Forty-nine of the 520 athletes had 4.0 GPAs and three hundred fifty-seven made the Dean’s List in 2002.

“I’m thrilled with the results ... to see student athletes perform at this high level not just within [their] sport, but also within the classroom,” said Kevin Beattie, director of athletics.

Among the men’s teams, the hockey team had the most substantial increase in average GPA from 2.391 to 2.998. The basketball team’s GPA rose the highest for the women athletes, from 2.871 to 3.335.

In past years, athletes have often been stamped with the stereotype that they do not work as hard academically as non-athletes. The average GPA of athletes for 2002 at 3.086 was actually higher than the average GPA of non-athletes, 3.082.

“It certainly says that [our] student athletes are organized and are working hard at what they do ... I see an athlete able to shine just as well as anybody else here,” said Bob Conway, assistant to the vice provost.

Conway works with many of the student athletes and their coaches to develop studying techniques and better methods for managing their time.

He meets regularly with all of the freshmen athletes, and upperclassmen whom their coaches think could use the support.

Together they plan out strategies for organizing class work and design time schedules that best coordinate the students’ athletic needs, academics, and social activities.

They also discuss extra learning options available to the student, including tutoring, study groups, supplemental instruction, and support from learning assistants in freshman residence halls.

“There’s tons of services [available] on this campus ... There’s nothing better than going to class feeling prepared,” said Conway.

Although he does much to help athletes improve their academic performance, Conway emphasized that the athletic teams’ coaches and the students themselves should take most of the credit.

“This could not be done without coaches that care ... [Their] willingness to put academics forth is the primary reason for success,” said Conway.

Football Head Coach Joe King requires mandatory study halls every Monday and Wednesday during the football season at which students can study in small groups and receive tutoring from upperclassmen.

He also holds special study halls in his office for one and a half hours twice a week for upperclassmen players who are struggling academically.

King’s assistance led to four of his team’s 96 players achieving 4.0 GPAs and 55 players making the Dean’s List in 2002.

While athletic success is very important to him, “the chief objective is [still] the academic side,” said King.

Women’s hockey Head Coach Bill Cahill encourages his players to study in small groups and his upperclassmen to tutor the freshman players.

Nineteen of his team’s 26 players made the Dean’s List, and four had 4.0 GPAs in 2002.