Redbird Academic Success

• 22 Bone Scholars – Illinois State’s top academic scholarship on campus

  12 since 2000

• 42 Capital One Academic All-America honors

  20 since 2000

• Cumulative GPA above 3.0 in seven-consecutive semesters

  School record 3.15 GPA in Fall 2011

Student-Athlete Academic Advantages

• Academic Advisement

  A dedicated staff of academic advisors work directly with Illinois State student-athletes to ensure progress towards a degree. These advisors understand the challenges confronting student-athletes because many were Illinois State student-athletes and coaches themselves. Three academic advisors from the University College Academic Advisement Center also work directly with the athletics department.

• Career Development

  A university-wide effort has created programs that help student-athletes prepare for life after collegiate athletics. The academics personnel is constantly developing career preparation and career enhancement programs, including career assessment assistance, resource materials, resume writing, mock interviews and jobs, internships and externships in related fields. Since the inception of the program in 1996, 85 percent of the senior class either have jobs or are accepted into a graduate program upon graduation.

• Computer-Aided Learning

  The Karin Bone Athletics Study Center has 25 desktop computers for use by only student-athletes. Those computers contain software to help student-athletes complete assignments and access research materials. Also, 15 laptop computers are available for student-athletes to check out and perform self-help study techniques like self-testing programs which assist students in preparing for specific exams.

• Priority Registration

  Student-athletes are faced with the unique challenge of molding their class schedules around practices, athletic events and travel. Early registration allows them to enroll in the classes they need and helps them manage their academic and athletic time commitments.

• Targeting

  As soon as student-athletes step foot on the Illinois State campus for the first time, they are provided one-on-one academic assistance. This advisement ensures a good start as well as the implementation of an academic plan that best suits each particular student-athlete. This program has resulted in less than 5% of student-athletes on academic probation.

• Tutoring