Academic Services

Mission Statement
The Student-Athlete Academic Services' mission is to support student-athletes' development as they balance their academic requirements with athletics. Further, we aim to positively advance the partnership between the academic and athletic missions of Loyola University Chicago. We are committed to operation with the highest ethical standards to guide our student-athletes in the pursuit of their college degrees. Our program will emphasize the importance and primacy of a student-athlete's academic responsibilities and provide a comprehensive support program to meet the educational needs of our diverse population.

Academic & Student Services Staff
Kyle Nelson - Associate Athletic Director of Academic Services (Men's Basketball & Women's Basketball)
Sadie Richey - Academic Advisor (Men's Volleyball, Women's Soccer, Cross Country/Track & Field)
Joellen Hatchett - Academic Advisor (Women's Volleyball, Men's Soccer, Softball, Golf)
Carmen Biao - Graduate Intern
Cian Dotson - Graduate Intern
Winston Essibu - Graduate Intern

Books
Loyola University Chicago students use links within their LOCUS accounts to order books every term.

Student-athletes that are on full cost of attendance, which includes a books scholarship, can contact Kiara Scott, Assistant Director of Compliance & Student Services (kscott19@luc.edu) or talk to their athletic advisor for how to pick up their books. Books are to be returned at the conclusion of the semester.

Travel
Student-athletes are provided with a travel letter from Student Athlete Academic Services every semester they have competition. This letter outlines the dates and times of travel and competition for their sport season. All student-athletes must provide this document to each of their professors at the beginning of the semester and follow up before each excused absence. While the document may excuse an absence, it does not excuse the work that is due, or content covered in class. Student-athletes must work with their professors and athletic advisor to navigate make up work or exams required.

Class Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for all in person or synchronous Zoom courses for student-athletes. Exceptions to this policy are only for team travel and competition as outlined below in Travel Policies. Student-athletes are expected to communicate all absences to professors in advance. Should a class happen to conflict with practice, it is a NCAA policy that the student-athlete must attend class and be absent from practice that day.

Travel Policies
Student-athletes are provided with a travel letter from Student Athlete Academic Services every semester they have competition. This letter outlines the dates and times of travel and competition for their sport season. All student-athletes must provide this document to each of their professors at the beginning of the semester and follow up before each excused absence. While the document may excuse an absence, it does not excuse the work that is due, or content covered in class. Student-athletes must work with their professors and athletic advisor to navigate make up work or exams required.

Registration & Drop/Add/Withdrawal
Loyola Chicago student-athletes receive priority registration for all semesters as undergraduate students. Incoming student-athletes will register in May prior to attending orientation in June or July. Returning student-athletes will register the Friday before the Monday registration begins campus wide.

All student-athletes are required to meet with their athletic advisor before registering, adding, dropping or withdrawing from a course to ensure continued compliance with NCAA continuing eligibility standards.

Add, drop, and withdraw dates can be found on the Loyola academic calendar.

Mission Statement
The mission of Loyola SAAC is to enhance the student-athlete experience along with providing direct communication with senior level athletics staff members. Further, SAAC aims to positively impact Loyola University Chicago and surrounding communities, while promoting a culture of leadership, collaboration, and inclusivity.

SAAC Board
President: Matthew Andrusko (Men's Soccer)
Vice President: Olivia Lovett (Women's Volleyball)
Team Representatives: TBD

Initial Eligibility
Freshmen student-athletes must meet initial eligibility standards to receive athletic aid, practice, and complete at the Division I level. Please consult the main NCAA Website for details.

Continuing Eligibility
Continuing student-athletes are required to maintain consistent academic progress to maintain their athletic eligibility. For questions about the standards outlined below, please contact athleteadvising@luc.edu.

Full Time Enrollment
- Student-athletes are required to always be full time students (12+ credits) to permissibly practice and compete. For any exceptions, please consult your athletic advisor.
Credits Passed
- Student-athletes must pass a specific credit minimum every semester and year to maintain their eligibility for competition.
  - 6 Credits: a minimum of six (6) degree applicable credits must be passed every term to compete in the subsequent term.
  - 18 Credits: a minimum of eighteen (18) credits must be passed during the regular academic year (Fall + Spring semester) to compete in the following term.
  - 24 Credits: freshman only rule. A student-athlete must have earned 24 college credits before their second year of full-time enrollment.
Progress Toward Degree
- Student-athletes must make consistent progress toward a declared degree program and ultimately graduation. The NCAA mandates that a student-athlete must meet the following minimums to maintain eligibility.
  - 40% of a declared degree program completed prior to 5th semester of full-time enrollment.
  - 60% of a declared degree program completed prior to 7th semester of full-time enrollment.
  - 80% of a declared degree program completed prior to 9th semester of full-time enrollment.
Grade Point Average
- Student-athletes must maintain good academic standing throughout their time at the institution. For Loyola student-athletes, this means maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

The Goldies is the annual celebration of another successful year for Loyola University Chicago athletics and our student-athletes. The banquet takes place near the end of every spring semester.

2023-24 Dear Loyola Video