About the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

ABOUT THE CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Clayton State University SAAC members help shape the way that decisions are made involving the University's student-athletes and the manner and methods in which they can benefit their local communities. The 2016-17 SAAC is comprised of 24 members with at least one student-athlete from each sport. Many of the Lakers' 12 sports, as well as cheerleading, are represented by more than one individual.

Purpose of SAAC
The purpose of the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee shall reflect the following: 

  • Generate a student-athlete voice within the institution
  • Solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation
  • Suggest potential NCAA legislation
  • Organize community service efforts
  • Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide or conference-wide committees
 
Responsibilities
  • Each member serves as a liaison between the council and his or her individual team, therefore attendance and active participation at monthly meetings is expected. The representative is expected to report back to their team on SAAC discussions. Meetings will be held once a month.
  • Each member will be responsible for sharing his or her team updates at each meeting.
  • Each member will be responsible for organizing his or her team to run a SAAC sponsored activity.
 
Mission Statement
The mission of the Clayton State Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance 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.
 
Guiding Principles
Clayton State’s SAAC will be guided by the following principles: ethics, integrity, fairness and respect for diversity, which shall include attention to gender, ethnicity and sports. 
 
Functions of Clayton State SAAC
  1. Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes
  2. Disseminate information
  3. Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues
  4. Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department during its formulation of policies
  5. Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams
  6. Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation
  7. Organize community service efforts
  8. Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g., student government)
  9. Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus
 
Members of Clayton State’s SAAC have the opportunity to address issues affecting Laker student-athletes and issues within the Peach Belt Conference. Furthermore, members have the opportunity to offer input on issues that may be national in scope.
 
The campus committee is meant to serve as a local student-athlete voice in addressing issues of student-athlete well-being at its respective institutions. Campus committees can facilitate better communication among student-athletes from various athletics teams to address issues common to all.
 
Clayton State SAAC may also serve as a conduit of communication among student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators on issues to improve the student-athlete experience and promote growth and education through sports participation. Concerns can be voiced and solutions offered regarding any issue that may be relevant to NCAA student-athletes.
 
Through the grass-roots efforts of Clayton State SAAC communicating with the PBC SAAC, and that organization communicating with the national SAAC, student-athletes have the opportunity to change the face of intercollegiate athletics.
 
SAAC Activities
  • Laker Madness – Kickoff event of basketball season (October 20, 2016)
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation Fundraising
  • Community Service Efforts
  • Laker Leadership Development
 
Clayton State SAAC Staff Members
  • Advisor: Merlene Aitken