The KU Academic Success Initiative, when fully implemented by the coaching staff, provides the appropriate support, incentive, and opportunity for students to make a similar effort toward their academic success as made toward their athletic performance.  The Initiative is based on the expectation that both individual and team academic performance will be at or above the level of the overall student body.  This expectation is built into the evaluation of coaches and is an integral part of the process of awarding athletic scholarships. KU provides athletic scholarships to support the academic pursuits of its student-athletes.  Student-athletes are expected to participate in sports because they love to do so.

            Continuing indications reveal that the Initiative works and is having a profound and measurable effect on both academic and athletic performance.  Over the past 11 years, KU’s freshman class of student-athletes has had a significantly higher grade-point average than the overall freshman class.  In 2005-06, KU’s student-athletes achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 2.84, the second highest in school history.  Also, 94 Golden Bears were recognized as Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar Athletes.

            The KU Academic Success Initiative contains the following components:

            The Monitoring of Progress: The academic progress of student-athletes is continually tracked and monitored.

            Course Selection and Registration: In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts between athletic events and classes, student-athletes are provided a registration date earlier than the rest of the campus student population.  Registration is now done online via the Internet.  Students can go online at any time to view their schedule, grades, transcript, financial aid, payments, charges and restrictions on their account.

            Academic Coaching: This year-long program is based on one-on-one personal contacts between the coach and the student-athlete.

            Faculty Advising: This is an essential part of the college experience and is often a major factor in the ultimate academic success of students.  Advisor meetings are required in order to register for classes.

            Pre-Season Academic Seminars: During pre-season camps and/or the first week of classes, athletes may participate in seminars addressing topics such as time management, study skills, class participation, student/faculty relationships and test-taking strategies.

            Career Services Visit For Undeclared Majors: Incoming students who have not yet declared a major or who may be unsure of their chosen major are highly encouraged to visit the Career Services Office.

            Referrals For Services to the Department of Developmental Studies: Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to make use of the Department of Developmental Studies’ services in regard to tutoring or other needs for specialized instruction.

            Referrals For Services to the Counseling and Advisement Center: Trained counselors/faculty advisors are available to help with psychological/academic counseling/advisement issues.

            Library Tour: A library tour is highly recommended of all incoming student-athletes.

            Personal Computer: Each student-athlete is strongly encouraged to have access to a networked personal computer. 

Academic Accomplishment Recognition

            The Department of Athletics has developed a comprehensive program to provide incentive for and acknowledgement of the many academic accomplishments of its student-athletes.  Below are some examples of the program.

            Awards and Honors: KU student-athletes are nominated for all available NCAA, PSAC and CoSIDA awards.

            Scholar-Athlete Banquet: Each year, the PSAC Scholar-Athletes are recognized at a banquet in their honor.

            Dean’s List Ceremony:  All Kutztown University student-athlete dean’s list recipients are acknowledged at a basketball game every year.