West Georgia is introducing an academic-support program for student-athletes that integrates the athletics department’s needs with existing campus resources.

Student-athletes now have a GAME Plan at their disposal (Groundwork for Athletes Mastering Education) that will be coordinated by the university’s EXCEL Center for Academic Success.

“This program is an example of more effective and efficient use of campus resources,” said Michael Ruffner, West Georgia’s vice president for university advancement. “GAME Plan gives us the opportunity to ensure our student-athletes are successful both on and off the playing field while in school, and it renews our commitment to producing athletes who will be prepared for career success after completing their education.”

According to Scot Lingrell, associate vice president for enrollment management, students who take advantage of academic-support services have higher retention and graduation rates, and athletes who use the services can positively affect their athletics eligibility as well.

“An academic-support coordinator will serve as a direct and convenient link for our student-athletes to the services that are available,” he said. “A monitoring and tracking system is in place so that intervention takes place before the student is in jeopardy of probation or suspension.”

GAME Plan will provide academic tutoring, which is available to all West Georgia students, in addition to mandatory study hours. Seminars on life skills such as time management and test-taking strategies also are available through the program for students and student-athletes alike.

“Academic success is our paramount concern for all students,” Lingrell said. “This program provides extensive academic support and life skills to students who not only are asked to serve the institution by winning in their sport, but are required to succeed in the classroom.”

-Courtesy of Lisa Ledbetter at the University of West Georgia.