Commitment to Academic Excellence

Academic Services

Initial Placement Testing

Initial Assessment – Student-athletes are given an initial assessment to provide information that is useful with placement in college level courses. Areas covered in this assessment are mathematics, reading speed and comprehension, writing, and learning styles.

The Nelson-Denny Reading Test – The Nelson-Denny Reading Test is offered to Purdue student-athletes. The test is a reading survey designed for high school and college students and adults. A two-part test, the Nelson-Denny measures vocabulary development, comprehension, and reading rate. Part I (Vocabulary) is a 15 minute timed test; Part II (Comprehension and Rate) is a 20 minute test.

Life Skills: Success Strategies Course (EDPS 490B) – All incoming student-athletes are enrolled in a one credit hour course designed to prepare them for success at Purdue University and in life. Topics covered in the course include study and time management skills, stress management techniques, substance abuse education, diversity awareness, and an introduction to resources for assistance within the athletics department and resources available on campus.

Tutoring/Supplemental Support Services

Individual Tutoring – Tutors are available to assist students in their coursework. Academic support services staff trains tutors, and sessions must be done in academic support areas within the athletic department facilities.

One-on-One Academic Mentoring – Academic Support Services staff can work with coaches and student-athletes to assign academic mentors, if necessary.

Group Study Sessions – Student-athletes are encouraged to form study groups and may use any of the study areas within the academic learning center or Mollenkopf Athletic Center.

Group Tutoring – There are several survey courses where group tutoring is beneficial. After enrollment the academic support staff will review those courses and see if a group tutoring session would be appropriate.

Math walk-in hours – Math walk-in tutors are located in the IAF on designated evenings. These tutors are available on a first come, first served basis for any student-athlete who is experiencing difficulty in math.

Chemistry walk-in hours – Chemistry walk-in tutors are located in the IAF on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 10 p.m. This service is offered on a first come, first served basis for any student-athlete needing assistance with any chemistry courses offered at Purdue University.

English walk-in hours – The English walk-in tutor is located in the IAF on Sunday evenings from 7:00-10 p.m. This service is offered on a first come, first served basis for any student-athlete needing assistance with papers and writing projects.

Library – Our library holds resource books related to Purdue’s academic departments, career development, job search techniques and job outlook reports. Purdue University Libraries

Monitored Study Table – Study Table is fully monitored six days a week to provide a quiet and controlled environment for study. Hours for monitored study table in the IAF are: Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10:30pm, Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10:30 p.m.

Computer Lab – A 74-station computer lab is located in the IAF. This lab is staffed and maintained by the Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP) staff.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) – Specialized tutoring coordinated through the Academic Success Center in Beering Hall. SI offers weekly study sessions for students taking "historically" difficult courses.

To learn more about what SI can do for you , visit http://www.sla.purdue.edu/asc/aboutsi.asp.

Instructor Feedback on Academic Progress

Grade Checks – Grade checks are sent twice each semester for all of our student-athletes. Grade checks are sent at the end of the fifth week and at the end of the tenth week of each semester. The grade checks provide an opportunity for the student athlete to discuss, in a one-on-one situation, the course requirements as well as gain important feedback on the student athlete's progress in each course.

Academic Support While Traveling for Competitions

Note Takers – Note takers are available, if a student-athlete is unable to attend a class due to competition.

Laptop Computers for Traveling – Laptop computers are available for use if a student has work that requires a computer while they are traveling with an athletic team. Internet access is available on these computers.

Tape Recorders available for loan – If a student-athlete will miss a class due to competition and the instructor is in agreement, a tape recorder can be used to tape lectures.

Support on Campus @ Purdue University

Career Development Services – The academic support services staff is available to help student-athletes with their major search and as they prepare for the transition to the world of work. In the past several years, the athletics academic support services staff has established a positive relationship with the staff of the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities (CCO). The CCO provides an extensive range of services for Purdue students and graduates. We can put you in touch with the appropriate CCO staff member to help you will all of your questions.

Academic Success Center (Beering Hall) – The academic support services staff has developed a positive relationship with the Academic Success Center (ASC) staff in Beering Hall. The ASC provides workshops and seminars that help students improve their study skills. The ASC also has instructional videos and computer software for those students who prefer to work independently.

Feedback on the Student Athlete "Experience" at Purdue

Exit Interviews – At the conclusion of each semester, all graduating student-athletes are asked to participate in a Web-based exit interview. The exit interview allows the opportunity for all graduating student-athletes to provide feedback to athletics department administrators on their experience as a Purdue student-athlete. The exit interview is anonymous, but allows the student-athlete the opportunity to request a one-on-one interview with an athletics administrator of his or her choice. Purdue sport administrators will request one-on-one interviews with select student-athletes to ensure broad-based representation in the interview process.