AU Honors and Scholars Program
AU Honors
The AU Honors Program brings together a diverse community of students and faculty to learn in experiential and inquiry-driven ways. Propelled by curiosity and a willingness to take risks, our students endeavor to push the bounds of the known and the knowable throughout their shared academic journey. The program supports students as they dare to contribute to knowledge, creative expression, and meaningful change.
Learn more about the AU Honors.
Community-Based Research Scholars
The Community-Based Research Scholars (CBRS) program is a selective, first-year living-learning community that emphasizes responsible and meaningful service learning through community-based research opportunities. CBR Scholars have a network of students, faculty, and community partners to help identify avenues to affect social change. CBR Scholars are trained in research methods, research ethics, and issues relevant to the participating nonprofit’s area of focus.
Learn more about Community-Based Research Scholars Program.
Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program
The award-winning Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars (FDDS) program prepares American University’s foremost student and alumni leaders for graduate/professional school, career management, and socially responsible leadership. We annually award our most prestigious, merit-based scholarship (tuition, housing, meal plan, books, mandatory fees, and public transportation) to five incoming first-year student leaders committed to multidimensional excellence.
Learn more about the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program.
Student-Athlete Support Program
The Student-Athlete Support Program provides support services for academic enrichment and life-long learning creates opportunities for personal growth and development and maintains a standard of integrity and responsibility to all American University Division I student-athletes in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Services, Department of Athletics, and NCAA. Services include academic support, tutoring services, academic advising, NCAA eligibility verification, athletic competition class excusal letters. In addition, The SASP offers student-athlete development meetings and programs to support the holistic well-being of all Division I student-athletes. In an effort to meet the developmental initiatives of the AU Athletic Department, Patriot League, and NCAA, the SASP carries out programs that focus on transitions, leadership development, career preparation, and more. The goal is to help AU student-athletes continue to develop on and off the field throughout their time at American. To find out more about the SASP and student-athlete development programs, please visit our webpage on the AU Athletics website.
Each member of the SASP team serves as a holistic counselor for student-athletes on each of AU’s NCAA Division I athletic teams. This role includes one-on-one academic coaching as well as individual meetings to address other areas, including academic scheduling, major exploration, career preparation, and other aspects of personal development. Review information about the Student-Athlete Support Program
Excused Absences
American University Division I student-athletes are excused from class for any athletic team events. This includes competitions as well as travel to away events. Faculty will receive a “excusal letter” at the beginning of the semester for every student-athlete in their class, which outlines the dates and times for each excused absence. If necessary, the SASP will send updates for post-season competition once they are announced.
The excused absence policy as it pertains to student-athletes is explained in the Academic Rules and Regulations. Item 4.1.1.a says, “Excused absences include… approved championship season athletic team competition, preparation, and travel for eligible Division I varsity student-athletes, spirit team members, and managers.” Item 4.1.2 goes on to say, “Subject to 4.1.4, students may not be penalized for excused absences and should be given an opportunity to make up missed work from an excused absence. Students are required to make up all work, or equivalent work as designated by the instructor, missed as a result of the excused absence. The missed work must be completed by the deadline set by the instructor.” Review The Academic Rules and Regulations.
Exam Conflicts with Excused Absences
If a student-athlete has an exam scheduled in a class that falls on the day of an excused absence, the Courtesy Testing Service (CTS) can proctor the exam. To request to use CTS, the student and faculty member should decide on alternative arrangements for the exam – a date and time when the student will make up the exam. Then, the faculty member should fill out the Test Request Form at least 3 business days prior to the desired exam date. Review comprehensive information about the CTS.
Student-Athlete Support Program Contacts
Erin Saunders
Director, Student Success and Student-Athlete Support
202-885-3890 | erinsaun@american.edu
Robert Karch
Faculty Athletic Representative
202-885-6285 | rkarch@american.edu
