REPORT OF THE

NCAA DIVISION I STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

 

 

ACTION ITEMS.

 

·        None.

 

 

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

 

1.      Selection of Student-Athletes to Division I and Association-Wide Committees. The NCAA Division I Management Council Administrative Committee approved the following appointments of SAAC members to the specified Association-wide and divisional committees on its teleconference August 23, 2007:

 

a.             NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics:  Megan Coyne, Florida Atlantic University, Sun Belt Conference;

 

b.            NCAA Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee:  Allison Houseal, University of Maryland, College Park, Atlantic Coast Conference;

 

c.             NCAA Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport Committee:  Trisha Gibbons, University of Nevada, Reno, Western Athletic Conference;

 

d.            NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee:  Matthew Baysinger, University of Kansas, Big Twelve Conference;

 

e.             NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility and Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Recruiting: Ryan Brown, Illinois State University, Missouri Valley Conference; 

 

f.              NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility and Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Continuing Eligibility: Stephanie Swiger, Bowling Green Valley State University, Mid-American Conference; and

 

g.             NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Issues Committee: Kerry Kenny, Lafayette College, The Patriot League.

 

 

2.      Selection of Student-Athletes to NCAA Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  The Administrative Committee ratified the following appointments to the Division I National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on its teleconference August 23, 2007:

 

a.      William Brown (reappointed), football, University of South Carolina, Columbia, Southeastern Conference;

 

 


 

 

b.      Shanay Freeman, women’s basketball, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Metropolitan, Northeast Conference;

 

c.      Nick Fulton, men’s swimming and diving, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Big Ten Conference;

 

d.      Brittany Jefferson (reappointed), softball, Southern University, Baton Rouge, Southwestern Athletic Conference;

 

e.      Kendra Jenee Eaton, women’s basketball, Western Carolina University, Southern Conference ;

 

f.       Jarrell Johnson (reappointed), men’s track and field, Western Illinois University, The Summit League

 

g.      Ben Kieffner, men’s soccer, Winthrop University, Big South Conference;

 

h.      Brittany Loisel, softball, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, Big East Conference;

 

i.       Sherraine Pencil, women’s indoor/outdoor track and field, San Diego State University; Mountain West Conference;

 

j.       Jerren Pierce (reappointed), football, Southeastern Louisiana University, Southland Conference;

 

k.      Audrey Piotrowski, women’s cross country, Cleveland State University, Horizon League; and

 

l.       Camille Richard, women’s indoor/outdoor track and field, Harvard University, Ivy Group.

 

 

3.      New Members.  The following student-athletes were introduced as new members of the committee:

 

a.      Matthew Baysinger, Big Twelve Conference;

 

b.      Trisha Gibbons, Western Athletic Conference;

 

c.      Allison Houseal, Atlantic Coast Conference; and

 

d.      Alexandra Morley, America East Conference.

 

 

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

 

a.      NCAA Division I Management Council and Board of Directors Joint Report.  SAAC was updated regarding the Management Council and Board’s review of the following initiatives:

        

(1)   NCAA Division I Management Council Governance Subcommittee:  Received an overview of the subcommittee’s recommendations and suggested timeline related to the new Division I governance structure.  The new structure seeks to enhance the NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ leadership role by developing a substructure, which improves the volume and level of communication received by the Board of Directors from the other governance bodies.

 

(2)   NCAA Division I Board of Directors' Subcommittee regarding the Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics:  Received a report from a NCAA Division I Board of Directors’ Subcommittee charged with developing strategies for consideration of the recommendations included in the Report of the Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. SAAC learned that the Board approved the establishment of an oversight and monitoring subcommittee and that they will likely have the opportunity to provide comments related to some of the priorities established by the oversight and monitoring subcommittee during its November 2007 meeting

 

(3)   NCAA Initial-Eligibility Early Certification Program: Received an overview of how the early certification program will impact prospective student-athletes initially enrolling for the 2007-08 academic year.

 

(4)   NCAA Baseball Academic Enhancement Working Group:  Received a summary of the recommendations that were adopted by the Board as a result of final report issued by the working group.   

