programs and services. These programs include but are not limited to: diversity, eating disorders, alcohol dependence prevention, hazing, violence, date rape and sexual harassment and speaking with the media.

Additional workshops offered throughout the year include stress management and study skills.

Counseling services are provided for all student-athletes who need help with personal, emotional and social problems. For those who require specialized for long-term services, appropriate referrals to other professional agencies off campus are available. All services are confidential.

The University of Hartford is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that encourages students participating in intercollegiate athletics competition to avoid the abuse of alcohol, controlled substances and performance-enhancing drugs. Weight control and eating disorders are also addressed. The program has several components:

The Student-Athlete Council acts as a liaison between the student-athletes, student support personnel and the Department of Athletics. The Council has many responsibilities, including broadening the involvement of student-athletes, representing respective teams and special support groups, organizing studies of matters of concern in intercollegiate athletics and developing service programs to benefit the university and surrounding communities.

Each year, during the post-season awards banquet, the Athletic Counseling Office recognizes those scholar-athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade-point of 3.0 or better. In addition, exceptional distinction is bestowed upon student-athletes with a grade-point average above 3.5. One Athlete is also selected as the Outstanding Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The majority of the awards presented are based on both athletic and academic excellence.

Associate Director of Athletics for Academics and Student-Athlete Success
Denise Marchese
dmarchese@hartford.edu
860-768-5150