DISC in Higher Education
Enhancing Student Success, LEadership, and Collaboration
Learn practical applications for classrooms, programs, and campus leadership.
DISC Profiling Designed for Sport Education Programs
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders in Sport
DISC Profiling is a research-backed behavioral assessment that develops self-awareness, strengthens communication, and improves teamwork, all core competencies for students preparing to enter the sport industry. Unlike generic personality tools used in general education, Athlete Assessments’ sport-specific DISC Profiles, Sports ManagerDISC, CoachDISC, and AthleteDISC, are purpose-built for the realities of performance, coaching, and leadership in sport environments.
Athlete Assessments’ Academic Partnership Program supports university programs in Sport Management, Coaching, Leadership, Health Sciences, and Sport Psychology by embedding DISC seamlessly into existing curriculum. Faculty and program leaders receive full implementation support, including assessment administration, teaching resources, and applied learning tools—allowing DISC to enhance leadership development, experiential learning, and student success initiatives without increasing academic workload.
Dr. Sarah Lopez
Teaching Professor and Program Director of Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership, University of Washington
Director of Student-Athlete Leadership Development, University of Michigan
The service and expertise provided by Athlete Assessments makes our annual investment for each cohort of students an easy decision… It is enhancing their experience and better preparing them for future roles as leaders in athletics.
Why DISC Matters in Higher Education
Benefits for Students
Build self-awareness and personal insight
Students gain a clear understanding of their behavioral strengths, motivators, communication preferences, and areas for development, skills essential for leadership and employability in the sport industry.
Develop applied leadership skills
DISC enables students to translate leadership theory into practice by applying behavioral insights to team leadership, decision-making, and professional environments.
Strengthen teamwork and conflict resolution
Students learn how to collaborate across diverse behavioral styles, manage tension constructively, and contribute more effectively to group and organizational outcomes.
Benefits for Faculty
Enhance teaching effectiveness and course design
DISC allows educators to tailor content delivery, assignments, and feedback to accommodate diverse learning and behavioral styles within the classroom.
Increase student engagement and participation
By giving students a shared language to discuss behavior and leadership, DISC promotes deeper reflection, discussion, and active participation.
Improve group work and peer feedback outcomes
Faculty can structure teams more intentionally and support clearer communication, collaboration, and accountability across group-based assessments.
Benefits for Administrators and Program Leaders
Develop leadership pipelines within sport programs
DISC supports long-term leadership development across sport management, coaching, and athlete development pathways.
Foster a high-performance academic culture
By aligning behavioral understanding across academic and athletic departments, institutions can strengthen communication, collaboration, and performance outcomes.
Differentiate your program with an industry-aligned framework
Sport-specific DISC profiling positions your program as forward-thinking, applied, and aligned with real-world sport and leadership expectations.
Application of DISC in the classroom
DISC is used across a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
Practical Applications of DISC in the Classroom
1
Build student self-awareness with actionable DISC reports
Students receive a personalized DISC report that provides a tangible foundation for reflection, discussion, and applied learning throughout the semester.
2
Individualize student development and career preparation
Faculty can use report insights to guide leadership development, career exploration, and professional readiness—helping students connect behavior to real-world roles.
3
Structure group projects using DISC behavioral profiles
DISC enables intentional team formation, clearer role allocation, and more effective collaboration across diverse behavioral styles.
4
Apply DISC in leadership simulations or coaching lab
Decide on your program delivery timeframe and we’ll handle the rest. Our full support service includes mapping the program content to your timeframe, administering the AthleteDISC Profiles, and scheduling your live workshop.
5
Strengthen peer-to-peer communication and feedback
Students develop a shared language for communication, feedback, and conflict management—improving accountability and interpersonal effectiveness.
6
Embed reflection and personal development assignments
DISC supports reflective writing, leadership journals, and development plans that deepen learning and encourage long-term self-growth.
Becky Burleigh
Head Coach, Soccer, NCAA Division I National Championship Coach, University of Florida
Head Coach, Soccer, NCAA Division I National Championship Coach, University of Florida
Using DISC for Student Professional and Leadership Development
DISC Profiling provides a structured, evidence-informed framework for developing the professional and leadership capabilities universities expect of graduates entering the sport industry and related performance environments.
- Communicate Effectively
- Work well in teams
- Solve problems
- Demonstrate initiative
- Lead others
- Adapt to changing situations
Athlete Assessments’ DISC-based Academic Program directly supports the development of these competencies—with a specific focus on sport, coaching, and performance-driven environments, where interpersonal effectiveness is critical to success.
How DISC Supports Employability Outcomes
DISC helps students to:
Understand and articulate their strengths
Ideal for resumes, cover letters, interviews, and professional conversations.Navigate conflict and build professional relationships
Students learn how to adapt communication styles and manage interpersonal challenges constructively.Lead with emotional intelligence and behavioral flexibility
DISC supports situational leadership and adaptive decision-making.Apply people-skills in real-world settings
Including internships, coaching placements, practicum experiences, and team leadership roles.
