Today's student-athletes are faced with many challenges both on and off the playing field. High expectations face each student-athlete and create demands which challenge his or her athletic, academic and emotional capabilities.
With this in mind, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) created a program to assist student-athletes in acquiring the education and experiences necessary for success in virtually every aspect of life. Developed in 1994, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program has taken root at the University of Dayton and more than 400 other colleges and universities.
CHAMPS/Life Skills consists of five commitment areas:
* Athletic Excellence
The University of Dayton has a long history of athletic excellence and by all means continue to provide the very best in competition and winning ways. But athletics on the Division I level is also about sportsmanship and about the well being of the student-athlete.
* Academic Excellence
Dayton student-athletes understand the importance of successfully balancing academics and athletics. The Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes offers many services to assist student-athletes with their academic developments and achievements.
* Personal Development
From freshman orientation through graduation, Dayton provides programming to help foster a student-athlete's overall development. The reality is that college can sometimes be difficult and the decisions made by student-athletes during these years may affect one for the rest of your life. Our goal is to provide student-athletes with the necessary information to make good decisions. Programs ranging from time and stress management to health issues to Leadership training help prepare Dayton students to have successful college careers.
* Career Development
The city of Dayton provides UD a great classroom to prepare student-athletes for a career after graduation. Student-athletes are encouraged to participate in Dayton's internship programs and to gain career related experience.
* Community Service
Dayton student-athletes participate in a number of community service activities. During the previous year, student-athletes continually volunteer at the YMCA, Best Buddies, Relay For Life, Habitat for Humanity and other youth organizations and after-school programs. UD student-athletes have compiled countless additional hours by visiting schools and instructing youngsters at camps.
The mission of the program is to reach each student-athlete based on his or her individual needs while concentrating on the overall development of a whole, well-rounded person. The program seeks to integrate campus student services, classes and programs with initiatives of the CHAMPS/Life skills Program.
For more information, contact Megan Pease, Assistant Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator, at Megan.Pease@notes.udayton.edu or by phone at (937) 229-4552.
