Academics
Study hall is required by the department for those student-athletes whose cumulative grade point average is 3.0 or below. These student-athletes are required to study a minimum of four to six hours per week in the Troutt-Wittmann Academic Center. All incoming freshmen and transfer student-athletes are also required to study for a minimum of six hours per week in the academic center. Head coaches may require additional study hours of their student-athletes.
Â
The primary goal of the tutoring program is to facilitate the learning process of our student-athletes in a comfortable and well-ordered environment. This program is a support mechanism that has been created to help student-athletes keep pace with rigorous classes while trying to maintain busy and challenging academic and athletic schedules. Tutors are available by appointment at the Troutt-Wittmann Academic Center for a variety of courses.
Academic performance is monitored both formally and informally by the student services staff. During each semester, progress reports are sent to all instructors of each student-athlete. Instructors provide information about attendance, participation, grades and general comments. Monitoring of course progress allows the student services staff to become aware of problems and provide the assistance needed as quickly as possible.Â
Â
Thirty computers loaded with eduÂcational software including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access and Publisher are available in the Troutt-Wittmann Academic Center.  Hours of operation for the computer lab are the same as Study Hall hours. In addition to the 30 workstations, laptop computers and tablets with wireless internet access are available for student-athletes to check out when away from campus for competition.
Â
The Developing Athletes With Goals (DAWG) Program at Southern Illinois University provides comprehensive guidance regarding the personal, professional, and academic development for Saluki student-athletes. The holistic development of student-athletes at Southern Illinois University is a top priority, and the DAWG Program aims to provide experiences for growth on and off the field.
The Academics staff ensures that student-athletes receive and provide professors with a travel letter each semester. Travel letters include the dates and times of travel for the entire semester, and provide faculty with information on university excused absences. Providing instructors with these letters at the beginning of each semester aids student-athletes to start a conversation about travel dates that may conflict with important dates on the course syllabus. The SASS staff follows up with faculty as needed regarding travel for competition or other issues student-athletes may face such as illness or deaths in the family.
STUDENT-ATHELTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a leadership committee made up of student-athletes that provide insight on the student-athlete experience. SAAC offers input on rules, regulations, and policies that impact student-athletes’ lives on all NCAA Member institution campuses.Â