Penn State Behrend Champs Life Skills Program 2009-10 Schedule
CHAMPS: Challenging Athletic Minds for Personal Success
Purpose: Development of life skills in the areas of academics, athletics, personal development, career development, and commitment to service.
The CHAMPS program started at Penn State Behrend in 2002 and is supported by the NCAA. The program is funded by PSB Athletics and the NCAA; there is a limited budget but CHAMPS manages to get what they need because the Behrend administration is very willing to help student-athletes. The coaching staff is very supportive. Student athletes have been receptive to programming; a trend which Athletics hopes will continue. The program was developed to enhance the student-athlete's intellectual development and preparation for success in life, to meet the needs of student-athletes, promote respect for diversity, and build self esteem.
CHAMPS is administered by a committee of the Athletic Director, CHAMPS Coordinator, and a contingent of Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) members. SAAC is a committee made up of athletes from all varsity sports.
CHAMPS was created in 1991 by the NCAA Foundation and Division 1A Athletics Directors Association and later offered to all NCAA members in 1994. CHAMPS/Life Skills is overseen by the NCAA Education Outreach staff.
The
NCAA provides resources and grants to address each of the five
disciplines listed in the purpose statement. At PSB, CHAMPS committee
members determine the needs of the student athletes and develop
programming to affect the students positively. For example, in the
2003-2004 academic year, leadership and self esteem/self respect
issues were brought to the attention of the staff members. Staff
determined that there was a need to have speakers brought in to
address issues and to use the excellent resources
offered throughout the PSB and Erie communities.
CHAMPS Needs Assessment Survey
The Needs Assessment Survey is a tool
that student-athletes can use to help determine and prioritize
upcoming CHAMPS/Life Skills programming. Below is a link to
the survey. Please be sure to complete the entire survey and
select Penn State Erie, The Behrend College from the drop down menu.
The link to the survey will be open through December 18.
http://web1.ncaa.org/surveys/champs_needs_assessment.html
2009-2010 SCHEDULE:
September 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Personal Counseling (Risky Behavior/Personal Safety), Sue
Daley
November 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Erie Hall
Diversity and Inclusion: Elaine Penn (Student
Activities and Athletics) MANDATORY FOR ALL Student-Athletes
(open to all students)
January 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Hamot Wellness Melissa Wilson, RD Sports Nutrition
February 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Financial Aid Jane Brady
March 18 at TBA
Leadership Unlimited (mandatory team captains/SAAC/Coaches) Andy Iams/Harmilee
Cousin III
April TBA
Special Olympics
(9:30-1:00) Junker Athletic Center
Dates, times, and locations will be solidified as the semester progresses.
Please see Champs coordinator, Angie Meserole for any follow-up questions.