STUDENT ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The SMU Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is the voice of the student athlete on campus. The SAAC supplies essential feedback to the athletics department and other campus organizations in order to increase student athlete welfare. The committee provides recommendations on proposed conference and NCAA legislation and addresses national issues that may concern athletes. It also strives to make the SMU experience positive by providing opportunities to recognize athletes for academic achievements, promoting school spirit at sporting events, and providing ways to interact with the community. Past activities of the SAAC include:

Providing the athlete viewpoint in the implementation of the SMU Drug Testing Procedure

Assisting in implementing an attendance policy for student athletes in order to assure the fair treatment of athletes in the academic arena

Planning and hosting the Student Athlete Back to School BBQ, an event that provides a chance for the athletic department to gather socially while recognizing those teams who have achieved the highest Spring, Fall, and Cumulative GPAs

Planning and hosting the 3.0 Breakfast, an event which celebrates National Student Athlete Day and also recognizes those student athletes that hold a 3.0 GPA or higher

Participating in several community service projects including:

The SAAC is comprised of two members from each varsity sports team. It meets once a month to discuss upcoming events and any impending legislation that is relevant. The SMU SAAC also selects two members annually to attend the two WAC SAAC meetings and to participate on the monthly conference calls. These meetings are crucial in order for the conference to hear the point of view of SMU when considering proposals. The conference meetings are also used to gather ideas for possible projects to implement at SMU.