Student-Athlete
Support Services
Wayne State University Department of Athletics
CONTENTS
3 CODE OF CONDUCT
4 GOLD UMBRELLA - SAFE ZONE
5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES
6 THE W.H.O.
7 STEP UP
9 SAAC
10 ETHICS GUIDE
12 CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE
15 ACADEMIC GAME PLAN
22 STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
CODE OF CONDUCT
1. COMMIT TO THE WARRIOR WAY
Does what you are about to do, in any way, harm others or reflect negatively on you,
your family or Wayne State University? If so, you have made the wrong choice.
2. STEP-UP – DON'T BE A FOLLOWER
Know what the right action is even when someone else wants to act differently.
Be willing to risk being "unpopular" at the moment in order to be responsible for
the future.
3. BE PART OF THE W.H.O. (WARRIORS HELPING OTHERS)
Be willing to help others - People may not want or think they need help, but help
them anyway.
4. REPRESENT THE BEST AT ALL TIMES
Even when no one is looking, commit to being an example, not the problem.
5. BE RESPECTFUL OF DIFFERENCES – EVEN IF YOU CAN'T SEE THEM
Realize our commonality is in our basic humanity even though it appears in different
colors, styles, habits and perspectives.
6. THE GOLDEN RULE AND THE GOLD UMBRELLA ARE COMPATIBLE
Embrace each and share the responsibility that is the foundation of both.
7. HAVE WARRIOR PRIDE
Pride that is not boastful, intimidating, or abusive. The good you do today, will probably
be forgotten tomorrow – do good anyway.
GOLD UMBRELLA - SAFE ZONE
What is The Gold Umbrella - Safe Zone?
The Gold Umbrella - Safe Zone (Gold Umbrella) is a program which promotes acceptance and
understanding of a diverse and multidimensional setting – to that end, through education
and training a safe accommodating environment is established with facilitators who guide
the educational development. Students will know who they can go to for help by the
Gold Umbrella symbol posted in the individual's workspace. They can go to them for help,
advice, or just to talk to someone in confidence that will be supportive and accepting. This
symbol also means that biased and offensive actions and comments will be addressed in an
educational and informative manner.
The Gold Umbrella - Safe Zone Mission Statement
Our mission, consistent with the WSU and athletics mission statements, is to promote
education, acceptance, and offer confidential support for all student-athletes.
Our goals are to:
• Promote acceptance and respect for people of all backgrounds based not only on race,
gender, ethnicity, and sexuality, but socioeconomic status and geographic location as well.
• Provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for all student-athletes.
acceptance • awareness understanding • inclusive
diversity • respect compassion • empathetic
considerate •supportive informative • respectful
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. Provide a non-judgmental setting
2. A meeting is not to set policy but to understand issues and confront challenges
3. May not initially solve problems but should not exacerbate issues
4. Do not contribute to myths and stereotypes
5. Be language neutral
6. Be one of three: listener, reference, or facilitator
7. Maintain a professional, non-judgmental relationship
8. Understand the need to provide additional professional reference
9. Confidentiality and privacy are the expectation to healthy discussion
10. There is a difference between problem solver, mediator and disciplinarian
11. Do not assume expertise
12. Be respectful of time ... and the need to fully appreciate the issue
13. Trust is earned but easily lost
14. Be mindful not to implicate others
15. Do not let someone's personal issue become your issue
16. Know your limitations
17. Complex issues can have layers of challenges
18. Don't give up on yourself
19. Do not give what is not asked for or needed
20. Respect different normalcy
21. We can't all be the same ... which is a good thing
22. No one's attitude should harm another
23. If you are kind, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway
24. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway 5
THE W.H.O. (Warriors Helping Others)
A group of ambassadors to lead by example and affirmative action situational decision
making that protects and exemplifies good behavior. Participants actively advance the best
ideas of the department and its operating philosophy.
• Educate and provide tools to help promote responsible and smart decisions – be their
own example.
