REPORT OF THE

NCAA DIVISION I STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) submits the following report from its November 17-19, 2006, meeting.

ACTION ITEMS.

· None

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

1.      New Members.  The following student-athletes were introduced as new members of SAAC:

a.      Dana Hunter, swimming, Xavier University, Atlantic 10 Conference;

b.      Noel Larson, golf, Northern Arizona University, Big Sky Conference;

c. Tyler William Kupper, golf, University of Delaware, Colonial Athletic Association;

d. Patrick C. Henry II, soccer, Siena College, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference;

e. Aidah Aliya Rasheed, tennis, Morgan State University, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference;

f.       Ryan Brown, golf, Illinois State University; Missouri Valley Conference;

g.      Matt Carter, baseball, Southeast Missouri State University, Ohio Valley Conference; and,

h.      Megan Coyne, soccer, Florida Atlantic University, Sun Belt Conference.

2.      Persuasive Speaking.  Delise O’Meally, director of governance and membership, led an interactive presentation entitled “Getting Your Voice Heard” Communicating the SAAC position to the NCAA membership.  SAAC members were provided examples of different techniques for persuasive speaking and had an opportunity to implement several techniques during mock presentations.  

3.      Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics.  Brad Hostetter, director of membership services, provided an overview of the Task Force’s final report entitled “The Second-Century Imperatives: Presidential Leadership-Institutional Accountability,” with specific emphasis on the three priorities identified by the subcommittee addressing student-athlete well-being.  Mr. Hostetter noted that the Division I National SAAC will continue to be called on to assist with the development of these priorities.

4.      Divisional Committee Reports.  SAAC members were provided updates relating to Division I committees on which SAAC members serve.  The following items were noted:

a.      NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet. SAAC was updated regarding the cabinet’s position on a number of proposals in the 2006-07 legislative cycle that have significant student-athlete well-being component, including several proposals regarding the provision of training-table meals, playing and practice season issues and foreign tours.

b.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Recruiting.  SAAC was informed of the subcommittee’s efforts regarding computer-mediated communication and the resulting recommended legislative proposal sponsored by the cabinet, as well as discussions regarding several membership-sponsored sport-specific recruiting proposals (e.g., softball and ice hockey).

c.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Financial Aid.  SAAC was reminded of the upcoming nutritional survey to be distributed to the membership.  SAAC had previously reviewed the survey instrument and provided feedback to the subcommittee.  It was noted that a financial aid forum is scheduled for February 2007 meeting in an effort to provide opportunity for understanding and cooperation among the greater financial aid community.

d.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism.  It was noted that a study group has been created to review and gather information regarding promotional and endorsement issues involving student-athletes with the goal of making recommendations to the NCAA Division I Board of Directors within the next year.

e.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Continuing Eligibility.  SAAC members were updated regarding the subcommittee’s discussions surrounding NCAA Proposal No. 2005-54, which provides graduate students the opportunity to transfer and be immediately eligible, as this proposal is scheduled for membership vote at the NCAA 2007 Convention.

f.       NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee.  SAAC was updated regarding the Football Issues Committee’s discussions regarding NCAA Proposal No 2005-128, which provides for 12 regular-season contests for institutions within the football championship subdivision, as this proposal is scheduled for membership vote at the 2007 Convention.

5.      Update regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Think Tank.  Corey Steven provided an update regarding the LGBT Think Tank conducted at the national office October 30, 2006.  It was noted discussions focused on negative recruiting practices and potential loss of qualified candidates within coaching professionals. 

6. Joint Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting.  During the joint SAAC meeting, Wendy Walters, director of membership services, provided an interactive session regarding diversity and inclusion.  A rules-education presentation regarding countable athletically related activities and subsequent conversation about student-athlete time demands also occurred during the meeting.  Todd Petr, managing director of research, and Ann Kearns, assistant director of research, presented a snapshot of their data from the Study of College Outcomes and Recent Experiences (SCORE) and Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Learning of Students in College (GOALS) reports.  The committees engaged in a discussion about how this information can be presented on campus and SAAC’s ongoing role in future discussions of the issue.

