By promoting a culture of integrity, inclusion, and accountability, the mission of the UNF Student-Athlete Center for Excellence (SACE) is to facilitate the comprehensive academic, personal, and professional development of all student-athletes through innovation, collaboration, and integration with the goal of encouraging present and future leadership.
Academic integrity is a core value actively promoted, communicated, and reinforced by the SACE staff. Clear procedures, ongoing education, and proactive measures are established to ensure that student-athletes and all SACE personnel including full-time staff, part-time staff, volunteers, interns, and Graduate Assistants consistently uphold institutional policies, NCAA regulations, and the highest standards of ethical behavior and academic honesty.
SACE is committed to fostering a culture of accountability, fairness, and personal responsibility in all academic support services and interactions. This includes maintaining strict confidentiality, promoting ethical decision-making, and ensuring that all coursework, assignments, and examinations reflect the student-athlete’s own original work. The unauthorized or unacceptable use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools including generating or submitting AI-produced assignments, using AI during exams or assessments, or utilizing AI in any manner that violates course, institutional, or NCAA policies is considered a violation of academic integrity and will not be tolerated.
UNF’s FAR is Dr. Jennifer Kane, Associate Dean and Professor of Sport Management. The FAR ensures there is a balance between your athletics and academics while you are a student at UNF. Dr. Kane is also an independent resource for you to utilize and is an alternative if you have any questions or concerns that you do not feel comfortable sharing with a coach or athletics administrator. Dr. Kane’s office is in the Silverfield College of Education Building (#57/3615), her office number is (904) 620-2465, and her email address is jkane@unf.edu.
All freshmen and new transfer student-athletes are required to participate in monitored study hall during their first year of enrollment.
A minimum of four (4) hours of study hall per week is required. Study hall expectations and scheduling are established jointly by the head coach and the Student-Athlete Center for Excellence (SACE) staff. Attendance is mandatory and is considered an essential component of academic support and development.
Student-athletes are required to use Teamworks to electronically check in and check out for all study hall sessions. Accurate and timely logging of attendance is required for compliance tracking.
In addition, all freshmen and new transfer student-athletes will meet weekly with their assigned SACE point of contact to monitor academic progress, support adjustment to the university environment, and address any academic or personal transition needs.
The University of North Florida is committed to supporting student-athletes throughout their academic journey and toward successful degree completion and graduation. To promote consistent academic progress and long-term success, all student-athletes are required to meet with their major-specific academic advisor each semester.
Student-athletes are encouraged to develop strong, collaborative relationships with both their assigned Athletic Academic Coordinator and their Major Advisor, as these individuals serve as primary resources for navigating academic requirements, degree planning, and university policies. While comprehensive support services are available, each student-athlete is ultimately responsible for understanding and complying with all institutional, departmental, and degree-specific requirements associated with their chosen program of study.
In addition, student-athletes are expected to regularly review their Degree Evaluation to ensure they remain on track toward graduation and continue to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Any intended or official changes to a student-athlete’s major must be communicated promptly to their Athletic Academic Coordinator to ensure accurate academic planning and to support continued progress toward degree completion and eligibility compliance.
SACE staff continuously monitor student-athlete academic performance throughout each semester to support academic success and ensure compliance with institutional and NCAA standards.
In addition, faculty provide regular updates through the University Progress Report System once a semester. These reports include information related to class attendance, academic performance, participation, and overall progress in coursework. This system allows SACE staff to proactively identify academic concerns and provide appropriate support and intervention when needed.
Any student who fails to earn a 2.0 GPA at UNF will be placed on Academic Probation. Academic Probation is a warning. If, during the next term of enrollment, the term and cumulative GPA fall below 2.0 (College of Education declared majors 2.5), the student-athlete will be subject to academic suspension. If suspended, the student will be dropped from all courses for which he/she is currently registered and denied the opportunity to re-enroll. The duration of suspension varies by college. Students suspended from the University are still responsible for their financial obligations and can only be released from suspension through normal University procedures.
A graduate student who fails to maintain a cumulative UNF graduate GPA of at least 3.0 will be placed on probation. A student who has two consecutive semesters below a 3.0 GPA may be suspended and therefore not eligible to compete the following semester or postseason.
Prior to the start of the fifth term of full-time enrollment, NCAA legislation requires that student-athletes formally declare a major. Student-athletes entering their fifth semester must confirm their intended major with their academic advisor and ensure they have an approved and valid program of study on file. From this point forward, all coursework used to meet satisfactory progress requirements must be degree-applicable toward the declared program of study.
