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The University of Louisville Athletic Department established the Olga S. Peers Academic Center for Student Athletes as a source to counsel and promote self-responsibility, personal growth and educational development through academia and athletics.
“Our main goal is to make sure [student athletes] graduate,” said Associate Athletic Director Marvin Mitchell.
The reality of the graduation rate at the University of Louisville is at 41 percent. The Athletic Department is at 60 percent. This puts a different spin on “old and popular stereotypes,” which generalize student athletes’ academic and athletic positions.
Bill Perkins, a student athlete tutor believes these stereotypes to be untrue. “Student athletes are students first and athletes last,” said Perkins. He added that the student athletes who seek help and want information from the tutoring program are very motivated and disciplined, academically and athletically. “Their dedication on the field has a great impact on their dedication in the classroom,” said Perkins.
Though many student athletes beat the “stereotypes of low academic expectations,” the NCAA mandate that became effective on Aug. 1, 1991, requires participation in general academic counseling and tutorial services. At U of L, however, it is not mandatory, but encouraged.
In regards to this mandate, Mitchell believes that everybody needs help no matter their success in the classroom or on the field. “Brian Brohm – who was an honor student in high school and a great athlete – he still went to study hall sessions,” said Mitchell.
The Academic Center provides study hall and individual tutoring for student athletes. The study hall, or objective-based study hall, session is mandatory and establishes long and short-term academic goals for a successful college career.
Another session includes tutoring for student athletes. There are approximately 50 tutors that specialize in all disciplines. Tutors are receptive to the needs of student athletes, including individual learning styles. Depending on academic needs, tutoring services are provided. Additional hours must be requested and approved through their athletic/academic counselor.
Student athletes may also utilize the Resources for Academic Achievement program which provides free tutoring services for any enrolled U of L student.
According Cathy Leist, Executive Director of REACH, “It is a unit funded by the Provost’s office to assist the academic success and retention of all undergraduate students.”
Junior communication major and Louisville women’s basketball team member Angel McCoughtry requested tutoring her freshman year and since then, has been a regular. “Student athletes who seek tutorial services have an advantage over the rest of the people in class because not only are you learning from your professor, you are learning from your counselors and tutors,” said McCoughtry.
Both study hall and tutoring sessions are effective methods used to monitor the progress and performance of student athletes. Moreover, as the academic standard is set high for student athletes, it is also set high for those who tutor at the Academic Center.
Tutors are expected to uphold a 3.0 grade point average and have completed at least 60 credit hours. The majority of the tutors have prior tutoring or teaching experience, which is expressed through academic skills and knowledge in expert areas. This allows the tutor familiarity with the tutoring system that “reaches academically to student athletes.” Moreover, experience is not obligatory. The Academic Center provides training for tutoring.
Perkins, who has served as a tutor for 17 years at the Academic Center knows too well of the tutoring system, which he thought would be temporary.
“I began looking for a part-time job and came across an opening with the Upward Bound program at U of L,” said Perkins. “I worked with high school students which got me involved, and a couple years later, I was tutoring with student athletes.”
Throughout the years, Perkins has influenced many student athletes who sought academic assistance. His commitment and dedication to tutoring granted him recognition as the Tutor of the Year, nominated five years in a row for the award by student athletes.
“We named the award after him to encourage and honor others who don’t get as much attention,” said Mitchell, of Perkins’ tutoring position at the Academic Center.
The Academic Center programs such as the study hall and tutoring sessions has made a difference in the lives of student athletes.
Student athletes, such as McCoughtry, have reaped the benefits of tutorial sessions. According to McCoughtry, “The Academic Center takes academics very seriously, so don’t wait,” she said. “If you need help academically, don’t hesitate to get it.”
The OPAC for student athletes is located in the East Wing, Room 202E of the Student Activities Center. Tutoring facilities are available throughout the campus.
