University of Minnesota Athletics
Life Skills
7/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Life Skills
Today, I will be more!
CHAMPS/Life Skills Program History
In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division 1-A Athletic Director’s Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) was created. Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the NCAA national office.
CHAMPS/Life Skills 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.
University of Minnesota - Life Skills Program
The Life Skills Program at the University Of Minnesota includes many programs all designed to help make the student-athlete’s experience a positive one. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program is a NCAA sponsored program designed to focus on the total development of the student-athlete. Part of the mission of the Athletic Department is to encourage student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits.
In an effort to assist our student-athletes further, the program is designed to give a comprehensive approach to providing educational experiences and services which focus on the individual. We presently utilize a freshmen orientation course, personal development programs, Golden Career Opportunities, various outreach efforts, and our Student Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.) to impact the lives of our young men and women.
Gopher involvement in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program helps student-athletes enhance the quality of their experience here within the university setting. We are also supplied with instructional materials and supplemental resources, which support our student-athletes’ development within the CHAMPS/Life Skills Commitment Statements five key areas: academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development, career development, and community service.
In process of helping our student-athletes achieve this overall success, University Of Minnesota Life Skills Program will:
- Encourage the efforts of every student-athlete in the development of sound intellectual
skills with emphasis on completion of the necessary courses and graduation. - Utilize the lessons learned within athletics to further prepare for challenges and rewards in life.
- Look to foster a relationship with each student-athlete that enables their changing needs to always be met.
- Educate on the importance of diversity through discussion and team projects/community service.
- Create an environment that promotes self-worth and a proactive approach to life.
- Promote ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities, and encourage the development of leadership skills.
Contact Information:
| Peyton N. Owens III Director of Life Skills University of Minnesota 612-625-6888 owens140@umn.edu | |
| Anissa M. Lightner Assistant Life Skills Coordinator University of Minnesota 612-625-1544 meyer174@umn.edu |
