Learning Assistance Program

The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) exists to support the needs of student-athletes with education impacting disabilities and those who are underprepared to meet the academic demands of Virginia Tech. The goal of the program is to help the University and the Athletic Department meet their vision of recognizing a diversity of peoples, creating a welcoming university climate, and increasing the participation and success of underrepresented groups among students. The program’s focus is to work within Student-Athlete Academic Support Services to provide individualized assistance in the development of independent, successful students who are also notable athletes. The goal of the program is to create a welcoming and supportive university climate and support the academic success of student-athletes who may be academically vulnerable.

Learning Specialists

Learning Specialists work closely with Athletic Academic counselors to identify academically at-risk student-athletes and conduct one-on-one academic meetings with student-athletes to address academic needs and provide instruction in academic skill development.

Mentor Program

The Mentor Program provides a proactive approach to assist student-athletes in adjusting to college life and academics, and/or maintaining acceptable college level academic performance. The goals are to foster independent learning through various skill-building activities, such as time management, organization, and goal setting. The focus of the program is to encourage student-athletes to think critically about their short-term academic coursework while learning research-based strategies that will ensure long-term academic success.

Tutor Program

The Tutoring Program within SAASS seeks to supplement classroom instruction via individual and group tutoring appointments. The program employs roughly 85 tutors each semester, whose knowledge covers nearly all academic disciplines offered at Virginia Tech. All tutoring appointments take place in the Quillen Family Academic Center for Student-Athletes, which is located on the third floor of Lane Stadium. The tutoring program is fully certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).