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CONTACT INFORMATION
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WHAT IS CHAMPS/LIFE SKILLS?
In 1994, the Division IA Directors’ CHAMPS program and the NCAA Life Skills program joined forces to become the CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success)/Life Skills program. The CHAMPS/Life Skills program focuses on five commitments that over 300 NCAA institutions, including Jacksonville University, are making in the growth and development of student athletes.
1. COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
2. COMMITMENT TO ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
3. COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
4. COMMITMENT TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT
5. COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
The CHAMPS/Life Skills program at Jacksonville University offers a variety of programs geared toward each of the five commitments. The program provides Dolphin student-athletes with the necessary tools to succeed in their sports, as well as the classroom, the community, and the workplace.
1. The Commitment to Academic Excellence: To support the academic progress of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
Jacksonville University and the JU Department of Athletics is committed to providing the most efficient and effective academic support for all student-athletes. The academic support staff monitors the academic progress of all student-athletes to ensure that they are meeting NCAA and university rules and regulations.
JU’s support program includes:
Academic Advising
One of the most important keys to academic success is appropriate course selection and scheduling. The JU Academic Advising Center employs advisors to help student-athletes through the education process. Each student-athlete is assigned to an academic advisor who is knowledgeable about the special needs of student-athletes in relation to demanding travel schedules and NCAA regulations. Academic advisors provide comprehensive advising services including pre-registration advising each semester, degree audits, and planning for graduation. In addition, advisors continually monitor students’ progress toward their degree to ensure that they are maintaining NCAA and Atlantic Sun Conference/Pioneer Football League academic eligibility.
Student-Athlete Study Hall
Student-athlete study hall is a monitored study program designed to provide student-athletes with organized study and tutoring time in a flexible environment conducive to successful learning. Study hall is required for all first-semester freshmen, student-athletes with a cumulative GPA below 2.25, and any student-athlete who the coaching and academic support staff believe would benefit from the experience.
Study Hall hours include:
• Study time recorded in monitored study hall
• Tutoring or mentoring sessions
• Team study hall hours
• Approved hours outside of monitored study hall
Tutorial Services
Tutors are available to assist student-athletes in all subject areas. Individual or small group sessions can be arranged with content experts assigned by the JU Student Support Services office or personally requested by the student-athlete. For more information on tutoring services, including a current tutoring schedule, visit the JU Student Support Services webpage.
Counseling/Mentoring
The student-athlete development staff meets with student-athletes, individually and in groups, regarding academic, athletic, career, and/or personal issues. Student-athletes are encouraged to meet with the staff early each semester to set up an individualized study and time management plan. Other common discussion topics include note taking, proactive planning, learning strategies, test-taking skills, and personal responsibility.
Travel Laptop Program
While away from campus for competition, student-athletes can check out a laptop from the Advising Center (subject to availability) to complete assignments or papers on the road.
Travel Letters
The Academic Advising staff ensures that student-athletes receive a travel letter each semester that includes the dates and times of travel for the entire semester. Providing faculty with a travel letter at the beginning of the semester allows for each student-athlete to engage in a conversation with his or her professors about travel dates that may conflict with exams, assignments, or other course requirements. Advisors follow up with faculty as needed regarding student-athlete travel or other extenuating personal circumstances that may cause a student-athlete to be absent from class.
2. The Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To develop athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable, and dedicated to the well-being of every student-athlete.
The foundation of having students strive toward athletic excellence is based upon the philosophy that programs which are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete help to enrich other aspects of their lives. As part of a commitment to athletic excellence, Jacksonville University sponsors eighteen NCAA Division I varsity intercollegiate sports for men and women. Dolphin student-athletes and coaches are committed to “winning the right way”—with integrity and honor.
3. The Commitment to Personal Development: To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for every student-athlete, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth, and decision-making skills.
Balancing the rigors of a full academic schedule with the additional demands of Division I Athletics presents a unique challenge. The Dolphin SPLASH program (Successful Professional Life And Study Habits), which encompasses many aspects of the NCAA's CHAMPS/ Life Skills Program, offers student-athletes a variety of presentations, workshops, and hands-on activities designed to help them succeed and grow on and off the playing field.
SPLASH is available to every JU student, which allows student-athletes to interact with the entire JU population. In addition, SPLASH offers special topics throughout the academic year geared specifically towards the interests and needs of student-athletes. To see the current of SPLASH workshop schedule, visit the JU Career Services webpage.
In addition to the SPLASH program, the JU Department of Athletics conducts a mandatory gambling and drug/alcohol education program each year for student-athletes.
4. The Commitment to Career Development: To encourage every student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.
The Jacksonville University Career Services office, available to all students, provides a comprehensive series of programs, services, workshops, appointment, and work assignments geared toward helping student-athletes determine their future career. The Department of Athletics, along with the Career Services, helps student-athletes gain meaningful experiences that will provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to attain a successful career.
For more information, visit the JU Career Services webpage.
5. The Commitment to Service: To engage every student-athlete in service to campus and community.
An important component of the CHAMPS/Life Skills program, community outreach seeks to engage every student-athlete with opportunities to give back to campus and to surrounding communities. Involvement in community service not only makes a difference in other people’s lives, but it also helps student-athletes to develop leadership qualities, enhance their interpersonal skills, and broaden their perspective beyond the collegiate campus. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee serves as the primary vehicle to coordinate and implement community outreach activities, but all student-athletes and coaches are involved in community efforts.
Some examples of Dolphin community service initiatives include:
• Elementary/middle school mentoring programs
• Public speaking engagements
• National Student-Athlete Day
• Participation in adaptive sports programs
• Children’s hospital visitations
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life
• School supply drive
• Monthly “Daniel Days” in partnership with Daniel Memorial
For more information or to request Dolphin student-athletes appearances, contact Stephanie Metz, Director of Student-Athlete Development.
