CIAA SAAC Year-End Report
By Stephen M. Green
CIAA-NCAA Division II Student Athlete Advisory Committee Representative

July 13, 2010
 
2009-2010 was a phenomenal year for the CIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committees. Student-Athletes from each institution worked very diligently to make their school, community and SAAC’s better. Institutions implemented many new activities on their campuses that helped better the overall student-athlete experience.

The year was jump started with the Action Academies sponsored by Associate Commissioner of the CIAA Monique Morgan.  The Academies are to develop student-athletes into better leaders on and off the playing field. They are a yearly event that is held at institutions in the CIAA. This year the guest Speaker was Millette Granville. She spoke of “What is your Branding statement” and how are pictured in the public’s eye. Student-Athletes were energized to find the true leader that was within them. The guest speaker left a lasting impression on the student-athletes and the student-athletes enjoyed the message she brought.

In December, SAAC Presidents and Vice Presidents met to discuss Phase I of the Life in Balance initiative in Division II in Durham, North Carolina. Phase I of the Life Balance consist of shortening playing and practice seasons in Division II. There was great discussion taken place between student-athletes. Many voiced their opinions and questions with great insight. The student-athletes eventually discussed the issues with Athletic Administration at the luncheon. The overall discussion was great and the student-athlete voice was well represented.

In February, Each CIAA institution was represented by their SAAC President or Vice President at the CIAA tournament.  The student-athletes took part in career building activities at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. They were introduced into new ways to approach a job interview and have a marketable resume. Later in the week, they helped their institutions at High School Day at the CIAA tournament. The student-athletes were the spokespersons for their institutions and encouraged other young students to think about college. At the tournament, the SAAC representatives collected funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. During the week, each representative was a great ambassador of his or her school.

During the year, many schools put on many activities to reach out to the community and introduce themselves to the student body. For instance, Virginia State University SAAC put on many activities for Breast Cancer Awareness and community outreach activities. Bowie State University SAAC created SAAC week and it went very well. Elizabeth City State University SAAC partnership with many campus organizations to have campus outreach programs on campus during athletic games.  Lincoln University SAAC created a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish foundation that is called 1000 Lions Give Campaign. The campaign helped them raise 1000 dollars for the Make-A-Wish foundation this year.

A major step has taken place this year in the development of the CIAA conference SAAC. A conference constitution was developed and is waiting to be approved. The constitution if approved will be in place next fall. The constitution will stand as the governing body of the conference SAAC. The constitution will place conference officers and help strengthen the CIAA SAAC.  This year the Conference SAAC executive board has voted add another national charity to  are organization. The non-profit organization is called the National Committee for the Prevention of Community Violence. Organization that helps keep inner city youth off the streets by doing other things to better themselves.

This year each CIAA institutions SAAC has created a great student-athlete experience on their campuses. Next Academic school year, each SAAC will continue to better their institutions and the CIAA SAAC.