The office that provides academic advising for student-athletes has become part of the university's Academic Affairs division, rather than the Athletic Department.

The office and its current staff will continue to report to Dr. David Boles, who has been director of academic support and retention since August 2000.

In that role, Boles has headed both the University Academic Advising Center and the Office of Academic Athletics, with dual reporting lines to Academic Affairs and Athletics.

"Consolidating responsibility for all of the academic advising and tutorial functions of the university under the direction of Academic Affairs will provide a more streamlined structure and will be ultimately beneficial to all students who use these services," said President Malcolm Portera.

Athletic Director Larry Templeton called the organizational change "a very positive move."

"David Boles is certainly one of the most respected compliance and academic liaisons in the country," Templeton said.

"We're proud of the success our student-athletes have had in the past, and we will continue to keep the academic progress of our student-athletes as our No. 1 mission."

Boles is in the 13th year of his second stint with the university. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Kansas State University and a doctorate in educational administration at the University of Colorado.

By consolidating all university advising under the direction of Academic Affairs, the university is following a national trend designed to improve the academic environment and academic success of athletes while giving the university more control over academics in athletics, Boles said.

"Academic advising obviously is of critical importance to student retention, and we are fortunate to have capable individuals such as David Boles who are willing to fulfill key leadership roles," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs David Cole.