Valparaiso University Athletics Academic Support and Student Services

The Academic Support and Student Services staff provides Valpo student-athletes with academic support services and connects them various campus resources to enhance learning outcomes and to help maximize each student-athlete's academic potential. Academic Support and Student Services staff monitor NCAA continuing eligibility requirements in conjunction with the Compliance and Student Services staff.

Valparaiso University Athletics Mission Statement

Supporting the traditions and heritage of Valparaiso University, the Department of Athletics prepares our students to lead and serve through exceptional experiences in athletics.

Valparaiso University Athletics Academic Support and Student Services Mission Statement

The mission of the Academic Support and Student Services unit is to cultivate a positive learning experience for student-athletes, which is conducive to personal and professional growth.

Valparaiso University Athletics Academic Support and Student Services Staff

Merce Poindexter - Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Welfare & Compliance
Merce.Poindexter@valpo.edu
(219) 464-5424

Grace Frederickson - Director of Academic Services
Grace.Frederickson@valpo.edu

Callaway Kinney - Academic and Compliance Coordinator
Callaway.Kinney@valpo.edu
(219) 464-6913

Academic Support and Student Services

Academic Support and Student Services staff provide a range of services to Valpo student-athletes:

  • Ensure Missouri Valley Conference, Pioneer Football League, Conference USA and NCAA continuing eligibility rules and regulations are met
  • Conduct weekly meetings to track progress in courses throughout the semester and assist with time management and prioritization
  • Create weekly reports for coaches on student-athletes' academic performance
  • Communicate regularly with faculty, athletic trainers, and coaches
  • Assist in arranging tutoring appointments
  • Monitor academic progress through midterm grade reports
  • Serve as NCAA eligibility coordinator, in conjunction with college and professional academic advisors
  • Provide Class Excuse Memos for instructors regarding missed class for competition
  • Meet with prospective student-athletes and their families on recruiting visits

Student-Athlete Study Hall

Student-athlete study hall is required for various student-athletes, depending on their class standing and/or GPA. Study hall hours can be logged in the Athletics Recreation Center Academic Suite, Monday through Thursday between 9am–5pm and Friday from 9am-noon. Hours can also be logged in the designated student-athlete area of the Christopher Center Library (bottom floor near the Writing Center), Sunday through Thursday between 6pm–9pm. Football student-athletes may log hours in Kroencke so long as a member of the coaching staff is present. Required study hall hours are based on coach discretion, but generally follow these guidelines:

  • Student-athletes with a cumulative GPA at or above 3.0 = no study hours
  • Student-athletes with a cumulative GPA between 2.7-2.99 = 4 hours per week
  • Incoming freshmen and student-athletes with a cumulative GPA between 2.3-2.69 = 6 hours per week
  • Student-athletes with a cumulative GPA below 2.29 = 8 hours per week

Academic Resources

Academic Resources PDF

Peer Tutoring

https://www.valpo.edu/academic-success-center/peer-tutoring/

The Peer Tutoring Program is a student-tutor match program that offers free course-specific tutoring in many 100 and 200 level courses, mostly in math, science and nursing courses. The program runs during the fall and spring semesters and delivers tutoring through weekly individual and small group sessions held inside the ASC’s tutoring center located in the Christopher Center Library.

Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) Program

https://www.valpo.edu/academic-success-center/pal-program/

PAL is a series of weekly collaborative review sessions led by an experienced Valpo student (PAL Leader). PAL is offered for courses such as BIO 152, BIO 172, CHEM 122, and PHYS 142. The PAL Leaders meet with instructor(s) and lead structured review sessions every week. The PAL program provides students with a supportive peer-to-peer learning environment where they review complex content they are learning with an experienced leader who understands the course material.

Hesse Learning Resource Center

https://www.valpo.edu/college-of-engineering/academics/academic-support/

The Hesse Learning Resource Center supports the mission of the Valparaiso University College of Engineering by promoting the recruitment, retention, and success of students. This is accomplished by recruiting and training peer tutors, providing one-on-one academic coaching, and supporting all student advising activities within the college.

Judith L. Beumer Writing Center

https://www.valpo.edu/writingcenter/

The Writing Center offers individual peer consultations and workshops on writing to support growth as a writer. Make an appointment at any time by going to valpo.mywconline.com.  Having trouble scheduling an appointment? Please register with our scheduling software. In Writing Center sessions, tutors provide strategies and guidance on writing assignments from any discipline, at any stage in the writing process, and for writers at all skill levels, including graduate and undergraduate students!  

Language Resource Center

https://www.valpo.edu/language-resource-center/mission/

The LRC fulfills this mission by providing resources and services that prioritize face-to-face personal interaction, authentic language use and cross-cultural understanding within a welcoming space designed for learning and gathering.

As one of Valparaiso University’s Learning Centers, the LRC aims to support all students in achieving their academic and personal goals within their language studies.  Student support services include:

  • tutoring through the Language Partner Program;
  • material resources for language study and cultural enrichment;
  • opportunities for authentic language use through conversation programs, student activities, and department-sponsored programming.

 

Academic Advising and Registration

Priority Registration

Student-athletes receive priority registration for class registration each semester, which allows them to reduce scheduling conflicts.

University Catalogs

https://www.valpo.edu/registrar/catalogs/

Registration FAQ

https://www.valpo.edu/registrar/registration/registration-faq/

Registration How-To Video

https://www.valpo.edu/registrar/registration/register/

Advisor Appointment Tips for Students

https://www.valpo.edu/advising/files/2015/12/Advising-Tips.pdf

Student-Athlete Advising Worksheet

Valpo Athletics Student-Athlete Advising Worksheet