Student-Athlete Academic Services
Highlights
About
UNLV Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) supports student-athletes throughout their collegiate journey, from enrollment to graduation and beyond. SAAS assists student-athletes in their transition, academic progress, retention, and graduation by providing comprehensive and customized academic and personal support designed to promote success in the classroom and in life.
Through walk-in availability and scheduled appointments, SAAS staff guide student-athletes in maintaining academic eligibility, planning course schedules, and selecting degree programs that align with their academic and athletic commitments. Additional support includes academic goal setting and objective-based learning, effective learning strategies, psychoeducational testing, learning specialist services, career exploration, and graduation preparation. SAAS also contributes to recruiting efforts and supports student-athlete development through life skills programming and alumni engagement.
Purpose Statement
Through a culture of care, service, integrity, and excellence, Student-Athlete Academic Services provides guidance, resources, and advocacy that support academic eligibility, academic achievement, holistic development, and lifelong success for UNLV student-athletes.
Our Services and Priorities
Campus Visits
Assist coaches with introducing prospective students to the UNLV campus and academic opportunities. Provide Admissions/Eligibility Center reports to coaches.
Initial and Transfer Eligibility Evaluations
Review transcripts and other documentation to provide coaches with academic eligibility evaluations for prospective student-athletes.
Academic Compliance/Certification
With the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), complete semester academic eligibility certification for practice, competition, and financial aid.
Academic Performance Program Oversight
Monitor and report the NCAA Academic Progress Rates and Graduation Rates.
Advisement & Scheduling
Meet regularly with student-athletes to determine a plan for maintaining progress towards degree in the major of their choice while adhering to NCAA rules. Provide excused missed class letters (aka travel letters).
Scheduling
Work with college advising centers to select classes that interest the student-athlete, stay on track for graduation, and fit within their difficult schedules.
Liaison to Academic-Related Departments & Staff
Admissions, Registrar, OISS, DRC, the PRACTICE, Advising Colleges, etc.
Academic Performance Services
Design and implement individualized plans for the development of academic skills, including (but not limited to) reading and writing competencies, time management, professor/student communications, academic integrity, enhanced study habits, learning techniques such as note taking and test preparation, and assignment completion. Also, provide guidance for student-athletes towards additional academic resources on campus.
Academic Support Services
Provide an array of services to help our students succeed academically. The services include: tutoring, textbook distribution and library, laptop/calculator/supplies loan program, basic academic supplies, funding to support academic-based testing, study lounges with desktop computers, and learning specialist/assistance program.
Graduation Preparation
Collaborate with the Office of Student-Athlete Development to prepare students for graduation and life after sports, through resume building, career development, and assistance with graduate school searches and applications.
Academic/Practical Life Skills
Offer programming to assist, educate, and develop our student-athletes within the following topics: transition from high school to college, academic success tools and techniques, academic responsibility, practical life skills, time management, professional communication, fueling for finals, and preparation for life after college.
Alumni Relations
Maintain contact with alumni student-athletes to serve as role models for and teach networking skills to current students. Assist with the Rebels Return to Graduate Program for former student-athletes.
Community Involvement
Educate students and administrators from community high school and junior colleges about NCAA academic eligibility requirements.
Student Resources
SAAS Resources (Current Student-Athletes)
Contact Us
SAAS offices are located in the Lied Athletic Complex (LAC) and Fertitta Football Complex (FCC)–both located on the Northwest side of campus next to the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center (LBC) and Paul McDermott Physical Education Complex (MPE).