Fundamental Academic Skills Training (FAST) Overview

During six-weeks of the last summer session, selected incoming student-athletes will take six hours of non-matriculated credits.  The courses will fulfill general education requirements and are aimed at helping them advance academically and better prepare them for the rigor of balancing school and sport. 

The Fundamental Academic Skills Training (FAST) program will be non-credit bearing and essentially provide the student-athletes with a supportive study hall environment.  AASD staff will act as the primary instructor for the course, and will be assisted by tutors and academic mentors. The main emphasis of the training is to prepare the student-athletes for fall.   Topics to be covered will include: time management, note taking, reading comprehension, test taking, memory and concentration, learning styles, stress management, goal setting and motivation.  Additionally, the FAST program will serve as an opportunity for incoming student-athlete to build relationships with other first year students.

This program is very comprehensive and is an extension of the services which the Office of Athletics Academic and Student Development Services already offer to its population.  By offering the curriculum within a classroom setting this allows the opportunity to add structure and consistency to what the student-athlete will expect during their tenure at The University at Buffalo.