Winston-Salem State University CHAMPS/Life Skills Program - WINSTON-SALEM STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Winston-Salem State University CHAMPS/Life Skills Information

Winston-Salem State University is a proud member if the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. In 1991, The NCAA Foundation initiated an effort to create a total-development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division 1A Athletics Directors' Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes' Minds For Personal Success) was created.

In 2003, Winston-Salem State University was awarded with CHAMPS/Life Skills accreditation from the NCAA. That accreditation was earned through substantial efforts on the part of the WSSU Athletic Department. Although the NCAA has a set of recommended guidelines for CHAMPS/Life Skills programs, each individual institution tailors a program that best suits their needs and student-athletes' needs.

Gained support from WSSU administrators.
Inventoried the existing resources and life skills programming at WSSU.
Involved the WSSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in assessing the needs of student-athletes through surveys etc.
Tracked the changing needs of WSSU student-athletes through focus groups and surveys.
Formed an advisory team on the WSSU campus consisting of interested and supportive faculty, staff, student-athletes, administrators, and coaches.
Delivered programming through; classes, workshops, new student orientations, socials, community service projects and guest speakers.

For more information, contact the WSSU CHAMPS/Life Skills Coordinator, and WSSU Associate Director of Athletics, Tonia Walker via phone at (336) 750-2147.

CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Overview

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.

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.

Participating institutions in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program are provided with instructional materials and supplemental resources, which support a student-athlete's development in five areas: academics, athletics, personal development, career development and community service.

CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Commitment Statements

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

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.

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

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

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