Student-Athlete Affairs (SAA) Administrator – Nancy Bals
The mission of the NCAA Student-Athlete Affairs unit is to provide life skills support to institutions in the areas of academics, athletics, personal development, career development and service through the distribution of accessible resources, strategic partnerships and customized programming. The NCAA offers on-going education and training to professionals in collegiate athletic departments, and assists in developing student-athletes as leaders for life.
Academics
Westfield State is committed to supporting the academic progress of student-athletes. The goal of the dedicated staff is to encourage student-athletes to develop intellectually and graduate. Forty-nine (49) percent of the varsity student-athletes (204 of 416) completed the spring 2010 semester with cumulative GPAs of 3.0 or better. The CUMULATIVE grade point average for Westfield State's 416 varsity athletes following the SPRING, 2010 semester was 2.96.
SERVICES
Graduate Assistant
Kaitlin Welsh is in her second year as Graduate Assistant for the Academic Support program for student-athletes. She is enrolled in the Graduate and Continuing Education program and pursuing a master's degree in education.
Study Hall
All freshmen attend four hours of study hall for seven weeks while in season. Study hall is offered 9 hours per week in the Ely Library. Student must sign in and out and log four hours per week. More information can be found in the Student-Athlete Datebook and the Student-Athlete Handbook.
Progress Reports
Academic progress of freshmen is monitored by the graduate assistant through progress reports. Progress reports are distributed to faculty 1-2 times per semester.
Computer Lab
A multi-media computer lab located in the Woodward Center is one of many labs on campus available to students.
Datebooks
Datebooks are purchased annually to assist student-athletes with time management.
Faculty Mentors
A small number of faculty mentors work with select athletic teams to further encourage intellectual development. Faculty Mentors assist in integrating academics and athletics on campus and create a bridge for students between the classroom and the playing field or court.
Tutors
The University’s Tutoring Center provides free academic assistance on an unlimited basis to any students at the University who request it. Tutoring is available in all areas of the University curriculum. Tutors are outstanding juniors, seniors, or graduate students who excel academically and are recommended by faculty. The Tutoring Center is located in Wilson Hall, Room 234. The Center is open 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays. Westfield State athletic department staff members can assist student-athletes with obtaining tutors.
Reading and Writing Center
The Reading and Writing Center is located in Parenzo Hall Room 218. The center helps students read, write, and learn more effectively. Appointments can be made by calling 572-5569 or online at www.rich17.com/wsc/. It is recommended that the need for help be anticipated and an appointment made in advance.
Athletics
The Howard C. Smith Cup - Westfield State re-claimed the Smith cup in 2009-10, as the Owls have won three of the last four cups. Bridgewater State took the title in 2008-09 and Salem State has claimed 19 of the 39 Smith Cups overall. Bridgewater State and Westfield State follow with nine cups each.
Personal Development
Westfield State University’s athletics department supports the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills. At Westfield State, programs are offered to educate student-athletes in the areas of nutrition, health and safety, alcohol and drugs, hazing, and other areas that compromise the success of student-athletes. Current scheduled workshops include:
Jennifer Giffune, August 31st, 9:00 AM, Addressing Football on Nutrition & Supplements
Dan Duval, September 22nd, 6:00 PM, Addressing Alcohol Abuse
Career Development
Student-athletes pursue career and life goals while attending Westfield State University. Leadership training is widespread in the athletics department through the Student-Athlete Advisory Board, Peer Educator program, captains’ workshops, and regional and national NCAA Leadership Conferences. On campus, Athletics partners with Career Services to offer programming to student-athlete leaders.
Service
Student-athletes are engaged in service to the campus and surrounding communities. Student-athletes at Westfield State participate in a wide array of community service activities such as clinics, assisting with freshmen moving in, clothing drives, and a Secret Santa program for disadvantaged children.