The University of Maine is committed to offering a comprehensive academic support program in conjunction with other UMaine resources which can assist student-athletes in succeeding in their studies. Athletic academic counselors are responsible for overseeing the educational development and progress towards graduation for all student-athletes. The staff acts as a liaison between the student-athlete, coach and the academic communities to ensure that student-athletes comply with academic rules established by the University and the NCAA.

Academic Center

In addition to several computer clusters available to all UMaine students, student-athletes have exclusive use of computers in the Academic Center. Built in 2014, the academic center is designed to minimize distractions and maximize study opportunities for student-athletes. Located on the second floor of the Memorial Gym, in Fall 2002 the Academic Center is open by appointment 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The office of each team’s Athletic Academic Counselor is also located here and you can schedule a live appointment or video chat.

 

Fall Academic Center Hours
Monday-Friday	8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (by appointment only)

 

Programs & Services

Academic Counseling, Planning & Monitoring Each of the 17 intercollegiate sports at the University of Maine is assigned an Athletic Academic Counselor whose main responsibility is to oversee the academic progress of the student-athletes they supervise. Academic Counselors provide a variety of direct academic support services in addition to helping student-athletes access the numerous academic resources available through the University itself. Student-athletes will be required to meet with their academic counselor as scheduled throughout their career at the University of Maine to discuss their academic goals and plans. Your assigned academic counselor will monitor your academic progress to ensure academic success in your chosen degree program. To enhance knowledge of progress throughout the semester, academic progress reports are sent to course instructors twice each semester. In addition, student-athletes will report grades weekly to their assigned team counselor and receive information regarding their status in meeting Maine and NCAA academic requirements.

Tutoring and Mentoring 
Athletic Tutoring

Without question, academic success is a priority of the faculty, staff, and students at the University of Maine. It is for this reason that Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes provides free tutoring services for our student-athletes.

• The purpose of the Athletic tutoring program is to provide academic assistance to student-athletes who are experiencing or anticipating difficulty in a course that may be needed as a requirement for their major. The primary objective is to assist the student-athlete beyond the expected educational practices (note-taking, staying current with the assigned reading, completing homework, class attendance, class participation, and preparing for class assessments) that are critical for academic success.
• Athletic Tutors meet student-athletes once or twice weekly to review course material, answer questions, and prepare for upcoming exams. Tutors also promote the development of study skills and organization. Both small group and one-on-one tutoring allows students to have a working relationship with a tutor which is consistent, regular and comprehensive.
• It is strongly encouraged for student-athletes who are anticipating having difficulty in a course to request a tutor early in the semester before it is too late! Our statistics show that student-athletes who begin tutoring prior to the first exam in a course are more likely to have a more positive outcome. If you are struggling with a course and feel you need additional help, please see your Academic Counselor as soon as possible to fill out a "Tutor Request Form."

"The Tutor Program"
The "Tutor Program" on campus also provides free tutors for all Maine students who need academic assistance in 100 & 200 level courses. Student-athletes are encouraged to utilize this service for one class and then pursue other academic assistance options for other classes. For more information on the "Tutor" program at Maine click here.

"Athletic Mentoring"
The Student-Athlete Mentor Program is a peer mentoring program created to provide academic support for student-athletes that have experienced academic setbacks or who have individual academic needs. Each semester, Athletic Mentors are assigned to student-athletes as determined by the Academic Support staff. Student-athletes meet with their mentors for 1-2x/week for individualized academic help. Mentors help student-athletes:

• Connect with campus resources 
• Establish good study habits and organizational skills
• Set academic goals & stay on track with assignments
• Find effective learning strategies and study skills

Academic Challenges
Student Accessibility Services on campus facilitates the education of any UMaine student with a diagnosed physical or learning challenge by providing a point of accommodation and services to enhance success. In collaboration with these services, student-athletes receive additional support through Academic Support services. Any questions or concerns regarding an existing or possible challenge may be directed to the Academic Support staff or Student Accessibility Services located in the East Annex Building (phone# 207 581-2319). If you have documentation that diagnoses a learning or physical challenge, including ADHD, please contact the staff as soon as possible. For more information on services for students with disabilities, visit: http://umaine.edu/studentaccessibility.

Study Hours
An organized study hall program has been established for those student-athletes with required hours. For Fall 2020, study hours are assigned by appointment. The amount of time required is determined by the coaches and Academic Support Staff, based on the student-athlete’s individual needs.  As student-athletes make progress in their coursework, the amount of the time required may be decreased or eliminated, but students are still encouraged to continue to attend.  Student-athletes may earn required hours by studying in the Academic Center and/or an alternate approved location. Student-athletes may also attend tutoring, mentoring, extra credit, and/or review sessions with professors as approved by Academic Support Staff for required study hour requirements.  Please see your athletic academic counselor to obtain the “Alternative Study hour form” and discuss your options for credit.

Academic Achievement
In addition to the many University conference and national honors, each spring the athletic department honors UMaine's Scholar-Athletes. A reception and ceremony is held at which those student-athletes earning a 3.0 minimum GPA are acknowledged and presented with bronze, silver and gold medallions, each representing the number of years that a recipient has earned the award. In addition, first-year student-athletes who earn a 3.0 or better GPA in their first semester at the University of Maine will be recognized as *Rising Stars.* Maine Scholar Athletes press release.