STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (formerly CHAMPS/Life Skills Program)
Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success
The Norfolk State University Student-Athlete Development Program seeks to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience by:
- Promoting student-athletes’ ownership of their academic athletic career, personal and community responsibilities.
- Meeting the changing needs of student-athletes
- Promoting respect for diversity and inclusion among student-athletes
- Assisting student-athletes in identifying and applying transferable skills
- Enhancing partnerships between the NCAA member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education
- Fostering an environment that encourages student-athletes to effectively access campus resources
- Encouraging the development of character, integrity and leadership skills
Program Commitment Statements
Commitment to Academic Excellence
To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.
Commitment to Athletic Excellence
To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.
Commitment to Personal Development
To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.
Commitment to Career Development
To encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.
Commitment to Service
To engage the student-athlete in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities.
Academic Excellence Initiatives:
- Scholar Athlete of the Month
- Athletic Director’s Honor Roll
- Chi Alpha Sigma
Personal Development Initiatives:
- Diversity and Inclusion Seminar
- Identity and Personal Branding Seminar
- Financial Literacy Seminar
- Thoughtful Thursday – Mindfulness Training
- Study Break Series feat. Comfort Dogs, Massages & Meditation, & Board Games
- Alcohol and Drug
- Semester Kick-Off Programs (freshmen and sophomores)
- Student-Athlete Mental Health Panel
- Understanding your Taxes
Career Development Initiatives:
- Operation Post-Grad
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- City of Norfolk Police Department
- United States Capitol Police
- Resume and Cover Letter Workshop
- Super Strong Assessment
- NFL Careers Forum
- NCAA Career in Sports Forum
- Life After Sport Panel
Community Service Initiatives:
- Keep Norfolk Beautiful Adopt-A-Street Program
- Dr. Seuss National Read Across America Day
- Mentoring
- Ronald McDonald House Comfort Food Program
- Blessing Bags
- Autumn Care of Norfolk Initiatives
- Trunk or Treat
- Back to School Bash
For more information on the Student-Athlete Development program at NSU, contact Ivana Rich at 757.278.2910 or
imrich@nsu.edu
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