Memphis offers tools to assist athletes academically

For the 400 student-athletes at the University of Memphis, the commitment to academics and athletics can be challenging to balance, but with the right mindset and resources, student-athletes can score points for their team and in the classroom.

Out of the 19 sports teams at the U of M, the men’s and women’s soccer teams had the highest cumulative GPAs of 3.66 and 3.76, respectivley, for the fall 2017 semester, according to the U of M Office of Institutional Research. The total average GPA for athletic teams for the fall 2017 semester was 2.94 and the average GPA for all enrolled full-time U of M students was 2.71. 

The Center for Athletic Academic Services (CAAS) at the U of M offers academic support for student-athletes. 

Robert Baker, director for CAAS, said there are a variety of resources at  CAAS for student-athletes to use to maintain a good GPA.

“It includes objective-based study hall, standard and required study hall hours, academic mentoring and academic weekly meetings and tutors,†Baker said.

Baker said there are multiple tools used to teach organization, time management, study skills and note-taking skills.

“We stress the importance of a good GPA,†Baker said. “We believe in challenging our student-athletes to achieve at their highest level and potential and always strive for improvement.â€

Baker also said he encourages student-athletes to maintain a high GPA by using their time wisely and using tools like Wunderlist and weekly task sheets to help with time management. He said he also advises students to develop a mechanism to record and monitor their grades.

“We utilize a spreadsheet form of this called a ‘Scoresheet,’†Baker said. “Our goal is that all of our student-athletes who have weekly required academic commitments have updated grades and know where they stand in class every day.â€

Erik Furseth, 22, exercise and sports science senior and U of M soccer player, said he uses the services provided by  CAAS and spends time studying during soccer trips.

“I usually spend my time in the bus or plane studying,†Furseth said. “While we’re gone on trips, I try to focus as much of my time as I can on studying because I know the time is short once I get back.â€

Furseth also said along with tutoring services, he goes to his teachers for assistance.

“I am very close with my teachers,†Furseth said. “They understand my situation with soccer, so whenever I need help I go and talk with them.â€

In addition to Furseth, Catherine Levasseur, women’s soccer player and 20-year-old communication studies and journalism junior, said the most important skill to have while balancing student and athletic life is organization.

“We have very busy schedules, so planning ahead of time when you have to do your work is crucial,†Levasseur said. “Then you have to be willing to spend time in your books and do what it takes to get the grade you want.â€

Levasseur said she knows the quality of work she has and what it takes to get an A.

“I’m a 4.0 student,†Levasseur said. “I will spend as much time as needed on an assignment to turn in the best version of me.â€

Levasseur said maintaining her 4.0 GPA requires a lot of focus, and she would not be able to maintain her high GPA without her mindset of staying organized.

“I would not be able to do it without strong organizational skills and dedication,†Levasseur said.