The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Athletics Department is committed to enhancing the opportunities of academic, athletic and personal success of every student-athlete. As part of UWM's commitment, a partnership has been created between the academic and athletic communities on campus to afford all student-athletes with an opportunity to achieve academic success.

The Panthers hired their first full-time academic advisor in July of 1998, further reinforcing UWM's commitment to its student-athletes' academic success. All new student-athletes meet with their advisor on an individual basis to assess their specific needs. Programs for academic advancement are also developed, including providing seminars in computer technology, assigning tutors and monitoring courses, grades and academic progress.

The Academic Assistance Center, located in the athletics department, provides student-athletes with a quiet place to study and one-on-one tutoring opportunities. The academic center also houses a computer lab with up-to-date equipment, software programs and the internet.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a member of the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. The mission of the NCAA and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the student-athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, the UWM program, "SUCCESS," was created to support student-athlete development and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.

S   tudent-Athletes
U   nited for
C   ommitment to Excellence
C   hallenges
E   ducation
S   ervice to Community and
S   kills for Life

The life skills program includes five major commitments:

• Commitment to Academic Excellence - to support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
• Commitment to Athletic Excellence - to build philosophical foundations for the development of athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.
• Commitment to Personal Development - to support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to Career Development - to encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.
• Commitment to Service - to engage the student-athlete in service to his/her campus and surrounding communities.