This program is designed through collaboration with the Office of Admission, the Office of Academic Success and Accommodations, and the Athletic Department to assist first-year student-athletes in their pursuit of academic success.

Student-athletes enrolled in the program are required to set-up an initial meeting within the first week of class. Students will need to provide syllabi for all courses. These syllabi will be referred to throughout the semester as part of the meeting process. Participants meet biweekly with their mentor to achieve academic goals and maintain eligibility through skill-building in areas such as time management, study skills, and test taking. 

Individual meeting topics include:

• Time & Priority Management
• Study Skills, Test Taking Strategies
• S.M.A.R.T. Goals
• Campus Resources Referrals
• Mid-semester Grade Checks, Grade Projections
• Stress & Anxiety Management

A part-time student is defined as one taking a course load of 11 credits or fewer. Students are expected to enroll as full-time students with at least 12 credits. Failure to enroll as a full-time student may carry consequences such as a change of academic status, financial aid penalties, or forfeiting of athletic eligibility.

• Students who need fewer than 12 credits to graduate may request an exception of full-time status by requesting approval from the Office of the Registrar.
• Students who wish to drop from full-time to part-time status must complete a Permission to Drop to Part-Time Status form and meet withthe Senior Director of Academic Success and Advising to determine what consequences, if any, could result from such action.

A course may be added or dropped after the specified deadline only if the student has an emergency or extenuating circumstances. To add or drop a course after the deadline, the student needs to submit a petition to the Academic Standard Committee. Review the current Academic Calendar for add/drop deadlines.

Appeal for Academic Standard Committee Form

Participation in the PASS Program is mandatory for students on academic probation, continued probation, and academic warning. Students receive a letter from the Registrar notifying them of their academic standing at the conclusion of each semester.

During bi-weekly individual academic counseling sessions, we track the student’s progress, strategize for optimum academic performance, and provide support as the student works on specific areas of difficulty. The meetings are designed to provide students with knowledge and resources, as well as to immediately put into practice new tips, techniques, and systems to become academically successful.

The Senior Director of Academic Success & Advising contacts students during the first week of class notifying them of the requirement to meet within the first two weeks of the semester. During the initial meeting, students are made aware of the academic requirements needed to avoid dismissal and subsequent follow-up meetings are scheduled.

Students may be eligible to receive accommodations based on the nature and functional limitations of a documented disability. Students with disabilities who require accommodations to receive equal access should begin by completing the online Student Application.

Learn more about services for students with disabilities

Considering leaving Southwestern University? Whether your leave is permanent or temporary, we provide support for students by ensuring they are aware of all available options to them before making a final decision.

Learn more about Leaving SU Support