Support Services Mission Statement

The primary focus of the Razorback Support Program is to provide the student-athlete with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to be a success in college and in life. This is accomplished through competent academic counseling, life skills training and preparation to enter the job market upon graduation.

The University of Arkansas Academic Support Center serves as the liaison between the athletic department and all faculty, staff and university personnel regarding academic concerns and procedures.

The Academic Support Center is committed to providing the Razorback student-athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the competitive academic environment at the University of Arkansas, ultimately leading to graduation.

Support services include a mentoring program, monitored study hall, tutorial services, a computer laboratory and referrals to other campus support services.

Student-athletes are expected to meet specific academic criteria in order to maintain their eligibility. This can be easily achieved by following the Academic Game Plan set out by the Academic Support Center.

The support center staff has designed programs and set specific goals to help student-athletes achieve academic success. One such goal is each student-athlete enroll and successfully complete 30 hours of coursework each academic year. By maintaining this course load, they will not only be on track to graduate in four years, but will easily meet eligibility requirements set by the NCAA.

Study Hall is a quiet setting for uninterrupted study and is required for all scholarship student-athletes until a 2.5 GPA or better is achieved. The use of tutors is highly encouraged, if not required for some student-athletes.

• SEC Academic Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or above for two consecutive semesters)
• Lon Farrell Award (3.0 GPA for one or both semesters during academic year)
• Hard Working Hogs (30 hours of coursework in one academic year)

• Student-athletes are expected to attend all classes unless previously excused
• The Academic Support Staff regularly checks attendance
• If traveling with a team, student-athletes notify instructors early each semester regarding assignments and/or test(s)

The Office of Student Support Services of the University of Arkansas Athletic Department was established to assist student-athletes in their efforts toward attaining specific academic and life goals as well as graduation.

Recognizing the difficulty of being both a student and an athlete, the office seeks to help students develop appropriate skills, which will allow them to maximize their individual potential while participating in intercollegiate athletics.

The University of Arkansas is a participant in the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. This program addresses the needs of student-athletes in five primary areas: Academics, Personal Development, Career Development, Community Service and Athletic Excellence.

The University of Arkansas is as concerned about the personal and social development of our student-athletes as it is their academics and athletics.

The Office of Student Life focuses on the personal development and community service components of the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program. Training is provided in a wide variety of areas such as financial planning, drug and alcohol education, time management, study skills and developing community service activities.

The purpose of the Career Development Program is to assist student-athletes in making a smooth transition into the world of work. This process begins in the freshman year with a one-hour course in which career options are explored.

Workshops are also held to provide student-athletes training in resume writing, interviewing skills and etiquette. Individual assistance with locating summer internships and job placement helps give the student-athlete a head start in his or her career.

Participation in athletics enables individuals to develop the personal qualities that are in high demand in the business world today.