Mission
The mission of Student Development for Athletes is to assist student athletes in realizing their Educational and Athletic Potential. Utilizing the Developmental Advising Model, each student-athlete will be expected to achieve his/her highest level of educational capability. Through the provision of a range of services, all student-athlete will receive the necessary support to be successful life-long learners, capable of success in and out of the classroom. Our student-athletes will be equipped to use their academic experience and appreciation of Vincentian character and values in their post-collegiate professional and personal endeavors.

Overview
Student-athletes face a unique set of challenges and circumstances as they participate in Division I intercollegiate athletics. In addition to the enormous investment of time and energy, each student-athlete must adhere to strict NCAA guidelines regarding academic eligibility. It is imperative that student-athletes find a balance between their athletic and academic pursuits. In order to assist the student-athlete with this process, the Division of Academic Support Services, in collaboration with the Department of Athletics, has developed a comprehensive support and resource program for all student-athletes. The Student Development for Athletes program provides a wide range of services from the recruiting stage through graduation.

The program focuses on five key areas: Academic Support, Career Development, Personal Development, Leadership and Community Service.

Academic Support
The academic support program assigns each varsity team an academic advisor. The academic advisor serves as the primary contact for student-athletes seeking academic assistance and helps the student-athletes navigate the academic community. Through regularly scheduled appointments, the advisor develops an individualized educational plan based on the student's strengths and weaknesses, as well as his or her academic potential and support needs. Academic Support staff members are in constant contact with instructors through progress reports, phone calls and e-mail. This information is used as a point of intervention to identify problem areas and make necessary recommendations for improvement.

The new St. John's Athletics study center, opening in 2007 in Carnesecca Arena, provides a managed study environment with tutoring areas and office space for the Red Storm Student Development unit. The program balances the need for structure with the aim of increasing the student's responsibility for his or her own work. Each student-athlete is responsible for six hours of monitored study a week. The advisor works closely with their assigned students to monitor their academic progress throughout the semester.

Career Development
The career development program provides personalized assistance to student-athletes throughout their four years at St. John's University. By attending workshops and one-on-one meetings with a career counselor, Red Storm student-athletes gain the skills necessary to make appropriate career decisions, whether deciding upon a major course of study or evaluating various job offers upon graduation.

Student-athletes learn the important skills necessary to succeed in today's competitive job market, including creating a game plan for reaching career goals, writing an effective resume and cover letter, and making a positive impression on potential employers when networking and interviewing.

Personal Development
The personal development commitment supports the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.

In an effort to educate student-athletes on the importance of this component in the early stages of their collegiate career, first-year student-athletes are required to participate in Student Development 101.

The purpose of this student-athlete course falls in line with the overall goals and objectives of the student development program, and is designed to assist student-athletes in making a successful transition to college. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are required to participate in the continuing educational series during selected common hour periods. The continuing educational series provides opportunities for student-athletes to explore issues relevant to the student-athlete experience through small group discussions, service learning, individual and group activities, guest speakers and student development seminars.

The following topics are addressed:
Nutrition
Decision Making Skills/Values Clarification
Stress Management
Leadership Training
Alcohol and Drug Education
Healthy Relationships
Sports Psychology
Public Speaking
Fiscal Responsibility
Time Management
Community Service

Student Development Team
Dr. Nancy S. Kaplan, Associate Vice President, Academic Support Services and Student Development for Athletes, (718) 990-1672
Eric Rienecker, Director, Academic Support Services (Men's Basketball), 718-990-5687
Tracy Manfredi, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services (Men's & Women's Soccer, Women's Basketball), 718-990-1459
Emily Parella, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services (Lacrosse, Softball, Volleyball), 718-990-5546
Bernard Rencher, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services (Men's & Women's Fencing, Women's Tennis, Women's Track), 718-990-5823
Jennifer Lebowitz, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services (Men's & Women's Golf, Men's Tennis, Baseball)
Lucy Pesce, Associate Director, Leadership Development & Special Events, 718-990-6979
Michelle Kyriakides, Assistant Director, Career Advising for Student Athletes, 718-990-1361
Karen Casingal, Career Counselor, Career Advising for Student Athletes, 718-990-1328
Mark Armiento, Sports Psychology & Counseling Consultant, armientm@stjohns.edu
JoAnne Zissel, Administrative Assistant, Student Development for Athletes, 718-990-2643