Just weeks after the NCAA handed down sanctions to SMU for academic fraud and recruiting violations, the athletic department announced several new initiatives that are encompassed in the “Pony Promise.”
With six categories of initiatives, the university “is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to student-athlete development, well-being and experience,” according to an announcement on the SMU Athletic Department’s website.
1. Student-Athlete Academic Services
Through the use of the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) and the Center for the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA), SMU is hoping to better help its student-athletes understand and achieve their academic goals so they have a successful undergraduate experience.
2. Full Cost of Attendance
SMU will continue to offer scholarships to student-athletes up to the full cost-of-attendance. For the upcoming year, the Financial Aid Office has determined that the annual gap between last year’s scholarship amount and the full cost is $2,676. The stipends for upperclassmen who want to live off-campus is currently $15,650 per year.
3. Student-Athlete Development and Welfare
The university offers “state-of-the-art training facilities” to its athletes in the Vic and Gladie Jo Salvino Strength and Conditioning Centers.
The facilities include aerobic and weight equipment. SMU also remains a partner with Nike, which provides custom-fitting apparel for all student-athletes. All Mustang athletes have access to the SMU Sports Medicine staff to help them recover from injuries quickly and minimize the lasting effects of those injuries.
One of the main focuses of this initiative is concussion protocol. The staff seeks to educate the student-athletes on concussions, manage and treat potential cases, and monitor the athletes’ progress when returning to activity. Another focus is diet. The nutrition and supplemental meal programs work to keep athletes as healthy as possible both now and for the rest of their lives.
4. Life Skills Programming
SMU helps student-athletes prepare for life after sports with emotional well-being, decision-making skills, community service, career development and financial literacy. The programming “is committed to the holistic development of our student-athletes.”
5. Student-Athlete Advisory Council
The committee provides input and insight into the experience of student-athletes at SMU. It represents all 17 sports at the university and offers suggestions on the policies that affect NCAA member campuses.
6. Facility Enhancements
After renovating Moody Coliseum and the Miller Event Center and opening the SMU Tennis Complex, the university continues to improve its athletic facilities. The Salvino Strength and Conditioning Center and football offices are now in the process of being updated, as are new golf, track and field, and swimming and diving facilities.
