Main Reason for Attending The University of Alabama in Huntsville:
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree program is the primary goal for enrolling at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Participation in intercollegiate athletics serves to enhance the accomplishment of this goal in addition to providing opportunities for personal growth and development in related areas. By establishing favorable study habits and an awareness of good study methods, student-athletes can increase their academic performance and achieve academic goals.
Good Study Habits for Academic Success:
Academic success can be achieved through hard work and accomplishment with some basic skills.
One skill is to find and maintain a good study environment where you can concentrate and avoid interruptions. At UAH, you can find this environment in the library or in other campus buildings with space designated for study.
Another skill is to develop a daily routine with adequate time scheduled for handling your assignments. The general rule of thumb is: “for every hour spent in the classroom, you should plan at least two hours of study outside the classroom”. If student-athletes need assistance, they can contact one of their coaches or the Student Success Center for further recommendations. The purpose of good study habits it to learn and comprehend course material. An academic center specifically for student-athletes is located on the second floor of Spragins Hall.
Class Attendance:
Student-athletes are allowed to miss class only for competition. A student-athlete may never miss class for practice. Periodically, student-athletes must be absent due to travel for away-game competitions.
This excuse is governed by university policy. The student-athlete must an approved letter given to the student athlete from their head coach signed by the Director of Athletics that outlines which days/times the student-athlete will need to miss class for competition present to each of their instructors during the first week (if not the first day) of the semester. This is the student-athlete’s responsibility to adhere to this policy. Omission of this procedure could cause the student-athlete to not be allowed make-up or pre-assignment turn-ins without penalty. The first week of the semester, obtain a travel letter from the Director of Athletics through your coach. Present this letter to your instructor as soon as the semester begins so they are given plenty of notice. The letter asks permission for you to travel with the understanding you will be responsible for work missed due to absence. It does NOT officially dismiss you from class. It also does not excuse from miss a class because you are leaving later in the day. In other words, if your bus is leaving at 2 pm, you are expected to attend any classes that meet before then. You are responsible for all assignments, lecture notes, and examinations that you may miss due to travel. Instructors may require additional work to make up for the missed class time.
Timely Graduation:
Again, the first and foremost reason for attendance at The University of Alabama in Huntsville is to complete an undergraduate degree program. In order to do this in an appropriate and efficient amount of time, student-athletes should always consult an academic advisor prior to registration. After his/her freshman year (or prior to the first year of residency at UAH for transfer students) and prior to the fifth semester of full-time collegiate studies, student-athletes should select a major and file a Program of Study (POS). Student-athletes must consult their appropriate academic advisor for academic planning and authorization for registration.
To be eligible, all student-athletes must declare a major prior to their fifth semester of full-time studies. Once a major is declared, the student-athlete must maintain a satisfactory progress toward that declared degree, or what is termed progress toward degree. Your academic advisor, who recognizes the demands of your practice and competition schedule, will assist you in planning a schedule incorporating classes appropriate to your major. Your academic advisor assists you in choosing your degree if necessary, explain alternative programs of study, cooperate with your major advisor in explaining your plan of study requirements and, finally, will remind you to file your application to graduate. Your academic advisor is not responsible for your progress to degree. You, the student-athlete, are responsible for progress toward degree and eligibility.
After all of the appropriate parties have signed the official Plan of Study in the college of choice of the student-athlete, the student-athlete must submit a copy of the executed Plan of Study to the Director of Athletic Compliance. It is strongly encouraged to do this prior to leaving for between term breaks. It is to be turned in no later than the day prior to the first day of the semester of the fifth semester of full-time attendance for the student athlete.
Registration for Class:
Student-athletes should always register during priority registration which is available for approved student groups. It is typically scheduled well in advance of the next semester. Consult the Academic Calendar each semester for registration dates. It is located on the UAH website. Most students will need course approval from their advisor. It is highly recommended that each student-athlete meet with their academic advisor at least one time each semester. Most coaches will make this a requirement. It is important to follow the priority procedure in order to stand a better chance of enrolling in the classes you need and at the best time of the day so not to interfere with practice. it can save you additional coursework, time, and money.
Study Hall:
Head coaches will specify to their teams regarding individual/team academic standards and study hall requirements. if study hall is required, attendance may be mandatory until a student-athlete establishes a grade point average that places him/her in good standing with the team/or University. Coaches will discuss these requirements in their individual team rules.
Academic Trouble During the Semester and the Student Success Center:
You should maintain open communication lines with your professor from the very first day of class. If you do not comprehend the academic material that is being presented, CONTACT YOUR PROFESSOR FOR ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait until you’ve done poorly on an exam before you meet with him/her. Also, keep your coach aware of your progress.
The Student Success Center is also available to all UAH students. The Center provides academic support programs that empower individuals to realize their potential as self-directed learners and professionals. They also provide tutoring programs for students and other resources. More information can be found at https://www.uah.edu/ssc.
Dropping or Withdrawing a Class:
Never drop or withdraw from a class without permission from your coach and the Director of Athletic Compliance AND academic advisor. There are NCAA rules for eligibility tied into full time attendance and you could jeopardize your team’s eligibility. The Director of Athletic Compliance will advise you about your personal academic options concerning eligibility associated with dropping or withdrawing. It is also advised that your academic advisor and financial aid.
Summer School at a Different Collegiate Institution:
All summer school classes taken at another institution need to be pre-approved in order for those credits to be used for eligibility and progress towards a degree. Student-athletes must meet with their academic advisor prior to the beginning of summer school to discuss their options. The academic advisor must verify that courses are transferable and meet the student-athletes’ degree requirements. Courses must also be approved by the registrar. All student-athletes must meet, complete, and process a Letter of Good Standing prior to attending summer school at another institution. The Letter of Good Standing form is a University form and is available at Charger Central. The student-athlete’s advisor and the UAH registrar must sign the letter. A copy of the signed letter must be submitted to the Director of Athletic Compliance prior to the beginning of the summer semester. It is advised that the student-athletes also retain a copy. Academic credit for summer school at another institution is awarded according to university policy for all students. Official transcripts from the summer school attended must be sent to the UAH registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit acceptance. Credits for summer school cannot be used for academic eligibility until this process is completed.
