A National Model in Promoting the Scholar-Athlete Ideal

Bucknell Athletics is first and foremost a student-centered organization, one that strives to be a national leader when it comes to operating by a true scholar-athlete model. At Bucknell, student-athletes' academic programs are their first priority, and providing a competitive Division I athletics program only advances the mission, values and residential learning goals of the university. To that end, the Department of Athletics and Recreation proactively seeks ways to assist student-athletes in their daily academic pursuits. Below are just some of the student-athlete support programs currently in place.

BUCKNELL ATHLETICS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: In 2011-12, the Department of Athletics launched the Bucknell Athletics Leadership Institute. A key component of the Bucknell Student-Athlete Enrichment program, the Leadership Institute is designed to help student-athletes learn how to be effective leaders on and off the playing fields. The Leadership Institute features programming and instruction that bridge theory, development and real experiences in an interactive learning environment. Through this endeavor, team leaders can enhance their impact on their teammates' and their program's performance immediately and for years to come.

STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC): The Bucknell Student Athlete Advisory Committee is a leadership organization whose members provide student-athlete feedback and insights at the Athletic Department, campus, conference and NCAA levels. Through their collective efforts of communication, organization and active participation, they strive to create an enhanced student-athlete experience and connection to the greater community.

MENTAL PERFORMANCE: The mental health and performance of our student-athletes is of the utmost importance, and Bucknell University and the Department of Athletics have resources readily available. Liz Brookhouse, a sports psychology consultant, has office hours several days a week and works with student-athletes individually and in team settings. Bucknell also has an extensive Counseling and Student Development Center, staffed by a team of trained mental health professionals with concentrated study on the specific developmental needs of college students.

BISON FUEL: As part of a complete renovation to the Zeller Lounge area on the second floor of Gerhard Fieldhouse, Bucknell Athletics in August 2017 launched its first BISON FUEL location. BISON FUEL offers free nutritional snacks and beverages to student-athletes each weekday afternoon. The refurbished Zeller Lounge provides additional gathering and study space for student-athletes.

FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE: The faculty athletics representative (FAR) is a member of the faculty or administrative staff who is designated to represent Bucknell in its relationships with the NCAA and the Patriot League. Bucknell's FAR is Linda Smolka, Associate Professor of Mathematics. The FAR can enhance the student-athlete experience by promoting a balance between academics, athletics and the social lives of student-athletes, which affords them opportunities to enjoy a full range of collegiate experiences.

SIDELINE COACH PROGRAM: This program is a truly unique initiative in Division I college athletics, and it involves the invitation of a member of the faculty, administration, staff or community by one of Bucknell's 27 varsity teams. The participant has the opportunity to discuss the overall program with the respective coaching staff, including practice preparation and strategy for the upcoming contest. The sideline coach attends a practice session and an actual intercollegiate competition, where he/she is introduced to the team and gains rarely seen insight into the relationships that exist between player-coach and player-player. The purpose of the Sideline Coach Program is to foster a better understanding by the faculty and administration of the roles played by coaches and athletes in the university's competitive intercollegiate athletic arena.

ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT CENTER: The Department of Athletics operates a study/computer lab for student-athletes on the concourse level of Sojka Pavilion as well as in the Zeller Lounge area of Gerhard Fieldhouse. The study lab can be used as a meeting place for group projects, tutorial area or just a secluded and quiet study space before or after practice. In addition, the Department of Athletics owns a number of laptop computers that may be signed out by student-athletes for use on away trips.

BISON GOOD SPORTS: Now in its 14th year, Bison Good Sports is a sportsmanship awareness program designed to promote appropriate fan conduct at all Bison sporting events. Bucknell teams have some of the best fan support in the Patriot League, and we encourage all fans to enthusiastically cheer on the Orange & Blue in a positive manner.