Wayne State Athletics Academic Services Booklet

Student-Athlete Support Services

Wayne State University Department of Athletics

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CONTENTS 3 CODE OF CONDUCT 4 GOLD UMBRELLA - SAFE ZONE 5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 6 THE W.H.O. 7 STEP UP 9 SAAC 10 ETHICS GUIDE 12 CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE 15 ACADEMIC GAME PLAN 22 STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

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CODE OF CONDUCT 1. COMMIT TO THE WARRIOR WAY Does what you are about to do, in any way, harm others or reflect negatively on you, your family or Wayne State University? If so, you have made the wrong choice.

2. STEP-UP – DON’T BE A FOLLOWER Know what the right action is even when someone else wants to act differently.

Be willing to risk being “unpopular” at the moment in order to be responsible for the future.

3. BE PART OF THE W.H.O. (WARRIORS HELPING OTHERS) Be willing to help others - People may not want or think they need help, but help them anyway.

4. REPRESENT THE BEST AT ALL TIMES Even when no one is looking, commit to being an example, not the problem.

5. BE RESPECTFUL OF DIFFERENCES – EVEN IF YOU CAN’T SEE THEM Realize our commonality is in our basic humanity even though it appears in different colors, styles, habits and perspectives.

6. THE GOLDEN RULE AND THE GOLD UMBRELLA ARE COMPATIBLE Embrace each and share the responsibility that is the foundation of both.

7. HAVE WARRIOR PRIDE Pride that is not boastful, intimidating, or abusive. The good you do today, will probably be forgotten tomorrow – do good anyway.

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GOLD UMBRELLA - SAFE ZONE What is The Gold Umbrella - Safe Zone?

The Gold Umbrella - Safe Zone (Gold Umbrella) is a program which promotes acceptance and understanding of a diverse and multidimensional setting – to that end, through education and training a safe accommodating environment is established with facilitators who guide the educational development. Students will know who they can go to for help by the Gold Umbrella symbol posted in the individual’s workspace. They can go to them for help, advice, or just to talk to someone in confidence that will be supportive and accepting. This symbol also means that biased and offensive actions and comments will be addressed in an educational and informative manner.

The Gold Umbrella - Safe Zone Mission Statement Our mission, consistent with the WSU and athletics mission statements, is to promote education, acceptance, and offer confidential support for all student-athletes.

Our goals are to: • Promote acceptance and respect for people of all backgrounds based not only on race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality, but socioeconomic status and geographic location as well.

• Provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.

acceptance • awareness diversity • respect considerate • supportive 4

understanding • inclusive compassion • empathetic informative • respectful

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Provide a non-judgmental setting A meeting is not to set policy but to understand issues and confront challenges May not initially solve problems but should not exacerbate issues Do not contribute to myths and stereotypes Be language neutral Be one of three: listener, reference, or facilitator Maintain a professional, non-judgmental relationship Understand the need to provide additional professional reference Confidentiality and privacy are the expectation to healthy discussion There is a difference between problem solver, mediator and disciplinarian Do not assume expertise Be respectful of time ... and the need to fully appreciate the issue Trust is earned but easily lost Be mindful not to implicate others Do not let someone’s personal issue become your issue Know your limitations Complex issues can have layers of challenges Don’t give up on yourself Do not give what is not asked for or needed Respect different normalcy We can’t all be the same ... which is a good thing No one’s attitude should harm another If you are kind, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway

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THE W.H.O. (Warriors Helping Others) Purpose A group of ambassadors to lead by example and affirmative action situational decision making that protects and exemplifies good behavior. Participants actively advance the best ideas of the department and its operating philosophy.

Goals • Educate and provide tools to help promote responsible and smart decisions – be their own example.

• Help WSU Athletics become more unified in our efforts to improve the athletics experience • Improve SAACs visibility as an important student-athlete organization • Motivate student athletes to better understand and be an active participant in promoting a safe campus community • Be vocal and speak up in every situation • Encourage teammates to get involved if they see others in trouble or dangerous situations • Educate and provide tools to help promote responsible and smart decisions

“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us everyday.”

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STEP UP Purpose Step UP! is a pro-social behavior and bystander intervention program that educates students to be proactive in helping others.

Teaching people about the determinants of pro-social behavior makes them more aware of why they sometimes don’t help. As a result they are more likely to help in the future.

The goals of Step UP! are to:

Step Up

• Raise awareness of helping behaviors • Increase motivation to help • Develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns • Ensure the safety and well-being of self and others

WARRIORS HELPING OTHERS

SEE Notice the event DANGER Interpret the event as a problem/ emergency LEADER Assume responsibility to help TWO WAYS Know how to help either directly or indirectly ACTION Implement help and take action!

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SAAC

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

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SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) Purpose Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is comprised of at least two student-athletes from each sport and spirit teams. The purpose of the organization is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by fostering a positive student-athlete image, unifying the student-athlete population, and serve as ambassadors in the Department of Athletics and the larger campus and local community. Further, the council is charged with being the on-campus advocates for the DII fundraising initiative: Make-A-Wish foundation.

