At PBA, our student-athletes are expected to be students first and athletes second. Your most important goals should be to succeed in the classroom and graduate from PBA. Listed below are eight steps which will help you become a “class act” and keep your academic priorities in order.

 

Step 1

Prior to the beginning of your spring season, faculty will receive an e-mail which will include departure times for away contests as well as times you need to be at your contest site for home games. You should be aware that your professors are aware of your schedule.

 

Step 2

You are not permitted to miss class for a practice or a team meeting. This is an NCAA regulation. Your head coach is aware of this rule and cannot allow you to miss class for anything other than actual in-season game competition, at home or on the road. [Competition includes travel to and from games as well as a reasonable warm-up time prior to home games.]

 

Step 3

Student-athletes are not to miss any class for any other reason, other than illness. If you return to campus late at night from a contest, you must be in class the next morning.

 

Step 4

If you are going to miss a class due to an in-season game, you must make arrangements with your professor ahead of time to take a test, turn in an assignment, or complete your work. You should expect to complete the work prior to missing the class.

 

Step 5

Since you participate in a sport in which weather conditions may change your game schedule, be sure to let your professor know immediately–as soon as the game is rescheduled–that you will miss class the day of the make-up contest. If an event is postponed, be sure to attend class instead.

 

Step 6

Consistently display a “class attitude.” Let your professors know that you appreciate their understanding and cooperation. Be very positive in dealing with faculty members.

 

Step 7

As long as you communicate clearly, accurately, and fully, and you follow these guidelines, you should not be penalized by a professor for your participation in intercollegiate athletics.

 

Step 8

Always sit in one of the first two rows of class. You should always be there early enough to ensure a seat is open. This shows the professor respect and that you care about doing well.