CHAMPS - Life Skills Program
CHallenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success
The mission of the NCAA
is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus
educational program and the student-athlete as an integral part of the student
body. With this in mind, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to
support the student-athlete development initiatives of NCAA member institutions
and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context
of higher education.
In the process of achieving this mission, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will:
- Promote student-athletes’ ownership of their academic, athletic, career, personal and community responsibilities
- Meet the changing needs of student-athletes
- Promote respect for diversity and inclusion among student athletes
- Assist student-athletes in identifying and applying transferable skills
- Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education
- Foster an environment that encourages student-athletes to effectively access campus resources
In cooperation with the new NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and its supplemental resources, Simpson College is able to provide the necessary support for student-athletes to grow and thrive in their college surroundings. From a extensive application process, Simpson was selected as a member of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program in 2006 and is one of 584 schools participating in the program as well as one of two Division III institutions in Iowa. From the beginning, there have been five basic components the program promotes for student-athletes:
Academic Commitment
Simpson College is committed to supporting the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
Academic resources include:
- Student-Athlete Handbook
- CHAMPS Mentor Program
- Individual tutors
- Study table requirements
- Time management and study skills training
- Hawley Academic Resource Center
- Liberal Arts Seminar course work
- Dick Starr Award – Outstanding Physical Education Major
Athletic Commitment Component
Simpson College is committed to building a philosophical foundation for the development of the athletic program and is dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes.
Athletic resources include:
- NCAA Division III and IIAC (Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) compliance orientation
- Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
- Certified athletic trainers
- Certified strength coaches
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Physical therapists
- Team physicians
- Barborka Trophy Winner – outstanding student-athlete award
Career Development Component
Simpson College encourages student-athletes to strive for career goals as they work toward their graduation requirements.
Career development resources include:
- NCAA Leadership Conference component
- Internship opportunities
- Yearly Competitive Resources Group (CRG) workshop
- Job application workshops
- Resume & cover letter practicum
Personal Development Component
Simpson College supports the development of a well-balance lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, leadership, personal growth and decision-making skills.
Personal development resources include:
- National Student-Athlete Day
- NCAA Leadership Conference
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Counseling services
- Career services
- Health services
Community Service Component
Simpson College student-athletes engage in service on campus and in the surrounding community. Simpson student-athletes participate in a variety of community service projects throughout the year.
Community service opportunities include:
- Special Olympics activities
- West Central Area Special Olympics Track Meet
- Area school special needs swimming program
- Heartland Track Meet
- Basketball “Hot Shot” Day
- The Wayne Carse Golf Classic fund-raiser
- Annual Campus Day
Between the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the CHAMPS mentors we will have approximately 60 student-athlete leaders actively involved in our programs. Nearly 35 percent of the enrollment at Simpson College consists of student-athletes. We feel that the addition of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will enrich the student-athlete experience at Simpson College, and have a positive impact on student-athletes during their time at Simpson and provide life long lessons after their collegiate careers.
By having additional resources, we have the opportunity to tailor new programs specifically for student-athletes. We are also excited about providing additional student-athlete leadership opportunities and the ability for student-athletes to take ownership of their experiences.