Student Development Services

The Office of Student Services is committed to offering a variety of services focused on enhancing the quality and diversity of the student-athlete experience at UB. Services include the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, Sport Psychology services, community outreach opportunities, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, textbook vouchers, the Athletes For Athletes program, and laptop signout.

UB CHAMPS/Life Skills Program

The Division of Athletics and the Office of Student-Athlete Services are committed to assisting student-athletes reach their full potential academically, athletically and personally. We are proud to participate in the NCAA-sponsored CHAMPS/Life Skills program. This program provides educational experiences and services to our student-athletes in order to assist them in the development of well-balanced lifestyles.

The CHAMPS/Life Skills program is focused on five areas viewed as critical to the personal growth of the University at Buffalo student-athlete:

• Commitment to Academic Excellence - To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation. Services provided within this component include tutoring, academic counseling and advising, learning assessments, orientation classes, structured study sessions, and other related services.
• Commitment to Athletic Excellence - To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad based, equitable and dedicated to the well being of the student-athlete. Services provided within this component include leadership training, performance enhancement/mental toughness training, strength and conditioning, athletic training, and other related services.
• 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. Services provided within this component include presentations, workshops and individual sessions on topics such as stress management, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, communication skills and other topics related to student-athlete well-being.
• Commitment to Career Development - To encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals. Services provided within this component include drop-in and scheduled sessions with UB Career Services, online and written career resources, resume and interview skills training, and other related services.
• Commitment to Community Service To engage the student-athlete in service to his/her campus and surrounding communities. UB student-athletes participate in both on-campus and WNY community based programs, including opportunities for peer education, guest speaking at campus and community events, mentoring local children, volunteering at local hospitals and charitable organizations, and other related activities.

Performance Enhancement Program

As part of the Office of Student-Athlete Services, the Division of Athletics offers a comprehensive sport performance enhancement program for our student-athletes.

Topics may include:

• Goal Setting
• Relaxation/Stress Management
• Imagery (Visualization)
• Attentional Skills/Concentration
• Positive Self-Talk/Confidence
• Motivation
• Teamwork
• Playing Time/Role Clarification
• Leadership
• Staleness/Burnout/Slumps
• Injury Management/Retirement
• Athletic Identity
• Healthy Behaviors
• Other

Goals of the Program:

• To improve the overall quality of the student-athlete experience at UB.
• To provide services in the area of performance enhancement/mental training to student-athletes.
• To provide continuing education to coaches and athletics staff regarding the mental/emotional aspects of collegiate sport participation.
• To provide counseling/referral services for student-athletes who present with clinical issues.
• To act as a resource for coaches/athletics staff/student-athletes, in a confidential environment, with research, information, and advice surrounding the issues of sport performance enhancement.
• To instill in the athlete the importance of overall health, wellness, and personal development.

Available Services

• Scheduled workshops for teams throughout the academic year
• Additional drop- in educational workshops for athletes on various topics
• Educational workshops for coaches and staff on various topics
• Individual coach consultations
• Individual athlete consultations
• Clinical referrals
• Other services as needed

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is made up of a designated group of student-athletes, assembled to provide insight on the entire student-athlete experience and to offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives. Its purpose is to:

• act as a liaison between the University and the Buffalo community by providing information on the unique needs and accomplishments of student-athletes;
• recognize the student-athlete in the fields of academics and athletics;
• implement programs that will promote a positive image of intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete;
• solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation and review, react and comment to the governance structure on legislation, activities and subjects of interest.
• serve as community ambassadors of the Division of Athletics and the University at Buffalo;
• actively participate in the administrative process of athletics programs and the NCAA

Committee Structure

• The committee is composed of at least two (2) representatives from each varsity team.
• Representatives must attend the University as a full-time student and be officially listed on a varsity sport squad list.
• Head coaches and/or team members select representatives by the beginning of the fall semester. While these 2 student-athletes are the team SAAC representatives, all other student-athletes are more than welcome and encouraged to attend SAAC meetings.
• Hold bi-weekly meetings

Mission Statement of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory Committee:

“The mission of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image.”

2012-2013 SAAC Executive Board

President- Marissa Murphy, Women's Swimming & Diving
Vice President- Cory Folk, Baseball
AFA Officer- Elizabeth Murphy, Women's Rowing
Community Outreach Officer- Megan Abman, Women's Soccer

Athletes-For-Athletes (AFA) Program

The purpose of this program is to give athletes the opportunity to support each other and learn more about the various sports through attendance at competition. One AFA event is scheduled for each team during a home competition each season, and all athletes who are not traveling or in class are asked to attend.