As we have taken you through several facets of life as a student-athlete at USC, you may have noticed the recurring theme of emphasis on academics. As previously mentioned, academic success is a huge part of the life of a student-athlete at USC. In order to succeed academically, class attendance is imperative.Although each student athlete's success in the classroom is a result of their effort and will to succeed, they are not in it alone. With the guidance of Student-Athlete Academic Services staff members, athletes are given the tools to excel. Eligibility is always a factor for student athletes, and if the athletes slack off in school they will be held accountable.
"We've seen over the years a direct relationship between students who have a number of absences and their poor academic performance," says Dr. Magdi El Shahawy, Director of SAAS.
In order to ensure attendance, Terrel Ray (affectionately known as "T-Ray") and Willie Brown, two members of the SAAS staff, are sent out to classes to take roll.
"[Ray and Brown] check to make sure the athletes are in class, periodically talk to professors to find out academic progress updates, and sometimes the professors will give them concerns to relay back to their academic advisors," El Shahawy says of the roles of Ray and Brown play.
Ray and Brown report back to SAAS, and a report is filed and distributed to the coaches on a daily basis. If the athletes miss class, their coaches will be notified and the appropriate actions will be taken. Coaches take class attendance as seriously as practice attendance, because if an athlete becomes ineligible, they will not be able to contribute to the team's success.
The athletes fully understand the importance of class attendance and academic success.
"It is important to go to school, for us especially because we need to stay on track," tailback C.J. Gable said. "If we don't go to class we won't be able to play in the games. We need our education because football is not forever and we need a back up."
In addition to simply attending class, SAAS staff members offer tips that the athlete may keep in mind in order to get the most out of every lecture. El Shahawy suggests that the athletes sit in the front of the classroom and give the class their full attention. Ultimately, it is up to the athlete to determine his or her success as a student, but there is no shortage of resources or guidance within SAAS to help them achieve their highest potential.
- By Courtney Kalisz, USCRipsIt staff writer
