Introduction to Self-Study Report

Introduction to Self-Study Report

Women's Track, Outdoor Big South Conference Women's Volleyball Big South Conference

1. Athletics program structure ('X' all that apply):
2. X one combined athletics department separate men's and women's departments incorporated unit separate from institution department within a physical education division
1. Date of NCAA major infractions case(s) (if any) since previous certification self-study and impact (if any) on the areas of the certification program.

None

5. Other significant events (with dates) in the history of intercollegiate athletics program:

Winthrop was a women's college until 1974 when men were admitted and an NAIA athletics program was begun. Winthrop became an NCAA Division I school in 1986.

Significant events since the last self-study: Fall 2000 - Addition of CHAMPS/Life Skills Director Spring 2001 - New Baseball Stadium opened Fall 2002 - Addition of Athletic Academic Coordinator position Fall 2002 - New Softball Complex opened Fall 2003 - Addition of Strength Coach position Spring 2004 - New Tennis Complex opened Fall 2004 - New Softball locker room/hitting facility opened Fall 2004 - Opening of Academic Center including new computer lab Summer 2005 - New Track facility opened

Introduction to Self-Study Report

2000 - Addition of Eagle Club/Development Director position Spring 2003 - Addition of Associate Athletic Director for Operations

5. Significant changes impacting the institution and/or athletics program, if any (e.g., conference affiliation, sports sponsored, changes in admissions standards, significant changes in graduation rates, changes in mission statement of the athletics program, changes in fiscal stability/condition of the athletics program), since the institution's previous certification self-study:

Fall 2003 - Started competition in Women's varsity soccer

Review of Sports Programs by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics initiated in Spring 2004

Introduction to Self-Study Report

through an email announcing the posting. Senior Woman's Administrator, Norma McDuffie, encouraged members of the SAAC to review the report carefully and respond to its findings. Each member of the Board was given a paper copy of the report in May for their review and response.

4. Provide a copy of the institution's written plan for conducting the self-study.

Winthrop University NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study Plan 2004-2005

Beginning in November of 2004, Winthrop University will undergo a self-study of its Athletics program as part of the NCAA Division I second cycle certification process. Individuals from across the campus community, including faculty, staff, students, Trustees, booster club members and representatives of the Rock Hill community, will examine and evaluate the program within the areas of Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance, Academic Integrity, and Equity and Student Athlete Welfare.

Goals

Self-awareness - The self-study will create an opportunity to educate the entire Winthrop community about the mission and goals of our athletics program. The Steering Committee will examine the ways our athletics program supports the mission of the University through an in depth review of the current policies and practices within the program.

Affirmation - The process will reveal those areas in which the athletics program has made a positive contribution to the University and provide an opportunity to document those successes.

Opportunities to improve - Because the certification process will involve broad based participation from across all areas of the Winthrop community, it will allow the institution to identify, from a variety of perspectives, those areas where improvement might be made in the athletics program. Additionally, the public review of the final report will afford opportunity for continued discussion of Winthrop's program as it continues to develop a long range plan.

First Cycle Plans and Required Actions

At the conclusion of the first cycle certification process the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification required no actions of Winthrop University. The institution did identify several areas during the process of conducting the self-study which required an action by the University and those actions were addressed in the final report and reviewed and approved by the Committee on Athletics Certification. In response to the University's Interim Report in 2002, the Committee on Athletics Certification provided clear direction on those Operating Principles requiring more fully developed review in the second certification cycle. Winthrop continues to be guided by the NCAA requirements for institutional plans including its gender equity and minority opportunities plans.

The Steering Committee

The Certification process will be directed by the Steering Committee following the guidelines set forth in the NCAA Athletics Certification Handbook. The Steering Committee will review reports of the institution's first cycle self-study and its interim report to prepare to respond to specific issues within the second cycle self-study. Steering Committee members Sarah Stallings, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Brien Lewis, Dean of University College, and Bethany Marlowe, Dean of Students, will serve as sub-committee chairs and will coordinate the activities of the subcommittees throughout the process. Members of the committee will announce the progress of the self-study to Faculty Conference, the Board of Trustees, the Eagle Club, the Council of Student Leaders, SAAC, and the student body as the process moves forward. The Steering Committee will review the draft reports of the sub-committees to determine if all appropriate data has been gathered and all appropriate institutional personnel have been consulted. Guided by the NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study Instrument, the committee will evaluate the institution's conformity with the appropriate Operating Principles. All Steering Committee meetings will be documented and those minutes will be considered part of Winthrop's self-study. Once the final report has been approved by President DiGiorgio and the Winthrop Board of Trustees, the Steering Committee will make it available to the entire Winthrop Community, as well as the public in general, on the University's web site.

Steering Committee

Introduction to Self-Study Report

Dr. Thomas Moore, Chair, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio, President

Evelyne Weeks, Faculty Athletics Representative

Tom Hickman, Athletics Director

Norma McDuffie, Senior Woman's Administrator

Dr. Sarah Stallings, Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Margaret Williamson, Dean of Enrollment Management

Brien Lewis, Dean, University College

Dr. Roger Weikle, Dean, College of Business Administration

Bethany Marlowe, Dean of Students

Mary Jean Martin, Board of Trustees, Chair

Rich Fowler, President, Council of Student Leaders

John Black, President, Winthrop Eagle Club

Sub Committees

The three sub-committees will review the NCAA Certification Handbook, the Self-Study Instrument and reports from the Committee on Athletics Certification related to Winthrop's first cycle certification self-study and the University's interim report. Each sub-committee chair will serve as editor for the sub-committee's specific area. Members of the sub-committee will be responsible for gathering data from appropriate campus constituents. Sub-committee chairs will be responsible for maintaining written records of sub-committee meetings, attendance of members at meetings, specific assignments of individuals and names of those interviewed as part of the committee's assignment. Chairs will report on the progress of sub-committees and present draft reports to the Steering Committee.

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance Dean Brien Lewis, Chair

Frank Pullano, Asst. Prof. Mathematics, Chair, FACIA Mark Dewalt, Prof./Director of Graduate Studies, Education Sandy Wilson, Assoc. Prof. Health & Physical Education Andy Doyle, Asst. Prof. History Jim Connell, Prof. Art & Design Steve Flippen, Director of Compliance, Athletics Tim Drueke, Registrar Nancy Coulter, Scholarship & Work Study Coordinator, Financial Aid Jack DeRochi, Asst. Prof. English Jonathan Settle, Student-athlete, Baseball

Academic Integrity Dr. Sarah Stallings, Chair

Mel Horton, Asst. Prof. Health & Physical Education Scott Huffmon, Asst. Prof. Political Science Curt Laird, Asst. Prof. Health & Physical Education Danez Marrable, Director of Academic Services, Athletics Mark Cooke, Head Softball Coach Melissa Heinz, Head Women's Soccer Coach Debi Barber, Director of Admissions Terra Sheffield,Asst. Registrar Will Nova, Student-athlete, Men's Soccer

Equity and Student Athlete Welfare Dean Bethany Marlowe, Chair

Introduction to Self-Study Report

Alice McLaine, Director, Athletic Training Education Program Carlton Bessinger,Associate Professor, Human Nutrition Gay Randolph, Asst. Prof. College of Business Administration Jon Marx, Professor of Sociology Jeff Lahr, Asst. Athletic Dir. For Athletic Training Chip Pugh, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jason Capel, Dir. Of Athletic Marketing & Game Management Joel McCartney, Head Volleyball Coach Kelly James, Asst. Professor, Sociology Jolandra Crump, Student-athlete, Women's Basketball

Resource Groups

Individuals have been identified to be available resources for the sub-committees as well as the Steering Committee and a roster has been created to facilitate the gathering of information throughout the self-study.

Winthrop Athletics 2004-2005

Baur, Mike Intern, Media Relations (statistician for all sports as assigned) baurm@winthrop.edu 6067

Best, Brett Asst. M/W Track Coach (Throws Coach) bestb@winthrop.edu 6389

Best, Mindy Athletic Trainer (for selected sports and as needed in all sports) bestm@winthrop.edu 6257

Boulware, Kathy Administrative Assistant for M/W Basketball boulwarek@winthrop.edu 6221

Brinkley, Nate Asst. Director of Marketing and Game Management (temporarily filling position - assistant to Jason Capel) 6230

Brown, Gayle Administrative Assistant for Sports Programs brownga@winthrop.edu 6222

Capel, Jason Director of Marketing and Game Management (sponsorship and advertising sales, promotions, athletic event management) capelj@winthrop.edu 6240

Carvalho, Cid M/W Head Tennis Coach carvalhoa@winthrop.edu 6241

Childers, Bud Women's Head Basketball Coach

Introduction to Self-Study Report

childersb@winthrop.edu 6232

Cooke, Mark Women's Softball Coach cookem@winthrop.edu 6239

DiEduardo, Kyle Assistant Baseball Coach dieduardok@winthrop.edu 6318

Dorsett, Linda Admn. Asst. for Eagle Club and Marketing/Game Management dorsettl@winthrop.edu 6224

Drummond, Mike Associate Athletic Director for Operations (oversees facility operations, sports information, athletic training, strength & conditioning) drummondm@winthrop.edu 6405

DuBard, Sharen Director of Athletic Development and Eagle Club (Eagle Club programs, membership, social events, fund raising) dubards@winthrop.edu 6218

Elias, Christi Asst. Women's Soccer Coach eliasc@winthrop.edu 6370

Finn, Scott Director of Coliseum Operations (facility and athletic event support personnel, outside users coordination, coliseum management) finns@winthrop.edu 6258

Flippen, Steve Director of Compliance and Student-Athlete Services (NCAA rules compliance officer; oversees academic support and Life Skills program) flippens@winthrop.edu 6227

Forbes, Scott Assistant Baseball Coach forbess@winthrop.edu 6228

Frost, Jack Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations (in charge of media relations and sports information services) frostj@winthrop.edu 6245

Garrett, Shaun Administrative Assistant for Men's Basketball 6247

Grant, Earl Asst. Men's Basketball Coach

Introduction to Self-Study Report

grante@winthrop.edu 6244

Harnack, Rachel Asst. Women's Volleyball Coach harnackr@winthrop.edu 6264

Heinz, Melissa Women's Head Soccer Coach heinzm@winthrop.edu 6367

Hickman, Tom Director of Athletics hickmant@winthrop.edu 6226

Hudak, Joe Head Baseball Coach hudakj@winthrop.edu 6235

Lahr, Jeff Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Training (in charge of athletic injury care and treatment and rehabilitation) lahrj@winthrop.edu 6248

LaRue, Katie GA Coach for Women's Basketball 6365

Marrable, Danez Athletics Academic Coordinator (academic monitoring, advising, study hall program, tutoring program) marrabled@winthrop.edu 6405

Marshall, Gregg Head Men's Basketball Coach marshallg@winthrop.edu 6243

McCartney, Andrea Assistant Volleyball Coach (assists Jason Capel with women's sports) mccartneya@winthrop.edu 6264

McCartney, Joel Head Women's Volleyball Coach mccartneyj@winthrop.edu 6249

McDuffie, Norma Director of CHAMPS/Life Skills; Senior Woman's Administrator (advisor to Student-Athlete Advisory Council; deals with student-athlete welfare issues and does programming related to academic and Life Skills; coordinates student-athlete community service projects) mcduffien@winthrop.edu 6229

Introduction to Self-Study Report

Meyer, Ted Asst. M/W Soccer Coach (Goalies Coach for both men's and women's soccer) meyert@winthrop.edu 6213

Molinari, Paul Asst. M. Basketball Coach molinarip@winthrop.edu 6242

Newsome, Debbie Athletics Business Manager (processes all financial related documents) newsomed@winthrop.edu 6223

Parks, Danny Asst. W. Softball Coach parksd@winthrop.edu 6250

Paxton, Ben Head M/W Track & Field/ Cross Country Coach paxtonb@winthrop.edu 6237

Peele, Randy Asst. Men's Basketball Coach peeler@winthrop.edu 6355

Polizzotto, Roberta Asst. Athletic Trainer (1/4) (Clinical Coordinator in College of Education) (athletic trainer for men's and women's tennis and supervises all student trainers) polizzottor@winthrop.edu 4648

Posipanko, Rich Head Men's Soccer Coach posipankor@winthrop.edu 6236

Pugh, Chip Head Strength and Conditioning Coach pughc@winthrop.edu 6442

Redden, Brett Asst. Media Relations Director (assists with sports information and media relations and has specific sports as assigned) reddenb@winthrop.edu 6246

Ridenhour, Dan Assistant Men's Soccer Coach ridenhourd@winthrop.edu 6256

Schreiner, Bobbie Asst. Track & Field/Cross Country Coach schreinerb@winthrop.edu 6389

Introduction to Self-Study Report

Stokes, Dee Asst. Women's Basketball Coach stokesd@winthrop.edu 6234

Turner, Tuonisia Asst. Women's Basketball Coach turnert@winthrop.edu 6233

Weldon, Eddie Head M/W Golf Coach weldone@winthrop.edu 6238

Wendt, Jodi Assistant M/W Golf Coach wendtj@winthrop.edu 6308

Woods, Sonya Intern Strength and Conditioning Coach 6442

Wright, Diane Administrative Assistant/Executive Support wrightd@winthrop.edu 6225

Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics (3 year staggered term for faculty members plus a chair; 1 year term for students)

Frank Pullano Arts & Sciences chair - appointed Carlton Bessinger Arts & Sciences Appointed 2006 Jim Connell Visual & Performing Arts Appointed 2005 Mark Dewalt Education Appointed 2006 Andrew Doyle Arts & Sciences Appointed 2007 Mel Horton Education Appointed 2006 Scott Huffmon Arts & Sciences Appointed 2006 Curt Laird Education Appointed 2006 Jonathan Marx Arts & Sciences Appointed 2006 Norma McDuffie, Senior Woman's Administrtor Appointed 2005 Alice McLaine Education Appointed 2005 Gay Randolph Business Administration Appointed 2006 Sandra Wilson Education Appointed 2006 Evelyne Weeks Faculty Athletics Rep Appointed **Tomeika Banks Student Appt by Chair, CSL 2005 **Will Nova Student Appt by Chair, CSL 2005 **Tom Hickman Athletic Director ex officio **Steve Flippen Director for Compliance ex officio

Institutional Liaisons

Evelyne Weeks, Faculty Athletics Representative, will serve as chief report writer and campus liaison responsible for fielding questions from institutional personnel and forwarding them to the Mira Coleman, NCAA liaison.

