Northridge to Hire Full-Time Academic Adviser for Athletes

In a bid to improve a student-athlete graduation rate of 29%, Cal State Northridge administrators have agreed to establish a full-time academic adviser for student athletes.

“Evidence of poor retention, poor class selection and a poor response to the academic needs of student athletes impressed upon us the need for this position,” said Ron Kopita, Northridge’s new vice president for student affairs.

Fifty percent of the position will be funded through the academic-affairs budget that paid Len Wurthman to advise athletes on a part-time basis last year. Wurthman is a volunteer adviser this semester. Funds from the student-affairs budget will pay the other half.

“I’m excited that we’ll have someone to send the kids to to help with tutoring,” basketball Coach Pete Cassidy said.

Cross-country runner Rich Gitahi said the hire will fill the need for someone whose schedule is adaptable to those of athletes who are often at practice during the office hours of professors. “We needed an adviser strictly for us,” Gitahi said.

Kopita also said he will take a closer look at the academic level of recruits to ensure academic readiness.