The Warrior Plate Challenge The Warrior Plate Challenge is the annual ranking of individual sport programs by academic success, community outreach and participant involvement in selected activities.

Each year the team with the highest point total is awarded the ceremonial recognition – the Warrior Plate.

Components:

Division II Initiative: Make-A-Wish The Make-A-Wish foundation is the fundraising initiative for all NCAA Division II schools. As a Division II institution, it is our duty to put forth efforts to raise money and awareness for Make-A-Wish.

• GPA (Semester 1 and 2) • Community Service Hours (total and average) • Make-A-Wish Dollars • Mock Rock • Warrior Points • Team success

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ETHICS GUIDE Make Ethical Decisions When in doubt, ask yourself ...

• Is it ethical? Is it legal?

• Could it harm the WSU Athletics’ brand?

• What would my family and friends say?

“Genius, like justice is blind” Harold Ickes introducing Marian Anderson at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday 1939

• Would I risk my job for it?

Responsibility to the Institution • Contribute to our institution by supporting the mission, goals, policies, and abiding by our procedures • Recognize that conflicts among students, colleagues, or the institution should be resolved without diminishing respect for or appropriate obligations to any party involved Act with Integrity You are responsible for: • Complying both with the letter and spirit of applicable laws, rules and regulations • Observing high ethical standards when conducting business • Asking questions when in doubt about the appropriateness of a situation • Reporting known or suspected violations if any applicable Be Accountable • Embrace diversity of ethnicity, gender, generation, geography and thought • Commit to maintaining industry standards in all areas of employee safety and health, including hygiene, ergonomics, and safety • Everyone has a right to a work environment free from harassment

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Responsibility to Society • Assist students in becoming productive, ethical, and responsible citizens • Actively work to change discriminatory practices and show regard for expectations of the WSU community Professional Responsibility and Competence • Conduct departmental activities in accordance with sound judgment and proper protocols and adopt a personal value system consistent and compliant with the University’s mission and expectations • Monitor personal and professional development and approaches, and seek appropriate help where needed Lead with Integrity • Be a positive role model • Create an environment where employees can “speak up” • Uphold compliance to the ethics code of conduct

“Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.”

Potter Stewart 11

CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE Championship Experience The guiding framework for the department is for every student-athlete on every team, every member of the administrative and coaching staff and donors, community and alumni to have benefited by a “championship experience� as a result of their time or association with the athletics department. The objective is to create an environment that exceeds expectations and individuals can fully realize their personal aims and ambitions in an engaged and meaningful setting.

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“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.�

Albert Einstein 14

ACADEMIC GAME PLAN Academic Mission Statement The department of athletics strives to provide the resources and programming to allow each student athlete to achieve their individual academic goals and expectations.

A.R.M. (Academic Road Map) The A.R.M. is to provide an academic bridge to first-year student-athletes making the transition from a high school learning environment to a major university setting. The plan has three levels and is easily adjusted for individual interests, emphasis or priorities.

Academic Achievement The department believes it is important to recognize academic achievement through a variety of programs and special functions. The most well-known of these is the annual academic luncheon each spring in which student-athletes invite their favorite professors and are duly acknowledged with special attainment mementos and the respective Deans’ Award is presented by each college.

Summer Bridge Program The transition to college life can be an overwhelming process for any freshman. That adjustment is often amplified for student-athletes, who can sometimes be bombarded with facing the adjustment involved with academics, athletics, and social life. The Summer Bridge program for incoming student-athletes is a residential program where the students take degree applicable courses and get acclimated to campus life.

SOAR Program (Student-Athlete Orientation and Registration Program) The SOAR program is offered in summer months for incoming freshmen and new transfer student-athletes both domestic and international. SOAR is a one-day program designed to introduce the student-athlete and their parents/guests to Wayne State University and the Department of Athletics.

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ACADEMIC GAME PLAN Graduation Wall Located in the halls of the Matthaei Athletic Complex, the wall recognizes and honors the student-athletes who have won the most distinguished championship – their college degree.

Grades First • Online Academic Tracking Software

• Progress Reports

• Attendance Checks

• Travel Letters

• Student-Athlete Communication

• Tutor Requests

• Advising Appointments

• Compliance Updates

• Appointment Scheduling for Academic/Compliance Staff Summer School Aid Program All student-athletes who receive athletics aid during the academic term can apply for summer financial aid to further their scholastic goals and to advance to graduation.

The department provides up to six (6) hours of coursework to approved student-athletes through the application process.

Learning Specialist Program Learning specialists help the student-athlete develop the self-responsibility, self-directness, and skills necessary to achieve their goals both in the classroom and in life. A learning specialist is a guide for the student athlete’s overall development as a student. The learning specialist program is designed to assist with identification and formulation of a study plan, so studentathletes are clear on the educational task. Further, the learning specialist introduce and refine various need-based study skills and outlined objectives, including time management and organizational skills. Lastly, the learning specialist program familiarizes the student-athlete with the academic and social culture of WSU; helping to ease the transition to the university setting.

