NCAA Student-Athlete Affairs(SAA)Program
In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and NCAA Directors of Athletics, the SAA, formerly known as CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) was created (www.ncaa.org).
Adelphi has implemented the SAA Program to provide student-athletes with the opportunity to experience programs that increase their academic and personal successes. The program is designed to give the student-athletes the support and skills needed to become effective citizens, inspired leaders and motivated activists after their graduation from college. The SAA program focuses on five areas of commitment: Academic Excellence, Athletic Excellence, Personal Development, Career Development, and Community Service. To this means the Department of Athletics provides seminars on Hazing, Sexual Harrassament, Drug & Alcohol Education, Nutrition & Eating Disorders, Career Development, and Community Service projects.
As part of the Adelphi University SAA Program student-athletes have the opportunity to be selected by the NCAA to attend the Leadership Conference each year. The mission of the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference is to provide student-athlete leaders with a multitude of challenging and thought-provoking activities that will enable them to become agents of change on their campuses and in their communities. As a result of participation, the student-athletes will enhance their communication skills, decision-making and problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, and collaborative skills.
For further information about the Student-Athlete Affairs Program at Adelphi University and ways that we can assist you, feel free to contact Heather Jacobs, Assistant Athletic Director at ext 4246 or via email at hjacobs@adelphi.edu.
· Academic Excellence - To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation
· Athletic Excellence - To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.
· Career Development - Places significant importance on preparing student-athletes for a career following intercollegiate athletics. The program provides career exploration, introduces student-athletes to the job search process, networking opportunities, and assists with job placement.
· Career Services
· Internship and job opportunities
· Personal Development - Provides student-athletes the tools necessary in leading healthy lifestyles, encouraging personal growth and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
· Service - To engage the student-athlete in service to his/her campus and surrounding communities.
Realizing that Adelphi's student-athletes serve as role models to elementary and high school students in the area, the Athletic Department and SAAC sponsor several community outreach projects. In this arena, Adelphi student-athletes visit schools and speak to students throughout the NY Metro area to participate in Read Across America and to put on clinics for free, in addition to the various other charitable events Adelphi student-athletes are involved in.
