MORROW, Ga. – Clayton State Athletics has a tremendous tradition of great student-athletes, and that is something that has always extended beyond the field, court, course or track. Carrying on that legacy is the 2016-17 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which was been officially announced on Tuesday, October 11.
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This group of 24 individuals, comprised of members of the Lakers 12 intercollegiate sports and cheerleading, help shape the way decisions are made involving the University's student-athletes. They also impact the manner and methods in which they and their fellow student-athletes can benefit their local community.
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The SAAC is steered by its own leadership committee, consisting of President
Marcus Lafleur (Men's Cross Country), Vice President
T.J. Witherspoon (Men's Track & Field), Treasurer
Troy Hickom (Men's Cross Country), Secretary
Kristiin Mets (Women's Tennis) and Media and Press Coordinator
Jessica Charman (Women's Soccer).
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In addition to the activities and responsibilities, each SAAC member also serves as a liaison for their team(s) and SAAC. Together, they help to carry out the organization's mission of enhancing the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity for all Laker student-athletes, protecting student-athlete well-being and fostering a positive student-athlete image.
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The SAAC is also guided by the principles of ethics, integrity, fairness and respect for diversity which includes attention to gender, ethnicity and sports.
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Functions of Clayton State SAAC
- Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes
- Disseminate information
- Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues
- Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department during its formulation of policies
- Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams
- Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation
- Organize community service efforts
- Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g., student government)
- Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus
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Among the activities that the SAAC assists with and helps spearhead student involvement are Laker Madness (October 20), Make-A-Wish Fundraising, community service efforts and the Laker Leadership Development program.
2016-17 SAAC MEMBERSHIP
