STUDENT DEVELOPMENT FOR ATHLETES

OVERVIEW:
Student-athletes face a unique set of challenges and circumstances as they participate in Division I intercollegiate athletics. In addition to the enormous investment of time and energy, each student-athlete must adhere to strict NCAA guidelines regarding academic eligibility while balancing their athletic and academic pursuits. The Division of Academic Support Services, in collaboration with the Department of Athletics, has developed a comprehensive support and resource program to help maintain this balance. The Student Development for Athletes program provides a wide range of ser-vices from the recruiting stage through graduation. It is housed in the Student-Athlete Center for Ex-cellence, a newly renovated area in Carnesecca Arena.

MISSION:
The mission of the Student Development for Athletes program is to assist student-athletes in realiz-ing their educational and athletic potential. Utilizing the Developmental Advising Model, each stu-dent-athlete will be expected to achieve his/her highest level of educational capability. Through the provision of a range of services, each student-athlete will receive the necessary support to be suc-cessful life-long learners, capable of success inside and outside of the classroom. Our student-athletes will be equipped to use their academic experience and appreciation of Vincentian character and values in their post-collegiate, professional, and personal endeavors.

The program focuses on five key areas: academic support, career development, personal development, leadership and community service.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT:
The Academic Support program assigns each varsity team an athletic academic advisor. This advisor serves as a key contact for student-athletes seeking academic assistance, and helps the student-athletes navigate the academic community. The advisor works closely with their assigned students to monitor their academic progress throughout the semester.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:
The Career Development Program provides personalized assistance to student-athletes throughout their four years at St. John's University. By attending workshops and one-on-one meetings with a Ca-reer Counselor assigned solely to student-athletes, our student-athletes gain the skills necessary to make appropriate career decisions from freshman year through graduation.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT:

The personal development commitment builds a foundation for a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and effective decision-making skills.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & RECOGNITION:
Numerous leadership opportunities exist for student-athletes at St. John's, ranging from team and campus positions to national leadership involvement. Student Development for Athletes works with each team to help develop programs to enhance leadership development, including the selection and training of Student-Athlete Orientation Leaders, SD101 Peer Educators, and Community Service Coordinators.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:
It is important that student-athletes at St. John's University develop an understanding and apprecia-tion for the Vincentian mission of the institution. Each member of the Student Development for Ath-letes team encourages student-athletes to put their knowledge of the Vincentian mission into action through community service activities. Each team is provided with opportunities to perform commu-nity service throughout the year as a group or on an individual basis.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM:
Dr. Nancy S. Kaplan, Associate Vice President, Student Development for Athletes: x1672
Eric Rienecker, Director, Academic Support for Student-Athletes: x5687
Lucy Pesce, Associate Director, Leadership Development and Special Events: x6979
Fr. Tri Duong, Campus Minister for Athletics: x5058
Mark Armiento, Sports Psychology & Counseling Consultant: x6899
Michelle Kyriakides, Assistant Director, Career Center: x1361
Justin Krass, Career Counselor, Career Center: x1368
Tracy Manfredi, Associate Director, Academic Support for Student-Athletes: x1459
Jennifer Lebowitz, Assistant Director, Academic Support for Student-Athletes: x6736
Bernard Rencher, Assistant Director, Academic Support for Student-Athletes: x5823
Emily Parella, Assistant Director, Academic Support for Student-Athletes: x5546
JoAnne Zissel, Administrative Assistant, Student Development for Athletes: x2643