Norma McDuffie, together with DeeAnna Brooks, will coordinate preparations for the evaluation visit, including lodging and travel for peer-review team members, scheduling interviews and organizing any work-related needs for peer reviewers.

Introduction to Self-Study Report

Winthrop will not involve any outside agencies in conducting this self-study. The Big South Conference office will be involved only through its normal relationship with the institution. Most specifically, the conference compliance evaluation will be reviewed and included in the self-study report.

Timeline Sept 2004 - NCAA Certification Self-study announced publicly in Winthrop's Vision of Distinction Oct. 6, 2004 - Self Study materials distributed to Steering Committee Nov. 4, 2004 - Orientation visit March 15, 2005 - Report presented for campus and community response April, 2005 - Report presented for approval of Board of Trustees May, 2005 - Report posted on the University's web-site for public review July 15, 2005 - Report submitted to the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification Nov. 2005 - Peer Review team visit

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

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The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, comprised of the Board's officers and committee chairs, is regularly consulted by the President on significant athletic decisions, which are the responsibility of the President. This same practice is applied to all areas of the University.

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The Board approves the entire annual University budget, including Athletics.

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The Board approves the entire University annual tuition and fee schedules including those related to student athletic fees.

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The Board is responsible for capital projects. During the past three years the Board was involved in several important decisions in the planning and development of athletic facilities, including new tennis facilities and an intercollegiate track. On November 7, 2003, the Board approved the issuance of bonds for the track and field project. This project is in progress. At the November 8, 2002, meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board passed a resolution to issue bonds to finance the tennis facilities project. This project has now been completed.

1. Based upon the institution's experience in the last three years, list the decisions related to intercollegiate athletics in which the institution's chief executive officer has been significantly involved.
1. The President of Winthrop University is an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees and takes an active role in decisions related to athletics.
2. The President is assigned ultimate responsibility and authority for the operation, personnel and budget of the athletics program.
3. The Director of Athletics reports directly to the President. This reporting structure gives the President the opportunity to be involved in major decisions such as planning, budgeting and staffing.
4. The President reviews the performance evaluations of Athletics Department personnel and participates in decisions to renew or terminate contracts.
5. The President is involved in decisions related to student-athlete behavior problems through the normal judicial process at the University.
6. The President interviews and approves the recommendation of the Director of Athletics for all candidates for head coach positions. During the past three years, the following head coaches were interviewed and hired: Melissa Heinz (Women's Soccer, 2002) and Bud Childers (Women's Basketball, 2004).
7. The President is also involved in the selection of senior personnel in the Department of Athletics. The President was involved in the creation of the Associate Athletics Director for Operations position and the selection of Michael Drummond to fill this role (2003). The President was also involved in the selection of Norma McDuffie as CHAMPS/ Life Skills Director and Senior Woman's Administrator.
8. The President discusses final candidates for other positions with the Director of Athletics, such as assistant coaches, but the President is not necessarily involved in these candidates' interviews.
9. The President is involved in planning and budgeting for new athletics facilities and refurbishment or improvement of existing facilities. Within the past three years the following new facilities have been initiated or completed: a tennis complex, an intercollegiate track, and a locker room/indoor batting facility for Women's Softball. Within the past three years the following refurbishments or improvement of existing facilities have been initiated or completed: adding brick facing to the exterior of the Coliseum; replacing spectator seats in the Coliseum; renovating the Coliseum to
2. (1) expand ticket facilities, (2) provide space for a retail store for Winthrop merchandise, (3) provide space for an Athletics Hall of Fame, (4) provide space for a restaurant ("Eagle's Nest"), (5) provide office space and a team room for women's volleyball, (6) refurbish the main lobby, and (7) enhance the computer lab and study hall areas provided as academic support for student-athletes, (8)relocate and expand the weight room and training facilities.
1. Describe the process by which the institution makes major decisions regarding intercollegiate athletics. In so doing, describe the role and authority of the institution's governing board, the chief executive officer, the athletics board or committee (if one exists), the faculty athletics representative(s), the director of athletics, and any other appropriate campus constituencies (e.g., faculty, students, institutional personnel involved in rules-compliance activities) in this process.

Winthrop University is committed to following the letter and the spirit of all NCAA, Conference and Institutional rules and regulations. Winthrop University has established decision-making processes to ensure institutional control regarding intercollegiate athletics.

The governing Board retains final authority for all matters at the University but has delegated to the President the managerial and administrative responsibility for the ongoing operations of the University. The President appoints and supervises the Director of Athletics, the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), Winthrop University officials described below, and most members of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics (FACIA). Major decisions are made by the President with input from each of these bodies and individuals as appropriate.

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

Governing Board - Board of Trustees

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The Board approves the annual budget for the University, including that of the Department of Athletics.

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The Board has an Executive Committee (defined above in response to #4) and three standing committees: Academic Affairs, Finance, and University Relations. *The University Relations Committee is charged with the oversight of the intercollegiate athletics program at Winthrop University. This committee is also charged with the oversight of all matters related to student life, alumni relations, and matters relating to the encouragement of private support and institutional fundraising for Winthrop University. Members of the committee during the 2003-04 academic year were: Glenda Owens, Kathy Bigham, and Rich Fowler (Student Representative). One seat on the committee was vacant until filled in June 2004 upon the election by the South Carolina General Assembly of Donna Tinsley to fill an unexpired term.

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The University Relations Committee meets three to four times a year to review matters under its purview. During these meetings they receive reports from the Department of Athletics on academic performance of athletes, personnel, budget matters, facilities, the Big South Conference, the NCAA, external relations with the community, and other matters.

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The Board took an active role in the NCAA certification process. Moreover, the Chair of the Board, Mary Jean Martin, was an active participant in the self-study process for NCAA certification and served on the Steering Committee.

Chief Executive Officer - The President

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The President reports to the Board and serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member.

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As the President is "charged with the managerial and administrative responsibility for the ongoing operations of the University" [Board of Trustees By-Laws Article VI.B], he is actively involved in an ongoing manner in all major athletics policy decisions. The President also reviews and approves the budget of the Athletics Department. His oversight role for the Athletics Department is consistent with his oversight role for all aspects of the University.

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The President directly supervises the Director of Athletics.

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The President appoints the Faculty Athletics Representative.

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The President appoints the members of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics.

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The President regularly reviews all matters related to athletics performance (e.g., student conduct, external relations).

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The President holds regularly scheduled bi-weekly meetings with the Director of Athletics. The Director of Athletics has the same meeting schedule with the President as each of the University's four Vice Presidents.

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The President is often personally involved with the recruitment of student-athletes during on campus visits.

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The President interviews all prospective head coaching candidates at the University.

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The President represents the University on the Big South Conference Council of Presidents.

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The President meets with those within the institution and from the Big South Conference responsible for preparing and conducting compliance audits and site visits.

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The combination of institutional, departmental, and other voices speaking directly to the President on all aspects of the athletics program ensure that the President has a wide view of the status of the program and its individual components.

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The President was recently appointed to the NCAA Board of Directors and took office in April, 2005.

Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics (FACIA) *The Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics (FACIA)'s primary function is to provide the President and the Department of Athletics input on areas that relate to and have an impact on the academic pursuits of the University. The Committee's primary goal is to promote and ensure the best environment for the student-athlete. Toward that end, the Committee is kept informed on, and may initiate or recommend to the President, policy relative to intercollegiate athletics in the following areas: (1) compliance with governmental, NCAA and academic accrediting agency regulations; (2) status and level of competition in each sport (including preseason and postseason contests) and conference affiliations; (3) financial aid, academic eligibility and athletic awards for student-athletes; (4) the addition or deletion of any varsity sport; (5) long-range planning; and (6) personnel changes. An example of the latter is when FACIA Chair, Frank Pullano, was invited to meet with candidates for the Women's Basketball Head Coach position.

*The FACIA receives reports from the Athletics Department on NCAA rule changes, academic progress of student-athletes, and policies on matters ranging from gender equity to recruiting. The FACIA has the opportunity to comment on and provide feedback about the plans and policies of the Athletics Department. In 2003-04 the FACIA also took on the role of hearing student-athlete appeals based on denial of permission to contact or the one-time transfer exception. This procedure is outlined on page 40 of the Athletics Department's Compliance Manual.

*All faculty members of the FACIA, (as well as its chair,) are appointed by the President. The FACIA meets at least annually with the President to receive its charge and present advice and reports. A significant charge from the President to the FACIA over the past three years has been to conduct periodic reviews of every athletic program.

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

This series of institutional reviews was instituted voluntarily by the President to ensure a comprehensive institutional understanding of the quality of academic and student life for the student-athletes, compliance matters, and the overall status of athletic programs and their facilities. These reviews include interviews with coaches and student-athletes. Recommendations from these reviews are shared with the President. The FACIA is developing a regular biannual rotation of reviews to ensure each program is routinely visited.

The members of the FACIA are listed in response to Item #7 below.

Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)

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The FAR is appointed by and reports to the President.

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The FAR is a permanent member of the FACIA.

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The FAR has regularly scheduled meetings with the President and also meets with the President as necessary.

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The FAR occasionally meets with potential student-athletes during on-campus visits.

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The FAR is frequently involved in the selection process for head coaches.

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The FAR is regularly involved with individual student-athletes on issues of concern to them related to the athletics program.

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The FAR sits on the Big South Conference Board of Administrators, which addresses issues related to Conference operations, personnel, policies, and Championships.

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The FAR attends all Big South Conference Board of Administrators meetings and casts institutional votes on the Faculty Athletics Representatives Council.

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The FAR verifies the certification eligibility process.

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The FAR serves as the liaison with the University faculty and the Office of Records and Registration in matters involving student-athletes and academic issues.

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The FAR helps monitor eligibility certification of all student-athletes; has general oversight of the athletics financial aid awards; annually administers the coaches' NCAA recruiting certification exam; is informed of violations; and may assist in recommendation of disciplinary actions.

Director of Athletics (Director)

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The Director of Athletics has overall oversight of the Department of Athletics.

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The Director creates organizational lines of authority for oversight and accountability.

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The Director manages the day-to-day operation of the Department of Athletics.

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The Director is under the direct supervision of the President of the University.

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The Director works closely with the President on all athletics-related matters.

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The Director serves as a member of the Executive Staff, a group comprised of the Vice Presidents, the Deans, and major area Directors, who meet with the President at least once a semester to exchange information and offer counsel.

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The Director sits on the Big South Conference Board of Administrators, which addresses issues related to Conference operations, personnel, policies, and Championships.

Senior Woman's Administrator(SWA)

*The SWA reports to the Director of Athletics. *The SWA is regularly involved with individual student-athletes on issues of concern to them related to the athletics program.

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The SWA sits on the Big South Conference Board of Administrators, which addresses issues related to Conference operations, personnel, policies, and Championships.

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The SWA attends all Big South Conference Board of Administrators meetings and casts institutional votes on the Senior Woman's Administrator Council.

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The SWA is frequently involved in the selection process for head coaches for female sports.

Director of Compliance (DC)

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The DC reports to the Director of Athletics.

