Academic and Support Services
CONTACT INFORMATION
Amanda Devitt
Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Services and Success
adevitt@hartford.edu
860-768-4657
Denise Marchese
Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Services and Success
dmarchese@hartford.edu
860-768-5150
DEPARTMENT MISSION
The Department of Athletics Office of Academics & Support Services was established to provide guidance to help ensure the student-athlete’s personal and academic success.
Participation in athletics is important, but it represents only one aspect of an individual’s college experience. Academic achievement is of prime concern. Since student-athletes are required to commit a large percentage of their time to athletics activities, the University recognizes the need for a support program to assist student-athletes in achieving their individual, academic, personal, and athletics goals. The University of Hartford is committed to each of its student-athletes as a total person.
Athletics counseling provides a broad array of resources and support services: the Hartford Hawks Academic Center, tutoring, academic progress reviews, academic recognition awards, study skills training, an academic orientation, assistance with registration, career planning services, Champs/Life Skills workshops, personal counseling, and various academic and sports related workshops.
FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
To assist incoming student-athletes in making the transition from high school to college, an orientation program is held with each team during the initial weeks of school. Freshmen are also met with either as a group or individually. The information provided includes:
• Time management assistance
• Academic “helpful hints”
• Review of study hall requirements
• Explanation of on-campus and Department of Athletics services
• Review of NCAA Academic Regulations
STUDY HALL
The Hartford Hawks Academic Center, located on the second floor of the Reich Family Pavilion, is designed to provide a programmed time for study compatible with the student-athlete’s practice and competition schedule. Several computers are available for student-athletes to do their designated work. The lab is equipped with wireless access, so student-athletes can work on their own laptop computers. There are also laptop computers available for student-athletes to use when traveling with teams.
This study program is mandatory for first semester freshmen and for any student-athlete whose cumulative grade-point average falls below a 2.2. A card swipe system is set up for student-athletes to sign in and out of study hall.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS EVALUATION
Each semester, progress report forms are circulated to University of Hartford faculty. These forms ask professors to comment on the student-athlete’s attendance, class participation and grades. Those student-athletes who are found deficient in any one of these areas are required to work with an academic counselor to design a program which will enable them to successfully complete course requirements. This program may include student-professor conferences, personal counseling and intensive tutorial assistance.
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) is open to any and all student-athletes interested in planning programs and events for the entire student-athlete population. Typically, members are nominated by coaches, administrative staff or teammates.
The SAAC is an important component of the Department of Athletics. The council acts as liaison between student-athletes and administrators, finding ways to be proactive in dealing with problems and concerns. The SAAC elects a panel of officers who divide the duties of running the organization. SAAC members assist with department events and plan on- and off-campus community service projects as well as social gatherings. In addition, SAAC members have served on various committees such as the NCAA Certification Committee and the University of Hartford Athletics Council.
Another important function of SAAC is to develop and encourage leadership, sportsmanship and diversity with its members that will not only benefit the individual, but also their team, the Department of Athletics and the University of Hartford community.
TUTORS
Tutoring is available within the Athletics Academic office as well as through the University free of charge to the students.
STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Athletics Academic Office runs a comprehensive development program for our student-athletes that includes three parts; Community Service, Career Development, and Personal and Leadership Development. The Department of Athletics values developing well-rounded student-athletes that are ready for life after Hartford.
CENTER FOR READING AND WRITING
Mortensen Library, Lower Level, Room L102
The Center for Reading and Writing (CRW) offers one-on-one assistance with peer or professional tutors, offering academic strategies for writing essays, research papers, task management, etc., to students in all departments and colleges. It is recommended that students call 860.768.4312 to make an appointment.
LEARNING PLUS
Auerbach, Room 209
Learning Plus is designed to meet the unique educational needs of students with documented disabilities such as learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, acquired brain injuries, psychiatric disabilities, physical disabilities, chronic medical conditions, deafness and hearing impairments, and blindness and visual impairments.
OFFICE OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)
College can be a stressful time for all students, and when the demands of intercollegiate athletics are added to the mix, some student-athletes require individual counseling. Student-athletes who need help with personal, emotional, and/or social problems are provided counseling services at no charge. For those who require specialized or long-term services, appropriate referrals to other professional agencies are available. All services are strictly confidential.
CAREER SERVICES
The University’s Career Center enables student-athletes to investigate possible career paths through the use of career exploration workshops and programs, a career resource library, vocational interest testing and individual sessions with professional career counselors. The Career Center is available to assist student-athletes in:
• Identifying skills, interests, and values
• Defining career objectives
• Planning educational goals
• Planning a job-search campaign
• Developing self-direction and personal responsibility in career/ life planning
• Resume writing
• On-campus job recruitment procedures
Students are required to know and observe the academic regulations of the University stated here and in the University’s Academic Policy and Procedures Manual, which is available at the library. Although guidance may be provided by faculty advisors, it is the student’s individual responsibility to know the rules stated herein and the particular requirements of the school in which he or she is enrolled and of the department of his or her major study program. The University is not responsible for errors caused by a student’s failure to follow appropriate rules and regulations. It is strongly recommended that when there is any doubt or question about the rules or their application, the student consult with the dean of the school.