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Fifth-Year Aid After a student-athlete has completed their eligibility for intercollegiate competition, they can apply for fifth-year academic grants through the department to complete their course of studies and graduate.

Schedule Reviews Student-athletes enjoy “priority registration” which enables student-athletes to select classes before other members of the University’s student body. Therefore a careful and informative selection of class times, sequential scheduling and time management are prioritized.

This is accomplished through schedule reviews. This assessment is done both before and after registration with the objective to minimize missed class time because of practice, competitive travel and off-season conditioning. The sessions are intended to make the student-athlete more efficient and organized with an emphasis on graduation.

WSU Junior Review Academic Analysis with Academic Advisor • Tracked General Education Course • Degree Audit Progress • Graduation Assessment • Develop Academic Strategies for Success

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ACADEMIC GAME PLAN Faculty Liaisons • Faculty representatives for each team • Organized by faculty athletics representative Robert Ackerman • Each sport assigned two professors • Strong presence and communication with teams and coaching staff Exit Interviews Each student-athlete upon separation from the department is provided an opportunity to comment and give feedback on their experience and matriculation. The confidential assessment is tallied and organized for departmental and staff evaluations.

Student Disability Services The Department of Athletics Academic Support Services Staff works in concert with the SDS office to support student-athletes with additional needs. Accommodations and services from SDS are individualized and based upon the student’s documentation. It is for this reason that students should insure that they have sufficient documentation that supports the need for appropriate and reasonable accommodations when they report to campus.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela 18

English Language Arts Tutoring The Department of Athletics provides specialized English and Language Arts Tutoring for student-athletes to help with reading comprehension and writing support. The program is an evening program offered by certified ELA teachers in the Academic Resource Area.

Survival Skills Course This course is designed to help the student-athlete navigate through all the new decisions, challenges, and situations that arise during your college years and beyond. This course will prepare you to take on new responsibilities of your life with a focus on academic preparedness.

• Two credit hour class offered Fall/Winter • Develop study strategies to improve success in college • Sharpen critical thinking skills to boost your learning • Understand and apply note-taking strategies and effective listening for lectures • Empower yourself with self-management techniques • Learn the effectiveness of becoming a self-regulated learner • Identify personal and scholastic needs and know what resources are available to aid in academic growth • Promote student-athletes’ ownership of their academic, athletics, career, personal and community responsibilities

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STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Connect Program The Connect Program is designed to assist in the social, personal, and academic acclimation to WSU by pairing first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior students, with faculty and staff members who act as mentors throughout the academic year and beyond.

Grill-on-the-Hill/Welcome Back BBQ Two separate events to assimilate and recognize the department’s student-athletes. The annual Welcome Back Bar-B-Que is a chance for incoming student-athletes to meet the department’s personnel while Grill-on-the-Hill is an outdoor celebration of the conclusion of the academic year usually as part of National Student-Athlete Day and features an outreach activity.

Community Engagement The foundation of the athletics department is underscored by three concepts – academic achievement with graduation, competitive success, and community engagement. The volunteerism of student-athletes and staff is fundamental to foster team awareness and an understanding of the benefits that athletics affords its participants. Student-athletes learn life lessons far beyond the classroom that enhance their educational development.

Academic Luncheon An annual event held the week prior to winter term final exams to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes. The celebration honors student-athletes with a 3.5 or better team GPA and includes invites to his/her “favorite professor.” The University’s 13 Deans attend and recognize the respective top student-athlete in their college.

Members of the Board of Governors, the President and his cabinet also attend. It is a culmination of the scholastic success of our student-athletes.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT Leadership Luncheon The leadership luncheon series was developed in order to have representatives from each team have the opportunity to learn the various leadership perspectives of each head coach. The program runs throughout the academic year and has each head coach present a “leadership message” so that an entire cross-section of student-athletes gets the perspective of every Warrior head coach on issues of life, priorities, and goal setting. The complimentary lunch and presentations are hosted in the Hall of Fame.

W Week The significance of the ‘W’ in W Week is represented on many levels – women’s athletics, Wayne State, Warriors and wellness. These items are highlighted through a week of activities. The celebration of women’s athletics has particular significance as the first woman ever to compete in an NCAA Championship was a WSU female student-athlete in 1975. The week became an opportunity to underscore the past sacrifices and commitments of all female athletes to create the environment for today’s students. That commitment is evidenced in the outreach and service we do throughout the preceding week. Further, the W-Day Brunch kicks off what we emphasize as a department volunteerism, healthy lifestyles, and a service to others. The event is a community celebration of where we are … and what we aspire toward.

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Student-Athlete Support Services Department of Athletics Athletics Office 313-577-4280 Academic Advising 313-577-3261 Compliance 313-577-1366

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