Other Key EKU Student-Athlete Links
Colonel Challenge |
SAAC |
Bratzke Center
What is Student-Athlete Affairs?
Formerly known as CHAMPS/Life Skills, Student-Athlete Affairs focuses on promoting the well-being and development of student-athletes. Through the Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills program, EKU strives to develop our student-athletes holistically, so they are prepared on and off the field of play. We not only want to prepare them to be successful while they are attending EKU, but also for life beyond graduation.
NCAA Student-Athlete Affairs/Life Skills Mission
The Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills program was created to support the student-athlete development initiatives of NCAA member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context of higher education. The Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills program will:
Promote student-athletes' ownership of their academic, athletic, career, personal and community responsibilities.
Meet the changing needs of student-athletes.
Promote respect for diversity and inclusion among student-athletes.
Translate Athletic Lessons to Life Lessons
Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education.
Foster an environment that encourages student-athletes to effectively access campus resources.
Encourage the development of character, integrity, leadership skills and develop the total person
NCAA Student- Athlete Affairs focuses on these 5 areas of development:
1. Commitment to Academic Excellence-To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
2. Commitment to Athletic Excellence- To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.
3. Commitment to Career Development- To encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.
4. Commitment to Personal Development- To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.
5. Commitment to Service- To engage the student-athlete in service to his/her campus and surrounding communities.
History of the Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills 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 the Division I-A Athletics Directors' Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created. In 1994, the NCAA introduced the CHAMPS/Life Skills program to all NCAA members. In 2004, Eastern Kentucky University launched its CHAMPS/Life Skills program which is now called Student-Athlete Affairs since the NCAA is no longer affiliated with CHAMPS.
For more information on the Student-Athlete Affairs Life Skills Program at Eastern Kentucky University, contact Josh Shipp at (859) 622-6648 or
joshua.shipp@eku.edu.
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