Enhance your students’ experience and future career success.
Athlete Assessments’ Academic University Partnership Programs provides university programs in Sport Management, Coaching, Leadership, and Health Sciences with tools and resources for their students to build a solid foundation to successfully commence and build their careers in the sports industry. This dedicated program also gives professors access to resources and industry insights that will encourage enrollments and improve opportunities for graduates.
In working with programs and classes, Athlete Assessments provides full support from the time we review your syllabus to make recommendations of how to best incorporate the components of the program, through to administration during the class, and delivery of the guest lecture. Importantly, we tailor our program to the uniqueness of your class, curriculum, and learning objectives. It brings the practical application of the people side of sport to your students’ class experience, to complement your current content. We make it relevant, impactful and current to the world of sport today.
Enjoy your classes more with highly engaging and personalized behavioral assessments, paired with comprehensive, practical resources to enhance your existing teachings, and build self-awareness and invaluable interpersonal skills in your students.
The success of your students reflects the success of your program. Whether you teach Sport Management, Leadership, Sport Coaching, Sport and Health Sciences, or Sport Psychology, provide your students the opportunity to develop the critical interpersonal skills they'll need when they enter the competitive sports industry.
Find out how your peers are using it.
Benefits of the University Academic Partnership Program:
Develop the vital 'people skills' in your students that will help them stand out in the competitive employment market post-graduation.
Enjoy how easy it is. We provide full support and everything you need to ensure seamless integration into your class program.
Benefit from a tailored approach. For much less than the cost of a textbook, your students receive their personalized Sports ManagerDISC, CoachDISC, or AthleteDISC Profile Report. The comprehensive learning guide, with a series of videos that reference each section, is also included.
Share the lectern with a four-time Olympian and experienced consultant, CEO of Athlete Assessments, or another expert consultant, who present the core material for you as a guest lecturer.
Embrace technology that your students will love with the online assessment, resources, and guest lecture.
Access relevant and meaningful classroom exercises and projects which further enhance your students' learning and experience through the topic-relevant Online Learning Dashboards.
Utilized by a range of Faculties and Programs
Athletic Leadership
Business
Coaching
Kinesiology
Hospitality, Sport, & Tourism
Sport Administration
Sport Business
Sport Management
Sport Marketing
Sport Psychology
Athletic Administration
Coaching Techniques
Coaching Theory and Principles
Foundations/Principles of Coaching
Introduction to Sport Management
Managing People in Sport Organizations
Managing RST Organizations
Organizational Behavior
Pre-internship Seminar
Psychology of Coaching
Psychosocial Factors in Kinesiology
Seminar in Sport Administration
Sport Administration
Sport and Leisure Management
Sport and Organizational Leadership
Sport Coaching Pedagogy
Sport Psychology
Sports Issues
Sports Law and Ethics
Sports Marketing
Getting Started with DISC
DISC in Theory
Putting DISC into Action
Career Planning and Preparation
Coaching and People Skills
Coaching Philosophy
Communication Skills
Critical Conversations
Developing Self-awareness
Employment Skills
Interview Skills
Leadership in Sport
Presentation Skills
Sport Management
Team Dynamics & Group Work
Working with Teams
Working with Others
Working with your Team
Athlete Assessments'
Academic Partnership Program
has everything you need!
Students each complete an Athlete Assessments DISC Profile, specifically tailored to sport.
ONLINE CLASS PLATFORM
Class-specific online platform includes video series, activities, and various learning resources.
STUDENT LEARNING GUIDE
200+ page DISC in Sport Student Learning Guide to support further learning.
GUEST LECTURE OR DISC CARD GAME PACK
Classes with more than 25 students benefit from a tailored Guest Lecture (via video conference) by one of our experienced consultants, or can choose to receive a DISC Card Game Pack.
ADMIN SUPPORT
All administration and ongoing support is provided by our team, including a dedicated client manager and program director.
Read case studies and more about the program 'From the Classroom'
Fill out the form below to download the brochure and we will be in touch shortly to discuss your program and classes.
We will always respond within 48hours. Fields with Asterisks (*) require completion. We respect your privacy. Your details will not be used in any way other than a quick call or email to see how we can be of assistance with your online requirements.
Other Relevant Resources
3 Most Important Things to Get Right When Moving your Class Online
We asked the best in their field, and this is what they shared.
People+Sport Magazine:
Sport Management Education Edition
This edition is all about sharing some of the great work being accomplished by our academic clients. We aim to inspire, engage, and pass on ideas that can further support you in your educational endeavors.
How to Utilise AI in your Teaching
Students will try to use AI anyway, so why not provide a controlled environment for them to do so. The DISC AI Coach provides tailored behavioral explanations for use in the classroom, assignments, and learning environments. Enhancing the value and application of DISC by getting more out of the report and providing students and professors with access to an additional resource to build on their learning.
