Academic advising for student athletes has been in the spotlight ever since a faculty report this summer suggested counselors in the athletic department might have directed athletes to fraudulent courses.
But after the scandal in the department of African and Afro-American Studies, University officials have focused on improving the communication between student athletes and academic advising.
Members of the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes advisory committee said in their Tuesday meeting they believe academic advising should offer more guidance to athletes.
The organization met to discuss the initiatives launched last summer in an effort to provide strong academic support for athletes.
“The goal is to make sure that we were operating as effectively and efficiently as possible in moving forward,” said Harold Woodard, interim director of the program.
Freshmen athletes were particularly targeted by the reforms this year, as freshman orientation included more opportunities for athletes to meet with academic advisers.
During orientation, student athletes attend group meetings with advisers to answer academic questions and outline the adviser’s role.
“Early engagement was very important for us,” academic adviser Chloe Russell said.
But some members suggested that separating athletes at orientation might make non-athlete students feel like the athletes are getting special privileges.