7. NCAA Division I Regional Leadership Conference.  Curtis Hollomon updated SAAC members regarding the recent (October 20-22, 2006) Division I Regional Leadership Conference, which involved the northeast region.  Mr. Hollomon noted Dallas is the site for the October 12-14, 2007, conference, which will include members from the south region.

8. Male Practice Players Issue.  SAAC members were introduced to Karen Morrison, director of education services, who provided an update regarding the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics’ position regarding use of male practice players.  SAAC was also updated regarding the status of issue within the governance structure. Beth DeBauche, director of Division I, shared with SAAC members a draft of a survey instrument regarding use of male practice players.  SAAC members had the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the instrument and requested language be included in the cover letter noting that the administration be encouraged to involve student-athletes in completing the survey instrument and in campus discussions regarding general practice of using male players on individual campuses.   

9.      Elite Football and Basketball Student-Athlete Advisory Group. Mr. Hollomon shared with SAAC feedback received from the recent conference call with several members of the elite football and basketball student-athlete advisory group regarding several amateurism proposals currently under consideration by the membership.  Mr. Hollomon noted the continued need for the group to ensure that the voice of the high profile, elite student-athlete be gathered and considered by the group.

10.    Enforcement Process.  Renee Grewe, associate director of enforcement, provided an overview of enforcement, including information regarding both major and secondary enforcement processes.  Ms. Grewe noted that recent efforts by the national office staff have significantly reduced the processing time for enforcement investigations.

11.    Black Coaches Association Presentation.  Floyd Keith, executive director of the Black Coaches Association, provided an overview of the Black Coaches Association structure and mission, as well as a breakdown of diversity within intercollegiate athletics.  Mr. Keith outlined several initiatives and inroads made by the association directed at improving diversity within collegiate coaching and administrative ranks.  He also encouraged SAAC members to become involved on their own campuses when searches are conducted.

12.    Conference Updates.  SAAC members highlighted unique conference activities and issues facing members during the current year.

13.    Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Newsletter and NCAA News Discussions.  SAAC members were encouraged to participate with the newsletter through submission of articles, editing and oversight.  It was noted an issue should be available shortly after the 2007 Convention.  SAAC members were reminded of the opportunity for submissions to NCAA News on topics of interest.

14.    Update regarding NCAA Division I Committee on Academic Performance.   Amy Huchthausen, associate director of membership services, provided an update regarding the latest academic performance rate information, as well as overview of the historical penalties process and recent efforts regarding rewards and incentives program.

15.    Division I Athletic Certification Program.  Ms. Huchthausen provided an overview of athletic certification program which will be soon entering the third cycle.  Feedback was requested regarding NCAA Operating Principle 3.3 within the certification program, which focuses on student-athlete well-being issues.

16.    Update on Division I SAAC Strategic Plan.  The committee reviewed the recently approved strategic plan for 2006-07 and 2007-08.  It was noted that although it is the responsibility of all members to ensure efforts are consistent with strategic plan, specific initiatives will be spearheaded by Ms. Steven and Kerry Kenny in the coming months.

17.    2006 Fall Internet Meetings.  SAAC members praised Vanessa Fuchs’ efforts with the Internet meetings conducted in September.  The group expressed interest in continuing the practice in future years to ensure greater understanding of legislative proposals prior to conference meetings.

18.    Legislative Issues.  SAAC members reviewed numerous proposals in the current legislative cycle with a student-athlete well-being component.  Discussions included, but were not limited to, financial aid, amateurism and recruiting issues, as well as several proposals dealing with playing and practice seasons.   The position of national SAAC is included in this report (attachment).  Please note additional discussions regarding selected proposals may occur in January.

19.    NCAA Amateurism Certification Process Update.  Maritza Jones, assistant director of membership services, provided an update regarding the amateurism section of the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.  It was noted the amateurism section of the clearinghouse is scheduled to begin operation December 1, 2006.