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The DC establishes and maintains rules-education programs and procedures for rules interpretation.

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The DC establishes all systems of accountability in the areas of eligibility certification, financial aid, recruitment and general eligibility.

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The DC develops procedures for self-reporting violations and processing eligibility issues.

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The DC facilitates ongoing dialogue related to compliance with institutional staff and administrators outside the Department of Athletics.

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The DC identifies responsibilities of key administrators for implementing and supervising compliance systems.

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The DC has the responsibility to conduct preliminary investigation if there are any possible rules violations. Any

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

violations and recommendations are reviewed and discussed with the Director of Athletics and reported to the NCAA and Big South Conference.

Coaches

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All coaches report to the Director of Athletics.

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Each coach participates fully in rules-education programs; complies with monitoring and documentation requirements; conducts themselves with integrity and in accordance with the NCAA, Big South Conference and University rules; and reports any rules violations.

Dean of Enrollment Management (Dean)

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The Dean reports to the Vice President of Student Life.

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The Dean supervises the Director of Admissions, the Director of Financial Aid, and the Registrar.

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The Dean can approve aid awards, determine admissibility of students, and approve certifications of continuing eligibility.

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The Dean hears any appeal of a decision made by the Director of Financial Aid, the Director of Admissions, or the Registrar.

Director of Admissions

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The Director of Admissions reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

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The Director of Admissions determines admissibility of all students and assures the integrity of the admission process.

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The Director of Admissions certifies all initial eligibility in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and regulations.

Director of Financial Aid

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The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

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The Director of Financial Aid awards aid in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and is responsible for updating the aid portion of the NCAA squad lists for each sport.

Registrar

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The Registrar reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

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The Registrar oversees and certifies all continuing and transfer eligibility in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and regulations.

Assistant Registrar for Records

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The Assistant Registrar for Records reports to the Registrar.

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The Assistant Registrar for Records reviews the academic records of student-athletes and notifies the Registrar of the status of each student-athlete.

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The Assistant Registrar for Records monitors mid year eligibility certification (eg. six hour and semester GPA certification)

7. Please provide the composition of the athletics board or committee, if one exists, including titles and positions.

All faculty members are appointed to serve three-year staggered terms on the FACIA. There are also two student members, appointed by the Chair of the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) to serve one-year terms. The Chair of the CSL also serves as the Student Representative to the Board. Finally, the Director of Athletics and the Director of Compliance serve as ex-officio members of the FACIA.

Members of the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics Frank Pullano, Chair, Arts and Sciences Evelyne Weeks, Faculty Athletics Representative Carlton Bessinger, Arts and Sciences Jim Connell, Visual and Performing Arts Mark Dewalt, Education Andrew Doyle, Arts and Sciences Mel Horton, Education Scott Huffmon, Arts and Sciences Curt Laird, Education

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

Jonathan Marx, Arts and Sciences Norma McDuffie, Senior Woman's Administrator Alice McLaine, Education Gay Randolph, Business Sandra Wilson, Education Tomeika Banks, Student-Athlete, Appointed by Chair, CSL, 2005 Will Nova, Student-Athlete, Appointed by Chair, CSL, 2005 Tom Hickman, Director of Athletics, ex-officio Scott McDonald, Director for Compliance, ex-officio

Information to be available for review by the peer-review team, if requested:

• Minutes of athletics board or committee meetings.
• Composition of the institution's governing borad (including titles and positions).
• Minutes of the institution's governing board meetings. (Please flag those that relate to the athletics program or athletics interests.)
• Published policies of the institution's governing board. (Please flag those that relate to the athletics program or athletics interests.)
• An institutional organizational chart and an athletics department organizational chart.

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

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Subsequent to the resignation of the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services during the summer of 2003, the Athletics Department hired a Director for Compliance and Student Services who performed the same compliance-related duties as his predecessor, and like her, reported directly to the Athletic Director. While the title of the position had changed, the duties remained the same.

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In 2000 the full-time position of Eagle Club Director was added and filled. (The Eagle Club is a booster organization.) The Eagle Club director and the Business Manager described above relieved the Compliance Director and Athletic Director of duties that otherwise limited their oversight of compliance. The Eagle Club Director and Business Manager meet periodically with the Director of Compliance to ensure that they are aware of any NCAA rules changes.

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In 2000 a link to a web page devoted solely to compliance issues was added to the Winthrop Athletics website. This web page contains links to the NCAA website regarding a range of issues, including recruitment, eligibility, academics, graduation rates, drug testing. The web page has been updated periodically since its creation in order to reflect changes in NCAA rules.

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The Athletics Department Policy Manual deals extensively with compliance-related issues. It was updated in 2000 and again in 2004.

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The Athletics Department completed a new Compliance Manual during the fall of 2004. It was distributed to departmental employees and all campus offices involved with Compliance issues during the spring of 2005. This compliance manual is the first such formal compilation that Winthrop University has produced, although compliance matters had formerly been addressed in the Athletics Department Policy Manual and in the Student-Athlete Handbook.

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The Student-Athlete Handbook was updated in 2000 and again in the spring of 2004. These periodic updates incorporate changes in NCAA rules regarding eligibility and academic requirements, among other things.

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At the beginning of each academic year, the Director of Compliance meets with all Winthrop University student-athletes as a group. Subsequent to that meeting, he meets with each individual team. He includes compliance-related issues and any changes in NCAA rules regarding compliance among the subjects that he discusses with the student-athletes.

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The Director of Compliance also meets with coaches on an ongoing basis. In addition to these meetings, he sends a monthly compliance newsletter to all coaches, including assistant coaches. These bulletins contain information regarding compliance-related rules changes, new interpretations of rules, and "hot topics" that are particularly relevant to any given time of the year (i.e. signing times, recruiting visits).

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During the late spring of each year, the Director of Compliance conducts a series of concentrated study sessions with coaching staff to prepare for the annual NCAA recruiting test. This Rules Education Process is ongoing; each of above activities has been implemented periodically since the Interim report.

4. Describe how the activities of the institution's athletics booster groups, support groups and other representatives of the institution's athletics interests are maintained under the clear control of the institution, including whether institutional personnel serve on booster-club, support group or foundation boards.

The reviewers find that athletic booster clubs, support groups and other representatives of the institution's athletic interests are maintained under clear control of the University. Document reviews and interviews to confirm this were conducted in November of 2004.

The Eagle Club serves as the fund-raising group for athletics. The Director of the Eagle Club under the direction of the Athletic Director oversees all fund-raising activities. All Eagle Club funds are dispersed under the direction of the Athletics Director. It should be noted that all athletic expenses are further reviewed by the Winthrop University budget office for approval. All Eagle Club funds are deposited into an account with the Winthrop University Foundation. The Eagle Club does not deal with money that is designated for an individual team although money can be donated to a specific team. Those funds are placed directly into that team's separate "Ledger 2" account. Money that is donated to the Eagle Club is used to support sports programs and for athletic scholarships. The Director of the Eagle Club maintains records of donations and minutes of all meetings.

Coaches must receive approval from the Eagle Club and/or Athletic Director prior to conducting fund raising for individual sports. While this does not happen often, funds generated go into the separate "Ledger 2" account for each team or into the foundation to augment endowment funds for scholarship funds for that team. Each team may

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

spend the money in its Ledger 2 account but only through the office of the Athletic Director by submitting a purchase order.

All "2" accounts relative to athletics are subject to as many as three audits per year: the in house audit, the NCAA audit and the state audit. "2" accounts are audited during the annual state audit and the NCAA audit, and they are subject to internal auditing although this does not necessarily occur each year. There is a clear set of checks and balances in place that ensures that no Winthrop University employee can expend funds without approval of the budget office. This ensures that all Winthrop University guidelines, all state guidelines and all NCAA guidelines are followed. Coaches must declare outside income that is specifically sports related, i.e. shoe contract, summer sports camps, etc.

The Board of Directors of the Eagle Club has 18 voting members and six new members are elected each academic year. The Eagle Club Board of Directors meets once per month during the academic year. Two members of the Board of Directors of the Eagle Club are institutional personnel. No member of the Eagle Club has the authority to expend funds. The Athletic Director and NCAA Compliance Officer inform the Eagle Club members of NCAA guidelines on a regular basis. The Director of the Eagle Club informs the Athletic Director and Compliance officer if they suspect a booster may not be aware of NCAA or state regulations concerning contacts with student-athletes or fund raising. A "Compliance Corner" section is included in the Eagle Club's electronic newsletter as part of the rules education provided for the membership.

The reviewers of the athletic funds and fundraising have found that there is a clear system in place to monitor fundraising and expenditures of such funds. The Athletic Director under the direction of the President and the Board of Trustees ensures compliance to NCAA guidelines.

5. Identify how the institution has organized itself to maintain compliance with NCAA rules. Specify the individual (other than the institution's compliance officer/coordinator) who the CEO designates as being responsible for the institution's rules compliance. Also, include a description of the reporting lines for and responsibilities assigned to the faculty athletics representative, director of athletics, compliance coordinator, coaches, and other key individuals inside and outside athletics (e.g., registrar, financial aid officer, admissions director, internal auditor) who are responsible for documenting and monitoring compliance with NCAA rules, including but not limited to eligibility certification, investigation and self-reporting of violations and monitoring of financial aid.

Winthrop University's Department of Athletics is committed to following the letter and the spirit of all NCAA, Conference and Institutional rules and regulations. Winthrop University has established reporting lines to ensure institutional control within the Department of Athletics. The President (CEO) of the University has designated the Director of Athletics to be the individual who is responsible for the institution's rules compliance.

Director of Athletics

The Director of Athletics is the individual designated by the President (CEO) of Winthrop University who is responsible for the institution's rules compliance. In addition, the Director of Athletics has overall oversight of the Department of Athletics. He establishes commitment to rules compliance for the athletics department and creates organizational lines of authority for oversight and accountability. The Director of Athletics reports to the President of Winthrop University.

Faculty Athletics Representative

The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is appointed by the President. The FAR helps monitor certification of eligibility of all student-athletes, has general oversight of the athletics financial aid awards; annually administers the coaches' NCAA recruiting certification exam; is informed of violations; and may assist in recommendation of disciplinary actions. The Faculty Athletics Representative reports to the President of Winthrop University.

Director of Compliance

The Director of Compliance establishes and maintains rules-education programs and procedures for rules interpretation; establishes all systems of accountability in the areas of eligibility certification, financial aid, recruitment and general eligibility; develops procedures for self-reporting violations and processing eligibility issues; facilitates ongoing dialogue related to compliance with institutional staff and administrators outside the Department of Athletics; and identifies responsibilities of key administrators for implementing and supervising compliance systems. The Director of Compliance has the responsibility to conduct preliminary investigation if there are any

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

possible rules violations. Any violations and recommendations are reviewed and discussed with the director of athletics and reported to the NCAA and Big South Conference. The Director of Compliance reports to the Director of Athletics.

Coaches

Each coach participates fully in rules-education programs; complies with monitoring and documentation requirements; conducts themselves with integrity and in accordance with the NCAA, Big South Conference and University rules; and reports any rules violations. In the annual personnel evaluation of head and assistant coaches, compliance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules is a major component of consideration. Continued employment of every employee is contingent upon compliance with NCAA regulations. All coaches report to the Director of Athletics.

Dean of Enrollment Management

The Dean of Enrollment Management supervises the Directors of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Registrar. The Dean can approve aid awards, determine admissibility of students, and approve certifications of continuing eligibility. In addition, the Dean of Enrollment Management hears any appeal of a decision made by the Director of Financial Aid, the Director of Admissions, or the Registrar. The Dean of Enrollment Management reports to the Vice President of Student Life.

Director of Financial Aid

The Director of Financial Aid awards aid in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and is responsible for updating the aid portion of the NCAA squad lists for each sport. The Director of Financial Aid reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

Director of Admissions

The Director of Admissions determines admissibility of all students and assures the integrity of the admission process. The Director of Admissions also certifies all initial eligibility in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and regulations. The Director of Admissions reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

Registrar The Registrar oversees and certifies all continuing and transfer eligibility in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and regulations. The Registrar reports to the Dean of Enrollment Management.

Assistant Registrar for Records

The Assistant Registrar of Records reviews the academic records of student-athletes and notifies the Registrar of the status of each student-athlete. The Assistant Registrar for Records reports to the Registrar.

1. Describe how the institution ensures that rules compliance is a central element in personnel matters for individuals inside the athletics department.
1. During the hiring process, the departmental search committee performs due diligence to determine whether any job applicant has ever been guilty of any major NCAA rules violation(s).
2. The letters of appointment and job descriptions for all coaches and professional administrative personnel contain a clause requiring their adherence to all NCAA rules while in the employ of Winthrop University, including those related to compliance.
3. The annual evaluation process includes an assessment of violations of all NCAA regulations. If any departmental employee has committed any minor violation, a letter is placed in his or her personnel file.
1. Describe how the institution ensures that rules compliance is a central element in personnel matters for individuals outside the athletics department who are involved in rules-compliance activities.

