CIAA S.A.A.C. Year-End Report

May 22, 2011

Allie Kolezynski- CIAA-NCAA Division II Student Athlete Advisory Committee Representative

This year proved to be another successful year for CIAA student-athletes and the S.A.A.C.  Student-athletes and Student Athlete Advisory Committee members have worked hard to be leaders on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.  As CIAA S.A.A.C., we all strive to improve the well-being of student-athletes, and to create a positive experience for student-athletes during the course of their collegiate careers. 

An example of this is the CIAA hosting “Winning Careers in Athletics”, a professional development program for women.  This was an excellent opportunity for young women to learn how to attain necessary skills for future success. Each person in attendance was exposed to networking opportunities and advice from professionals in the field of collegiate athletics.

Another example is the NCAA-CIAA Positive Game Environment Initiative.  This year, S.A.A.C. officers from the CIAA had the opportunity to vote for the winner of the Most Positive Game Environment for their respective sports.  By offering schools the chance to vote on a winner, we’re hoping to encourage all schools in the CIAA to continue to encourage sportsmanlike conduct, and a fun, competitive atmosphere in which student-athletes can participate.

Yet another example of success in the CIAA-S.A.A.C., is the creation of a CIAA-S.A.A.C. Constitution. Within the Constitution are by-laws and guidelines for S.A.A.C. officers to follow and abide by.  The Constitution dictates S.A.A.C. voting and attendance policies.  By providing these by-laws, S.A.A.C. members can hold each other accountable and can continue to work for success.  Stephen Green (past national S.A.A.C. rep) created the Constitution and it will go into effect in August.  S.A.A.C. members and officers are leaders for their teammates and the student body, and the Constitution will help keep everyone on pace for achieving the goals that S.A.A.C. sets.

Throughout the course of the year, S.A.A.C. participated in several community service projects and worked to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

At the CIAA Basketball Tournament, S.A.A.C. officers participated in community service activities and collected $74.20 in donations at the tournament.  Many schools within the conference held fundraisers and contributed to Make-A-Wish as well.  It is very rewarding to give back and donate to such a great cause. 

As part of community service, several schools participated in Student-Athlete/Student Appreciation Days to show appreciation for students on campus for their support and encouragement throughout the year.  Elizabeth City State hosted a pig roast on their softball field, and Chowan hosted an ice cream social during their Student-Athlete Auction.  We encourage all schools to participate in Student-Athlete/Student Appreciation Day in April next year. 

Overall it’s been a productive year for the CIAA and for S.A.A.C.  S.A.A.C. will continue to work hard to ensure a positive experience for student-athletes, and to give back to their communities.  Thanks to all S.A.A.C. liaisons and administrators for their continued support and backing of our goals and mission.