The approximately 300 freshman student-athletes who attended a special orientation session at the Palestra Monday face a difficult task -- balancing rigorous academic and athletic schedules. "Take advantage of the services we have to give to you," Athletic Director Steve Bilsky said, adding that the Athletic Department will attempt to "make your academic experience as easy as possible." The department distributed a Student-Athlete Handbook, detailing academic support services along with rules, regulations and helpful hints for student athletes. According to Assistant Athletic Director Robert Koonce, students will find services beyond tutoring and study sessions.EThe department has purchased 15 laptop computers for academic use by student-athletes on road trips and plans to buy more in the future. "We want to give our kids every opportunity," Koonce said after the orientation, noting the computers are equipped with modems so the student-athletes can use e-mail. Koonce added that Duke and Yale universities already provide their student-athletes with laptop computers. During the orientation, administrators told the student-athletes to stay on top of both their classes and competitions -- especially in forming relationships with professors and coaches. Senior Associate Athletic Director Carolyn Schlie Femovich said the student-athletes will form close bonds with their coaches. "They will probably know you and you will probably know them better than anyone else on campus," Femovich said, adding that student-athletes should take advantage of their coaches' office hours. Associate Athletic Director Elton Cochran-Fikes, who coordinates athletic eligibility, urged the freshmen to get acquainted with their professors and "resolve conflicts early" between competition and exam schedules. Cochran-Fikes also told the students to make sure they are registered with the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Bilsky reminded the student-athletes to "support one another's teams." "We like to think that we're your family," Bilsky said. Engineering freshman Jeremy McDowell, a baseball team member, said the transition from high school to college is not easy. "I think it will be a little bit rough at first," McDowell said. "It's just a matter of getting adjusted to it." But College freshman Amy Padula said the Athletic Department seemed to ease the transition. "It's nice to feel supported by the rest of the teams and the administration," said Padula, who plays field hockey and lacrosse. Noting that the Athletic Department works closely with the Department of Academic Support Programs, Koonce said every effort is made to ensure a smooth transition. "We want to make sure that we're inclusive -- that our kids are integrated into the mainstream of campus," he said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.