Formal lines of communication have been established and are maintained between the Director of Compliance and other institutional staff members including those in Undergraduate Admissions, Records and Registration, and the Office of Financial Aid. The following descriptions illustrate each office's involvement in rules-compliance activities:

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

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The Director of Financial Aid awards aid in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and is responsible for completing the NCAA squad lists for each sport.

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The Director of Admission determines admissibility of all students and assures the integrity of the admission process. The Director of Admissions also certifies all initial eligibility in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and regulations.

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The Registrar and Assistant Registrar oversee and certify all continuing and transfer eligibility and eligibility checklists for all teams in accordance with NCAA, Big South Conference and institutional rules and regulations.

The following are specific examples of how Winthrop University ensures that rules compliance is a central element in personnel matters:

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The Director of Compliance, under the supervision of the Director of Athletics, educates all personnel regarding NCAA compliance. Information is disseminated via face-to-face meetings, monthly newsletters, and email thus assuring timely attention to compliance issues.

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The NCAA Manual and Winthrop University Compliance Manual are distributed to all employees outside the Department of Athletics involved in rules-compliance activities.

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A NCAA recruiting calendar is distributed to all employees outside the Department of Athletics involved in rules compliance.

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The Director of Admissions and the Registrar are members of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and regularly attend NCAA sponsored workshops at each group's Annual Meeting.

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The Director of Financial Aid regularly attends NCAA related presentations at the annual National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and South Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators meetings.

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The job descriptions and letters of appointment for all University personnel involved in compliance contain a clause requiring their adherence to all NCAA rules while in the employ of Winthrop University, including those related to compliance.

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The annual evaluation process includes an assessment of violations of all NCAA regulations. If any employee has committed any minor violation, a letter is placed in his or her personnel file.

8. Please describe the policies and step-by-step procedures that include assignment of specific responsibilities pertaining to rules compliance in other areas (if applicable).

Not applicable, per NCAA staff liaison, Mira Fronczek.

9. Indicate the dates of the institution's rules-compliance program evaluation conducted by an authority outside of athletics at least once every four years.

The Big South Conference conducted an on-campus institutional compliance review on October 20-21, 2004. Winthrop University received the report on December 13, 2004. The Athletics Department prepared a written response which was submitted in February 2005.

10. Indicate the individual or individuals responsible for conducting the institution's rules-compliance evaluation. Further, describe the process used in selecting this authority outside of athletics to ensure the individual or individuals do not have day-to-day compliance responsibilities for the institution's athletics department and are knowledgeable in NCAA legislation and rules-compliance practices.

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The Big South Conference office evaluates the athletic program every two years. Dawn Turner, the Assistant Commissioner for Compliance of the Big South Conference, conducted the rules-compliance evaluation in October 2004.

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As a member of the conference, Winthrop University is required to undergo this evaluation as a condition of conference membership. This Institutional Compliance Review is outlined in Section 9 of the Big South Conference Compliance Manual, 2000-01. The specifics of the compliance review are outlined in the NCAA publication

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

"Conference Guide to Institutional Compliance Reviews". The Big South Conference provides, in the Conference Compliance Manual, a Compliance Review Checklist that asks the institution to demonstrate good institutional control and effective program management in the following areas:

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Presidential Authority and Lines of Communication

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Campus-Wide commitment to Compliance

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Rules Education

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Violations Management

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Documentation

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Student-Athlete Welfare and Equity

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Certification Issues

11. The rules-compliance evaluation must consist of a review to determine that the compliance practices are engaged and functioning and must include, at minimum, specific areas. Please indicate by clicking "yes" or "no" which areas were included in the rules-compliance evaluation.

Initial Eligibility Certification. Continuing-eligibility certification. Transfer-eligibility certification. Financial aid administration, including individual and team limits. Recruiting (e.g., official visit, etc). Camps and clinics. Investigations and self-reporting of rules violations. Rules education. Extra Benefits. Playing and Practice Seasons. Student-athlete employment.

Yes

No

X X X X X X X X X X X

12. Describe the relevant corrective actions planned or implemented from the rules-compliance program evaluations(s).

The Department of Athletics does have many informal education sessions with individuals both within and outside of the Athletics Department. The department also encourages the attendance of representatives from the Office of the Registrar, the Financial Aid Office and the Admissions Office to the Big South Compliance Workshop each year. Typically those individuals attend whenever possible. It has been felt that this level of training was sufficient. The University will continue to review its rules education program to see if a more formal program would improve its compliance capabilities.

The Department of Athletics has completed a separate compliance manual which is being made available to all campus constituencies involved in the compliance process. During the development of this manual, individuals within the Athletics Department along with those in the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Financial Aid, the Admissions Office and the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative were consulted regarding the development of procedures. Such policies and procedures will be reviewed on a regular basis and the manual will be updated as needed.

The institution will take under advisement the formation of a compliance committee and will look into the feasibility of such a committee. The Faculty Athletics Representative at Winthrop is intimately involved with the compliance process and adequately serves as a liaison and as a spot check for the entire compliance process. Up to this point it has been felt that the close working relationship that exists amongst the various offices has made a compliance committee unnecessary.

Although the Compliance Director does regular rules education updates with the coaching staff, the department will work to implement a more formal orientation program for new staff centered around Winthrop processes and procedures.

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance

The Director of Compliance does a regular e-mail compliance newsletter. Additionally, in person discussions are held on an as-needed basis. The department will examine the feasibility of including compliance-related topics at its regular departmental meetings.

The institution does utilize the NCAA Compliance Assistant Software for the Internet and benefits from its use as a monitoring device. The institution will look further to see what else can be done to monitor temporary certification periods for freshmen.

Information to be available for review by the peer-review team, if requested:

• List of athletics booster organizations and their officers.
• Description of athletics booster group policies and procedures (e.g., constitution and bylaws).
• Documentation required by the institution to maintain compliance with NCAA rules (e.g., compliance manual, recruiting logs, eligibility files).
• Documentation generated as a result of conference involvement with the institution in reviewing compliance efforts.
• Documentation related to secondary rules violations for the last three years and the institutional response to those violations.
• Conference manual.
• Planning documents related to athletics (if any).
• Job descriptions for individuals inside the athletics department and individuals outside the athletics department who are involved in rules-compliance activities.
• Contracts or letters of appointment for individuals inside the athletics department and individuals outside the athletics department who are involved in rules-compliance activities.
• Personnel evaluation criteria for individuals inside the athletics department and individuals outside the athletics department who are involved in rules-compliance activities.
• Philosophy statements and other applicable sections of policy manuals for individuals inside the athletics department and individuals outside the athletics department who are involved in rules-compliance activities.
• Documentation related to the evaluation of the institution's rules-compliance program by an authority outside of athletics at least once every four years.

Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

4. Describe the process by which student-athletes are admitted to your institution and identify the agencies vested with this responsibility. In what ways (if any) do the process and/or criteria used for the admission of student-athletes differ from the process for admitting students generally? Be specific and give careful attention to key decision points (e.g., establishment of admissions criteria, approval of special admissions) in these processes and the individuals or groups involved at each point, including the role, either formal or informal, the athletics department plays (if any) in the admissions process for student-athletes.

The policies governing admission to Winthrop University are the same for student-athletes and non student-athletes. Non student-athletes and student-athletes can be admitted as either regular or provisional students. In addition, all student-athletes must be certified by the NCAA Clearing House.

The admissions process operates independently from the Department of Athletics. Student-athletes are required to submit completed applications, including official transcripts and official test scores to the Office of Admissions. All applicants must pay a $40.00 application fee unless they qualify for a fee waiver due to financial hardship, participate in the South Carolina's Teacher Cadet Program, or qualify to submit a Preferred Priority Application.

The Director of Compliance in the Department of Athletics serves as liaison between the coaching staff and to the Office of Admissions. He submits requests for information regarding the status of student-athletes' applications to the Director of Admissions. In addition, he provides a list of prospective student-athletes by sport to the Director of Admissions who updates the list by providing admissions decisions after decision letters have been generated.

The Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions annually discuss goals and objectives and policies related to admission to the University. This group annually submits suggested policy changes to the Executive Officers (which include the President and four Vice Presidents) of Winthrop. Following their approval, the Board of Trustees is apprised of proposed changes and approves recommendations for implementation.

All applicant files are reviewed by the Office of Admissions, and this office is solely responsible for rendering the admissions decisions. Students file an application for admission with the Office of Admissions. They can select to file online or submit a paper application. Upon receipt of credentials required for admission (see below), applicants' files are reviewed by members of the admissions staff who make the initial admissions decision. The Director of Admissions makes the final decision on all applicants. Students are notified of the decision on a bi-weekly basis.

Selected excerpts related to the admission process from the Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005 (p. 7) follow.

Winthrop University admits all qualified applicants and offers equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Admission to Winthrop is competitive. Enrollment is maintained at a level that permits personal interaction between student and professor and allows Winthrop to offer an exemplary undergraduate education. Winthrop carefully reviews each applicant on an individual basis and the admissions process is designed to determine the right match between high-achieving students and the distinctive educational opportunities offered at Winthrop University.

Freshman applicants are evaluated using the following criteria: Primary criteria - will always be considered

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high school performance, including class rank

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level of course work

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completion of high school course prerequisites

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standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)*

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guidance counselor recommendation

Notes: The Office of Admissions will use the highest individual scores from the SAT (high verbal + high math), or highest composite score from the ACT when evaluating applicants for admission.

Secondary criteria - optional, will be considered if submitted

* letter(s) of recommendation

Academic Integrity

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factors (extenuating circumstances) affecting performance in classes

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essay or personal statement

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extracurricular activities

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personal interview (Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005, p.7)

The successful candidate for regular admission is typically ranked in the top half of his/her class, scores competitively on the SAT or ACT, and has completed all the courses required by the state of South Carolina for entrance into a public, four-year institution. Not everyone who meets these basic criteria is admitted to Winthrop University, and there are special circumstances under which students may be admitted without meeting all of the aforementioned criteria. Additionally, the State of South Carolina requires freshman applicants to four-year state supported colleges and universities to have completed 20 high school course prerequisites; therefore, these courses are required for freshman admission to Winthrop University.

Students who have been out of high school for five or more years are not required to take the SAT or ACT, or submit a guidance counselor recommendation. Special consideration is given for their life experience. Applicants also must meet the high school course prerequisites if they graduated from high school after 1987. All students who enroll in a baccalaureate degree program must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate (Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005, p.7).

Transfer applicants who have completed 30 semester hours (48 quarter hours) or more of course work at a regionally accredited institution must present a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 hours must also submit a high school transcript along with standardized test scores. All transfer applicants must be eligible to return to the last post-secondary school attended.

The university provides a provisional admissions program to a limited number of freshman applicants. The Learning Excellent Academic Practices (LEAP) Program provides academic support during the first semester at Winthrop. Applicants admitted to this program typically have an academic profile that is slightly lower than that of the students who are offered regular admission, but their high school performance indicates the potential for success at Winthrop.

Winthrop will consider on an individual basis transfer applicants whose cumulative GPA is below the required 2.0 (typically 1.9 on a 4.0 scale) (Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005,pp 8-9).

5. Compare the admissions profiles of student-athletes who received athletics grants-in-aid with the profiles of students in general by submitting the following information for the three most recent academic years: average standardized test scores for freshman student-athletes who received athletics aid (by gender, by racial or ethnic group, and according to the eight sport groups listed in the NCAA Division I graduation rates disclosure form) and for all entering freshmen students (by gender and by racial or ethnic group). [Note: Use the supplied charts and the graduation-rates disclosure form methodology to compile these data.]

The graduation-rates disclosure form methodology was used to compile data requested. Data were displayed by gender, ethnic group and according to the eight sport groups. However, when data were sorted into sport groups, the number in each cell in some sports was so small that interpretation was limited.

6. Please describe the process by which students may be admitted if they do not meet the institution's standard or normal entrance requirements and identify the agencies vested with this responsibility. This should include any second-level or subsequent review processes or appeals procedures which may be utilized when students are not automatically admitted because they do not meet the institution's published entrance requirements.

The University provides a provisional admissions program to a limited number of freshman applicants. The Learning Excellent Academic Practices (LEAP) Program provides academic support during the first semester at Winthrop and includes a required 10-day residential summer component. Applicants admitted to this program typically have an academic profile that is slightly lower than that of the students who are offered regular admission, but their high school performance indicates the potential for success as a college student.