• Help WSU Athletics become more unified in our effortsto improve the athletics experience
• Improve SAACs visibility as an important student-athlete organization
• Motivate student athletes to better understand and be an active participant in promoting
a safe campus community
• Be vocal and speak up in every situation
• Encourage teammatesto get involved if they see othersin trouble or dangeroussituations
• Educate and provide tools to help promote responsible and smart decisions
"Great opportunities to help others
seldom come, but small ones
surround us everyday."
STEP UP
Step UP! is a pro-social behavior and bystander intervention program that educates
students to be proactive in helping others.
Teaching people about the determinants of pro-social behavior makes them more aware of
why they sometimes don't help. As a result they are more likely to help in the future.
The goals of Step UP! are to:
• Raise awareness of helping behaviors
• Increase motivation to help
• Develop skills and confidence when
responding to problems or concerns
• Ensure the safety and well-being of
self and others
SEE
Notice the event
DANGER
Interpret the event as a problem/
emergency
LEADER
Assume responsibility to help
TWO WAYS
Know how to help either directly or
indirectly
ACTION
Implement help and take action!
SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee)
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is comprised of at least two student-athletes
from each sport and spirit teams. The purpose of the organization is to enhance the total
student-athlete experience by fostering a positive student-athlete image, unifying the
student-athlete population, and serve as ambassadors in the Department of Athletics and
the larger campus and local community. Further, the council is charged with being the
on-campus advocates for the DII fundraising initiative: Make-A-Wish foundation.
The Warrior Plate Challenge
The Warrior Plate Challenge isthe annual
ranking of individual sport programs by
academic success, community outreach and
participant involvement in selected activities.
Each year the team with the highest point
total is awarded the ceremonial recognition
– the Warrior Plate.
Components:
• GPA (Semester 1 and 2)
• Community Service Hours
(total and average)
• Make-A-Wish Dollars
• Warrior Points
• Team success
Division II Initiative: Make-A-Wish
The Make-A-Wish foundation is the
fundraising initiative for all NCAA Division
II schools. As a Division II institution, it
is our duty to put forth efforts to raise
money and awareness for Make-A-Wish.
ETHICS GUIDE
Make Ethical Decisions
When in doubt, ask yourself ...
• Is it ethical? Is it legal?
• Could it harm the WSU Athletics'brand?
• What would my family and friends say?
• Would I risk my job for it?
Responsibility to the Institution
• Contribute to our institution by supporting the mission, goals, policies, and abiding by
our procedures
• Recognize that conflicts among students, colleagues, or the institution should be
resolved without diminishing respect for or appropriate obligations to any party involved
Act with Integrity
You are responsible for:
• Complying both with the letter and spirit of applicable laws, rules and regulations
• Observing high ethical standards when conducting business
• Asking questions when in doubt about the appropriateness of a situation
• Reporting known or suspected violations of any applicable
Be Accountable
• Embrace diversity of ethnicity, gender, generation, geography and thought
• Commit to maintaining industry standards in all areas of employee safety and health,
including hygiene, ergonomics, and safety
• Everyone has a right to a work environment free from harassment
"Genius, like justice is blind"
Harold Ickes introducing Marian
Anderson at the Lincoln Memorial
on Easter Sunday 1939
Responsibility to Society
• Assist students in becoming productive, ethical, and responsible citizens
• Actively work to change discriminatory practices and show regard for expectations of
the WSU community
Professional Responsibility and Competence
• Conduct departmental activities in accordance with sound judgment and proper
protocols and adopt a personal value system consistent and compliant with the
University's mission and expectations
• Monitor personal and professional development and approaches, and seek appropriate
help where needed
Lead with Integrity
• Be a positive role model
• Create an environment where employees can"speak up"
• Uphold compliance to the ethics code of conduct
"Ethics is knowing the difference
between what you have a right to do
and what is right to do."