ACADEMIC CREDIT
The credit (often referred to as “semester hour” or “credit hour’) is the unit by which academic work is measured. In most cases, three credits represent satisfactory completion of the course work required for a class that meets a total of three hours per week. One credit in laboratory or studio work usually represents satisfactory completion of two or three fifty-minute laboratory or studio periods per week for one semester.
PROBATION
Each semester, if a student’s grade-point average (GPA) falls below standard, the student will be placed on academic probation by his or her college. If you are on probation you cannot practice or compete for your sport. Students who are placed on probation should consult their advisors at once in order to determine how to correct their deficiencies. The records of students on probation will be reviewed by their college’s academic standing committee at the end of the next term. Students who have corrected their deficiencies will be removed from probation. Those who have not corrected the deficiencies may be continued on probation, removed from degree candidacy, or dismissed from the University.
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL
Students whose GPA and/or completion rate demonstrates that there is little probability of their meeting minimum degree requirements may be academically dismissed from the University. Students who have been academically dismissed are ineligible to continue at the University except under the provisions of the “Fresh Start” program administered by the Office of Admission.
ACADEMIC LOAD PER SEMESTER
An undergraduate enrolled for 12 or more credits is classified as a full-time student and is required to pay the full-program tuition charge. All credits in excess of 18 are charged at the credit-per-hour rate.
NON-RESIDENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Student-athletes who intend to participate in a Study Abroad Program should plan to do so after their athletics eligibility is exhausted. Student-athletes need to talk to their coach and athletics administrators when considering any non-resident educational program.
MISSED CLASS POLICY
The written policy regarding the scheduling of practices/competition to minimize student-athletes’ conflicts with class time and/or final examination periods due to their participation in intercollegiate athletics is as follows:
As a guideline, student-athletes should not miss more than 15% of each class, which is scheduled in a given semester. At the beginning of each semester, student-athletes work with their team’s Athletics Academic Advisor to review their missed class time. Should it appear that there is a conflict or deviation from the guideline, then one of the following three actions will occur:
1. The student-athlete, in conjunction with the Athletics Academic Advisor, may attempt to change his/her class schedule.
2. The student-athlete, instructor and Athletics Academics Advisor will discuss options that will result in successful completion of the course requirements.
3. Should the first two options prove unsatisfactory; the student-athlete will have to miss competition.
Prior to the beginning of each semester, the academic advisors will receive a copy of the team’s practice and game schedule. The Athletics Academic Advisors will meet with teams to counsel them on planning their academic class schedules and prepare them for priority registration. It is the policy of the University of Hartford Department of Athletics that student-athletes cannot miss classes in order to attend practice. (NCAA Bylaw 17.1.5.6.1 No Class Time Missed for Practice Activities). Should the student-athlete’s final exam schedule conflict with an intercollegiate contest, he/she is required to meet with his/her Athletics Academic Advisor. The protocol to follow in addressing this issue is found in the Student-Athlete Handbook under the heading “Attendance.”
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Students receiving financial assistance, including athletics aid, must be enrolled in a degree- or certification-granting program, carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester, and remain in good academic standing in order to remain eligible for financial assistance. While individual scholarships may require specific, above-average academic standards, all students receiving financial aid are expected to make satisfactory progress toward a degree or certificate as defined by the school in which they are enrolled.
HOW TO DETERMINE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS
To maintain satisfactory progress you must:
1. Carry a minimum of 12 credits per semester
2. Achieve a passing grade in at least 24 credits per academic year
3. Achieve the amount of credits per year according to your major requirements of the school you are enrolled in
4. Achieve at least the minimum GPA listed below (check with your faculty advisor for updated changes):
| SCHOOL |
CREDITS |
G.P.A. |
CREDITS TO GRADUATE |
| Arts & Sciences |
0-23 |
1.7 |
120 |
|
24-53 |
1.8 |
|
54-86 |
1.9 |
|
| Barney School |
87+ |
2.0 |
123 |
|
| Hillyer College |
1-15 |
1.7 |
60 |
|
16-30 |
1.8 |
|
31-45 |
1.9 |
|
46+ |
2.0 |
|
| Education, Nursing |
0-23 |
1.8 |
124 |
| & Health Professions |
24-53 |
1.9 |
|
54+ |
2.0 |
|
| Engineering, |
0-31 |
1.8 |
127-144 |
| Technology & Architecture |
32-65 |
1.9 |
|
|
66-91 |
2.0 |
|
| Hartford Art School |
| and Hartt School |
4 years |
2.0 |
120 |
|
The NCAA regulations regarding academic eligibility are referred to as the “Satisfactory Progress” rules. Once you initially enroll in an institution as a full-time student, you are subject to these regulations if you wish to remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics at any NCAA institution.
See page 50 (Compliance: NCAA Rules & Regulations) to learn how to maintain your eligibility.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT REMAINING IN GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING ACCORDING TO THE NCAA AND THE HARTFORD ACADEMIC REVIEW PROCESS
1. You may be placed on probation.
2. You may be ineligible to play your sport.
3. You may have to attend winter term and/or summer school to bring up your grade-point average and/or your cumulative number of credits.
