What the Morgan Academic Center Offers

OVERVIEW OF ADVISING 

Deciding to pursue an athletic career at the collegiate level is a demanding undertaking. After surviving the rigors of the recruiting process, student-athletes find themselves in a highly competitive environment – athletically and academically. The academic responsibilities may be nothing like they expected, yet their academic accomplishments will become a matter of public record. To be able to pursue excellence in the sporting arena, they will be expected to meet NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and Penn State eligibility requirements.

• Support our student-athletes' Penn State journey – Contribute to every aspect of student-athletes' academic and athletic careers from their first day on campus to graduation and beyond.

• Academic Planning – Provide informed, competent, and holistic advising in conjunction with student-athletes' assigned college advisors.

• Continuing Eligibility – Track and communicate student-athletes' academic eligibility to appropriate parties. Assist in course scheduling and degree planning.

• Communication with Faculty – Support communication with faculty regarding student-athletes' athletic responsibilities; including but not limited to travel and competition schedules.

ADVISOR WEEKLY ACADEMIC UPDATE PACKET & GRADE REPORT

Advisors are required to create a weekly report that summarizes key information, including important dates for the term, a list of attached reports, learning services/tutoring/study hall updates, eligibility or academic progress concerns, and any graduation or additional updates.

Each week, advisors compile a complete PDF packet that includes:

  • The advisor’s agenda
  • Weekly Study Hall Report
  • Tutor and Academic Coaching Session Reports
  • Learning Services Weekly Sport Report
  • Current grade report

Once assembled, the full packet is sent to the head coach and relevant coaching staff (e.g., academic liaisons), with the primary and secondary sport administrators, Ericka Lavender (MAC Director), and the advisor’s direct supervisor are copied.

This structured process ensures transparency, consistency, and timely communication, enabling coaches and administrators to effectively support student athlete academic progress throughout the semester.

TRAVEL LETTERS

At the beginning of each academic semester (or as soon as team regular season travel is confirmed), student-athletes will be given letters to provide to their professors detailing all the dates they will miss for the semester for athletic competition. Students are expected to hand-deliver their travel letters to their professors in a timely manner discussing any concerns regarding missed class time/dates as soon as possible. Students will be expected to remind their professors of their travel ahead of all competitions that require travel away from campus. Post-season travel will be communicated to professors utilizing the Teamworks travel letter process – sending travel information directly to professors for the student-athletes in the form of an email. All updates and changes to regular season or post-session travel will also be communicated via the Teamworks travel letter process.

EXAM PROCTORING

If a student-athlete will miss a quiz or exam due to team travel, they must speak with their professor in advance to discuss the options. The student athlete should try to take the exam either before departure or after returning if possible. If the professor wants the student to take the exam on the same day as the rest of the class and agrees to allow either an academic support staff member at the competition host institution or the team’s MAC adviser to proctor it, then the MAC adviser and professor will work to complete the MAC Exam Proctor Form. The MAC Adviser oversees the proctoring process – which includes securing the exam, arranging the location, scheduling an approved proctor, and returning all exam materials.

STUDY HALL

Study hall provides student athletes with a structured, distraction-free environment to focus on academic work while balancing the demands of competition and travel. Study hall supports accountability, time management, and the development of consistent academic routines. It offers student-athletes a dedicated space to complete coursework, access support when needed, and build habits that contribute to long-term academic success.