Foundation:

The Athletics Departments, Thornton Center, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) pledge to help our student-athletes obtain a sound, total education. This pledge is fulfilled in the following ways. Coaches and other athletics department officials interact with student-athletes in a manner that not only encourages academic achievement but fosters the development of the student-athlete into a strong citizen. The Thornton Center, through the efforts of professional staff, mentors, and tutors, exert strong influence on the educational focus of the student-athlete and promote the personal and career preparation necessary for life-long success. SAAC members assist in supporting their fellow student-athletes throughout their college career.

Emphasis:

The term "VOLScholar" is meant to identify a highly successful student-athlete. Specifically, a VOLScholar is a University of Tennessee Student-Athlete who is responsible, who engages in positive learning practices, and who earns a minimum term grade point average of 3.00.

Success Plan:

Athletics Departments, Thornton Center, and SAAC are committed to a three pronged success plan leading to the development of VOLScholars. The three entities indicated above work in concert to provide an environment in which our student- athletes can be motivated, can learn, and are supported in their educational pursuits here at the University.

1. Recognizing that no one can truly motivate someone else, efforts are made to create an environment in which our student-athletes motivate themselves.
2. Coaches, administrators, academic counselors, learning specialists, tutors, and SAAC representatives each share in the responsibility of teaching our student-athletes athletic, academic, and life lessons.
3. This network offers the educational support necessary to reach these important goals.

Motivation: Student-athletes who earn VOLScholar status will receive an iconic patch to be displayed prominently on the uniform or competition equipment.

Two Levels of VOLScholar Recognition:

Level I---VOLScholar:

• 3.0 Term GPA
• Award: VOLScholar Patch

Level II---VOLScholar Associate:

• Learning Practices points

There are five learning practices that are essential to academic success. Engaging in these practices on a consistent basis enhances academic success and results in public recognition as a VOLScholar Associate.

• Meeting with Academic Counselor as Assigned
• Keeping and Actively Participating in Tutor Appointments
• Actively Participating in Study Hall
• Getting Advised by a Faculty Advisor or in a Campus Advising Center
• Registering for Classes and Confirming Attendance at the Earliest Possible Opportunity

Learning How to Learn:

College learning is more complicated than being successful in high school classes. Student-athletes who achieve academic goals at the University are those who learn how to learn at a higher level early in their college career.

• ADVANCE is an academic oriented program offered when students first arrive on campus. The objective of ADVANCE is to help the students get off to a good start once classes begin.
• First Year Studies 101 or 129 offer opportunities for student-athletes to learn about how the campus operates and about how learning takes place (FYS 101) or to learn in depth a topic which a tenured professor chooses to teach (FYS 129). In both cases, student-athletes are able to interact and connect with faculty on a personal basis.

The Thornton Center provides services on an ongoing basis that are designed to help our student-athletes improve their capacity to learn. Meetings with academic counselors and the "ADVANCE ON" series offered through CHAMPS, are two examples. Special needs program (SNP) students are encouraged to participate in specially designed study skills instruction. Tutoring and mentoring round out services offered by the Thornton Center staff. Diverse workshops covering personal and career development, sponsored by CHAMPS, and training for SAAC members provide learning opportunities outside the academic areas. On a broader scale, both athletic and non-athletic instruction from coaches and athletics administrators contributes to the overall education of the student-athletes.

Educational Support:

SAAC members are trained and commissioned both to lead and support our student-athletes during their time here at the University.

Support is also provided by coaches and athletics administrators, academic counselors, learning specialists, CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinator, SNP staff, tutors, and mentors.

Contacts:

Questions about VOLScholars may be directed to Dr. Georgia Caver at (865) 974-3860 or gcaver@utk.edu or Dr. Earl Schliesman at (865) 974-9351 or schlies@utk.edu.