 

(5)   Meals Incidental to Participation:  Received a summary of the work of a joint Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet and Championship/Competition Cabinet group that was charged by Management Council in October 2006 with examining issues associated with the provision of meals to student-athletes incidental to participation.  SAAC discussed the two models identified by the group for modifying the current meals incidental to participation legislation

 

 

 

b.            NCAA Division I Championships/Competition Cabinet. 

 

·        Male Practice Players: Received a summary report from the NCAA Division

Championships/Competition Cabinet’s Special Subcommittee Examining the Use of Male Practice Players and reviewed the statement of expectations that were developed.  SAAC members were encouraged to share these expectations with their conference and member institutions.   SAAC was informed that they will  be involved in the periodic oversight process that will assess trends related to the use of male practice players.

 

c.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Recruiting.  SAAC was updated regarding the subcommittee’s review of Proposal 2006-40.  It is anticipated that legislation will likely be proposed by various constituent groups and the membership to amend the current ban on text messaging.

 

c.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Financial Aid.  SAAC was informed of the subcommittee’s action plan that was created to begin implementing recommendations that were developed during the February 2007 Financial Aid Workshop.  

 

d.      NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Agents and Amateurism.  SAAC was updated regarding several issues including three legislative proposals specific to the sport of tennis (modification of the tennis and swimming and diving rule, participation on professional tennis teams prior to enrollment and receipt of prize money prior to enrollment). 

 

f.       NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.  National SAAC members were informed of a proposal that would increase the maximum number of contests or dates of competition that a student-athlete may participate in during a season and remain eligible for a season of competition waiver—competition while eligible to three scheduled or completed contests or dates of competition or 30 percent of the institution’s scheduled or completed contests or dates of competition (similar to the current participation standard for hardship waivers).

 

g.      NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Issues Committee.  SAAC received an update regarding the progress made related to the men’s college basketball partnership and the focus on the “pre-collegiate basketball” environment.  It was noted that a third basketball summit is planned for fall 2007.

 

h.      NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Issues Committee.  SAAC  was informed of a request to have the Subcommittee on Recruiting of the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet examine current bylaws pertaining to the definition of a prospective student-athlete to determine whether changes are warranted to allow for specific exception in the way an institution interfaces with a prospect who has graduated from high school and has signed a National Letter of Intent.  SAAC was also informed of a proposal to modify legislation related to women’s basketball out-of-season skill instruction.

 

i.       NCAA Division I Football Issues Committee.  SAAC members were informed of a legislative recommendation to permit Division I football student-athletes who have completed at least 80 percent of the course requirements in the student’s specific degree program by the start of their fifth year of collegiate enrollment be provided the opportunity to participate in a fifth season of competition within five years of initial full-time collegiate enrollment. 

 

 

5.      2007 Gender Equity and Issues Forum Report.  Kerry Kenny, Patrick Henry, Corey Steven Beth Waggoner and William Brown provided an update regarding the 2007 Gender Equity and Issues Forum round-table discussions and guest speakers.

 

 

6.            Joint Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting.  The joint SAAC meeting included comments from Abe Frank, NCAA Director of Government Relations, an updated and continued discussion of issues related to time-demands and several association-wide committee updates.

 

 

7.            NCAA Division I Regional Leadership Conferences.  Curtis Hollomon updated the group regarding the upcoming October 12-14, 2007, Division I Regional Leadership Conference which involves the south region (Big 12 Conference, Conference USA, Southland Conference and Sun Belt Conference).  SAAC identified members to serve on a project team that will assist with the development and facilitation of the conference from this region.

 

 

8.      National Leadership Conference.  SAAC members who attended the conference in May updated the committee on the SAAC sessions at the conference.  It was noted that the sessions were well received by the Division I student-athletes in attendance and should be continued as part of the program.