Academic Integrity

All freshmen applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements can be considered for admission to the LEAP Program. The Director of Admissions collaborates with the director of the LEAP Program to review the applications of LEAP referrals. The Office of Admissions is solely responsible for rendering final decisions on potential LEAP admits.

Winthrop will consider on an individual basis transfer applicants whose cumulative GPA is below the required 2.0 (typically 1.9 on a 4.0 scale). Applicants can be considered for provisional admission if one of the following conditions applies:

a.

Early course work adversely affected the cumulative GPA; course work completed most recently is satisfactory.

b.

The cumulative GPA was earned as a result of an event that affected an applicant's performance in one semester. The pattern of achievement prior to or since that event supports the applicant's potential for success.

Transfers who are provisionally admitted must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours during the fall and spring semesters with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005, p 8). Until August 2004, the requirement was stated as a minimum of 12 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

7. Compare and explain any differences between the percentage of freshman student-athletes receiving athletics aid who were admitted through any of the processes described in Number 7 above and the percentage of freshman students generally who were so admitted. Provide these comparative data for the three most recent academic years. For the student-athlete data, information should be displayed for each of the sport groups, organized by year, and listed in the NCAA Division I Graduation-Rates supplemental form. [Use the supplied chart to compile these data.]

Over the past three years, the percentage of first year students who were admitted with special exception was higher than that of first year student-athletes. Specifically, in the year 2001-2002, 4.6% (n = 44) of the first year students (N = 948) were admitted with special exception. Of those, 4.4% (n = 2) were first year student-athletes. One was a student-athlete on the Men's Baseball team, and the other was a student athlete categorized as "Women's Other Sports."

In 2002-2003, 7.9% (n = 86) of first year students (N = 1,086) were admitted with special exception. Of those, four were first year student-athletes. These four student-athletes participated in the following sports: Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Track and/or Cross Country, and Women's Other Sports.

During the 2003-2004 academic year, 8.3% (n = 89) of first year students (N = 1,074) were admitted with special exception. Of these, two were first year student-athletes; one was a member of the Women's Basketball team and one was from Women's Other Sports.

The data over the three year period indicate a slight increase each year for first year students who were admitted with special exception. However, the first year student-athletes who were admitted with special exception have consistently remained low.

8. List the step-by-step sequence of actions taken by particular individuals on your institution's campus to certify initial eligibility for transfer student-athletes. Identify by name and title the individual(s) with final authority for certifying initial eligibility.

Ms. Debbie Barber, Director of Admissions, has the final authority for certifying initial eligibility of student-athletes. Mr. Timothy A. Drueke, Registrar in the Office of Records and Registration, reviews transfer credit of transfer student-athletes and signs off on certification for those student-athletes in addition to the approval of the Director of Admissions. The Department of Athletics has recently appointed a replacement for Steve Flippen who was the previous Director of Compliance until December 2004. The duties associated with his position were shared by Ms. Danez M. Marrable, Athletic Academic Coordinator, and Mr. Scott McDonald until Mr. Scott McDonald was appointed as the new Director in February 2005. At this time Ms. Marrable was named the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services, and Mr. McDonald became the Director of Compliance.

The procedures for certifying freshman, and transfer eligibility for student-athletes is described below. The information is cited from the Athletics Compliance Manual, Winthrop University, 2004-2005

p. 36.

CERTIFYING INITIAL (FRESHMAN) ELIGIBILITY

Academic Integrity

a.

The Director of Compliance includes all of the names of recruited prospective student-athlete on the NCAA Clearinghouse.

b.

The Director of Compliance creates a Big South Eligibility Sheet when the student-athlete is certified a qualifier by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The Director of Compliance then prints off the certification from the NCAA Clearinghouse and takes the certification along with the Big South Eligibility Sheet to the Director of Admissions for institutional certification.

c.

Once the Director of Admissions has certified the Big South Eligibility Sheet, the Director of Compliance takes the sheet to the Registrar's Office. The Registrar then creates the Eligibility Checklist for the sport (or updates the Eligibility Checklist) and certifies the Eligibility Checklist.

d.

The Director of Compliance then ensures that the Eligibility Checklist is signed by the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach of the sport. The Big South Eligibility Sheet accompanies the Eligibility Checklist as supporting documentation.

e.

Once the Eligibility Checklist has all of the appropriate signatures, the Director of Compliance notifies the Big South Conference Office (initial checklist needs to be submitted three days prior to first date of competition for that sport) that the Eligibility Checklist is set for the year (or a change has been made).

f.

The Eligibility Checklist along with the Big South Eligibility Sheet is securely filed by the Director of Compliance. The Big South Conference reserves the right to spot-check the files at any time.

CERTIFYING TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY

a.

The Director of Compliance ensures that a Four-Year Transfer Request Form or a Two-Year Information Form is completed for each transfer student-athlete.

b.

Once a student-athlete joins the team, the Director of Compliance generates a Big South Eligibility Sheet for the student-athlete. The Director of Compliance takes the Four-Year or Two-Year form and the Big South Eligibility Sheet to the Registrar's Office.

c.

The Registrar reviews the Four-Year or Two-Year form along with the student-athletes incoming transcript to determine if the student-athlete is to be immediately eligible.

d.

If the Registrar determines the student-athlete is eligible, the Registrar certifies the Big South Eligibility Sheet and the Eligibility Checklist for the sport.

e.

The Director of Compliance then ensures that the Eligibility Checklist is signed by the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach of the sport. The Big South Eligibility Sheet accompanies the Eligibility Checklist as supporting documentation.

f.

Once the Eligibility Checklist has all of the appropriate signatures, the Director of Compliance notifies the Big South Conference Office (initial checklist is submitted at least three days prior to first date of competition for that sport) that the Eligibility Checklist is set for the year (or a change has been made).

g.

The Eligibility Checklist along with the Big South Eligibility Sheet are securely filed by the Director of Compliance. The Big South Conference reserves the right to spot-check the files at any time.

9. List the step-by-step sequence of actions taken by particular individuals on your institution's campus to certify student-athletes' continuing eligibility. Identify by name and title the individual(s) with final authority for certifying continuing eligibility.

The sequence of events taken to certify continuing eligibility is taken directly from the Winthrop University Athletics Compliance Manual, pages 37-38 as follows:

CERTIFYING CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY

Step I: Each coach provides Scott McDonald, Director of Compliance, with roster of returning student-athletes.

Director of Compliance provides the roster of returning student-athletes to Teria Sheffield, Assistant Registrar, indicating the year of enrollment.

Target Date: Monday following Spring Break

Academic Integrity

Step II: Scott McDonald and Danez Marrable, Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services, review grades and identify student-athletes known to be ineligible and at-risk. The Director of Compliance notifies each coach and the Assistant Registrar of the student-athletes who have ineligible status. Summer school arrangements are made and pre-approval is received from advisor.

Step III: The Assistant Registrar checks progress-towards-degree of remaining student-athletes by following NCAA flowchart. Audits are used to determine degree-related credit. Big South Conference Eligibility Sheets are completed by the Assistant Registrar for each student-athlete.

Any additional ineligible student-athletes are identified and reported by the Assistant Registrar to the Director of Compliance.

Target Date: 5th Year - First Friday following Commencement

4th Year - May 25

All Remaining - June 1

Step IV: The Director of Compliance investigates ineligibility cases and provides rulings, interpretations or faculty evaluations to Assistant Registrar as needed.

The Director of Compliance notifies coaches of ineligible student-athletes. Summer school arrangements are made; pre-approval of courses secured from advisors. Waiver requests are prepared by the Director of Compliance.

Target Date: June 15

Step V: Eligible Student-Athletes are certified by the Assistant Registrar.

Student-Athletes recovering eligibility through summer school are certified within the first week after the final exams of any summer term course(s) that would fulfill the requirements of ByLaws 14.1.6.1, 14.4.3.1, 14.4.3.1.3, and

14.4.3.2.

Target Date: August 1

Step VI: Eligibility Checklist

The Director of Compliance will then ensure the Eligibility Checklist for each sport is signed by the Registrar, Timothy Drueke, Faculty Athletics Representative, Evelyne Weeks, Tom Hickman, Director of Athletics, and the Head Coach of the sport. The Big South Eligibility Sheet needs to accompany the Eligibility Checklist as supporting documentation.

Once the Eligibility Checklist has all of the appropriate signatures, the Director of Compliance shall notify the Big South Conference Office (initial checklist need to be submitted three days prior to first date of competition for that sport) that the Eligibility Checklist is set for the year (or a change has been made).

The Eligibility Checklist along with the Big South Eligibility Sheet need to be securely filed. The Big South Conference reserves the right to spot-check the files at any time.

Step VII: Mid-Year Certification

The Director of Compliance will prepare an eligibility list of student-athlete who needs to be certified at mid-year and submit the list to the Registrar. In addition, all student-athletes will be checked for the 6-hour and GPA requirement (if applicable). The Registrar will complete a progress-towards-degree assessment for each student-athlete. The Registrar will notify the Director of Compliance of the eligibility status of the student-athletes. Big South Eligibility Sheets and Eligibility Checklist will be completed by the Registrar. Appropriate signature need to be obtained and the Big South Conference needs to be notified of any change.

Target Date: December 15 (Eligibility Sheets to the Registrar's Office)

Academic Integrity

10. Review the graduation rates for student-athletes who received athletics grants-in-aid, for various student-athlete subgroups and for students generally during the last three years, and comment on any trends or significant changes. Specifically, identify and explain deficiencies in graduation rates for any of the following when compared to the graduation rates of students generally: student-athletes generally, student-athletes of particular sport teams, student-athletes by gender, student-athletes by ethnicity and student-athlete subgroups (i.e., ethnicity) within particular sport teams. If the graduation rate for student-athletes, or for any student-athlete subgroup, is less than the graduation rate for students generally, the institution must analyze, explain and address, as appropriate (1) the magnitude of the difference between the student-athlete (or subgroup) rate; and (2) the trends over the three reporting periods in these rate differences.

The Graduation Rate Disclosure Forms contain the six year graduation rates for all full-time students compared to student-athletes who received athletics aid for the freshman cohort years of 1995, 1996, and 1997. Data were compiled by the Office of Institutional Research at Winthrop University. Graduation rates for student-athletes exceed those of all full-time students for all cohort years under review. Further, graduation rates for African-American students equal or exceed those of white students in both categories for all years. The data reflect Winthrop's commitment to recruit academically able high school students whether they are athletes or non-athletes. Higher rates for student-athletes is likely a reflection of the extensive academic support network established at Winthrop to monitor the progress of student-athletes, identify potential trouble early on, and offer aid/ tutoring/ mentoring/ support whenever it is needed. Breakdowns for student-athletes of other races/ ethnicities or by sport are not included because the populations are so small (in some cases n=1) that confidentiality could be compromised if these data were included.

11. Identify and describe the academic standards and policies contained in the university's catalog/bulletin, athletics department manual, student-athlete handbook and/or institutional handbook for students. Describe exceptions, if any, to the institution's regular academic standards and policies applicable to the general student body (e.g., good academic standing, definition of minimum full-time status) that are available to student-athletes.

Academic Standards and Policies: University Catalog Description:

The following policies are explained on pages 28-34 of the current Winthrop University 2004-2005 catalog. Unless otherwise noted, no differences exist between the regulations in the university catalog and the other documents. In such instances, no differences exist between the regulations for the general student population and student-athletes.

Student Responsibility Statement

Students are ultimately responsible for their own degree progress, satisfactory grade point average, and meeting all degree requirements. Students are also responsible for maintaining contact with the University and observation of policies concerning student code of conduct and all University regulations.

Definition of Student Classifications

Students enrolled in twelve or more undergraduate credit hours in a semester are considered full-time. Any student enrolled in less than twelve hours for a semester is considered part-time. Students are also classified as special or regular. Students in the special category are admitted under special circumstances and are not eligible to receive a degree. All other undergraduate students are considered regular and are further classified by using the following system of evaluation:

Freshman Students are those with less than 24 earned credit hours

Sophomore Students are those with less than 54 earned credit hours, but at least 24 earned credit hours

Junior Students are those with less than 87 earned credit hours, but at least 54 earned credit hours

Senior Students are those with at least 87 earned credit hours

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Academic Forgiveness Policy

A student being readmitted to Winthrop University after a period of absence five years or more has the option of treating all courses previously taken at Winthrop as transfer credit. These credits are not used in computing the student's grade point average but do remain on the student's official transcript for purposes of determining academic honors. The waive option for academic forgiveness must be exercised within the first week of the second semester the student is admitted to Winthrop.

Academic Advisement

The primary role of the academic adviser is to help the student with a plan of study in order to take courses in the proper sequence. The online degree audit is available to assist students and advisers. The adviser assists the student with understanding graduation requirements, referring to academic resources when needed, and posting the office hours for which they are available to students.

