The Faculty Liaisons program is designed to support student-athletes by partnering faculty with athletic teams. By inviting faculty into intimate team settings, the range of resources for students is augmented. Faculty liaisons (FLs) and coaches work as partners in knowing and assisting their students in all facets of the students’ curricular and co-curricular pursuits.

As a means to create an environment of co-curricular learning, FLs engage in a variety of activities with their teams. Activities include attending athletic events, assisting with academic issues, joining the team at pre-game meals, attending campus activities such as lectures and art openings, hosting team dinners or coffee and dessert socials, doing community service together— and a multitude of other possibilities.

The FL program at Bates is in its fourth year. At this time, all varsity sports have at least one liaison and the program continues to strengthen. Experience suggests that this model helps:

* give student-athletes an integrated learning experience, bridging their academic and athletic "worlds"

* reinforces the circle of support for student-athletes

* attract top scholar athletes to Bates

* promote understanding and communication between faculty, athletics, and students

* provide an institutionally supported means for faculty, students, and coaches to get to know each other better thus enhancing individual and educational relationships and mutual appreciation