CHAMPS/Life Skills Program

The mission of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.

CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Commitment Statements

Commitment to Academic Excellence
To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.

The UMass Life Skills program offer a 13-week study skills curriculum which features topics such as time management, notetaking and test-taking strategies along with how to write research papers and give oral presentations.

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.

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.

The UMass Life Skills Program offers numerous presentations concerning alcohol/sexual responsibility, club drug awareness, nutrition/ergogenic aids and eating disorders along with individual meetings focusing on values clarification and diversity issues.

Commitment to Career Development
To encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.

The UMass Life Skills Program offers Career Night, Resume Writing workshops, Strong Interest Inventories, Graduate School and Post-Graduate Scholarship information

Commitment to Service
To engage the student-athlete in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities.

UMass Life Skills strongly encourages each team to participate in one community service exercise a year along with involvement with Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). Programs that Umass Student-Athletes have been involved with are:Brightside for Families and Children, Big Brother/Big Sister, Lawrence Boys and Girls Club and the Shriner's Hospital.

In the process of achieving this mission, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will:

• Support efforts of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
• Use athletics as preparation for success in life.
• Meet the changing needs of student-athletes.
• Promote respect for diversity among student-athletes.
• Enhance interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes.
• Assist student-athletes in building positive self-esteem.
• Enable student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
• Promote ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities.
• Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education.
• Encourage the development of leadership skills