Potter Stewart
CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE
Championship Experience
The guiding framework for the department is for every student-athlete on every team,
every member of the administrative and coaching staff and donors, community and alumni
to have benefited by a "championship experience" as a result of their time or association
with the athletics department. The objective is to create an environment that exceeds
expectations and individuals can fully realize their personal aims and ambitions in an
engaged and meaningful setting.
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree,
it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
Albert Einstein
ACADEMIC GAME PLAN
Academic Mission Statement
The department of athletics strives to provide the resources and programming to allow each
student athlete to achieve their individual academic goals and expectations.
A.R.M. (Academic Road Map)
The A.R.M. isto provide an academic bridge to first-yearstudent-athletes making the
transition from a high school learning environment to a major university setting. The plan has
three levels and is easily adjusted for individual interests, emphasis or priorities.
Academic Achievement
The department believes it is important to recognize academic achievement through a
variety of programs and special functions. The most well-known of these is the annual
academic luncheon each spring in which student-athletes invite their favorite professors and
are duly acknowledged with special attainment mementos and the respective Deans' Award
is presented by each college.
Summer Bridge Program
The transition to college life can be an overwhelming process for any freshman. That
adjustment is often amplified for student-athletes, who can sometimes be bombarded
with facing the adjustment involved with academics, athletics, and social life. The Summer
Bridge program for incoming student-athletes is a residential program where the students
take degree applicable courses and get acclimated to campus life.
SOAR Program (Student-Athlete Orientation and Registration Program)
The SOAR program is offered in summer months for incoming freshmen and new transfer
student-athletes both domestic and international. SOAR is a one-day program designed to
introduce the student-athlete and their parents/guests to Wayne State University and the
Department of Athletics.
ACADEMIC GAME PLAN
Graduation Wall
Located in the halls of the Matthaei Athletic Complex, the wall recognizes and honorsthe
student-athletes who have won the most distinguished championship – their college degree.
Grades First
• Online Academic Tracking Software • Progress Reports
• Attendance Checks • Travel Letters
• Student-Athlete Communication • Tutor Requests
• Advising Appointments • Compliance Updates
• Appointment Scheduling for Academic/Compliance Staff
Summer School Aid Program
All student-athletes who receive athletics aid during the academic term can apply for
summer financial aid to further their scholastic goals and to advance to graduation.
The department provides up to six (6) hours of coursework to approved student-athletes
through the application process.
Learning Specialist Program
Learning specialists help the student-athlete develop the self-responsibility,self-directness,
and skills necessary to achieve their goals both in the classroom and in life. A learning specialist
is a guide for the student athlete's overall development as a student. The learning specialist
program is designed to assist with identification and formulation of a study plan, so student-
athletes are clear on the educational task. Further, the learning specialist introduce and refine
various need-based study skills and outlined objectives, including time management and
organizationalskills. Lastly, the learning specialist program familiarizesthe student-athlete with
the academic and social culture of WSU; helping to ease the transition to the university setting.
Fifth-Year Aid
After a student-athlete has completed their eligibility for intercollegiate competition, they
can apply for fifth-year academic grants through the department to complete their course of
studies and graduate.
Schedule Reviews
Student-athletes enjoy "priority registration" which enables student-athletes to select classes
before other members of the University's student body. Therefore a careful and informative
selection of classtimes,sequentialscheduling and time management are prioritized.
This is accomplished through schedule reviews. This assessment is done both before and
after registration with the objective to minimize missed class time because of practice,
competitive travel and off-season conditioning. The sessions are intended to make the
student-athlete more efficient and organized with an emphasis on graduation.
WSU Junior Review
Academic Analysis with Academic Advisor
• Tracked General Education Course
• Degree Audit Progress
• Graduation Assessment
• Develop Academic Strategies for Success
ACADEMIC GAME PLAN
Faculty Liaisons
• Faculty representatives for each team
• Organized by faculty athletics representative Robert Ackerman
• Each sport assigned two professors
• Strong presence and communication with teams and coaching staff
Exit Interviews
Each student-athlete upon separation from the department is provided an opportunity
to comment and give feedback on their experience and matriculation. The confidential
assessment is tallied and organized for departmental and staff evaluations.
