Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

The CHAMPS/LifeSkills Program and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee were 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 2010-11 academic year is the tenth year of Barry’s CHAMPS program. Activities last year included the CHAMPS/Life Skills Competition, Women in Distress, Give Kids the World Village, Special Olympics and more.

Activities that student-athletes participated in to earn points in the CHAMPS/Life Skills competition were Athletes Supporting Athletes at home athletic contests, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Holiday Party, Dine Like A Diplomat, Sport Psychology Sessions, Drug & Alcohol Seminar, Miami Rescue Mission, Career Fair, Relay for Life, Alternative Spring Break, Thanksgiving Baskets, Clothing Drive, Sport Clinics, SAAC Meetings, International Tax Seminar, Fun Fit Fridays and Make-A-Wish Fundraising.

The Barry University Student- Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of two student-athletes per varsity sport assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on the Barry University campus.

The Barry University SAAC is meant to serve as a local student-athlete voice in addressing issues of student-athlete welfare on our campus. It facilitates better communication among student-athletes from various athletics teams to address issues common to all.

The Barry University SAAC also serves as a conduit of communication among student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators on issues to improve the student-athlete experience and promote growth and education through sports participation. Concerns can be voiced and solutions offered regarding any issue that may be national in scope and relevant to NCAA student-athletes.

Functions of the Barry University SAAC:

• Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes
• Disseminate information
• Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues
• Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department formulation of policies
• Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams
• Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation
• Organize community service efforts
• Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g., student government)
• Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus

Barry University 2010-11 SAAC Committee

In 2009-10:

• The Bucs raised $3,442 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Hosted a Holiday party for children from H.A.N.D.Y (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth) who received gifts.
• As a part of the SSC SAAC E.L.I.T.E donation competition, the Bucs donated items to Women in Distress of Fort Lauderdale. Items included food, clothing and housewares.
• Held the Haiti Relief Ergathon and Haiti Relief Kicks (Barry University v. Miami FC)

In 2008-09:

• The Bucs raised $4,200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation making a six year total to $25,650
• The Bucs helped distribute 500 new bikes through Associate Builders and Contractor’s “Handlebars for the Holidays” event.
• They hosted a Holiday party for 50 children from H.A.N.D.Y (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth) who received 150 presents including 10 children who received new bikes.
• As a part of the SSC SAAC E.L.I.T.E donation competition, the Bucs donated 2,604 items to Women in Distress of Fort Lauderdale. Items included food, clothing and housewares.

In 2007-08:

• The Bucs raised $11,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
• The Bucs provided over 300 toys during a drive to benefit the Just Kids Centers.
• Other community service projects included Habitat for Humanity, Hands On Miami Beach Clean-up, Run for Life, Alonzo Morning Charities, Costa Rica Youth Center, Greater Miami Humane Society, Breast Cancer Walk, Thanksgiving Food Baskets, Gobble Wobble Walk

2006-07 highlights:

• The Bucs raised $4,100 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
• They hosted a Christmas Party for local children who have lost loved ones to violence in conjunction with SafeSpace, Inc.

2005-06 highlights included:

• The Bucs raised $3,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
• They were part of an HPLS effort which raised over $8,000 for cancer research at Relay For Life
• They hosted a Christmas Party for over 50 local children who have lost loved ones to violence in conjunction with SafeSpace, Inc.
• The Bucs provided a free clinic for area youth as part of National Girls & Women In Sports Day for the fourth straight year
• More than 100 Barry University student-athletes and HPLS staff served as volunteers at the Area 11 Special Olympics Summer Games

In 2004-05:

• The Bucs raised $1,700 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
• The Athletic Department sponsored a community service event in conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day
• Representatives from the Barry SAAC attended each of the Sunshine State Conference meetings

Once again the conference is offering a grant of $250 to each member school to be used for a community service project. In recent years, member schools have completed projects with various local elementary schools, Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics and several other charitable organizations.