20. Attendance.  As requested by the NCAA Division I Management Council, the attendance list for the November meeting is as follows:

Conference	School	Name	Sport	Present
America East Conference	University of Albany	Bradley Daniels	Baseball	Yes
Atlantic 10 Conference	Xaiver University	Dana Hunter	Women’s Swimming and Diving	Yes
Atlantic Coast Conference	Wake Forest University	Michael Piscetelli	Men's Track and Field	Yes
Atlantic Sun Conference	Jacksonville University	Matthew Dobbins	Baseball	Yes
Big Twelve Conference	University of Oklahoma	Brittney Schumann	Gymnastics	Yes
Big East Conference	University of Pittsburgh	Megan McGrane	Women’s Volleyball	Yes
Big South Conference	Winthrop University	Beth Waggoner	Women’s Volleyball	Yes
Big Sky Conference	Northern Arizona University	Noel Larson	Women’s Golf	Yes
Big Ten Conference	University of Minnesota	Benjamin Hanson	Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field	Yes
Big West Conference	University of the Pacific	Danielle Neault	Field Hockey	Yes
Colonial Athletic Conference	University of Delaware	Tyler Kupper	Men’s Golf	Yes

Conference	School	Name	Sport	Present
Conference USA	University of Tulsa	Brandon Diles	Football	No
Horizon League	University of Illinois at Chicago	Corey Steven	Women’s Tennis	Yes
Ivy Group	Dartmouth College	Johnathan Ball	Men’s Basketball	No
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference	Siena College	Patrick Henry II	Men’s Soccer	Yes
Mid-American Conference	Bowling Green University	Stephanie Swiger	Women’s Volleyball	No
Mid-Continent Conference	Western Illinois University	Jarrell Johnson	Football and Men’s Track and Field	Yes
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference	Morgan State University	Aidah Aliya Rasheed	Women’s Tennis	Yes
Missouri Valley Conference	Illinois State University	Ryan Brown	Men's Golf	Yes
Mountain West Conference	University of New Mexico	Kimilia Davis	Women’s Track and Field	Yes
Northeast Conference	Mount St. Mary’s University	Lani Gholston	Women’s Track and Field	Yes
Ohio Valley Conference	Southeast Missouri State University	Matt Carter	Baseball	Yes
Pacific 10 Conference	University of Arizona	Anna Chappell	Women’s Basketball	Yes
Patriot League	Lafayette College	Kerry Kenny	Men’s Basketball	No
Southeastern Conference	University of South Carolina	William Brown	Football	No
Southern Conference	Western Carolina University	Emily Pierce	Women’s Soccer	Yes
Southland Conference	Southeastern Louisiana University	Jerren Pierce	Football	Yes
Conference	School	Name	Sport	Present
Southwestern Athletic Conference	Southern University, Baton Rouge	Brittany Jefferson	Softball	Yes
Sun Belt Conference	Florida Atlantic University	Megan Coyne	Women’s Soccer	Yes
West Coast Conference	Santa Clara University	Blossom Marimpietri	Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field	Yes
Western Athletic Conference	Boise State University	Katie Street	Women’s Golf	Yes
Others:
Management Council (Division I-A)	University of Minnesota, Twin Cities	Joel Maturi, Athletics Director	Big Ten Conference	No
Management Council (Division I-AA)	Texas State University – San Marcos	Tracy Shoemake, Associate Athletic Director	Southland Conference	No
Management Council (Division I-AAA)	Belmont University	Betty Wiseman, Assistant Athletic Director	Atlantic Sun Conference	No

21.    Future Meeting Schedule.

a. January 4-8, 2007; NCAA 2007 Convention; Orlando, Florida.

b. July, 2007; to be determined.

c. November 16-18, 2007, Indianapolis, Indiana.

d. January 10-14, 2008, NCAA 2008 Convention, Nashville, Tennessee.

Committee Chair:  Michael Piscetelli, Wake Forest University, Atlantic Coast Conference

Committee Vice-Chair:  Anna Chappell; University of Arizona, Pacific-10 Conference

Staff Liaisons  Vanessa Fuchs, NCAA Membership Services:

Kelly Groddy, NCAA Membership Services,

                        Curtis Hollomon, NCAA Education Services

                        Jeramy Michiaels, NCAA Manager of Broadcasting