Student Athlete Frequently Asked Questions
SMC Student Athletes ask these questions frequently. General answers are provided here. When in doubt, always consult with a Santa Monica College Academic Counselor. The academic counselors for SMC Student athletes are Dr. Cedric Hackett and Cynthia Fascella.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
* Important Update as of Wednesday March 18, 2020 *
Please note that effective immediately that the Athletic Office is closed to the public. All athletic counseling appointments will be scheduled and conducted via telephone. Please call 310-434-4310 to schedule an appointment. You may also email Sandra Hernandez (Athletics@smc.edu) for assistance in scheduling a telephone appointment.
For General Questions Contact:
Athletics Department: Athletics@smc.edu
Kinesiology Department: Kinesiology@smc.edu
Online Counseling Hours:
Call (310) 434-4310 to schedule a telephone appointment with Athletic Counselor
Monday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Additional questions:
Q. How many units must I be enrolled in to participate in a sport?
A. You must be actively enrolled in 12 units during the semester you are participating in intercollegiate sports. Actively enrolled means that you are currently attending the course. Late starting classes will not count towards the twelve-unit minimum until they begin meeting. You may enroll in fewer than twelve units in the semester that you are not participating, but keep in mind you must complete 24 units from season of participation to season of participation.
Q. How many units do I need to participate in my second season of eligibility?
A. You need to have completed 24 units between seasons of competition. Fall sports should count fall, spring, and summer units. Spring sports should count spring, summer, and fall. 18 of the 24 units must be academic.
Q. What is the minimum G.P.A. requirement for a student athlete?
A. You must maintain at least a 2.0 G.P.A. from the time that you begin to participate in intercollegiate athletics.
Q. What is a recommended first semester academic plan for student athletes?
A. Please keep in mind that below is a general recommendation only. This plan may vary based on each student's assessment level in English and math and the particular sport. Please see an Athletic Academic Counselor to finalize first semester plan!
Math (based on assessment) 3-5 units
English (based on assessment) 3-4.5 units
General Education (from IGETC, CSU GE or SMC LOCAL GE) 3 units
Intercollegiate Physical Education in Sport (In Season) 3 units OR
Advanced Physical Education in Sport (Out of Season) 1-3 units
Total Units 13-18.5 units
Q. I am a transfer student athlete from a California community college. What do I need to be eligible?
A. If you participated in intercollegiate athletics at your previous California Community College, you will need to complete 24 units total, 18 units of which must be academic in between seasons of competition with a minimum, overall GPA of 2.0. Twelve units of the 24 units must be completed in residence at SMC with a limit of 8 units in the summer. You may only compete a total of two years at a community college.
Q. I am a transfer student athlete from a community college outside of California (or from a 4 year university). What do I need to be eligible?
A. If you participated in intercollegiate athletics at either a community college outside of California or any 4 year university, you will need to complete 24 units total, 18 units of which must be academic in between seasons of competition with a minimum, overall GPA of 2.0. to be eligible for your second season of competition. There is no residence at SMC requirement. Please note you will be only allowed one more season of competition at a community college if you already competed one year at a 4 year university.
Q. Do I need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center?
A. Yes. If you are planning to transfer to a Division I or Division II institution, as a student athlete, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.