The CHAMPS/Life Skills program is sponsored by the NCAA.  The program was developed to help member athletics departments help their student-athletes prepare for life after college or "real life."  We incorporate the CHAMPS/Life Skills in a variety of our services.  Included are workshops, two student-athlete sections of IDS 110, networking and counseling.  The CHAMPS/Life Skills program focuses on the individual as a whole: academically, athletically and emotionally.

 

The NCAA developed the CHAMPS/Life Skills program to incorporate five areas of the student's life:

 ►  Commitment to Academic Excellence:  Support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.

►  Commitment to the Athletic Excellence:  Build philosophical foundations for the development of athletic programs that are broad based, equitable and dedicated to the well-bring of the student-athlete.

►  Commitment to Personal Development:  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:  Encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.

►  Commitment to Service:  Engage the student-athlete in service to his/her campus and surrounding communities.

 

At Missouri State University, we try to use the CHAMPS program to encourage and assist the student-athlete.  The Achievement Center handles the Academic Commitment and the coaches deal with the Athletic Commitment.  To accomplish our goals with the other three areas, we recruit help from other campus services.  For the Personal and Career development, a variety of workshops are directed toward specific concerns of the student-athletes.  These workshops can include anything from alcohol abuse to choosing a major.  Each campus has a staff of professionals that specialize in a variety of topics.  It is important that the students use their expertise to enhance their changes of success.

 

The Service Commitment is tackled in a little different manor than the other areas.  The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) works closely with the Springfield community.  SAAC has worked with Habitat for Humanity, A Sporting Change, Victory Mission, The Missouri Kitchen, Adopt-A-Family, Special Olympics and the Adopt-A-Street program to name a few.  Our student-athletes are dedicated to helping those in need.  Student-Athletes spend a lot of their spare time working with various groups throughout the academic year.  These projects help student-athletes learn the importance of giving back to those who support them.

 

Champs/Life Skills Mission Statement

 Missouri State, together with the NCAA, is committed to the Champs Life Skills program which provides student-athletes with the necessary tools to enable them to, not only, strive for excellence in their sport, but to attain academic success and become valuable members of the community.   The program is administered to enhance the educational experience and services for student-athletes through four areas of need; academics, personal growth, career opportunities and community service. 

 While achieving this mission, Missouri State will: 

Ø      Support the efforts of every student-athlete toward academic progress and graduation.

Ø      Enable, provide and support student-athletes in their efforts to contribute to the community.

Ø      Use athletics as preparation for life after college.

Ø      Enhance the interaction between student-athletes and the general student body.

Ø      Promote personal and social development of student-athletes.

Ø      Promote accountability among student-athletes for their academic, athletic and social responsibilities.