President's Corner

A Message From N4A President Gerald Gurney

Dear N4A Colleagues,

As we near the start of a new academic year, I want to remind you of the importance of working with your campus compliance officers and N4A colleagues around the nation to minimize your risks associated with academic integrity issues related to tutoring and learning specialist services.  My personal research on NCAA infractions since academic reform indicates that to date there have been 34 major infractions that have been associated with academic violations since academic reform legislation in 2003.  This trend has been noted by the Committee on Infractions Chairperson, Paul Dee last January.  While it is impossible to guarantee the delivery of proper academic support at all times, consistent tutorial staff training, monitoring of sessions, and documentation may help to alleviate some risks.  Although there is no magic formula, engaging in dialogue with your compliance staff may yield some helpful ideas to put into practice. 

As the end of summer sessions draw near, I hope that your student-athletes were successful in obtaining their E an R points, and more importantly making progress toward graduating.  Your work is so very important and meaningful to our student-athletes and our institutions.  Perhaps with the rollout of NCAA Coaches’ APR Portfolio, your successes will become more apparent to the institution and public.  I wish all of you a fantastic 2010-2011 academic year. 

Best Wishes,

Gerry

 

Gerald Gurney
Senior Associate Athletics Director for Academics and Student Life
Adjunct Professor in Adult and Higher Education
University of Oklahoma
180 W. Brooks - Norman, Oklahoma 73019
Tel: 405.325.8398
Cell: 405.249.5835
Fax: 405.325.0806
ggurney@ou.edu