The UC Merced Athletics department facilitates the Student Athlete Learning Assistants (SALA) program to assist intercollegiate student athletes in achieving independent growth as successful students. The primary function of the SALA program is to provide positive, enriching and inspiring academic support and encouragement to student athletes beyond the classroom experience. We offer both individual and/or group tutoring, and can be done remotely and/or in-person. The objective is to provide supplemental academic support to existing campus support or where gaps exist related to the demands of intercollegiate student athlete schedules.
The SALA Program is open to all intercollegiate student athletes who are currently in good standing within the athletic department and are on an official roster. There is a maximum of two course requests per semester, and a maximum of one session per course per week. Exceptions maybe granted for Special Probation and Admission by Exception student athletes.  Â
Click on our Request Form via ARMS to get started today! If you have any questions regarding the SALA program, please contact the SALA coordinator (sala@ucmerced.edu).Â
MEET OUR STUDENT ATHLETE LEARNING ASSISTANTS
Fernando Campos Chavez
Major:Â Computer Science & Engineering
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2023
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Computer Science, Math
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Edwin Casillas
Major:Â Mechanical Engineering
How long have you been a SALA? Spring 2023
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math, Engineering
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Tiler Fears
Major:Â Economy & Management
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2022
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math, Economy
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Katy Flores
Major:Â Biological Sciences
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2023
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math, Biology
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Josh Golka
Major:Â Mechanical Engineering
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2022
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math, Engineering
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Jared Guglielmana
Major:Â Biological Sciences
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2023
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Biology, Chemistry
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Jaron Mertle
Major:Â Management & Business Economics
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2023
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math, Economy
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Gillian Morgan
Major:Â Psychology
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2022
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Psychology & Sociology
What is your favorite part about being a SALA? Helping student athletes reach their full potential when it comes to learning the material and being able to help them apply what they are learning to real life.
What is a fun fact or interesting thing about you? I can recite over 100 numbers in pi (π)!
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Derrick Pickrel
Major:Â Physics
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2022
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math and Physics
What is your favorite part about being a SALA? I like helping people learn and seeing the progress they make.
What is a fun fact or interesting thing about you? I used to ride dirt bikes as a kid.
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Shawn Rodgers
Major:Â Psychology
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2022
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Psychology, Writing
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Destinee Suarez
Major:Â Management & Business Economics
How long have you been a SALA? Not long
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math, English, Economics, Biology, Writing, Spark, Spanish, Japanese, and Management & Business Economics
What is your favorite part about being a SALA? I like teaching.
What is a fun fact or interesting thing about you? I'm a personal trainer, love powerlifting, and love to sing.
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Mayzee SupakÂ
Major:Â Mathematics with an emphasis on Engineering
How long have you been a SALA? Fall 2021
What subjects (generally) do you tutor? Math & Sciences
What is your favorite part about being a SALA? Being able to help people
What is a fun fact or interesting thing about you? I am an international award-winning circus artist.
