The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee consists of representatives from each intercollegiate team, selected by their coaches and Athletics administration. In order to be effective and successful, the SAAC must have participants who are eager and willing to be actively involved. The committee meets on a regular basis throughout the semester with the SAAC Coordinator and other invited guests.
This group is a tremendous asset in terms of developing and increasing effective communication between student-athletes and administrative staff. Regular meetings feature discussions of new developments that affect student-athletes within the NCAA, WAC, and the University. Representatives of the committee attend an annual WAC Student-Advisory Council meeting and any applicable NCAA regional or national conferences.
Campus SAACs
Though the focus of campus SAACs is intended to be more parochial in nature, communication among campus and national SAACs offers student-athletes the opportunity to shape the landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
Functions of campus SAACs:
- Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes.
- Disseminate information.
- Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues.
- Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department formulation of policies.
- Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams.
- Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation.
- Organize community service efforts.
- Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g., student government).
- Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus.
Members of a campus SAAC have the opportunity to address issues affecting student-athletes at their institution; furthermore, members have the opportunity to offer input on issues which may be national in scope.
The campus committee is meant to serve as a local student-athlete voice in addressing issues of student-athlete welfare at their respective institutions. Campus committees can facilitate better communication among student-athletes from various athletics teams to address issues common to all.
The campus SAAC may also serve as a conduit of communication among student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators on issues to improve the student-athlete experience and promote growth and education through sports participation. Concerns can be voiced and solutions offered regarding any issue that may be relevant to NCAA student-athletes.
Through the grass-roots efforts of campus SAACs, student-athletes have the opportunity to change the face of intercollegiate athletics.
Campus SAAC Executive Board
The NCAA recommends the creation of some type of executive board to oversee the operation of campus SAACs. Traditional board member positions include chairperson, chair-elect, secretary/treasurer and chairpersons of any standing subcommittees. All of these positions should be held by student-athletes.
Constitution and Bylaws
The constitution of the campus SAAC is a document written by the executive board and approved by the representatives. The constitution is essential to outline the policies and operating procedures of the committee. It should include the name and purpose of the committee, membership, leadership structure, standing committees, philosophy, advisors, impeachment process, veto powers, ratification and amendment procedures and voting and meeting requirements. It should be noted that many institutions require that an organization have bylaws to be an officially recognized student committee. Copies of campus SAAC bylaws and models are available through the NCAA national office.
Campus SAAC Enhancement Ideas
Create an annual report for your campus SAAC. Include concerns, committee actions, yearly activities, special honors or recognition received by teams or student-athletes, graduation rate information and other relevant topics. Present and distribute the annual SAAC report to constituent groups (e.g., athletics administrators, athletics council, Board of Trustees, coaches, faculty, CHAMPS/Life Skills Advisory Team, your conference SAAC and national SAAC). Collaborate with other student organizations on campus to organize activities. Support your institution's CHAMPS/ Life Skills Program.
(from http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/ncaa-student-athlete-advisory-committees-saacs)
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