The Office of Learning Resources for Student-Athletes, which provides individualized academic support services to nearly all of Boston College’s 750 varsity student-athletes, will be renamed the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) as part of a rebranding effort inspired by the recent release of the BC Athletics Strategic Plan, the University announced on October 15.
Overseen by the Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties and located in the Yawkey Athletics Center, SAAS will continue to serve BC’s student-athletes by providing the resources to assist with academic success in collaboration with faculty and campus partners.
“Boston College student-athletes are among the best and brightest in the nation,” said William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond. “Student-athlete formation is one of the four strategic priorities we identified in the Athletics Strategic Plan and corresponding Greater Heights campaign. We feel that rebranding the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services best conveys the complete range of services we offer and illustrates the importance we place on academic growth, development, and inclusion.”
As part of the rebrand, SAAS updated its mission statement to reflect its new focus:
The Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services supports the Boston College academic community and the Athletics Department in our mission to pursue student-athlete excellence, student formation, and a just society by remaining committed to integrity, ethics, and honesty. We provide comprehensive academic support services to meet the educational, personal, and career development needs of all Boston College student-athletes. Consistent with the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, we will take a holistic approach to academic services and student formation, seeking to provide each student athlete with the opportunity to excel at Boston College and in life beyond the Heights.
The name change and updated mission statement are components of a broader plan to shape and transform the office to achieve alignment with the institution and the Athletics Department’s strategic plans, administrators said. Future implementation phases will include enhancements to technology related to student-athlete retention, increase in study space, and additional full-time employees.
“I am pleased that the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services is moving ahead with refreshing its image and mission,” said Associate Professor of Economics Robert Murphy, BC’s Faculty Athletics Representative. “The office provides vital support to our student-athletes for both their academic success and personal development, and I’m delighted it will be receiving enhanced resources for carrying out this important role.”
SAAS Director Michael A. Harris said he welcomed these changes as a means of strengthening an office that does important work on behalf of BC student-athletes.
"We are fortunate to have university leaders who are willing to support our efforts to adapt to the diverse needs of BC student-athletes,” said Harris. “In the future, SAAS looks forward to furthering our collaborations with campus partners, faculty and Athletics Department staff.”
University Communications | October 2018