Division I athletes are extended priority registration along with Schreyer Honors College scholars and students with physical impairments that limit their ability to move around campus, said J. James Wager, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and Office of the Registrar. Scheduling opens for these three groups at the same time, five calendar days before the first registration date for other students, Wager said. The university wants to ensure that athletes are able to schedule their classes so they aren't conflicting with their travel and practice schedules. You have so many more things in your day you have to get done. Priority scheduling helps Mills focus on both athletics and academics.
Mills sometimes hears criticism about student athlete benefits.
But he said student athletes bring in revenue for the university, so they earn the benefits they receive. Along with priority scheduling, athletes are given special attention for housing. Like all other freshmen, student athletes must live on campus their freshman year, said Lynn DuBois housing assignment manager for Housing and Food Services. Student athletes fill out their housing forms like other students, and the Assignment Office receives a list of athletes from the athletic department. For example, she said, a wrestler may be assigned to live in West Halls so he can be near Rec Hall, where wrestling practice takes place.