UAH Athletics

STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

A Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

Presently, there are separate national SAACs for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. NCAA legislation mandates that all member institutions have SAAC on their respective campuses. Further, NCAA legislation requires that all member conferences have SAAC.

National SAACs (Divisions I,II, and III) at a glance:

• Generate a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure.

• Solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation.

• Recommend potential NCAA legislation, participation in NCAA time commitment, surveys, and vote on Legislative Grids.

• Review, react, and comment to the governance structure on legislation, activities and subjects of interest.

• Actively participate in the administrative process pf athletics programs and the NCAA

• Promote a positive student-athlete image. 

Mission Statement of the National SAAC

“The mission of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image.”

How to Join

Every school in the Gulf South Conference has a SAAC and each term usually nominates 2 people per sport to present the committee. There is no limit to how many can be on the committee . The more student-athlete involved, the better our athletic college experience will be. 

The UAH Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is comprised of representation from each team and is sponsored by an administrator. Issues can be taken to your team’s representatives and then addressed in the SAAC meeting. Time Commitment surveys of student-athletes are conducted at SAAC meetings. SAAC also raises funds for the national SAAC philanthropy Make-A-Wish Foundation. For further information contact your coach.

STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTOR PROGRAM

Student-Athlete Mentors, or SAMs, are student-athletes who want to make a difference in the lives of fellow student-athletes. The SAM program is designed to develop leaders, provide education, and facilitate an engaging and supportive culture among Charger student-athletes. 

SAMs are considered responsible, respectful, and inspiring. The SAM's include at least one representative from each team that is trained and able to serve as a role model and educated resource. Student-athlete members receive training on a variety of topics, including but not limited to: alcohol and drug use, nutrition, healthy eating, basic referral skills, safety, stress, sexual harassment and misconduct. The members of SAM are committed to displaying a positive image to fellow student-athletes by providing support through education, awareness, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

SAMs Mission Statement:

 To create a safer and more positive environment for student-athletes through increased awareness and education on topics that promote personal health and wellness. 

The ideal SAM representative is:

• Responsible

• Respectful 

• Inspiring 

A responsible SAM member takes all training sessions seriously in order to guide Chargers in the right direction in regards to alcohol and drug use, sexual misconduct, or any other topic covered in monthly meetings. A respectful SAM member understands the importance of positive communication and sensitivity when interacting with other student-athletes on campus. Finally, an inspiring SAM member gives our students and athletes at UAH the desire to improve by setting a positive example.

CHARGING ON!

Charging ON! is a holistic student-athlete development program that aims to prepare student-athletes to be champions in life through character formation, academic achievement, and athletic success. 

Core Values: Trust. Integrity. Character. Authenticity. Learning. Growth

The process is comprised of annual education for all student-athletes, a curriculum for selected student-athletes, and experiences for advanced student-athletes. The end goal is to foster experiences for our student-athletes to gain a competitive edge in life through sport. 

Charge! Drugs and Alcohol Sexual Misconduct Mental Health Academic Compliance

Charge UP! Growth Mindset Core Values Strengths Finder Emotional Intelligence  Crucial Conversations

Charge ON! Financial Literacy Holistic Wellness  Professionalism Networking Service

Program Objectives: 

• Student-athletes will develop the confidence, skills, and values to positively impact their team, campus and community.

• Participants will create, discuss, and apply personal and leadership development activities that facilitate transformational experiences. 

• Participants will generate personal leadership philosophies and interpret personal attribute assessments to live and lead in an authentic manner. 

Student Athletes will be required to complete the Charge! part of the Charging On! program annually. 

Requirements will be communicated through UAH Canvas and JumpForward. The athletic staff LifeSkills coordinator will accept nominations from coaches and students of student athletes who would like to participate in Charge Up! and Charge On! The program begins at the beginning of the academic year and continues through the end of the second term. For Charge On!, those student athletes who do not complete assignments on time will be sent to fix deficiencies  prior to participating in any countable athletic related activities with their team or otherwise.