Student-Athletes Reach an All-Time High Cumulative GPA

Seton Hall student-athletes continue to excel in their sport and in the classroom. The cumulative Fall 2023 grade point average (GPA) for all student-athletes reached an all-time high of 3.518. Additionally, 174 members earned the Dean's List for fall 2023, representing 63% of the 230 student-athletes. 

To foster the overall development of all student-athletes, the Office of Academic Support Services for Student-athletes supports a holistic approach to empower each individual's pursuit of personal success. Growth toward autonomy and focus on personal accountability remain the highest priorities. Comprehensive support services are integral components of assisting students to develop into mature, thoughtful and independent learners and contributors to their communities. 

On February 5, 2024, Vice President Monica Burnette, Ph.D., interviewed members of Academic Support Services for Student-athletes on this historic accomplishment.  Team members included Matt Geibel (Director), Amanda Di Donato (Senior Associate Director), and Carissa Leoni (Associate Director). 

Tell us more about yourself and what you find most rewarding about working in Academic Support Services for Student-athletes.

Matt: I’ve worked in this department since 1993, starting as a graduate assistant and eventually being named director in the summer of 2004. I enjoy working with college students and seeing them achieve their goals and succeed in their endeavors. Each student is unique, so it’s rewarding to see them succeed in their own ways. I am also very fortunate to work with an amazing team who support each other both personally and professionally.  

Amanda: I have worked in this office for 16 years and I was a student-athlete at Seton Hall. What I find the most rewarding about this job is watching the growth of the student-athletes. One of the first readings that students at Seton Hall read is Plato's Allegory of the Cave in their Journey of Transformation class. That reading truly lives itself out with our students. It is truly rewarding to see students emerge from their own metaphorical cave academically and socially.

Carissa: This is my sixth year working at Seton Hall University in this capacity. I love the work that I get to do every day and the opportunity to wear so many hats in my role. Working so closely with student-athletes has brought me so much joy and happiness. Academic meetings, planning fun events and getting to know my students on a personal level are just some of the perks and joys of my role. Being able to empower student-athletes to become independent learners and become positive contributors to all the communities that they are a part of is so exciting for me. I love being able to see those light bulb moments for them or times when they learn something, take some piece of advice, and apply it, and just see themselves succeed – it is very rewarding!

What are three words to describe the mission of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes? 

Holistic. Empowering. Inclusive.

How does high student-athletes’ academic performance align with the goals or mission of your department or Seton Hall? 

Our mission includes providing support systems so that student-athletes become independent learners and serve as contributing members of their communities. Their academic success is evidence they have developed the ability to manage their academic and athletic obligations while also giving back to their communities by way of volunteer and social-justice efforts.

In your experience, what are some challenges student-athletes face today, and how are we addressing them at Seton Hall? 

Mental health is clearly a major concern among college students. This has also certainly been true for our student-athletes, and further exacerbated by the advent of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and the Transfer Portal. The pressure to perform at such a high level is now amplified by the exponential increase in the high-profile nature of what it means to be a student-athlete at the college level. The University has shown a commitment and an increased focus on the wellness of our student-athletes. This has included a collaborative effort among the Department of Athletics, Sports Medicine, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes.

What are some future initiatives in Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes? 

We are excited to be acquiring additional furniture that further enhances the learning environment offered by the Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence. We plan to explore the possibility of increasing our staff to improve the individualized support we are able to provide to our students. Finally, we are leading the efforts to create additional affinity groups to provide the most inclusive environment for all students.

How can one learn more about your department? 

All of our information is available on our website. However, we welcome everyone to come for a visit (Regan Ritchie Recreation Center, 1st Floor) and spend time with us in our academic center.

Student-athletes also shared their positive experiences with the Office. One student said, "I think that everyone in this department is always helpful, friendly and has guided me perfectly throughout my four years. I couldn’t ask for a better team.” Another shared, “I appreciate all the academic center does to help me be academically successful.”

To learn more, contact Student Services at [email protected]. 

Categories: Athletics