Welcome to the University of South Florida Athletic Department’s
Academic Enrichment Program
“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” - W. B. Yeats
The Academic Enrichment Program at the University of South Florida is designed to be a full service program with the goal of providing the programs and services necessary to enhance the total development of the USF student-athlete. The program is focused on the unique needs and demands of student-athletes at USF and fosters the cultivation of skills that allow for the development of potential in the classroom, on the field and for the future.
The Academic Enrichment Program provides a variety of support mechanisms for all student-athletes by way of specific events and activities designed to promote academic success, athletic success, community service, career development and personal development. The theories and tenants mirror those promoted through the NCAA CHAMPS Life/Skills model, but are designed specifically for the identified needs and challenges specific to our student-athlete body.
Because we are committed to academic success and to providing the appropriate level of support for all our student-athletes, the academic component of our Enrichment Program is considered most vital. Focus is placed on identifying and meeting the needs and challenges faced by our student-athletes through providing assistance programs, workshops, tutoring and mentoring made available throughout the academic year. Emphasis is placed on encouraging student-athletes to take responsibility for their academic careers and for being productive and successful members of the USF academic community.
All first year students are afforded the opportunity to participate in the EXCEL program designed to assist all first year student-athletes with the transition to the university and to help students adjust to the rigor of the USF academic program. Components of the program include weekly meetings with an EXCEL counselor, objective based study hall, tutoring program and ongoing academic advising.
In addition to the emphasis on the classroom and academic success, the USF Academic Enrichment Program proudly supports and endorses the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program, which provides support and programming in the developmental areas of athletic, academic, career, and personal/leadership and community service. The athletic and academic success of our student-athletes is supported through our administration staff as well as the various support staffs provided for them, including the coaches, strength and conditioning staff, athletic training staff, and academic advisors. In addition, programming in the areas of nutrition, performance enhancement, leadership development, resume building and hazing, gambling, ethical behavior, and sportsmanship are provided throughout the academic year.