 

9.      GOALS/SCORE Studies Update.  Ann Kearns, NCAA research staff, updated SAAC regarding the additional findings associated with the GOALS (Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations and Learning of Students in College) survey, and SCORE (Study of College Outcomes and Recent Experiences) study.  SCORE focused on students who graduated from high school in 1994 and included more than 8,000 respondents, while GOALS focused on current student-athletes in all three divisions and across most sports and included more than 20,000 respondents.  The data presented focused on findings related to choice of college and satisfaction with choice, academic/athletic balance, time commitments and campus and team climate.  It was noted the research staff will issue a report for the 2007 fall and will continue to provide the membership and SAAC additional information from the data to assist in evaluating and assessing issues involving the student-athlete experience and well-being.

 

 

10.    Don’t Bet On It Web site.  John Shukie, NCAA Agent, Gambling and Amateurism staff, demonstrated the new interactive gambling Web site involving national SAAC members from all three divisions.  The Web site was released January 2007 and is currently available for use by member institutions and student-athletes.

 

 

11.    Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Administrative Team.  SAAC approved the addition of Matt Carter, Patrick Henry and Aidah Rasheed to the SAAC administrative team.

 

 

12.    Conference Updates.  SAAC members highlighted unique conference activities and issues facing members during the current year, as well as effective communication tools.

 

 

13.    2007 Legislative Internet Meeting.  SAAC members will be required to participate in the 2007 SAAC Legislative Internet Meeting that will be conducted September 23 and 30, 2007.  Abbie Renaker, Assistant Director of NCAA Membership Services, will forward more information via the SAAC listserve and to conference SAAC advisors regarding the coordination of this meeting.

 

 

14.    Discussion Subgroups.  SAAC members divided into subgroups to discuss the following topics:

 

a.      2007-08 and 2008-09 SAAC Strategic Plan.  Several goals and objectives were identified within strategic planning discussions and the final two-year plan will be available September 2007.  It was noted responsibility lies with committee members to ensure communication with conference SAAC members regarding educational resources to enhance integration of interests. SAAC approved the addition of Alexandra Morley and Stephanie Swiger to the SAAC strategic planning team.

 

b.      SAAC Newsletter.  SAAC members were encouraged to participate with the newsletter through submission of articles, editing and oversight.  It was noted the group’s goal is to have a fall issue available in September.

 

c.      Text Messaging.  In an effort to be proactive regarding the issue of text messaging, SAAC discussed pros and cons of two proposals submitted for the 2007-08 legislative cycle as well as alternative options for reasonably incorporating various forms of electronically transmitted communication (e.g., text messaging, instant messaging) into the recruiting process.  SAAC reiterated concerns that  text messaging and instant messaging (and other forms of electronic communication) can be intrusive in nature, unprofessional/impersonal and reduces the involvement of parents/guardians  in the recruiting process.  SAAC will revisit the issue of electronically transmitted communication during its fall legislative internet meeting and November 2007 in-person meeting.

 

d.      SAAC Website Team.  Members of the website planning team provided the full committee with suggested additions and enhancements to the Division I SAAC website.  SAAC supported the recommendations and will look to incorporate the changes in the coming year.  SAAC approved the addition of Allison Houseal to the SAAC Website team.

 

 

15.    Male Practice Players.  SAAC members were provided an overview of the Championships/Competition Cabinet’s Special Subcommittee Examining the Use of Male Practice Players Committee on Women’s Athletics’ recent position statement regarding male practice players and current status of the issue within all three divisions.  Additionally, SAAC was notified that the survey instrument developed to better understand current practices on campus involving male practice players is scheduled to be mailed to the membership following the convention.  SAAC encouraged the membership to involve student-athletes when institutions complete the survey.

 

 

16.    2006 and 2007 Override Proposals.  SAAC reviewed three proposals (Proposal Nos. 2006-40, 2006-87 and 2007-9) receiving the minimum number of votes via the override process.  It was noted these proposals will be reviewed by the Board of Directors in August.  The committee agreed to submit a letter to the Board to communicate SAAC’s position on each proposal.

