Faculty Mentoring Program

The MCLA Athletics department and the Faculty Athletics Representative (F.A.R.), Dr. Tim Jay, have partnered to form a Faculty Mentoring Program.  The program is intended to enhance the relationship between the Faculty and the student-athletes.  The program was initiated at the NCAA National Convention for Faculty Athletics Representatives.  Each Program will have a faculty mentor to assist in all phases of the program.  The faculty representative will be asked to interact with student athletes in many phases.  

Dr. Jay states: "The faculty liaison is an "athletics friendly" contact person in a particular academic department that is "go to person" for student athletes who need assistance in a course in that department or who just have general questions about majoring in that department."

2010-2011 Program Mentors:

Volleyball- Pat Sullivan (Education)
Women's Soccer- Maria Bartini (Psychology)
Softball- Jerry Smosky (Biology)
Women's Basketball- Jim Moriarty (Business)
Baseball- Rob Harris (Chemistry)
Men's Soccer- Ron Shewcraft (Physical Education)
Tennis- Vacant
Men's and Women's Cross Country- Vacant
Men's Basketball- Vacant
Golf- Vacant

Faculty Mentor Initiatives:

1) To support the academic development of the student athlete
2) To promote understanding and communication between faculty, athlete, and students
3) Provide coaches an additional resource to help advise student athletes
4) To be a resource or counsel the student athlete on issues of mental health and well being
5) Informally interact with athletes and coaches
6) To facilitate student athlete and professor interactions
7) Build strong friendships with athletes and coaches
8) Meet with prospective student athletes during visits
9) Advise and help newcomers adjust to campus
10) Attend practices and games
11) Allowed to be on bench during competition
12) Attend all team functions
13) Travel to selected away contests
14) Receive team apparel
15) Be a supportive Fan