Academics & Compliance When talking about students who compete in a varsity sport, the term typically used is “student-athlete.” The word “student” comes first, and that’s the way the University of Detroit Mercy approaches all of its athletic team members. Although performance in competition is important, they are students first, and athletes second, with their performance in the classroom plenty important in Titan Territory. UDM’s Center for Student-Athlete Development, one of the first of its kind, offers programs for academic classes, drug education, student enhancement Steve Corder Amy Gasahl and works to improve communication skills. All 19 varsity teams are Asst. AD for Asst. Dir. of encouraged to take full advantage of the programs offered at the center. NCAA Compliance/ The center also heads up the NCAA Life Skills Program, which focuses on Compliance Academic Cord. the student in student-athlete and how to deal with issues that all studentathletes today must face. Through seminars, guest speakers and NCAA videos, student-athletes are made aware of issues such as gambling and drug and alcohol abuse, and how to deal with these concerns. The center is made possible, in part, by a grant from the NCAA. In conjunction with the staff of the University Learning Center, members of the center’s staff teach UAS 107, “Athletes in Transition,” each year. All freshman and transfer student-athletes must take this course during their studies at UDM. The course deals with how student-athletes can make the transition from high school to college. This important class teaches student-athletes to deal with time and stress management, study skills and the importance of good nutritional habits. Andrea Mosher Grad. Asst. for Academic Services
Another example of Detroit’s commitment to its student-athletes’ academic excellence is the Athletic Academic Coordinator’s post. Since the position was created, UDM’s graduation rate for student-athletes has steadily risen. Assistant Athletic Director For NCAA Compliance Steve Corder, no stranger to collegiate athletics as he played soccer for Detroit from 1994-98, and his staff carefully track each Titan’s academic progress to make sure they are on the right path toward graduation. In addition, student-athletes are helped with their tutorial needs through the use of the student-run Learning Center, where professors and students donate their time as tutors. The student-athletes’ academic progress is closely monitored and study table is set up to assist the Titans with any and all academic areas, including providing tutors and a writing lab. The center is open daily and also has evening hours to work around a student-athlete’s busy schedule.
2010-11 Academic Accomplishments
•155 student-athletes had cumulative GPA’s over 3.0 •16 varsity teams were also over a cumulative 3.0 GPA • 210 Titans Named To the 210 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll •102 Titans Named To Horizon League Honor Roll •12 Titans Tabbed Horizon League All-Academic •10 Men’s Lacrosse Players Named MAAC All-Academic • 4 Women’s Lacrosse Players Named Academic AllLeague Team by National Lacrosse Conference • Men’s Golf Earn All-Academic Team by the GCAA • 1 Golfer Named To The Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars Team 2011-12 Detroit Titans Men’s Golf
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The University of Detroit Mercy is committed to the principles of institutional control in operating our athletic department. We are responsible for adhering to the rules, regulations and spirit of the NCAA, Horizon League and the University. The University of Detroit Mercy Compliance Office directs this effort and acts a primary resource concerning NCAA rules, regulations and compliance issues. We ensure that our institution complies with all NCAA standards and we are responsible for monitoring all athletic programs to assure compliance.
7-Time Horizon League Champions