Athletics Academic Mentor

Job ID: subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

About the role

The role of the academic mentor is to foster the academic skills of students with varying levels of academic ability. The skill-building focus includes the five BullsLearn Academic Skills: Reading, Writing, Time-Management/Organization, Note-Taking, and Study/Test-Taking skills. Mentor sessions emphasize the development of time-management and organization skills, preparing students to effectively complete assignments. Using advised learning and academic strategies, students will have additional time in sessions to apply their assignment completion plan.

Responsibilities

• Student-Athlete Expectations & Accountability: Support student-athletes by reinforcing academic expectations and accountability standards established by the Athletics academic support program. Monitor attendance, preparedness, and engagement during mentoring sessions, encourage responsible academic behaviors, and communicate concerns or trends to staff as appropriate.
• Caseload Management: Manage an assigned caseload of student-athletes by maintaining consistent mentoring appointments, documenting session outcomes, and tracking progress toward academic goals. Ensure effective time management, punctuality, and maintain accurate records in accordance with departmental policies.
• Building Academic Skills: Facilitate one-on-one sessions focused on developing the five BullsLearn Academic Skills: reading, writing, time-management/organization, note-taking, and study/test-taking skills. Emphasize time-management and organizational strategies, assignment planning, and the practical application of advised learning strategies to support student-athletes in completing coursework and improving overall academic performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum qualification).
• Preferred: Experience in mentorship roles within educational settings, particularly collegiate sports.

Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree per Florida Senate Bill 1310. This role is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.

About Us

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida (USF) is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. USF is dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged, and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities.

USF is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, and USF Health. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida, USF is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.

Benefits

USF offers a first-class benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Retirement plan options.
• Employee and dependent tuition programs.
• Generous leave policies.
• Hundreds of employee perks and discounts.