UIC Athletics

About the Port Center:
The Port Academic Center serves as the primary study center for our student-athletes; in addition, academic support members are housed in Port. The Port Center has sixteen computers, Wi-Fi access and an audio-visual study room.
 
Port Center staff is on hand for drop-in advising and can help arrange appointments with academic advisors in all areas of study. The staff works closely with all of UIC's colleges and academic departments to make sure student-athletes are making necessary progress toward graduation. As a part of this effort, all student-athletes are required to meet with an academic advisor within their college each semester for course selection.

Student-athletes with a cumulative grade-point average below 2.5 (on a four-point scale) are required by the department to attend mandatory study hours. Additional hours may be required at the discretion of Port staff and the head coaches. In addition, all incoming freshmen and transfer students are required complete a minimum of eight study hours per week during their first semester at UIC. All student-athletes are eligible for tutoring in any class. While tutoring can be the difference between passing and failing a class, it can also be the difference between an “A” and a “B” in a class. Tutoring is provided free of charge, and any time spent in tutoring counts toward any required Port hours. Port Center tutors have been thoroughly screened by the Port Center staff. Students who wish to meet with a tutor must visit the Port Center's front desk to make an appointment. Student-athletes can also see Port staff members for appointment assistance.

Each semester, the Port Center staff initiates progress checks for all student-athletes. Student-athletes are required to turn in Progress Reports for all of their classes. Failure to do so can result in suspension from all athletically-related activities. Student-athletes are required to attend all of their classes and must attend all necessary tutoring sessions. Non-compliance with study hall and tutoring requirements can also lead to suspension from team activities. All Port Center staff members have an open-door policy and are available to help every student-athlete succeed academically.

Sidney L. Port:
The Port Academic Center was made possible through a generous gift from Sidney L. Port. An entrepreneur and lifelong Chicagoan, Mr. Port was a friend to the UIC campus whose generosity has helped student-athletes for more than 20 years.

When UIC Athletics became an NCAA Division I program, the need to establish a comprehensive center for academics became an immediate priority. Mr. Port expressed his leadership and generosity and provided a gift large enough to construct the center. Since then, Port has helped thousands of student-athletes reach their full academic potential. Although the Port Center continues to improve as years pass, the central goal remains the same: "Inspire today's student-athletes to achieve excellence in both academics and athletics!'

Services:
Academic Advising
Student-athletes are required to meet with an academic advisor every semester for course scheduling. Advisers are available for appointments and for drop-in advising. Port Center staff works closely with each college in the University to ensure that student-athletes are working toward graduation and fulfilling NCAA eligibility requirements.

Each semester, the Port Center staff monitors the academic progress of all student-athletes. Distribution of progress reports serves as one of several measures the staff uses to keep track of student-athletes' academic performance. By doing so, the staff is able to provide any help, if needed.

Tutoring
Tutoring services are available to student-athletes in many subjects. These services are provided free of charge and are designed to work around the schedule of student-athletes.

Computer Access & Printing
The Port Center is equipped with computers loaded with the latest educational software. Students are also able to print free of charge. In addition, the Port Center is Wi-Fi accessible.

Tutor & Study Rooms
The Port Center has added a private study room. The space, which has audiovisual equipment, provides a dedicated area for group work, or for tutoring sessions.