Students admitted to Winthrop are assigned an adviser in the college housing the student's degree program. Students are required to contact their adviser prior to registration for the next term. Students are also required to meet with their adviser in order to have their advising hold lifted and be eligible for registration.

Registration

Registration is handled through the university online system. Continuing students are permitted to register early based upon the number of credit hours they have earned. Freshmen must attend one orientation session in order to register for fall semester classes.

The difference noted in the policy in the Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005 and the Student Athlete Handbook (p.21) is that student-athletes have the benefit of priority registration. Student-athletes may register for classes before the general student population in order that they can have schedules that fit with their practice and competition schedules and minimize missed class time.

Course Load

A full course load can range from 12 to 18 credit hours. A continuing student with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher may choose to enroll in up to 21 credit hours. A student with a cumulative grade point average lower than 3.00 must request approval for an overload from the Winthrop University Undergraduate Petitions Committee.

Students wishing to enroll for classes during summer semester may choose more than 4 credit hours during Session A. A student may enroll in up to 14 credit hours for Session B. Students may not enroll in more than 7 credit hours for both Sessions C and D. A maximum total of 14 credit hours is permitted for students enrolling in Sessions B, C, and D.

The difference noted between the Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005 and the Student Athlete Handbook is that student-athletes are advised to enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours. This policy helps to ensure that student-athletes continue to make satisfactory progress towards completion of the required number of hours toward their major and degree.

Auditing Courses

Students may elect to audit a course with the permission of the instructor, department chair, and dean. Students auditing a course do not participate in examinations. Attendance and participation for students auditing a course is determined by the instructor of the course. Students have the option to audit a course until the third day of class for fall and spring semesters, and until the first day of class for each of the summer sessions.

Changes in Enrollment

Student schedule changes must be made before the end of the designated registration period. Any changes can be made through the University's online registration system (Wingspan) during the registration period. A schedule change form with appropriate signatures must be completed in order to make schedule changes after the designated registration period.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students may choose to withdraw from a course. However, there are certain guidelines for such withdrawals. Withdrawal forms are available in the Office of Records and Registration. Signatures are required on the form from the student's adviser and the instructor of the course.

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Students withdrawing from a course during the first one-third of the course are assigned a grade of N, meaning that no credit is awarded. Students withdrawing from a course on a letter grade basis during the last two-thirds of the course are assigned a grade of N only if they are passing the course at the time of the withdrawal. If the student is not passing the course a grade of F is assigned. Students may not withdraw from a course during the last week of class. If a student is taking a course on an S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) basis and withdraws from the course during the last two-thirds of class, but before the last week of class, a grade of N is assigned to students only if the grade at the time of the withdrawal is equivalent to an S. A grade of U is assigned if the grade is not satisfactory at the time of the withdrawal.

The difference noted between the Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005 and the Student Athlete Handbook is that student-athletes are advised to not withdraw or add a class without first consulting the Athletics Academic Coordinator.

Withdrawal from Winthrop

Students wishing to discontinue their work at Winthrop must officially withdraw at the Office of the Dean for Enrollment Management. Students withdrawing during the first one-third of the semester will receive a grade of N for all courses. If the withdrawal occurs during the last two-thirds of the semester, the student receives an F, U, I or N, as the instructor deems appropriate. Medical withdrawals are the exception. However, a medical withdrawal requires documentation of the medical condition and approval of the dean. In the event of a medical withdrawal a grade of N or I is assigned. Students may not withdraw during the last week of classes.

Class Attendance Policies

Students are responsible for all requirements of their classes regardless of absences. Instructors are obligated to provide make-up opportunities to students with a legitimate excuse for the absence. The student is responsible for providing documentation for such a legitimate absence. Such documentation should be provided to the instructor on the date that the student returns to class. If the instructor does not allow a make-up for missed work during an absence, the student may appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

The instructor may establish the attendance requirements for the course. However, if the instructor does not specify an attendance policy, the following policy will be in effect: if a student's absences for a course total at or more than 25 percent of the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U appropriate to the student's grade at the time; if the student's enrollment in the course continues after the date for withdrawal to receive an automatic N, and if the student's grade is equivalent to a D or higher (or S for students taking the class on an S/U basis), the grade of N will be assigned, a grade of F (U) will be assigned otherwise.

In the event of hazardous weather conditions, Winthrop University will notify local media outlets on the status of possible cancellations of class. Students should check local media sources in the event of inclement weather conditions.

Final Examinations

The format of the final examination for each course is determined by the instructor. The times of the final examinations are set by the registrar. In the event of an exam conflict (more than two consecutive exams in a row during the same day, more than three examinations in a day, two conflicting exam times) both the student and the instructor will be notified. These are the only grounds for rescheduling final examination times.

Evaluation and Grading

It is the responsibility of the faculty member for each class to assign each student a fair grade based upon the work completed. Instructors may use a variety of evaluation methods. Examinations should be returned to students in a reasonable amount of time.

Grading System The grading policy of Winthrop University is as follows:

A = 4 quality points, Excellent B = 3 quality points, Good C = 2 quality points, Fair D = 1 quality point, Poor F = 0 quality points, Failure S = Satisfactory, (C or above level) SH = Satisfactory Honors, (Only issued for honors courses taken on S/U basis) U = Unsatisfactory, (Honors course C level or below, all other courses D or below)

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N = No grade, (Assigned as no credit, or for students withdrawing from a course that does not merit a F or U grade) I = Incomplete, used only as a prefix for a letter grade (Indicates that the course has not been completed by the student for a legitimate reason. The student has one year or a specified length of time by the instructor to receive a grade for the course. If a year expires, the student will be assigned the grade following the I)

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option

Students can elect to have four courses to be graded on an S/U basis during their undergraduate years. Courses elected for the S/U option are counted for credit, but are not computed into the student grade point average. Courses that are only offered on an S/U basis are not counted toward the four class total.

Quality Points and Grade Point Average

The total quality points for a course are calculated by multiplying the hours earned by the point value for the grade earned. Grade point average is calculated by dividing the quality points earned by the number of hours taken. Transfer credit, S/U graded courses, and courses earned by examination are not included in the equation.

Grade Appeals

Disputes regarding grades should be handled by the student and the faculty member. In the event that a resolution can not be reached between the two parties, the student may appeal the grade received to the appropriate chair or dean.

Academic Probation and Eligibility

When a student's cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum standard for their classification, the student is placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation may not enroll in more than 15 credit hours. A student with a semester grade point average at or above a 2.0 may still enroll in classes, but will remain on academic probation until the cumulative grade point average rises above the required grade point average for their classification.

Students enrolled at Winthrop University must maintain a minimum grade point average to remain eligible as a Winthrop student. The following are the minimum grade point averages necessary for students to remain eligible based on classification. Initial failure to meet minimum grade point average standards results in academic probation. A subsequent violation the following semester will result in suspension for the next coming semester. Readmitted students following suspension are placed on academic probation. Failure to meet minimum grade point average standards will result in a second suspension. A second suspension lasts for one calendar year. A student returning after a second suspension will again be placed on academic probation. If the returning student does not meet minimum grade point average standards in the semester of return, the student will receive permanent dismissal.

Freshman 1.75 Sophomore 1.85 Junior 2.0 Senior 2.0

Students that feel there were extenuating circumstances leading to academic probation/suspension status may petition the Committee on Undergraduate Petitions. Any variation from university wide regulations can also be appealed to the Committee on Undergraduate Petitions.

Fluency in English

There is a grievance policy in place for students who feel an instructor lacks sufficient English skills to teach a course. In such cases, students should consult the Office of Academic Affairs.

Transient Study Credit

Students taking courses at another institution while enrolled as a Winthrop student must have prior authorization for the courses the student intends to transfer to Winthrop. Authorization must be granted through the dean and the student's adviser. This policy is in effect for fall, spring, and summer semesters. All transfer credit is subject to the Winthrop transfer policy. Transfer credit must be submitted when the student reapplies to Winthrop if the student has been absent from Winthrop for more than one semester. It is the student's responsibility to have transfer credit sent from the other institution to Winthrop.

The difference noted between the Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005 and the Student Athlete Handbook is that student-athletes may elect to take coursework over the summer and transfer the credit to

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Winthrop. In addition to receiving approval from the parties mentioned above, student-athletes must submit an approved transfer credit form to the Athletics Academic Coordinator prior to enrolling in courses at another institution. Credit taken at another institution may not be counted toward eligibility if the student-athlete fails to meet this requirement.

Graduate Credit for Winthrop Seniors

Courses numbered 500-599 may be taken for graduate credit by seniors at Winthrop provided they have a 3.00 grade point average. These courses may only be taken the student's final semester as a Winthrop undergraduate student and the course load may not exceed 16 hours in that semester. Students wishing to pursue such graduate credit must first obtain approval from the dean.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat any course where a grade of B or higher was not earned or grade of S was not earned. In such cases, the student's original grade is replaced in the cumulative grade point average with the repeated course.

First semester freshmen are allowed a total of 4 repeat courses as a Winthrop student. Transfer students are allowed a number of repeats based on the number of transfer credits awarded (fewer than 40 = 4 repeats, 40-70 = 3 repeats, 70-100 = 2 repeats, 100 or more = 1 repeat). Credit is awarded to courses only once and transfer credit for repeated courses is forfeited.

Permanent Record and Transcripts

Permanent records for all courses, course grades, and credits of Winthrop students are kept in the Office of Records and Registration. Written transcripts may be obtained by written request, but will be withheld in the event of any unpaid accounts with Winthrop.

Choice of Catalog

Students may elect to meet the catalog graduation requirements of their initial enrollment as a Winthrop student, if the student has not been absent from Winthrop for a period of one year or more. Students also have the choice of meeting the catalog graduation requirements of any catalog issued after initial enrollment, provided that an absence of one year or more has not occurred. If a student has been absent for a year or more, that student must follow the catalog graduation requirements of the catalog in force at the time of that reenrollment or a subsequent catalog. The student has eight years from the time a catalog was issued to graduate under the requirements of that catalog.

Change of Degree or Program of Study

Students have the option of changing from one degree program to another. The student does have to meet the requirements for the new degree program prior to changing to the new degree program.

Application for Graduation

Students should apply for graduation after obtaining 87 credit hours. Upon receipt of the application, an audit of the students remaining requirements for graduation is conducted. If the student changes major or is absent for a period of one year or longer, a new degree audit review is needed. A new application for graduation is needed in this event.

Course Level Requirement

In order for a student to complete the requirements for graduation, 40 credit hours above the 299 level are needed.

Final Grade Point Average

A cumulative 2.0 grade point average is needed for a student to successfully graduate from Winthrop.

Cultural Event Requirement

Students are required to attend three cultural events for every 20 credit hours completed at Winthrop. Qualifications for obtaining cultural event credit are listed in the university catalog.

Writing Requirement

All students are required to take WRIT 101 and CRTW 201. A grade of C or higher is required in both of these courses.

Academic Integrity

12. Identify and describe the academic standards and policies contained in the university's catalog/bulletin, athletics department manual, student-athlete handbook and/or institutional handbook for students. Describe exceptions, if any, to the institution's regular academic standards and policies applicable to the general student body (e.g., good academic standing, definition of minimum full-time status) that are available to student-athletes.

This item duplicates item number 11.

13. Describe the procedures used by the institution to monitor missed class time for student-athletes.

The Athletics Department Policy Manual states that "The head coach is responsible for creating a schedule with as few class time conflicts as possible. In any event, the season schedule shall not require the athletes to miss more than 24 percent of classes. The scheduling of athletic events is expected to meet all NCAA requirements regarding number of Division I teams and to fall within the operations budget for the academic year." (27)

The coaching staff is responsible for monitoring missed class time for student-athletes (Student Athlete Handbook, p.26). At the beginning of each semester, the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services, Danez Marrable, generates a table which reflects missed class time by sport (including travel time) and analyzes the data to determine if any unacceptable scheduling exists. Any questionable schedules are reported to the Athletic Director, Tom Hickman. Ms. Marrable sends the traveling schedule for all sports to faculty indicating the dates student-athletes will be off-campus. As part of the mid term progress reports, Ms Marrable reviews attendance records of student-athletes. In addition, some coaches require their student-athletes to personally provide faculty members with the dates they will miss class, while other coaches monitor missed classes via e-mail.

The Review of Sports Programs conducted by the Faculty Advisory Committee for Intercollegiate Athletics includes a review of missed class time within each sport. In exit interviews the Faculty Athletics Representative reviews an historical view of missed class time with those student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. In 2004, the Faculty Athletics Representative met with the SAAC to inquire specifically how missed class time was affecting progress in classes and to determine if any single program was requiring student-athletes to be absent from classes to any degree of excess. In both cases students reported that the coaches are scheduling their competitions within an acceptable range of missed class time.

14. Analyze, explain and address missed class time that has been determined by the institution to be significant or excessive for any sports(s).

