The Waubonsee Community College S.T.A.R. (Students Taking Academic Responsibilty) Program was created in 1991 to further the academic progress of student/athletes while they participate in athletics. It is the belief of the athletic office that due to the ever-changing transfer regulations for four-year institutions, community colleges have a responsibility to their student/athletes to keep them informed and to guide them through a successful transition to their chosen four-year institution. Waubonsee Community College is a leader and has a model program to assist the academic needs of student/athletes.

Study Sessions
All incoming student/athletes are required to attend weekly study sessions. Failure to meet these attendance requirements results in suspension from the student/athlete's sport. Study sessions are staffed with a qualified tutor, and the S.T.A.R. study session room is located adjacent to the Learning Enhancement center. However if the student/athlete needs additional individualized tutoring they should contact the S.T.A.R. counselor. Any student/athlete receiving a 3.0 GPA or higher in a semester with all college level courses is excused from study hall the following semester..

Counseling
Students/athletes are provided with personal, career and academic counseling. The counselor's office is located in Erickson Hall, the athletic building. A personal academic file is maintained on all student/athletes. Student/athletes are required to meet with the S.T.A.R. counselor on a regular basis. This allows student/athletes to stay current with their academic standing. In addition, it provides them with the assistance they need to meet their individual goals as well as those that apply to their individual transfer process.

Classroom
The S.T.A.R. Program contacts the student/athletes' instructors on a regular basis to see how they are progressing. This includes academic checks as well as attendance. Throughout the year, student/athletes are encouraged to access other services available through the college. This includes, but is not limited to, workshops on nutrition, test anxiety, financial aid, transferring to four-year institutions, as well as guest speakers on various current topics. The college also provides on-going assistance in the areas of math, English and study skills through the Learning Enhancement Center.

Nominations
The counselors of the program nominate the student/athletes for various scholarships and academic recognitions.