Athletic Health Enhancement Program (AHEP)
In the game, in the classroom, in life…
having resources and support is important to success. AHEP gives student athletes tools to achieve their academic, athletic and personal goals.
As part of UHS’ Health Education department, AHEP is linked with a network of specialists, programs and information.
Confidential sessions for individuals, captains, teams and coaches focus on topics including stress, sexual health, the transition from high school to college athletics, racial, ethnic, gender and orientation diversity, violence prevention, and equity.
Programs and resources
CHAMPS Life Skills – a for-credit academic course required for all first-year student athletes. Developed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the curriculum includes information about relationships, substance use and abuse, violence prevention, social equity, diversity and the unique roles and responsibilities of student athletes.
Smart Choices – targeted at combating alcohol abuse among student athletes, Smart Choices is grant funded by the NCAA. Health educators administer the Smart Choices alcohol survey during Life Skills classes; results from the classes and campus-wide data are shared in team workshops. Discussions focus on discrepancies between assumed and actual behaviors, alcohol laws, UMass Amherst policies, and available resources.
Alcohol and other drug prevention – AHEP uses counseling, social norms education and referrals to reduce the negative impact of substance use. AHEP is an important part of UMass Athletics’ mandatory Alcohol and Drug Education Testing Program. Each student referred by the Director of Athletics receives confidential assessment and intervention planning; staff oversee counseling and certify that individuals have met requirements for regaining athletic eligibility.
Mental health – AHEP works with licensed professionals from UHS’ Mental Health Services who have expertise in student athlete stressors.
Sports nutrition – Good nutrition is essential for optimal athletic performance. Individual and team sessions with a sports nutritionist emphasize balancing athletics, academics and student life with healthy eating. Referrals to UHS’ Eating Disorders Clinic, which combines medical, nutrition and mental health care services, are available.
Sports medicine – AHEP works closely with UHS sports medicine physicians and the university’s athletic training staff and strength and conditioning coaches to help student athletes maximize their success.
Contact AHEP
AHEP offices are in the Boyden athletic complex, at 131 Commonwealth Avenue; call (413) 545-4588 or 577-0318.
