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Learning Assistance Program

The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) exists to support the needs of all Virginia Tech student-athletes in different levels each individual needs. LAP provides individualized assistance in the development of independent, successful students who are also notable athletes. LAP has various levels of support and houses the Learning Specialists, Mentor Program, and Tutor Program.

Learning Specialists

The Learning Specialists work closely with the Athletic Academic Counselors to identify academically at-risk student-athletes, searching for educational impacting disabilities or underprepared. They conduct one-on-one academic meetings with student-athletes to address academic needs and provide instruction in academic skill development.

The Learning Specialists also work closely with the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office on campus to ensure students with educational impacting disabilities are receiving the proper academic accommodations. Learning Specialists can help student-athletes submit their Academic Accommodation Application and upload any necessary documentation such as a 504 plan, IEP, or psychological evaluation. Once a student-athlete is onboarded through SSD, Learning Specialists may also work with the student-athlete to set-up their accommodations with each of their courses.

Mentor Program

The Mentor Program provides a proactive approach to assist student-athletes in adjusting to academics, athletics, and college life. 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 academic coursework while learning strategies that will ensure long-term academic success.

Tutor Program

The Tutor 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 at Virginia Tech. All tutoring appointments take place around SAASS in the Quillen Family Academic Center, on the 3rd floor of Lane Stadium, and is fully certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).