UW Life Skills Academy: How not to end up like these guys.

Beginning in fall, freshmen student athletes at UW-Madison will be required to participate in the Life Skills Academy, a program that aims to acclimate them to life in college as a Big Ten athlete.  

For the last four or five years similar programming has been optional.

According to the Badger Herald, Kelli Richards, UW life skills coordinator, said while the program topics are not yet finalized, the topic of academic success will definitely be on the list, including discussions about academic misconduct, time management and study skills. She added she will “make sure we touch on bigger issues” like alcohol *coughKevinGulliksoncough*, assault *coughLanceSmithcough* and proper nutrition.  No word on discussions about gaming system thievery *coughJackIkegwuonucough*.

Making the program mandatory seems to be a smart move.

The Life Skills Academy is UW-Madison’s take on a larger NCAA program called Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success.  The Life Skills Academy will require all UW freshman athletes from every sport to attend six sessions spread throughout the year.