While all reports regarding this issue seemed to indicate that no excessive missed class time is occuring at Winthrop due to athletic competition, it is important to recognize that some student-athletes might have difficulty with a combination of absences for competition and illness. Winthrop University's attendance policy is the same for students and student-athletes. The policy states that student-athletes may not miss more than 25 percent of the class meetings for a course. If student-athletes exceed this percentage, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, as deemed appropriate by the faculty member. Faculty members are obligated to allow student-athletes to makeup work when absent from class if the absence is related to incapacitating illness, death of an immediate family member, or authorized representation of the university, which includes participation on an athletic team (Winthrop University Undergraduate Catalog, 2004-2005, p. 30). If a faculty member chooses not to excuse an absence, student-athletes can appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Faculty members are at liberty to establish their own attendance policy, as long as it does not exceed 25% of the class meetings.

15. Describe the means by which the institution's policies and procedures regarding the scheduling of athletics competition and practices (e.g., missed class policy) are communicated to student-athletes.

Upon entering Winthrop, student-athletes receive a Student-Athlete Handbook. Page seven of the handbook states that student-athletes are expected to attend class and complete assignments on time as they work toward a degree. There is a mandatory meeting for all student-athletes at the beginning of the school year. During this meeting, student-athletes are given a handbook and the contents are reviewed verbally.

In addition, the Winthrop Athletic Department Policy Manual (p.24) states that athletic coaches are required to place academic priorities above athletic requirements. Thus, coaches also communicate the emphasis on academics over athletics.

Academic Integrity

Finally, the Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2005, Winthrop University and the Winthrop Student Handbook contain several paragraphs on class attendance policies, so student-athletes are inundated with information about the importance of class attendance and the relationship between attendance and success in the classroom.

Information to be available for review by the peer-review team, if requested:

• A copy of the institution's most recent catalog.
• A copy of the institution's standard or regular, published entrance requirements, including the provisions under which students may be admitted by special exception to the institution's standard or normal entrance requirements.
• Information regularly reported to the chief executive officer, faculty senate or director of athletics concerning the academic performances of sports teams (if any).
• All student-athlete eligibility files (including, when appropriate, final high-school transcripts, high schools' lists of approved core courses, final certification reports, verification of standardized test scores, NCAA student-athlete statements, institutional transcripts, and transfer documentation).
• Information from exit interviews of student-athletes.
• Policies and procedures for the department of intercollegiate athletics (if available).
• University catalog/bulletin.
• Athletics department manual.
• Student-athlete handbook.
• Institutional handbook for students.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

Programs and facilities Academics and student life (missed class time, study halls, availability of tutors, academic advising, and time management) Compliance

In 2004, an internship/graduate assistantship position was added to the academic support services area.

In 2004, a dedicated space was created in the Winthrop Coliseum for a computer laboratory and a separate study hall area, which is also equipped as a smart classroom to support "rules education." In this same area, there is a small group study room for use by tutors and students involved in academic group projects.

In the 2004-2005 academic year, Winthrop established a fully-developed tutor pool network. The tutors are ready to be hired on an as needed basis.

In the 2004-2005 academic year, the mandatory freshman study hall continues; the graduation rate is higher for student athletes than for the regular student body. In addition, a faculty committee reviews the GPA of each student-athlete by sport each semester.

4. Identify how the institution is organized to provide academic support and advising services to student-athletes (i.e., reporting lines and identification of who does what).

Winthrop University is organized to provide academic support and advising services to student-athletes through the student-athlete's respective college and the athletics department.

An Office of Student Services exists in four of the five academic units that provides academic support for students within that unit. These offices process changes of majors, assign advisors, evaluate transfer credit, prepare degree audits, and counsel students on probation, among other services provided. Every student, including the Pre-major student (student not declaring a major), is assigned to a faculty advisor who is responsible for providing individual academic advisement for the student every semester.

In addition to this, the Athletics Department employs a full-time Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services to assist in the academic support of student-athletes. This individual reports to the Director of Athletics.

5. Using the following program areas for academic support issues as examples, please describe:

_a.

The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes (if any);

_b.

Any policies that govern which students can use these services;

_c.

The mechanisms by which student-athletes are made aware of these services;

_d.

The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years; and

_e.

The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics of these services.

If the institution has additional or different academic support services not included in the list of examples, please click "Add Academic Support Area."

1. Academic Advising Course selection, class scheduling, degree program assistance, priority registration.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

All Students admitted to Winthrop are assigned an adviser in the college housing the student's degree program. Students are required to contact their adviser prior to registration for the next term. Students are also required to meet with their adviser in order to have their advising hold lifted and be eligible for registration.

The Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services is available to provide additional assistance with this particular area. Specifically, all student-athletes are required to notify the Director of Academic and

Academic Integrity

Student-Athlete Services before making any academic changes (adding/dropping classes and changing majors).

Student-Athletes at Winthrop are allowed the privilege of priority registration, which allows them to register for classes before the general student population.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

All student-athletes who have met with their academic advisors, within their respective colleges, are eligible to participate in priority registration.

Before registering, each degree-seeking student, with the assistance of an academic advisor, must plan a course schedule. The academic advisor must verify completion of advising for each student on the computer system. If advising is not verified, the student can not register.

It is the responsibility of all students, both full-time and part-time, to schedule an advising appointment before the time they plan to register. Students planning to register during Early Registration must make an appointment for advisement during the designated advising period.

Students who have questions concerning their advisor should contact the advising office in their respective college.

Prior to registration, all students must provide Health Services with verification of the required immunizations. This is a mandatory requirement

All student-athletes with remaining eligibility are required to inform the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services of any changes in their academic status (changing the number of registered hours, changing a major, dropping below full-time status). In addition, any student-athlete who has exhausted eligibility but still receives financial support from the Athletic Department must provide periodic updates to the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services of his academic progress.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

All enrolled students are reminded through email and the University's web site of the scheduled advising period on campus.

The Office of Records and Registration maintains a web site to provide students with the necessary information to successfully complete the advising and registration process.

All student-athletes are informed of these services in individual team meetings at the beginning of each academic year. If an individual comes in mid-year, a separate time is set up to review this information.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

The practices of academic advisors are reviewed by the respective academic departments and their colleges. Training sessions for academic advising are provided yearly through the Student Services offices within each college.

The Office of Records and Registration, including its handling of priority registraion, is reviewed by the Dean of Enrollment Management.

Student-Athlete Services are reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee for Intercollegiage Athletics. Members of the FACIA review procedures followed by the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services, including documents used, and evaluate these services within the reviews of individual sports programs. A report is made to the President.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

The practices of academic advisors are approved by the respective academic departments and their colleges.

Academic Integrity

The Office of Records and Registration, including its handling of priority registraion, is reviewed and approved by the Dean of Enrollment Management.

Academic and Student-Athlete Services is reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee for Intercollegiate Athletics and approved by the President.

2. Tutoring Availability, procedures and criteria for obtaining assistance; assignment, qualifications, training experience, etc.; compensation, rate of pay, pupil loads, qualifications, experience, other terms and conditions of employment.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

The Athletic Department does support a tutoring program for student-athletes in addition to the on-campus services offered. Tutors are selected from a variety of academic backgrounds; both graduate and undergraduate students, to assist in the learning process. These student tutors are chosen based on academic records, personal referrals, references and overall professional demeanor exhibiting the maturity to tutor and assist in the learning process of our student-athletes.

Winthrop provides a Writing Center and a Math Lab available to all students. The Counseling Center provides academic support services through time-management and study skills workshops for groups and/ or individuals.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

All student-athletes are eligible for tutoring services. Students request tutors through the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services in any problem area. The Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services has a master list of available tutors in all major subject areas. The Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services also has established a request procedure with professors and instructors for subjects that are specific in nature and require specialized instruction.

The Writing Center, Math Lab and The Counseling Center are available free of charge to any student enrolled at Winthrop.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Students who receive a "tutor needed" advisement from professors on the grade monitoring forms are notified by the individual coach and required to contact and schedule a meeting with the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services. All student-athletes are informed of available services in individual team meetings at the beginning of each academic year. If an individual comes in mid-year, a separate time is set up to review this information.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

The Academic Support Services program within the Athletic Department is reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee for Intercollegiate Athletics.

Services provided by the Writing Center, the Math Lab and Counseling Services are reviewed by their respective departments.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

The Academic Support Services program within the Athletic Department is reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee for Intercollegiate Athletics and approved by the President.

Services provided by the Writing Center, the Math Lab and Counseling Services are approved by their respective departments.

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3. Success Skills Study skills, note and test taking, writing and grammar skills, time management

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

The Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services and CHAMPS/Life Skills Director work closely to provide workshops and seminars to assist student-athletes in this area. Workshops offered have included: Time Management, Test Taking Skills, Basic Study Skills, Taking the Essay Exam, Note Taking Stratigies, Survival Skills for Freshmen, Writing Standards at Winthrop, The Correct Use of Borrowed Information, Email Etiquitte, Goal Setting, Money Management, Resume Writing, Using the Student-Athlete Experience in Career Planning, Professional Etiquitte Seminars and Career Planning Workshops.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

All student-athletes are encouraged and sometimes required to attend any scheduled events. Study skills and professional development seminars are regularly scheduled through out the academic year during the normal study hall hours to maximize available resources.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Information is sent to the student-athlete listserv. Coaches are informed of all planned workshops. Workshops are announced in all SAAC meetings and in Athletic Department Staff meetings. Flyers are posted in the computer lab and in the study hall area.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

Workshops are conducted through the Career Services Center, the Counseling Center and the English Department and are reviewed by their respective departments.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

Workshops are conducted through the Career Services Center, the Counseling Center and the English Department and are approved by their respective departments.

4. Study Hall Availability, facilities, policy for mandatory attendance.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

The Athletic Department has established a new facility to support the athletics study hall program. The new facility opened in July of 2004.

With the expansion of our academic services in the Coliseum, all organized study hall activities occur in the Coliseum. The newly renovated area includes an expanded computer lab, large study hall room and additional space that can accommodate group studying and tutoring activities. All new student-athletes (freshmen and transfers) as well as returning student-athletes designated by the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services are required to attend study hall. It is expected that most student-athletes will spend 4-8 hours per week in study hall. Study hall hours are offered Sunday through Thursday in the Coliseum's Student Services Academic Center. Time spent utilizing various on-campus resources (labs, the Writing Center, professors, etc.) may count toward study hall when approved prior to the activity by the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services and proper documentation is turned in by the designated deadline. The penalties for skipping study hall may include restriction from practice, travel or competition for the purpose of allowing student-athletes to make up the study time they missed. Any unfulfilled study hall hours are added to the required hours for the next week. Individual coaches may require a more stringent study hall policy.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

Academic Integrity

All new Winthrop University student-athletes (freshmen and transfers) have a study hall requirement through the Athletic Department for their first academic year. In addition, student-athletes who exhibit a potential problem may be required to re-enter study hall until such time as their performance increases. Individual coaches may also have additional requirements for their team.

Study hall policies are described in the Student Athlete Handbook pgs.25-26 as follows:

Student-athletes who are in study hall will be required to abide by the following guidelines. Each student-athlete will be required to sign a contract stating they have read and agree to abide by the study hall guidelines. Appropriate measures will be taken if the guidelines are not followed.

All Winthrop University student-athletes should conduct themselves in a responsible, adult manner. You not only represent yourself, but your team, and the Winthrop University Athletics Department.

It is your responsibility to complete your required study hall hours each week.

It is your responsibility to check in and out of study hall with one of the study hall monitors. If you are not checked in and out, you will not get credit for hours done! YOU MUST PRESENT PICTURE ID TO RECEIVE CREDIT.

Do not leave study hall without notifying the monitor that you are leaving.

Be quiet and show respect for others around you. Disruptive and unruly behavior (ex. loud talking, running around, etc.) will not be tolerated. Students will be asked to leave if they are being rude and disruptive and any time completed during that study segment will not be counted towards study hall hours for the week. The Coach and the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services will be notified of the problem. Disciplinary actions will be taken.

NO FOOD OR DRINKS will be allowed in the new academic areas.

No electronic devices (e.g. walkman/Discmans/games) will be allowed.

Cellular phones and pagers must be turned off prior to beginning your study hall hours. If your cellular phone rings during your study hall time, the monitor will confiscate the phone and any time completed during that study segment will not be counted towards study hall hours for the week.

Bring enough work to keep you busy during the entire time you are in study hall. If you forget your books, notes, assignments, etc. you will not receive study hall credit. BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.

Anyone wishing to use their personal computer during study hall must receive prior consent from the Athletics Academic Coordinator. If you choose to bring your personal computer or utilize the computer lab for study hall hours, be prepared to present your assignment to the monitors and your progress will be monitored throughout your study time.