A student-athlete may change their degree program and remain compliant with satisfactory progress requirements only if all of the following conditions are met:
Important: Any student-athlete considering a change of major must contact SACE staff before making the change. Changing a major may impact academic eligibility, and review by SACE is required to ensure continued compliance with NCAA and institutional eligibility standards.
Individual colleges may have GPA requirements for admission that exceed the institutional minimum of 2.0. For example, the College of Education requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. Student-athletes admitted into or pursuing majors within such colleges must meet the specific GPA standards established by that college in addition to institutional and NCAA requirements.
To View Your Degree Evaluation Online:
myWings, myNest, Degree Evaluation
Concurrent Enrollment refers to currently registered UNF degree-seeking students who wish to earn credit at another regionally accredited postsecondary institution for transfer into a UNF degree program. See Academic Advisor for Concurrent Enrollment approval.
For UNF students attending a Florida public institution:
Complete an electronic application through FloridaShines at www.floridashines.org. Instructions can also be found on that website.
For UNF students attending an institution that does not participate in the FloridaShines program:
Obtain a transient student application form from your major advisor, complete it, and submit it to One Stop Student Services.
The State University System of Florida requires students who enter a state university before completing sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours to earn a minimum of nine (9) semester hours in one or more summer terms at a Florida state university before graduation.
Student-athletes are provided with priority registration during registration periods. Failure to register at the assigned time may negatively impact academic progress and/or NCAA eligibility.
Student-athletes are expected to check their registration status in advance for any “holds” or other account restrictions that may prevent or delay course registration. A hold is a restriction placed on a student’s university account that may prevent certain actions, such as registering for classes, making schedule changes, or accessing transcripts. Holds are typically placed due to academic, financial, compliance, or administrative requirements that must be resolved before the restriction is removed.
Following the registration period, a registration hold will be placed on all student-athlete accounts approximately two weeks after initial registration. This hold is implemented to support the NCAA eligibility certification process and ensure accurate academic review.
If course changes are needed after a hold has been placed, student-athletes must contact SACE to make any adjustments so that the change can be reviewed for potential eligibility implications before the hold is lifted.
Courses may be added or dropped through the official university drop/add period. Students should consult the academic calendar each semester for specific deadlines.
Under limited circumstances, a student may petition to add a course after the drop/add period due to extenuating circumstances beyond their control.
Following the close of the drop/add period, student-athletes may withdraw from a course prior to the published withdrawal deadline (approximately 11 weeks into the semester). A “W” will appear on the official transcript for any course withdrawn during this timeframe. In accordance with University of North Florida policy, students are limited to a total of six (6) course withdrawals during their academic career. Student-athletes should also be aware that half-semester courses have earlier withdrawal deadlines.
To initiate a course withdrawal, student-athletes must complete the official withdrawal form in ARMS and meet with their SACE point of contact. Withdrawal forms are due at least one week prior to the published withdrawal deadline. This timeline is necessary to allow for a full review of any academic, eligibility, or financial aid implications. Requests submitted within one week of the deadline are still permitted; however, the student-athlete assumes all associated risks.
Student-athletes may also process course withdrawals directly through their MyWings account when appropriate; however, consultation with SACE is strongly encouraged prior to finalizing any withdrawal.
Important: Withdrawing from a course may impact full-time enrollment status and could affect NCAA eligibility, financial aid, and academic standing.
A No Grade (“NG”) designation may be assigned automatically for up to four (4) lower-level courses in which a student earns a grade of “D” or “F,” in accordance with institutional policy. The NG grade will appear on the official transcript and may positively impact the student’s UNF GPA.
However, the NG policy may also affect financial aid eligibility and satisfactory academic standing. Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor and compliance staff if they have questions regarding how this policy may impact their academic or eligibility status.
Travel Letters are sent to instructors at the beginning of each semester by SACE staff for all student-athletes with scheduled competition that semester.
If a student-athlete adds or drops a course or makes any schedule changes during the semester, they must immediately notify athletic academic support staff to ensure an updated travel letter is sent to the appropriate instructor.
Following the initial distribution of travel letters, it remains the student-athlete’s responsibility to communicate directly with each professor in advance of any class absence due to competition.
Class attendance is mandatory for all student-athletes. Each student-athlete is responsible for reviewing and adhering to the attendance policy outlined in each course syllabus. Any questions or concerns regarding attendance expectations should be addressed with SACE staff at the start of the semester.
In accordance with university policy, students who do not attend the first class meeting may be administratively dropped from the course and may not be permitted to re-enroll. If a student-athlete is unable to attend the first class meeting due to competition or travel, they must notify both the instructor and SACE staff via email prior to the missed class.
