GORHAM, Maine – With University of Southern Maine students returning to campus this past week for the 2021-2021 academic year, the Costello Sports Complex is buzzing with activity as our nearly 500 Husky student-athletes are set to begin another busy year balancing academics, athletics, and more. And to help with that, the Huskies' Department of Athletics is set to resume its Learning Center (or as it is more commonly known by Huskies' past and present "Study Tables) hours and requirements.
 
After a year of challenges, USM students return to some form of normalcy with in-person classes and activities, while continuing to practice social distancing and wearing masks while indoors on campus. Located within the Costello Sports Complex, the Learning Center provides USM student-athletes with a centralized spot to study, complete coursework, or work ahead on projects.  
 
One key of the Division III philosophy is to "assure that student-athletes are supported in their efforts to meaningfully participate in nonathletic pursuits to enhance their overall educational experience" while two of Department of Athletics Five Pillars are "Academic Excellence" and "Personal Growth." Participating in "Study Table" at USM enhances the student-athlete educational experience by helping the student-athletes balance academics and athletics giving them a place to do their work during their downtime. In the future, the student-athletes will be able to manage their time more efficiently as it takes new students time to adjust to the new workload, something they haven't experienced before in their life.
 
USM's Athletic Department has helped ease the incoming student-athletes transition with its required "Study Table."  Monitored by Learning Center coordinator and softball head coach Sarah Jamo, first-year student-athletes are required to complete three hours of studying per week and have three places to complete that requirement. Starting September 5, 2021, first-year Huskies will use the "Study Tables" to create strong study habits as well as connecting with fellow student-athletes and other department staff socially.
 
1. Sign in and out of the Athletic study table area with a monitor during Costello building hours
2. Gorham Learning Commons -- Bailey Hall
3. Portland Learning Commons -- Glickman Library -- Second Floor
4. Directed Study Online by Zoom
 
"The student-athletes that use the 'study table' sessions are putting themselves in a position for academic success," said Jamo. "The freshman athletes have a place to do their homework while they balance their academic and athletic commitments for the first time away from home. They will also have an easy path to interact with coaches and other athletes outside of their respective programs and it will give athletic department staff and coaches chances to check in with our athletes."
 
Student-athletes who earn a 3.2 GPA or better for the first semester will not be required to continue with the "Study Table" requirement. If student-athletes earn anything lower than a 3.2 GPA they will be required to continue through the end of the academic year.
 
In fall 2020, 259 student-athletes earned William B. Wise Scholar-Athlete honors during a virtual scholar-athletes award banquet. To earn Scholar-Athlete accolades, a Southern Maine student-athlete must have a minimum 3.00 grade point average combined for the fall and spring semesters, be a full-time student and be a member of a sports team for a full season. 
 
During the spring, 39 Huskies were named to the 2021 Little East Conference All-Academic Team, all seven of USM's LEC spring teams were represented while three student-athletes were selected to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America Teams. During the 2020-21 academic year Husky student-athletes totaled a 3.24 GPA. 
 
Costello Sports Complex Learning Center: Study Table Hours
Sunday: 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
 
*HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
 
What Counts for Study Table Credit?
Studying
Tutoring Appointments
Direct Studies Group Time
 

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