Bates College Department of Athletics

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Meeting - September 11, 2011

Meeting Notes

Kevin welcomed the SAAC reps and introduced Asst. AD Marsha Graef and Head Baseball Coach/Leadership Coordinator Mike Leonard. He also introduced Kelly McManus, Andrew Scichilone, Jacqui Holmes and Lucas Milliken as this year’s SAAC Chairs. The other SAAC reps then introduced themselves.

Kevin passed out a sign-in sheet and explained that cell phone numbers are requested so that he can communicate with a blast text in addition to email. He also indicated that the chairs cited the need for an attendance policy for SAAC meetings. Thus two missed meetings without prior contact with Kevin or one of the chairs will result in that SAAC rep being replaced.

SAAC Organization

Kevin reviewed the SAAC purpose as detailed in the Mission Statement: “promote and maintain good sportsmanship, academic excellence, and involvement in the campus and local community”. He also stressed the importance of the group serving as a direct communication link from the student-athletes to the AD and vice-versa. Additionally, he noted that per the Student-Athlete Code of Ethics, SAAC will serve as the body that will adjudicate any matters that constitute a breach of the Code. A subcommittee of SAAC reps will decide whether or not a particular incident constitutes a breach of the Code and thereby requires consideration by the entire SAAC group. The four chairs along with three other reps will constitute the Code of Ethics subcommittee. Anyone who is interested in serving on this group should email Kevin.

SAAC Committees

School Spirit/Sportsmanship Committee – Kelly: Promote the athletics programs to the campus community and beyond; spotlight student-athlete academic accomplishments; improve school spirit and support for the sport teams; advocate for good sportsmanship.

Past efforts: Powderpuff FB game/fall spirit night; Student-Athlete of the Month Award

Other possibilities: SAAC Facebook page for promoting events

Specific teams supporting other teams by attending their events

Community Service Committee - Andrew: Encourage and facilitate team opportunities to engage in community service and philanthropic endeavors

Past efforts: Field Day; Good Shepherd Food Bank

Other possibilities: Breast Cancer Awareness Fund-raiser with all teams

Special Olympics (NCAA DIII initiative)

C.A.T.S (Committed Athletes Targeting Success) - Jacqui: Education initiative focused on student-athletes being responsible for the choices they make.

Past efforts: Midnight Madness; Campus Feud Contest, peer education discussions

Other possibilities: NCAA Step-up program, alcohol misperceptions campaign

Allies Committee - Lucas: Follow-up the Athlete Allies initiative by advancing respect for differences as well as awareness and understanding of the value inherent in our diversity

Past efforts: Bates Allies Rally

Other possibilities: Fall and Winter events/activities; possibly broaden focus from LGBTQ issues to other diversity concerns (racial, religious, socio-economic, etc.)

Discussion

The question was raised about the change in Saturday food service to brunch at 10:30 a.m. and continental breakfast prior to that – how will this affect pre-game meals? Kevin has been in touch with Christine Schwartz, Dining Services Director, about this and she has asked the head coaches of sports that are affected to get in touch with her about making pre-game meal arrangements.

Announcements

NESCAC Women’s Coaching Symposium scheduled for 3/30 – 4/1 and they are looking for a sense of interest from conference schools. Marsha explained more about the program as did Kelly who attended the last one and had a great experience. Anyone interested should let Marsha know (mgraef@bates.edu)

Orientation for 1^st year student-athletes is Tuesday, 9/13 at noon in Alumni Gym

Other

The committee chairs met briefly with the members of their respective committees

NEXT SAAC MEETING: SUNDAY, OCT 9 – 8:00 P.M. – Skelton Lounge in Chase Hall