Absences unrelated to official athletic competition, illness, or documented emergencies are not permitted. Student-athletes should not schedule appointments, treatments, or meetings during scheduled class times and are expected to always prioritize class attendance. All coursework, including assignments, laboratory work, examinations, and assessments, must be completed by the assigned deadlines.
Student-athletes are responsible for proactively notifying instructors in advance of all excused absences related to athletic competition and arranging all necessary make-up work. If a competition schedule changes, the student-athlete must immediately inform instructors of the updated travel plans and any resulting impact on class attendance.
Practices, scrimmages, and off-season activities are not considered excused absences. Approved excused absences are limited to regularly scheduled in-season competitions and postseason participation only.
If, due to travel or illness, a student-athlete is unable to take an exam at the regularly scheduled class time, a SACE staff member may proctor the exam (pending faculty approval).
A coach is NEVER permitted to proctor exams.
Laptops and calculators are available for checkout through the Student-Athlete Center for Excellence (SACE) for the duration of the academic semester.
Student-athletes who borrow university technology are expected to use all equipment responsibly and solely for academic and university-related coursework purposes. Student-athletes are also expected to follow appropriate technology and cybersecurity best practices while using university-issued devices.
If any issues arise with a laptop or calculator, including damage, malfunction, or software concerns, the student-athlete must notify SACE staff as soon as possible. Requests to install additional software or programs should be directed to SACE or the ITS Help Desk at 620-HELP.
All borrowed technology must be returned to SACE by the end of the semester. Failure to return university-issued equipment may result in a hold being placed on the student-athlete’s university account.
For student-athletes receiving book scholarships, the following procedures apply:
Prior to the start of each academic term, the Student-Athlete Center for Excellence (SACE) staff coordinates with the University of North Florida Bookstore to order, purchase, and distribute required textbooks and course-related materials.
All student-athletes are required to pick up their textbooks and materials from the SACE office during the first week of classes. Student-athletes are responsible for retrieving their own materials; coaches may not pick them up on their behalf.
It is the responsibility of each student-athlete to verify that all required course materials have been received within the first week of classes. All textbooks must be returned to the SACE office no later than the last day of finals week. Exceptions may be granted on a limited basis for books approved for future course use or for the development of a professional library.
The university utilizes an opt-in/opt-out system for access to certain electronic textbooks and online course materials. If a professor selects this option, a physical textbook may not be issued. Student-athletes should monitor their university email during the first week of classes for instructions on accessing electronic course materials. For student-athletes on a full scholarship, the cost of eligible digital materials is covered by their scholarship.
The SACE Lending Library provides student-athletes with access to academic resources and supplemental course materials that may assist with classroom success throughout the semester. Available resources may include textbooks, study materials, calculators, technology, and other academic support items.
All student-athletes are eligible to utilize the SACE Lending Library. Borrowed materials must be returned by the end of each academic semester.
Failure to return borrowed items may result in a hold being placed on the student-athlete’s university account. In addition, Lending Library privileges may be suspended until all outstanding materials have been returned.
All student-athletes who are in their final semester and are graduating at the end of that term, MUST apply for graduation through myWings. Student-athletes in their final term will not be certified as eligible for practice or competition until they have completed their graduation application.
The Athletic Department recognizes the academic and athletic accomplishments of student-athletes by awarding a graduation gift and providing a student-athlete stole to wear during the commencement ceremony.
To be eligible to receive a graduation gift and stole, a student-athlete must have completed their NCAA eligibility as a member of an athletic team at the University of North Florida. Any exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the Athletic Director.
Student-athletes are represented through SAAC at the campus, conference, and national levels. SAAC is composed of student-athletes who provide insight into the student-athlete experience and serve as a voice in shaping policies, rules, and initiatives that impact their time at the University of North Florida.
Each team is required to designate two SAAC representatives responsible for attending meetings and participating in voting processes. SAAC meets monthly to discuss student-athlete concerns, develop programming for the student-athlete community, and coordinate department-wide community service and fundraising initiatives.
In addition, two SAAC representatives are required to attend two ASUN Conference SAAC meetings each year (Winter and Summer). SAAC also provides leadership opportunities through its executive board, allowing student-athletes to take an active role in departmental governance and programming.
Functions of the SAAC include:
Membership is limited to 2 representatives from each team as nominated by peers and staff.
To recognize the leadership and service of student-athletes who serve on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Athletic Department awards an exclusive SAAC lapel pin to be worn on the student-athlete stole during the commencement ceremony.
To be eligible for this recognition, student-athletes must meet all of the following criteria:
Any exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the Athletic Director.