While the computer lab will be available for study hall, it is to be used for schoolwork purposes only. If a student is caught surfing the web or abusing his/her computer use, they will be docked study hours, to be added to the following week and may lose computer privileges for a set amount of time.

INSTANT MESSAGING AND EMAILING is not permitted during study hall. Anyone caught using these devices will LOSE THEIR COMPUTER PRIVILEGES during study hall.

The Monitors have the authority to remind all student-athletes of these rules and enforce them as they see fit. If you cannot adhere to the rules, you will be asked to leave and any hours you completed that study segment will be lost. If you are asked to leave study hall, an Incident Report will be submitted, including your name and details of the infraction, to the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services and your Coach.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

All student-athletes are informed of study hall policies in individual team meetings at the beginning of each academic year. If an individual comes in mid-year, a separate time is set up to review this information.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

Academic Integrity

The Athletic Study Hall and the policies related to it are reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics as part of its academic program review every three years.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

Policies are reviewed and approved by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics and monitored by the Faculty Athletics Representative on an ongoing basis.

5. Freshman/Transfer orientation Availability, attendance requirements.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

Orientation is a required, three-day residential experience at Winthrop University to ensure that incoming freshmen have a successful transition from high school to college. The main purpose of Orientation is to provide new students with information, support, and resources necessary to begin their academic journey. It is also a time to explore opportunities to live, learn, and lead on the Winthrop campus and in the surrounding communities. During Orientation, students have the opportunity to:

Complete a class schedule and register for classes; Receive comprehensive academic advising; Interact with upperclassmen, student leaders, faculty, staff, and peers; Gain a better understanding of Winthrop University programs, policies and procedures, along with the purpose of higher education; Discuss relevant issues to the first-year collegiate experience such as diversity, academic integrity, and the Winthrop University 2005 Common Book Project; and Explore events, educational programs, and activities offered during Winthrop Welcome Week in August.

The athletics department does not conduct a separate orientation. All freshmen, transfers and international students are required by the university to attend one of the four scheduled orientation sessions during June. During the freshmen orientations held in the summer, the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services meets with all signed student-athletes and their parents to discuss various academic requirements and provides a handout for parents.

At the beginning of each academic year, on the Sunday evening prior to the first day of classes, all student-athletes at Winthrop attend an Athletics Department information meeting. Student-Athletes are introduced to their FAR, their SWA, their Athletics Director, the Compliance Director, the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services, all Head Coaches, and Athletics Department staff.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

All admitted students are eligible to participate in Orientation. The athletics department strongly encourages all new Winthrop University student-athletes to attend an orientation session. The Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services works closely with the Division of Student Life to reduce the possibility of scheduling conflicts that may inhibit an individual's attendance at orientation.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

All admitted students receive an Orientation Passport with materials necessary for attending Orientation in April. A $125 orientation fee is assessed to each student's account. The Office of Student Affairs provides a web site through which the students may register for an Orientation session.

d.

The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

e.

The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

The Orientation program at Winthrop is administered through the Division of Student Life and is annually reviewed by the Dean of Students.

Academic Integrity

The Orientation program at Winthrop is administered through the Division of Student Life and is annually approved by the Dean of Students.

6. Academic progress monitoring and reporting Individual's responsibility, frequency, procedures for periodic grade and attendance checks.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

The athletics department uses a variety of sources to monitor the academic progress of its student-athletes. Monitoring of each student occurs with a midterm progress report each semester. This is sent out from the department to every professor who has student-athletes in their classes. Once returned, this information is entered into the system and a file is sent to each coach notifying them of the progress of their student-athletes. Any information that requires special attention is highlighted in red and the coach is asked to notify the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services (DASAS) once they have discussed this matter with the student-athlete or referred them to the Academic Services office. In addition, individuals on the watch list are required to do periodic updates through the DASAS of their academic status. This is done with a variety of reports catered to the individual needs of that particular student.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

All student-athletes (including individuals who have exhausted their eligibility) are monitored by the athletics department.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Student-athletes are made aware of this when they are either on the "watch list" or their respective coaches inform them of the progress as received from Athletics Academic Services.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

Athletics Academic Services is reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

Athletics Academic Services is reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics and a report is provided to the President for his approval.

7. Assistance for special academic needs Provisions for diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

The athletics department directs all students with special academic needs to Campus Counseling Services.

The faculty and staff of Winthrop University are committed to providing educational opportunities to all students. The Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities serves as a liaison between students with disabilities and the Winthrop community to ensure full access to programs and services. Support services and appropriate classroom and campus accommodations are provided on an individual basis to students with documented disabilities.

The faculty and staff of Winthrop University work with students to help remove architectural and attitudinal

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barriers on campus and to ensure full access to all programs and activities at Winthrop. Services include, but are not limited to:

Accessible Computers Accessible Desks and Tables Accessible Residence Halls Braille Counseling Services Learning Assistance (study skills and time management) Note takers Priority Registration Professor Notification Reader Services/Textbooks-on-Tape Sign-Language Interpreters Tape Recorders Test-Taking Accommodations Text Telephone Devices (TTD) for Persons Who Are Hearing Impaired

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

Incoming student-athletes with prior academic needs are scheduled to meet with the Campus Counseling Services. Students identified with possible learning needs have the opportunity to meet with Campus Counseling Services to establish the need for testing and other options.

To qualify for services, students must provide current, appropriate documentation of a disability from a qualified health services provider (e.g., physician, licensed psychologist). Documentation should include a diagnosis, an explanation of the disability's impact in an academic or residential setting, and recommendations regarding specific accommodations.

The Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities also serves as a resource for students, parents, faculty, and staff seeking disability-related information (i.e., questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.).

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

The student-athletes are made aware of these services through a number of methods. One is flyers posted around the coliseum. Another is through the attendance at workshops offered by Ms. Gena Smith, Coordinator for Students with Disabilities. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program schedules a workshop with Ms. Smith early each fall so that student-athletes can meet her and become familiar with the services available. Many student-athletes are connected with Counseling Services after a meeting with the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services has determined that the use of counseling services would assist in their academic development.

Counseling Services provides a website with detailed information about available services.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

The SSWD Coordinator evaluates services on a yearly basis. Anonymous evaluation forms are mailed to students who are registered with Services for Students with Disabilities.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

The Services for Students With Disabilities Coordinator approves services on a yearly basis.

8. Learning assessments Provisions for testing and evaluation (e.g., placement testing).

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

Academic Integrity

The athletics department does not conduct separate learning assessments; however, whenever an individual is made aware of a potential need for an assessment, the student-athlete is referred to Counseling Services (specifically Ms. Gena Smith).

All students entering the University are given the opportunity to take a Math and Language placement test to determine their initial academic level and then placed in the appropriate level classes. In addition, the University offers CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) testing to all students.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests are administered monthly at Winthrop, except in December. Interested students are advised to take the tests at least eight weeks before they plan to enroll so that the test results may be received and evaluated prior to registration. There are two types of CLEP examinations: the General Examination and the Subject Examination. Winthrop University grants credit only for the Subject Examinations, which are designed to exempt specific courses. Winthrop encourages students to take CLEP Subject Examinations for credit in subjects or areas which they have mastered through previous study, purposeful reading, travel, or other experiences. Students interested in foreign language exemptions are advised to take the CLEP Subject Examination in the desired language.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Student-athletes are made aware of this service in orientation as well as through Athletics Academic Services and the respective college student service offices.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

Placement testing and learning assessments are provided through academic areas outside of athletics and are reviewed by their respective departments.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

Placement testing and learning assessments are provided through academic areas outside of athletics and are approved by their respective departments.

9. Mentoring Availability of mentors, identification and assignment methods, frequency of interaction.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

Winthrop's Taskforce on Retention and Achievement (REACH) has initiated a mentoring program to encourage student engagement and success. Faculty and staff volunteer mentors work with students who have experienced difficulties in achieving academic success at Winthrop University. Mentors are intended to supplement, not supplant, normal academic advising. Mentors foster supportive relationships with students and work collaboratively to develop a plan for students' academic success. Each mentor will assist a student in assessing the causes of academic difficulties and in developing and implementing a plan for success. All students enrolled at Winthrop are eligible for assistance through the REACH mentoring program.

Through the CHAMPS/Life skills program, workshops are provided to introduce current student-athletes to former student-athletes attending graduate school on campus. Speakers discuss academic success, goal setting and career planning.

Additionally, a peer mentor program has been developed in conjunction with Winthrop's ACAD 101, Principles of the Learning Academy, a seminar class required of all freshmen. All ACAD 101 classes meet with an instructor at least fourteen times a semester. With a Peer Mentor assigned to every section of ACAD, each student receives extra opportunities through weekly meetings with a specially selected and trained upperclassman who serves as a Peer Mentor. Peer Mentors present on topics such as time and

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money management, study skills, making choices, and getting involved on campus. In addition Peer Mentors plan social events for their groups - everything from movie nights, to a Carowinds trip, to Winthrop athletic events, to large group outings to see the many attractions of Charlotte, North Carolina. Peer Mentors also meet individually with their students to address personal issues and concerns and help each student make as smooth a transition to college as possible.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

The REACH Mentoring program primarily targets freshmen whose GPA is below 2.00 and readmitted students. These receive a letter that describes the program and encourages them to participate. However the program also is available to other Winthrop students who feel they might benefit from such a relationship.

All freshmen at Winthrop are required to enroll in ACAD 101.

All student-athletes are invited and encouraged to attend the CHAMPS/life skills programs available each semester.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Students can apply to take part in the REACH Mentoring program and are provided with all contact information through the University's web site.

All students at Winthrop are included in the mentoring program of ACAD 101.

All CHAMPS/Lifeskills programs are advertised through the student-athlete listserv, flyers posted in the study hall/computer lab area, emails to coaches and are announced in Athletic Department staff meetings and SAAC meetings.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

Services provided to students through the REACH Mentoring program are reviewed by the program's director, Dr. Robert Stonebraker.

The ACAD 101 course is administered through University College and follows the same evaluation and review process of all academic courses at Winthrop.

The Faculty Athletics Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics evaluates the CHAMPS/Lifeskills workshops in meetings with student-athletes as part of the Review of Sports Programs.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

Both the REACH program and ACAD 101, working through committees, present services and activities for approval to Brien Lewis, Dean, University College.

10. Assistance for at-risk students Availability including institution-wide assistance.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

The Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services works closely with the coaching staffs to determine the at-risk student-athletes and encourages individual performance reviews.

The University provides a provisional admission program to a limited number of freshman applicants. (The program is only offered to students who enroll in the fall semester.)

The Learning Excellent Academic Practices (LEAP) Program provides academic support throughout the first semester at Winthrop. Students who satisfy the criteria for successful completion of the fall program are granted regular admission for the spring semester.

Academic Integrity

Winthrop's REACH programs provides assistance and support to at-risk students currenly enrolled.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

Any student-athlete whose cumulative GPA is below a 2.3 is considered an at-risk student. In addition, individuals who have a semester GPA below a 2.0 are included on this list to monitor.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Whenever a student-athlete is added to the at-risk list (either by AAS or his/her individual coach)he must meet with the Director of Academic and Student-Athlete Services and receive this information.

All students at Winthrop may take advantage of the services offered through the REACH program by way of the website.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

The Faculty Athletic Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics conducts a review of the Academic Support Program for student-athletes every two years. Additionally, the committee reviews this area within the sports review program it began in the 03/04 academic year.

The LEAP program is reviewed through the office of Academic Affairs each year.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

All reviews by the Faculty Athletics Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics in this area are conducted for the approval of the President.

LEAP program services are approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

11. Post-eligibility programs Availability of scholarships, assistantships and academic support.

a. The specific academic support services offered to student-athletes, if any.

Student-athletes at Winthrop who have exhausted all eligibility but are still enrolled and completing their degrees are eligibile for all support services provided to student-athletes in general. As students at Winthrop, they have all of the same available campus resources. Winthrop is committed to identifying those individuals who qualify for any regional or national post-eligibility scholarships and the CHAMPS/Life Skills Director helps to prepare nomination and application forms.

b. Any policies that govern which students can use these services.

All student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and are still completing requirements to receive their bachelor degree are eligible for any academic services.

c. The mechanisms by which students can use these services.

Generally student-athletes are made aware of any additional financial assistance available from the athletics department through their individual coaches. The athletics department also employs a number of post-eligibility student-athletes as tutors, student workers and graduate assistants in the athletics department.

d. The mechanism for review of these services by academic authorities outside athletics at least once every three years.

Academic Integrity

Services provided by Athletic Academic Services are reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercolleigate Athletics.

e. The mechanism for periodic approval of these services by academic authorities outside athletics.

Services provided by Athletic Academic Services are reviewed by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Intercolleigate Athletics and a report is submitted to the President for his approval.

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