Eastern Illinois University Athletics

Welcome to the Panther Academic Support Services page for Eastern Illinois University athletics.

Panther Academic Services is a part of the Lantz Complex (which opened in November, 2006) that houses the Panther Academic Support Services. The center provides a study area for EIU student-athletes as well as access to computers for school work.

ACADEMIC SERVICES STAFF

	Jennifer King Assistant Athletic Director/ Academic Services /SWA (954) 325-3077 jnking@eiu.edu
	Nicole Jackson Assistant Director of Academic Services Football ndjackson@eiu.edu

The Panther Athletic Support Services (PASS) provides specialized support to student-athletes in light of the unique time demands, responsibilities, and rules governing participation in intercollegiate athletics. Services are provided in a safe, personal environment where academic growth is a priority, personal development and independence are enhanced, and long-term success is nurtured by a staff which models these same commitments.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Office of Panther Athlete Support Services (PASS) strives to empower and support both the student-athletes and the athletic community of Eastern Illinois University to develop well-rounded and compassionate individuals who are prepared to contribute to society. Through individualized support, listening, and responding to the needs of our student-athletes, we foster and build relationships that promote social responsibility, well-being, and provide a foundation for our student-athletes to achieve academic and athletic success.

ACADEMIC ADVISING
The Academic Support office works collaboratively with primary faculty advisors to ensure that all student-athletes are fulfilling graduation requirements and meeting all NCAA academic eligibility benchmarks. The Academic Support office serves as the secondary advisor to student-athletes during registration periods by assisting student-athletes schedule required courses that do not conflict with practice times and competition.

ACADEMIC MONITORING
Mid-Term grade reports and academic progress reports are collected for each student-athlete throughout the semester. These reports provide an opportunity for early intervention and support when academic difficulties arise. The Academic Support office continuously monitors all academic reports to ensure student-athletes are completing their academic degree plans and maintaining NCAA academic eligibility benchmarks.

AT-RISK PROGRAMMING
If at any time a student-athlete's cumulative or semester grade point average drops below a 2.60 he/she will automatically be entered into specialized at-risk programming. The Academic Support office works one-on-one with these student-athletes to assist in academic recovery efforts and/or to help the student gain the skills necessary to succeed at Eastern Illinois University. The at-risk program utilizes all of the resources available through the Academic Support office including: weekly meetings with Academic Support staff members, one-on-one tutorial support, weekly study table hours, weekly academic goal statements, and specialized support services arranged through the Student Disability Services at Eastern Illinois University.

TUTORIAL SERVICES
The purpose of the tutorial program is to provide student-athletes with one-on-one educational support and week-by-week structure so they can succeed in their coursework and develop the skills and attitudes of a successful student. Student-athletes and tutors develop a close working relationship by meeting each week to complete tasks and set new academic goals. Tutors are trained student employees with strong academic knowledge, a clear and friendly communication style and a desire to help student-athletes perform their best. To request a tutor or for more information, please see your athletic academic advisor.
 
PRIORITY REGISTRATION
Each of you has a primary faculty advisor with whom we encourage you to build a strong relationship. We are available to assist you with course pre-registration and academic planning as they relate to NCAA continuing eligibility rules. Remember, as soon as you declare a major, you are responsible to know the requirements for earning a degree in that program.

STUDY HALL
You may be required by your head coach to attend Study Hall. Study Hall is a quiet, monitored study environment. You may attend day or evening study hours. You are welcome to attend Study Hall at any time - even if you are not required.

COUNSELING & MENTORING
We are available to meet with you, individually and in groups, regarding any academic, athletic, career, and/or personal issues you choose to discuss with us. However, we will make referrals to the Counseling Center as we are not licensed counselors. These meetings are confidential (unless you say otherwise), and your privacy will be respected at all times.

TRAVEL NOTIFICATION
At the beginning of each semester, we will provide you with letters to notify your instructors of your travel/competitive schedule. It is your responsibility to give these to your instructors in person and follow-up with them regarding any missed assignments, tests, and/or papers.

E.P.I.C. PROGRAM
We will present and coordinate programs on select "life skills," which cover the following five component areas: academics, personal development, community service, athletics, and career development. A new tradition that started in Fall 2009, the prestigious EPIC award is determined by a point system which includes academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development and community service. Points are awarded for individual achievements as well as team accomplishments over the course of the season. The award is presented to the winning team annually. The EPIC trophy is displayed in the Lantz Academic Center.


The participating events for each sport are as follows:
Men's Track and Field: Glow Run/Chase a Cop 5K, Operation Breakthrough, camp counselor for neglected and abused kids, Team shoe donation, Booth Library Book sale, clean up;
Women's Track and Field: Bowling fundraiser, Team show donation, Glow Run/Chase a Cop 5K, Booth Library Book Sale, clean up
Women's Cross Country: Huiti Connection Yard Sale, SOFF, Friend for a Day, EIU Half Marathon, Study Abroad Fair, Amigos and Friends, helping teach English to people who need it, Shoe donation, It's On Us consent program, Fox Ridge state park;
Men's Cross Country: Fire Station Volunteering, Sunday School volunteering, Shoe donation, It's On Us consent program, SOFF, Fox Ridge state park, EIU 5K;
Women's Basketball: YMCA Summer Camps, American Red Cross Blood Drive, Wrote letters to 4^th graders, sent posters, Baked goods for Charleston Police and Fire Departments, Charleston food pantry, Special Olympics, Canned food drive, ROTC, Basketball Clinic with Girl Scouts, Exchange club promotion, MEND workshop, Back to school drive, First Fruits Homestead, Hope Reigns Ranch;
Men's Basketball: It's On Us consent program
Men's Swimming: Wildlife Rehabilitation, washed and played with dogs, EIU Special Olympics, Coles County Animal Shelter, Cans for Construction, Girls on the Run, Relay for Life, Blood Drive, Shannon Run, Salvation Army;
Women's Swimming: Special Olympics, Girls on the Run, One Stop Community Christmas, Hope Women's Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, Shannon McNamara Run, Zumba for Autism, MEND workshop;
Softball: Halloween in Lantz, Friend for a Day, Jock n' Roll, Special Olympics;
Baseball: MEND workshop, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brother/Big Sister;
Football: Bowling Fundraiser, It's On Us consent program;
Volleyball: MEND workshop, Blanket making;
Men's Soccer: All Together Learning Center, yard clean up, Mattoon Salvation Army After School Program, EIU youth soccer program, Girls on the Run, Ashmore Elementary School Visit, Soccer Camps, Jock n' Roll, Humane Society, Spring Fling Clean up, MEND workshop, Booth Library Book Sale cleanup, Special Olympics, It's On Us consent program;
Women's Soccer:  Booth Library Book Sale, MEND workshop, It's On Us consent program, Special Olympics Family Fest;
Men's Tennis:  MEND workshop
Women's Tennis: Bowling Fundraiser, MEND workshop
Men's Golf/Women's Golf:  Halloween at Lantz, MS Zombie Run

Online Service Tracking Forms ... for E.P.I.C. Program Awards
... Word Document (DOCX)
... PDF Document

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The following information should assist in answering any questions you may have about the academic and support services provided to EIU student-athletes. If you have a question, please contact someone on the PASS staff.

WEBSITES TO KNOW
EIU Panther Athletics ... www.eiupanthers.com
Eastern Illinois University ... www.eiu.edu
NCAA Clearinghouse ... www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
NCAA Online ... www.ncaa.org