The Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes (ASP) is a service of American University's Academic Support Center in collaboration with the Department of Athletics. The ASP assists student-athletes as they work to reach their academic, athletic, personal, and social goals, while also promoting excellence, responsibility, and personal initiative. Connecting students to the rich resources and facilities at American University, ASP staff members focus on the development of the total person.

What is Guided Study?

Guided Study is a proactive monitoring program, which identifies student-athletes who may confront a variety of challenges either in their transition to AU or as upperclass students. Student-athletes selected for guided study meet weekly with an academic counselor to develop study skills, including time management, in order to effectively balance their academic and athletic commitments.

What if I would like to work with someone individually?

Any student-athlete can meet with an academic counselor even if not selected for Guided Study. Students contact the ASP office to make an appointment.

Will I miss class for team competition?

Sometimes that is unavoidable. Student-athletes do their best to register for classes that limit the number of absences required for competitions.  At the beginning of each semester, the ASP issues letters for student-athletes to give to their professors with the travel schedule of the appropriate sport. The letter provides a basis for a student-athlete's discussion with each professor about potential academic/athletic conflicts.

What happens if I miss an exam or a paper is due?

Student-athletes are expected to turn in papers before leaving for team travel or make arrangements with the professor to turn it in electronically. If a student-athlete is going to miss an exam due to team travel, they must discuss it with the professor in advance. If the professor prefers, the ASP office can proctor the exam.

What if I need help in a class?

There are a number of ways to get the help you need. Professors and teaching assistants hold office hours specifically for students to ask questions. The ASP also provides individual peer tutors for student-athletes. A student should contact the ASP office to request a tutor as soon as there is a concern about course material. Referrals to other campus resources, such as the Writing Lab, the Writing Center, and the Mathematics & Statistics Tutoring Lab, are made on an individual basis.

Where will I study?

All first-year and transfer student-athletes are required to attend study hall in the library during their first semester at American University. Once student-athletes demonstrate successful academic progress, as defined by their team, student-athletes manage their own study time. At any point in their academic career, student-athletes may again be required to attend study hall if their grades fall below team standards.

Will anyone be monitoring how I am doing?

In order to identify when a student-athlete may need academic support, progress reports are sent at mid-semester to all student-athletes' professors. Professors are asked to indicate the students' progress and current grade. Progress reports are returned to the ASP office and shared with coaches and student-athletes. 

How do I arrange for accommodations if I have a disability?

Students who provide documentation of a learning disability or ADHD can work with both the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes and the Academic Support Center to meet their needs. Students with medical, physical, psychological, or sensory disabilities can request accommodations from Disability Support Services.

How will I choose my classes?

Before arriving at summer orientation you will receive information to help guide you in selecting your courses for your first semester. During summer orientation you will meet with your academic advisor in your school or college to review your course selection and make any necessary changes. The ASP office also provides your name and travel schedule to your advisor so that they can help you arrange a class schedule that does not conflict with practice. The ASP staff is also available to assist you. 

What is priority registration?

Beginning with the second semester enrolled, student-athletes receive priority registration which enables them to register for courses before other undergraduate students. When student-athletes register early, class and practice conflicts can be eliminated. Student-athletes must meet with their academic advisor before registering and follow all other registration procedures.

What is TALONS?

TALONS stands for Thinking and Learning Opportunities for New Student-Athletes. This workshop series addresses relevant topics for new student-athletes in an interactive workshop format. Workshops are designed to help first-year and transfer student-athletes understand and cope with academic, social, athletic, and personal pressures related to being a student-athlete. The goal of TALONS is to offer practical strategies and information to help student-athletes adjust to academics and athletics at AU.

Who has access to the Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes?

All varsity student-athletes can take advantage of the services offered by the ASP. The program is free of charge for all student-athletes. 

How do I get more information about the Academic-Support Program for Student-Athletes?

The Academic Support Program is located in the Department of Athletics in the Sports Center. If you are coming to campus for a recruiting trip, please ask the coach to make an appointment on your behalf.