University of Minnesota Athletics

Gopher Graduation Program

Gopher Graduation Program Application | U of M Re-Admission Form

Purpose of the program:

The Gopher Graduation Program (GGP) is an initiative of Gopher Athletics to help former student-athletes return to the U of M to complete their undergraduate degrees

  • The program is a partnership between Gopher Athletics and the Lindahl Academic Center

Who is Eligible?

Former student-athletes who are eligible for (re)admission into a degree program

Program Guidelines

  • The program is limited to undergraduate degrees only
    • Exceptions are those who were planning to earn teaching licensees or in the masters of accounting programs
  • Financial assistance is offered to those who received an athletics scholarship while they were at the U of M -- at a rate commensurate with the average amount they received through their career as a Gopher
  • Room and board are not included
  • Full tuition, fees and books is the maximum award
  • Applicants must have completed at least one full year at the U of M to be eligible for financial assistance -- those at the U of M from one up to two years may be awarded GGP aid that is less than the average scholarship level they received during their career as a Gopher
  • Former student-athletes who transfer from the U of M to another school to continue their collegiate athletics career are not eligible for the GGP
  • Applicants must personally take care of all previous financial holds on their U of M accounts
  • Once approved, future Gopher Graduation Program financial assistance will be contingent upon successful completion of coursework from one semester to the next

Application Protocol

  • Candidates must complete Gopher Graduation Program application
    • Fall/Summer Semester: Application deadline is
      May 1
    • Spring Semester: Application deadline is October 1
  • Candidates must complete a re-admission form and be re-admitted to the U of M
  • A formal graduation plan and letter of understanding will be developed with each applicant who is accepted into the program
  • Each applicant will have a Lindahl Academic Center counselor to work directly with and will also be eligible to receive assistance from the Lindahl Academic Center through use of computers, tutors and other services
  • GGP students must provide proof of insurance when they register for classes or contact Jim Praska if they do not have insurance

Learn More

The Gopher Graduation Program was featured in Ski-U-Mah Magazine. Read Story

**Gopher Graduation Program Featured on WCCO TV

GGP Team

  • Stephanie Davis (daviss@umn.edu), Senior Associate Athletics Director - Program Coordinator
  • JT Bruett (bruet001@umn.edu), Director of the Lindahl Academic Center
  • Jim Praska (prask001@umn.edu), Program Financial Aid Coordinator
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Bobby Bell