Position Statement

We provide each student-athlete with guidance, resources and support that will enhance their development both academically and personally.  This is accomplished within a proactive success driven environment which delivers quality academic services and diverse programming.

Mission Statement

Academic, personal and professional support is essential to college success. At Michigan State University, Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) helps student-athletes reach their full potential.

Our philosophy is to offer an academic support program, integrated with the University that will assist all student-athletes with their transition into college. This all-encompassing support continues throughout each student-athlete's collegiate career until the day he or she receives a diploma, lands a job or enters graduate school.

The SASS program is integrated with the total University to assist student-athletes in all phases of college life. Seven academic coordinators, who are knowledgeable about NCAA and Big Ten regulations, and three learning specialists work with student-athletes from 25 varsity sports throughout their college careers. These staff members work proactively to help student-athletes keep on track with their rigorous academic and athletic schedules by building an academic profile on each student-athlete. They do this by gathering daily information on student-athlete academic progress, assessing individual needs, providing academic assistance through a broad tutorial program, assisting those with special needs to help develop learning strategies.

With a nationally-recognized facility, the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center, SASS offers a wide range of services, including academic counseling, computer labs with instruction, tutoring in all subject areas, career planning, community service opportunities, personal development workshops, assisting in monitoring athletic eligibility, providing priority registration and making sure that athletes are advised about current NCAA, Big Ten and University rules and regulations.

Freshmen and transfer student-athletes encounter a major transition when making the switch from high school or community college to a university. These students, while adjusting to their new routines, receive extra attention and support.

College is not easy. But with hard work and dedication from both the student-athlete and the support staff, the student-athlete can have a successful college experience.