The University of Mississippi Athletics
CHAMPS LIFE SKILLS Fall Summary
Jan. 26, 2001
Champs Fall 2000 Activities
Student-Athlete Welcome Picnic-The year was kicked off on Sunday August 27, 2000 at the Soccer Field with our 2nd annual CHAMPS Picnic. Athletic Department staff, coaches and student-athletes came together for a meal and fellowship. We set an Abner's chicken eating record once again, however, the hit of the day was the dunking booth. Coach Walker and Lynnette are still trying to dry off!
New Student-Athlete Orientation- CHAMPS sponsored a New Student-Athlete Orientation during the months of September and October. The intent was to give new students a chance to become acclimated to the University environment. We held seminars every Tuesday night on topics such as the history of the University, alcohol and drug abuse, public speaking and career development. Several faculty and staff members volunteered to conduct these seminars and did an outstanding job with their presentations. The orientation also gave student-athletes from different sports an opportunity to socialize and build relationships with members of sports outside of their own. The sessions usually lasted less than an hour and were held in the Starnes Center.
Reading with the Rebels-Student-athletes from several sports participated in our Reading with the Rebels program. We visited Oxford, Lafayette and Bramlett elementary schools in the months of September, October and November. Student-athletes went into the classroom to read books, visit with the students and sign autographs. This is one of CHAMPS most successful programs enjoyed by student-athletes and the students at the various elementary schools. We will continue this program in the spring.
Jeopardy Nights- Jeopardy Night at Azalea Gardens has been one of CHAMPS biggest community service activities this semester. Our student-athletes visit the retirement home once a month and play a round of Jeopardy with the residents there. Each athlete is paired with a resident as they compete to win one of the many door prizes. Jeopardy night is not only a lot of fun, but it gives the athletes a chance to get involved with the community.
CLEAN- CHAMPS volunteer student-athletes and Writing Center staff members taught Physical Plant custodians to C.L.E.A.N. (Custodians Learn Email And Netscape) during the week of October 23 - 27. They reported to the Writing Center during their lunch hour and were instructed. Custodians were delighted to learn to share information not only with the University but also with friends and families.
Halloween Day-Ghosts and Goblins could not keep the student-athletes from bringing some goodies to the kids at the local elementary schools. The student-athletes came out in record numbers for the third year to visit Bramlett Elementary, Oxford Elementary and this year, Lafayette Elementary. We took some fantastic gifts to the kids this year. They each received a jack-o-lantern key chain, pencil, pen or some posters and schedule cards.
Competitive Resource Group- The Athletics Department and Competitive Resources Group (CRG) want to make sure student-athletes, managers and trainers are prepared to pursue their desired field of endeavor. CRG is an athlete placement and training firm that works exclusively with individuals who have a collegiate background - both graduating seniors as well as former athletes who are looking to make a career move. We are enjoying the second year of our partnership with CRG. Twice a year, CRG conducts seminars and individual workshops with students to assist them with resumes, interviewing techniques and career placement. For more information, please call Derek (www.crgathletes.com).
Seminars- Two CHAMPS seminars were held during the Fall Semester. Financial Responsibility, the topic of the first seminar, was sponsored by the Personal Development Committee. The Academic Committee sponsored a Stress Management seminar which directed student-athletes on how to cope with the stress of final exams.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee- The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has co-sponsored several projects with CHAMPS during the fall. Those projects include Jeopardy Night, Reading with the Rebels and the canned food drive held in late October. SAAC is a group of 25 student-athletes representing all sports in matters concerning student-athlete welfare. The committee is selected by members of the various teams and the Office of Academic Support. SAAC is heavily involved in the community service arm of CHAMPS. They also discuss pending NCAA and SEC legislation as well as matters concerning student-athletes here at the University. The committee meets once a month and sends a representative to the SEC SAAC meeting held once every semester.