 

 

17.    Initial Review of 2007-08 Proposed Legislation.  SAAC conducted an initial review of select proposals submitted by Division I conferences for the 2007-08 legislative cycle.  SAAC will revisit 2007-08 proposed legislation during its 2007 Fall SAAC Legislative Internet Meeting and its November 2007 meeting.

 

 

18.    Study Group on the Use of Student-Athletes Name and Likeness.  Wendy Walters and Leeland Zeller, NCAA Membership Services staff, updated SAAC regarding the recommendations of the Study Group on the Use of Student-Athletes Name and Likeness.  It was noted that the NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet agreed to sponsor legislation for the 2007-08 legislative cycle.  SAAC will revisit the legislation sponsored as a result of the efforts of this working group during its 2007 Fall SAAC Legislative Internet Meeting and its November 2007 meeting.

 

 

19.    Training for SAAC Members Serving on NCAA committees.  SAAC members appointed to serve on NCAA association-wide and Division I committees were provided with training related to key responsibilities, expectations and best practices.  It was noted that all newly-appointed SAAC members will under go this training in the future. 

 

20.    Proposed Changes to Division I Governance Structure.  Katie Street, NCAA Governance staff, updated SAAC regarding the proposed changes to the NCAA Division I governance structure.  Ms. Street provided information related to SAAC’s reporting line under the new structure (i.e., Leadership Council), opportunities for SAAC representation, how SAAC will participate in the proposed new structure and the timeline for its review and implementation.   The Management Council and Board of Directors will review feedback from the Division I membership during its 2007 October meetings and SAAC will revisit this issue based on the outcome of the Management Council and Board review.

 

 

21.    NCAA Internship Program.  Curtis Hollomon, NCAA Education Services staff, provided SAAC with an overview of the NCAA’s internship program.  SAAC members were encouraged to visit the NCAA Website for additional information regarding the internship. 

 

 

22.    Educational Sessions.  SAAC members were provided additional information and resources regarding several current issues including the NCAA Degree-Completion Program, Division I Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund, Division I Special Assistance Fund and Student-Athlete Reinstatement.  The information was provided in these areas to assist national SAAC members in providing information to conference and campus SAAC members.

 

 

23.    Additional Updates.   SAAC was provided with updates on the following topics:

 

a.       Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Think Tank.  The SAAC would like to receive more educational information on the topic and continue the discussion in the future. 

 

b.      NCAA News.  SAAC members were reminded of the opportunity for submissions to NCAA News on topics of interest.

 

 

24.        Appreciation for Service of SAAC Members Attending Final Meeting. The committee expressed its appreciation for the service of members who will no longer be with SAAC:  Johnathan Ball, Kimilia Davis, Lani Gholston, Ben Hanson, Megan McGrane, Emily Pierce, Brittany Schmann, Corey Steven and Beth Waggoner.

 

 

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

 

    Conference

School

Name

Sport

Present

America East Conference

University of Hartford

Alexandra Morley

Softball

Yes

Atlantic 10 Conference

Xavier University

Dana Hunter

Women’s Swimming and Diving

Yes


 

    Conference

School

Name

Sport

Present

Atlantic Coast Conference

University of Maryland, College Park

Allison Houseal

Women’s Water Polo

Yes

Atlantic Sun Conference

Jacksonville University

Matthew Dobbins

Baseball

Yes

Big Twelve Conference

University of Kansas

Matthew Baysinger

Men’s Track and Field

Yes

Big East
Conference

University of Pittsburg

Megan McGrane*

Women’s

Volleyball

No

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 USA

University of Tulsa

Brandon Diles

Football

Yes

Horizon League

University of Illinois at

Chicago

Corey Steven*

Women’s Tennis

Yes

Ivy Group

Dartmouth

College

Johnathan Ball*

Men’s Basketball

Yes

Metro Atlantic Athletic
Conference

Siena College

Patrick Henry

Men’s Soccer

Yes

Mid-American Conference

Bowling Green State University

Stephanie Swiger

Volleyball

Yes


    Conference

School

Name

Sport

Present

Mid-Eastern Athletic
Conference

Morgan State University