Planning for Academic Success at Southwestern (PASS) is a program that has been designed to provide students on academic probation or warning with one-on-one support to help them build their academic skills, maintain academic focus, and gain confidence while learning to overcome specific academic difficulties.

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.

Participation in the PASS Program is mandatory for students on Probation, Continued Probation, and Academic Warning. Students receive a letter from the Registrar notifying them of their academic standing at the conclusion of the semester. The Director of the Center for Academic Success contacts the student 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, the student is made aware of the academic requirements needed to avoid dismissal and subsequent follow-up meetings are scheduled.

BUCS (Building Up Classroom Success)

This is a program built and designed through a collaboration with the Office of Admission, the Center for Academic Success, and the Athletic Department. Student athletes who are selected to be in BUCS are required to meet every other week with a Peer Academic Mentor. In these meetings, the student athlete will work to achieve their academic goals and maintain their eligibility through academic skill building (time management, study skills, test-taking skills, etc.). 

First-Year Athlete Workshop Series

This is a monthly workshop series open to all first-year student athletes. The workshops take place throughout the first semester. The workshops focus on building the student’s academic success toolkit and helping them with juggling being a full-time student and athlete at Southwestern. Topics include time management, study skills, test-taking skills, advising and registration, maintaining academic integrity, self-care, and other important information.

This is an optional support program for students who are identified as needing additional academic support upon admission to Southwestern. Students meet with a Peer Academic Mentor on an individual basis to develop effective study skills and strategies, gain confidence in overcoming academic challenges, and develop plans for short- and long-term goals.