South Raleigh News

North Carolina State's athletic teams benefit from a number of support programs offered by the university's Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes (ASPSA), according to information on the program's website.

Supporting recruitment, retention and graduation of the university's student-athletes, strongly adhering "to the principles of integrity, excellence, and lifelong learning," and providing a comprehensive support system that provides "equitable opportunity to pursue academic, personal, and professional development," are all part of ASPSA's mission, the website says.

ASPSA "is a comprehensive support program that strives to meet the academic, personal and professional development needs of all student-athletes, promoting excellence and effectiveness in undergraduate and graduate education as well as leadership and civic engagement," the website says. "ASPSA is committed to extending the educational experience of its constituency with particular emphasis on empowering student-athletes to become strong self-advocates."

Julia Brown, a former North Carolina State Women’s Volleyball student-athlete, in a 2016 photo. | twitter.com/packvball

ASPSA's programs include tutoring resources for North Carolina State student-athletes, who can schedule tutoring opportunities throughout the week for in a variety of subject areas, including math and science. Student-athletes can reserve tutoring in 30-minute and 60-minute time slots up to two weeks in advance via their GPS mobile app. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, much of the tutoring is conducted via Zoom.

"The Academic Skills Enhancement Program is committed to providing student-athletes with tutorial services," the tutoring section of the ASPSA's website says.

ASPSA also offers a "Reconnect Program" to North Carolina State's former student-athletes.

"The Reconnect Program assists former student-athletes who no longer have eligibility remaining and wish to return to NC State to finish their undergraduate degree," the the ASPSA's website says. "The program provides guidance on the admissions process, assistance with class selection, advising, tutoring and financial support."

Julia Brown, a former North Carolina State women’s volleyball player, is assisted through the ASPSA's Reconnect Program, according to the ASPSA website.

“I am extremely grateful to attend a university that has programs, like Reconnect, that encourages and assists athletes in the pursuit of their education and professional careers," Brown said on the website. "Thank you for your continued guidance throughout my time at NC State. I am even more excited and motivated to come back and continue my education having been chosen by the program."