Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
SAAC Handbook
Table of Contents
Background Information……………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
What is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?
SIUE Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Purpose
Division I SAAC
NCAA Division I SAAC Mission Statement
Ohio Valley Conference SAAC
OVC SAAC Mission Statement
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board……………………………………………………………4
Duties and Powers of Positions
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Constitution and Operations…………………………………………6
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
Goals
Membership
Responsibilities & Expectations
Officers
Elections
Advisor
Meetings
Impeachment
Amendments & Ratifications
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting Format……………………………………………………………10
Student-Athlete Advisory Event & Planning Schedule………………………………………………………………11
1
Background Information
What is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?
A student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes
assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on
the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes' lives on National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) member institution campuses.
Presently, there are separate national SAACs for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. NCAA legislation
mandates that all member institutions have SAACs on their respective campuses. Further, NCAA
legislation requires that all member conferences have SAACs.
SIUE Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Purpose
The purpose of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to support the mission of
Intercollegiate Athletics at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) by providing a forum
in which student-athletes and administrators, through the expression of ideas and thoughtful
examination of mutual interests and concerns, enhance the athletics experience at SIUE for the
student-athletes, the campus community, and the community-at-large.
Division I SAAC
The Division I SAAC consists of one student-athlete from each of the 31 Division I multiconferences. Members are selected by the Division I Administration Cabinet from a pool of
three nominees from each of the represented conferences. Each student-athlete serves a twoyear term.
The Division I SAAC reports directly to the Division I Leadership Council. The SAAC chair and
vice-chair participate in each meeting of the Leadership and Legislative Council, respectively, in
an advisory capacity. In addition, a SAAC member serves in an advisory capacity to each of the
six Division I cabinets and several Association-wide committees. It is through these mechanisms
that NCAA Division I student-athletes offer input and assist in shaping the proposed legislation
by which their division is governed.
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NCAA Division I SAAC Mission Statement
“The mission of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory
Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity,
protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.”
Ohio Valley Conference SAAC
A standing committee of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), the SAAC was established with the
primary purpose of dealing with welfare matters pertinent to all student-athletes in the
Conference and the NCAA. As well, the Conference SAAC will serve as a support for campus
SAACs in their charge to ensure the interests of all student-athletes. Matters developed by the
Conference SAAC are appropriate for the committee to present as recommendations to the
Advisory Council for consideration and/or action.
The OVC SAAC shall provide a student-athlete voice within the Conference structure. Members
will be able to solicit student-athlete responses to proposed NCAA and OVC legislation. This
group will be able to suggest potential NCAA and OVC legislation while reviewing, reacting, and
commenting to the governance structure on legislation, activities and subjects of interest.
Members will be able to participate in the administrative process of athletic programs and the
NCAA. The OVC SAAC will foster student-athlete interests and promote a positive studentathlete image.
OVC SAAC Mission Statement
The mission of the OVC SAAC is to encourage and provide student-athletes with the
opportunities and support to effectively communicate with other league member schools and
improve relationships with administration by familiarizing student-athletes with the principles
and regulations for the NCAA. In support of this purpose, the OVC seeks to generate studentathlete dialogue between institutional administration, the Conference office, and the NCAA
pertaining to procedures and regulations that affect student-athletes and their welfare and
issues concerning, but not limited to, promoting positive images in academia, athletics and
sportsmanship, personal and social development, community outreach, and career exploration
for student-athletes.
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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board
The campus SAAC consists of one or two student-athletes from each sport. Committee officers
are elected by the Committee annually. Terms begin on July 1st and end on June 30th of the
respective academic year. Officers are eligible for reappointment. All financial dealings normally
managed by a treasurer will be done by the administrative staff advisor of the committee.
The officers of the SIUE campus SAAC will consist of a President, a Vice President, Secretary, an
OVC SAAC Representative, and an OVC SAAC Alternate.
PRESIDENT (Kaitlyn O’Reilly) – Overall leader of the group who provides direction for
the Committee and is the official contact for the Committee.
VICE PRESIDENT (Brett Lane & Marissa Delgado) – Next in rank below the president and
assumes control if the president is unable to do so.
SECRETARY (Patrick Gaffigan) – Record keeper of all Committee meetings and activities.
OVC SAAC REPRESENTATIVE (Julian Harvey) – Liaison between campus SAAC and
Conference SAAC. Disseminates information to and from each group.
OVC SAAC Alternate (Kaitlyn O’Reilly) – Assists OVC SAAC Representative in serving as
liaison between the campus SAAC and Conference SAAC.
