Wednesday, Mar 28, 2018
Modern space to benefit academic performance and recruiting efforts
by Robert Leitner '17
A new 2,240 square-foot Student-Athlete Academic Support Center opened on Jan. 22, 2018, in the Maurer Center, providing student-athletes with a modern environment to learn, relax and collaborate.
The room sports a study hall and tutoring space and a computer lab, as well as a new office and consultation space for the athletic academic coordinator. Amenities include all-new furniture, computers and touch-screen TVs for interactive learning.
"We are really excited to open the new Student-Athlete Academic Support Center,” says Rider's Athletic Director Don Harnum. “The academic performance of our student-athletes remains a top priority and the new space will greatly enhance our study hall and tutoring efforts."
This project was made possible by a one-time supplemental revenue distribution from the NCAA, which was to be used to improve the student-athlete experience in areas of overall student-athlete welfare and academics.
"The accompanying team meeting space and recruiting lounge will also improve our day-to-day effectiveness and provide a well-appointed space for our recruiting efforts," Harnum says.
In addition to the new center for student-athletes, Maurer houses the Anderson Family Strength and Conditioning Center, an indoor golf range, coaches' offices, locker rooms and the Coppola Pool, which is home to the Broncs' swimming and diving program.
The new addition to Maurer provides a comfortable space for current student-athletes to complete homework and work on other assignments, as well as a destination to hang out with teammates.
"The Academic Support Center is a great new addition to the facilities for Rider student-athletes,” Rider Softball student-athlete and 2017-18 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President Monica Clark says. “I think this new center is going to benefit them tremendously and that's evident already by how much it has been used."