Student Disability Services
The Department of Athletics Academic Support Services Staff works in concert with the SDS
office to support student-athletes with additional needs. Accommodations and services from
SDS are individualized and based upon the student's documentation. It is for this reason that
students should insure that they have sufficient documentation that supports the need for
appropriate and reasonable accommodations when they report to campus.
"Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change
the world."
Nelson Mandela
English Language Arts Tutoring
The Department of Athletics provides specialized English and Language Arts Tutoring for
student-athletes to help with reading comprehension and writing support. The program is
an evening program offered by certified ELA teachers in the Academic Resource Area.
Survival Skills Course
This course is designed to help the student-athlete navigate through all the new decisions,
challenges, and situations that arise during your college years and beyond. This course will
prepare you to take on new responsibilities of your life with a focus on academic preparedness.
• Two credit hour class offered Fall/Winter
• Develop study strategies to improve success in college
• Sharpen critical thinking skills to boost your learning
• Understand and apply note-taking strategies and effective listening for lectures
• Empower yourself with self-management techniques
• Learn the effectiveness of becoming a self-regulated learner
• Identify personal and scholastic needs and know what resources are available to aid in
academic growth
• Promote student-athletes'ownership of their academic, athletics, career, personal and
community responsibilities
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Connect Program
The Connect Program is designed to assist in the social, personal, and academic acclimation
to WSU by pairing first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior students, with faculty and staff
members who act as mentors throughout the academic year and beyond.
Grill-on-the-Hill/Welcome Back BBQ
Two separate events to assimilate and recognize the department's student-athletes. The
annual Welcome Back Bar-B-Que is a chance for incoming student-athletes to meet the
department's personnel while Grill-on-the-Hill is an outdoor celebration of the conclusion
of the academic year usually as part of National Student-Athlete Day and features an
outreach activity.
Community Engagement
The foundation of the athletics department is underscored by three concepts – academic
achievement with graduation, competitive success, and community engagement. The
volunteerism of student-athletes and staff is fundamental to foster team awareness and an
understanding of the benefits that athletics affords its participants. Student-athletes learn
life lessons far beyond the classroom that enhance their educational development.
Academic Luncheon
An annual event held the week prior to winter term final exams to celebrate the academic
accomplishments of our student-athletes. The celebration honors student-athletes with a
3.5 or better team GPA and includes invites to his/her "favorite professor." The University's
13 Deans attend and recognize the respective top student-athlete in their college.
Members of the Board of Governors, the President and his cabinet also attend. It is a
culmination of the scholastic success of our student-athletes.
STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Luncheon
The leadership luncheon series was developed in order to have representatives from each
team have the opportunity to learn the various leadership perspectives of each head
coach. The program that runs throughout the academic year has each head coach present
a "leadership message" so that an entire cross-section of student-athletes gets insight and
approaches that have influenced and shaped the lives and teaching styles of each coach.
The complimentary lunch and presentations are hosted in the Hall of Fame.
The significance of the 'W' in W Week is represented on many levels – women's athletics,
Wayne State, Warriors and wellness. These items are highlighted through a week of
activities. The celebration of women's athletics has particular significance as the first
woman ever to compete in an NCAA Championship was a WSU female student-athlete in
1975. The week became an opportunity to underscore the past sacrifices and commitments
of all female athletes to create the environment for today's students. That commitment
is evidenced in the outreach and service we do throughout the preceding week. Further,
the W-Day Brunch kicks off what we emphasize as a department volunteerism, healthy
lifestyles, and a service to others. The event is a community celebration of where we are ...
and what we aspire toward.
Student-Athlete Support Services
Department of Athletics
Academic Advising
Athletics Office
313.577.4280
313-577-3261
Compliance
313-577-1366
WSUATHLETICS.COM