Duties and Powers of Positions
President
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Work closely with the administrative advisor
Create agendas for all meetings
Delegate tasks and responsibilities to other committee members
Direct meetings, call meetings to order, and close meetings
Make public appearances as the spokesperson for SAAC
Endorse projects, items, and agendas that will enhance the prosperity and
credibility of the group
Power to call a vote on an issue
Send out memos and e-mails for meeting reminders
Power to reject or accept projects without the unanimous consent of the
committee
Power to call unscheduled meeting, if needed
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Vice President
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Assume control when the President is unable to be attendance at meetings
and functions
Create/maintain a calendar of athletic events month to month to distribute
to group
Keep official tally of all votes called by the President
Present recap of both sides of the issue before final vote
Power to decide which method shall be used in a vote (President may advise)
o Methods of voting:
 Accept, Reject
 In Favor, Against, No Vote
 Agree, Dissent
 Everyone votes
 Only officers vote
 Only certain teams vote
Secretary
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Record notes and attendance at each meeting
Provide minutes to the advisor within one week after meeting; advisor will
post minutes to Web Page
Maintains SAAC bulletin board
Maintains all SAAC social media accounts
OVC SAAC Representative and Alternate
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Attend all in-person meetings and monthly conference calls
Relay any information pertinent to the organization
Communicate with OVC staff liaison regarding campus issues
Stay abreast of national issues
Maintain working relationship with the Faculty Athletic Representative,
Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, and SAAC advisor
Control information communicated to OVC SAAC
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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Constitution and Operations
I.
Goals
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee:
.....will support a university environment that fosters a positive athletic and academic
experience for student-athletes by promoting a healthy lifestyle, open communication
between student-athletes and the University community, and increased support among
their peers.
.....is committed to serve as the ambassador for Intercollegiate Athletics to the surrounding
communities for the purpose of expressing to its citizens the potential for, and benefits of,
participation in athletics.
.....encourages student-athletes to be goodwill ambassadors of the University and the
Intercollegiate Athletics Program, and take the initiative in the promotion and development
of Cougar pride within the University community.
.....will strive to effectively communicate the mission and goals of Intercollegiate Athletics to
the Student Government at SIUE in order to foster a climate of understanding and support.
II.
Membership
Section 1:
Each team will be represented by two individuals. The sports team, coach, or
SAAC advisor may appoint individuals to the committee. Student-athletes who
have completed at least one year of athletics eligibility may serve as a committee
member. Cross Country and Track & Field is counted as one team and is
represented by three individuals. Serving as a SAAC representative is a privilege.
Section 2:
Membership Qualifications
1. Membership is extended to all students without regard to race, color, creed,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical handicap,
mental handicap, or any other factors covered by law.
2. Student-athletes must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher to serve on SAAC.
3. The term of office begins with the first meeting of the fall semester and
continues until either the student-athlete graduates, is no longer eligible for
participation, or resigns.
4. The athletic team which elected the student-athlete can revoke his or her
membership by a two-thirds vote.
5. Members shall not be first-year student-athletes (freshman).
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Section 3:
III.
No dues are required to be a member of SAAC.
Responsibilities & Expectations
Section 1:
Due to involvement at the local and team levels, SAAC members must act as
leaders and liaisons within their teams.
Section 2:
Members must remember that they represent the NCAA, OVC, SIUE, and
Intercollegiate Athletics Department and are expected to conduct themselves in
a professional manner both in and out of committee meetings. The committee
and staff will handle any necessary disciplinary actions.
Section 3:
Adhere to deadlines when submitting and responding to all forms of
correspondence from staff and other SAAC members.
IV.
Officers
Executive Board
1. The Executive Board will consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and
OVC SAAC Representative and Alternate.
2. Student-athletes who have completed at least one year of athletics eligibility
may serve as a board member.
3. The term of office runs from July 1st through June 30th of the respective
academic year
4. All officers must be enrolled student-athletes at SIUE.
5. Members of the Executive Board must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
6. The Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Faculty Athletics
Representative, and Academic Advisor for Athletics shall serve in an exofficio capacity.
V.
Elections
1. Elections shall be held annually at the final meeting of the academic year.
2. Officers will be elected based on a two-thirds majority vote.
3. Each member is only allowed one vote in electing Executive Board officers.
VI.
Advisor
There shall be one faculty/staff advisor who shall be an ex-officio member with
no voting privileges. The advisors are available to answer questions, provide
support, guidance, and work with officers in conducting business of the
committee.
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VII.
Meetings
Section 1:
A regular meeting time shall be scheduled at the first meeting of each term.
Regular meetings for SAAC members will be held monthly on a date which is
selected at the prior meeting.
Section 2:
Reminders of scheduled meetings will be posted at a location to be determined
at the first meeting of the fall term.
Section 3:
Rules of Order (Roberts Rules of Order)
1. The President will conduct meetings according to a preapproved agenda.
2. The advisor will help facilitate.
3. The meetings will follow an open-forum style. Each member is encouraged
to express his or her opinion.
4. The agenda for a meeting shall be prepared by the President and the
Academic Advisor for Athletics. Any board member may submit items for the
agenda by contacting the Advisor no later than two (2) days prior to the
meeting.
5. The minutes shall be prepared after the conclusion of a meeting and
submitted to the Advisor within one week. The minutes will be posted on the
website immediately thereafter. The Advisor will maintain a file of minutes,
agendas, membership, and policies and procedures relating to the SAAC.
