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The Student-Athlete Support Program provides support services for academic enrichment and life-long learning, creates opportunities for personal growth and development, and maintains a standard of integrity and responsibility to all American University Division I student-athletes in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Services, Department of Athletics, and NCAA.

Find out more about important policies and responsibilities of the SASP below.

Each member of the SASP team serves as a holistic counselor for student-athletes on each of AU's NCAA Division I athletic teams. This role includes one-on-one academic coaching as well as individual meetings to address other areas, including academic scheduling, major exploration, career preparation, and other aspects of personal development.

 

American University Division I student-athletes are excused from class for any athletic team events. This includes competitions as well as travel to away events. Faculty will receive a "travel letter" at the beginning of the semester for every student-athlete in their class, which outlines the dates and times for each excused absence. If necessary, the SASP will send updates for post-season competition once they are announced.

The excused absence policy as it pertains to student-athletes is explained in the Academic Rules and Regulations. Item 4.1.1 says, "Excused absences include… athletic team events." Item 4.1.3 goes on to say, "Students may not be penalized for excused absences but are required to make-up all work missed as a result of the excused absence by the end of the term." The Academic Rules and Regulations can be found in its entirety here.

If a student-athlete has an exam scheduled in a class that fall on the day of an excused absence, the Courtesy Testing Service (CTS) can proctor the exam. To request to use CTS, the student and faculty member should decide on alternative arrangements for the exam – a date and time when the student will make up the exam. Then, the faculty member should fill out the Test Request Form at least 3 business days prior to the desired exam date. All information about CTS can be found here.

 The SASP offers student-athlete development meetings and programs to support the holistic well-being of all Division I student-athletes. In an effort to meet the developmental initiatives of the AU Athletic Department, Patriot League, and NCAA, the SASP carries out programs that focus on transitions, leadership development, career preparation and more. The goal is to help AU student-athletes continue to develop on and off the field throughout their time at American. To find out more about the SASP and student-athlete development programs, please visit our webpage on the AU Athletics website, which can be found here.