4. You may be ineligible to graduate due to a low overall GPA or a low GPA in your major.
5. You may lose your financial aid.
6. In addition to working with your academic advisors, it will be mandatory for you to attend study hall.
7. You may be dismissed from the University of Hartford if you do not regain good standing.
TRANSFERRING SUMMER SCHOOL CREDITS
The following procedures are to be followed in order to assure the approval and transfer of credits from another college or university to the University of Hartford. Online/Distance Education courses are evaluated on a student by student basis. (Failure to obtain approval may result in not receiving transfer credit.)
If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the Office of Admissions to speak with a Transfer Representative at 860.768.4021 or email: wimberger@hartford.edu.
Transfer Credit Procedures:
1. Obtain the course description from the institution. This generally is available at the institution’s website and can be printed out. Note: We are not requesting the “Schedule of Courses” which may not include descriptions. Coursework cannot be a duplicate of coursework already completed at the University of Hartford or transferred from another institution.
2. Carefully read and fill out the attached “Permit for Transfer Credits” form. List all the courses which are being considered on the LEFT HAND SIDE only. The right hand side will be completed by a Transfer Evaluator or your College Evaluator. If you do not have enough room on one form, you must complete another form. Do not use the back of the form to list courses. In addition, you MUST complete a separate form for each institution you are considering.
3. Meet with your College Evaluator (see attached) and have them approve the courses indicated on the form. A College Evaluator’s signature is required; an additional departmental signature may also be needed in some cases. If you are unable to contact or are unsure of your College Evaluator please contact a Transfer Admission Representative at the Office of Admission.
4. Bring the completed and signed form to the Office of Admission for final approval and to be signed by a representative in the Transfer Department.
5. The original will remain on file in the Office of Admission. A second copy will be sent to your college evaluator and a third copy will be provided upon request.
6. Once you successfully complete the approved course work with a grade of C- or higher, you must request that an official transcript from that institution be sent to the:
University of Hartford
Office of Admissions
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
Or email official electronic copy to: wimberger@hartford.edu
7. This transcript must be received before the end of the following semester in order to receive transfer credit. Please remember that only credits transfer, not grades and will not affect your University of Hartford GPA.
PREREGISTRATION GUIDELINES
In order to take advantage of the early registration period, the following procedures must be followed:
1. Find out when practice times will be held for the next semester so that you can arrange your classes around these times. Also, be aware of what days your games will be played so that you can avoid as many class conflicts as possible.
2. Make an appointment with your faculty advisor. If you do not know who your advisor is, find out from the Dean’s office in your school. Sit down with your advisor and figure out what courses you need to take next semester. Explain that you are a student-athlete, give them your practice times, and travel days you are going to be away.
3. Your Athletics Academic Advisor will be happy to help you figure out a schedule after you have met with your faculty advisor and received the classes you need to take.
4. Be sure to take care of any financial obligations (including parking tickets and dorm damage) prior to preregistration or you will not be allowed to register.
5. At the end of your sophomore year you must officially declare a major. If you are a junior, you will be required to have an evaluation of your academic record to find out what requirements are remaining for you to complete.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
At the University of Hartford we are committed to community. We are an academic community that values integrity, curiosity, creativity, excellence, responsibility, and accomplishment. As a representative of University of Hartford Athletics, you are expected to promote academic integrity practices and follow all Hartford, America East and NCAA rules, policies and procedures.
Impermissible Actions
- You may not take exams or quizzes with tutors or any other students.
- You may not help someone while they take an exam or quiz.
- You may not copy answers (from students, websites, etc).
- Do not let someone use your paper or copy your work
- You may not steal or make up quotes or other information for a paper.
- Cite your sources and quote the original author’s idea and/or words.
- Tutors/mentors may not type and/or touch a computer/laptop while working with a student-athlete.
- You may not turn in a paper for one class that you wrote for another class (without the professor’s permission).
Possible Punishments
- Failing the assignment
- Failing the course
- Cheating on your permanent record
- Ineligible for competition immediately
- Loss of athletic financial aid immediately
- Being dismissed from the team
- Being dismissed from University of Hartford
Keep in mind that you are also at risk of punishment if you help someone commit an academically impermissible act. Act with integrity at all times and talk to your athletics academic advisor if you have any questions.
NCAA Special Assistance Fund
A special fund has been established by the NCAA to meet the student-athlete’s needs of an emergency and essential nature for which financial assistance is not available. Pell-eligible student-athletes (except non-qualifiers in their initial year of residence), student-athletes who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid or an international student-athlete who has been certified by the Office of Financial Aid as having financial need are eligible to apply for these funds.
The following are permissible uses of the fund:
• Cost of clothing and other essential expenses
• Travel from campus to home and back to campus
To apply for the NCAA Special Assistance Fund or for additional information, please contact Amanda Devitt, Director of Athletics Academic Services at adevitt@hartford.edu or 860.768.4657.