6. If a team is not represented by its elected members at two or more
consecutive meetings without reason, the team must replace its
representatives. Any absence by the elected member and the alternate shall
be reported to the coach of the unrepresented team.
7. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, he or she is responsible for
finding a replacement.
8. Student-Athletes of any team may come to meetings if they choose but, they
will not have voting privileges.
Section 4:
Special Meetings
1. Special meetings may be called by any committee member that feels he or
she has a viable reason to do so.
2. A statement for reason of a special meeting will be proposed at a monthly
meeting.
3. Members will be notified of special meetings during monthly meetings and
through SAAC listserve.
Section 5:
Executive Board Meetings
1. The Executive Board shall meet at least twice an academic year to discuss
policies, subcommittees, and general status of SAAC.
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VIII. Impeachment
Section 1:
Any SAAC member can initiate impeachment of an officer.
Section 2:
An officer may be impeached if he or she is found to be in obstruction of any of
the outlined rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA.
Section 3:
Impeachment of an officer requires two-thirds majority vote.
IX.
Amendments & Ratifications
Section 1:
Ratification of the Constitution must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote
from all voting members of the committee.
Section 2:
Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by any member of the SAAC.
A proposed amendment shall be presented in writing at a regular committee
meeting.
1. Amendments shall be voted upon at the next committee meeting following
the presentation.
2. Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote.
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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Meeting Format
1.
2.
3.
4.
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6.
7.
The President calls the meeting to order.
Attendance is noted by the secretary/advisor.
The secretary reviews the minutes from previous meeting.
OVC SAAC Representative and Alternate recap OVC SAAC meetings.
Executive officers recap old business requesting input from representatives.
Executive officers address new business requesting input from representatives.
Committee members are asked for any input they would like to give or proposes
discussions.
8. The President calls to vote Student-Athletes of the Month.
9. The President asks representatives to select/announce highlight events.
10. The Vice-President recaps Cougar Cup standings.
11. The President adjourns the meeting.
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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Event & Planning Schedule
August
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Register group with Kimmel Leadership Center
Update SAAC website
Plan Welcome Back Picnic
Meeting #1 (first week of school)
o Introductions
o Handbook
o Goal-setting
o Gather contact information
o Record what days members have night classes
o Set regular meeting pattern for fall semester
o Cougar Cup
o Monthly calendar of athletic events
September
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Hall of Fame (need volunteers)
Group Picture
OVC SAAC In-Person Meeting
Meeting #2 (first or second week in September)
o Highlight Events
o Who’s Who in Athletics
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o Fund-raising ideas for OVC initiative
o Plan Chili Cook-Off (optional) and Homecoming Spirit Competition
October
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Chili Cook-Off (optional) and Homecoming Spirit Competition
Meeting #3
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete Voice
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o Fund-raising ideas for OVC initiative
o Plan Hypnosis Event
o Candygrams (optional)
o Plan annual canned good Collection Efforts (November)
o Plan Kid’s Night Out (Dec.)
o Plan Finals Care Package fund-raiser
o Recap OVC SAAC In-Person meeting
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November
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Canned Food Drive
Meeting #4
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete Voice
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o OVC SAAC
o Plan Kid’s Night Out
o Candygrams (optional)
o OVC initiative fund-raisers
o Hypnosis Event
o Jacket Ceremony (need volunteers)
o Mail out Finals Care Package forms
December
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Kid’s Night Out
Jacket Ceremony
Finals Care Package fund-raiser
Meeting #5
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete Voice
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o OVC SAAC
o Candygrams (optional)
o OVC initiative fund-raisers
o Hoops for Heroes/OVC initiative Winner Selection
o Record what days members have night classes
o Set regular meeting pattern for spring semester
January
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Recap OVC initiative Winner Selection
Meeting #6
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete Voice
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o OVC SAAC
o OVC initiative fund-raisers
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February
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Meeting #7
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete Voice
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o OVC SAAC
o Send prize packages to Hoops for Heroes winners
o Relay for Life fund-raisers (optional)
o Cougar Cadre Selections and Write-ups
o Plan national Student-Athlete Day (optional)
o Start gathering pictures for end-of-year slide show
o Plan Finals Exam Care Package fund-raiser
March
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OVC initiative Event
Meeting #8
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete Voice
o Student-Athletes of the Month
o OVC SAAC
o Relay for Life fund-raisers (optional)
o Awards Banquet (need volunteers)
o Cougar Cadre voting
o Start creating end-of-year slideshow
o Officer nomination
o SAAC Representative changes
o Mail out Finals Care Package forms
o Plan Welcome Back Picnic for following school year
April
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National Student-Athlete Day
Annual Academic Awards Banquet
Finals Care Package fund-raiser
Meeting #9
o Highlight Events
o Student-Athlete of the Month
o OVC SAAC
o Officer election
o Changing of officers
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