Bowie State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.)

What is SAAC?
A SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee), by NCAA standard, is a committee made up of student athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. A SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student athlete lives on the NCAA, Conference (CIAA), and Institutional level. NCAA Legislation mandates that all member institutions have SAAC's on their respective campuses. Furthermore, NCAA legislation requires that all member conferences have SAAC's.

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

• Generate a student-athlete voice within the NCAA structure
• Solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation
• Recommend potential NCAA legislation
• Review, react and comment to the governance structure on legislation, NCAA activities and subjects of interest
• Actively participate in the administrative process of NCAA athletics programs
• Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide or conference-wide committees
• Promote a positive student-athlete image

Purpose of Campus SAAC
Student-athletes have a voice in the NCAA through advisory committees at the campus, conference, and national level. Members of a campus SAAC have the opportunity to address issues affecting student-athletes at their institution. Furthermore, members have the opportunity to offer input on issues which may be national in scope.  The campus committee is meant to serve as a local student-athlete voice in addressing issues of student-athlete welfare at their respective institutions. Campus committees can facilitate better communication among student-athletes from various athletics teams to address issues common to all.

The campus 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 campus SAACs, student-athletes have the opportunity to change the face of intercollegiate athletics.
 

S.A.A.C. E-BOARD

JANEE LEWIS, S.A.A.C. PRESIDENT	MADYSON BRINSON, S.A.A.C. VICE PRESIDENT
ARIANNA CLAYTON, S.A.A.C. SECRETARY	BRACEY GROSS, S.A.A.C. TREASURER

Functions of SAAC

• Generate a student-athlete voice within the Institution
• Solicit student-athlete response to proposed CIAA and NCAA legislation
• Provide feedback and insight into athletic department issues
• Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics teams
• Organize community service efforts
• Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees
• Promote a positive student-athlete image
• Bridge the gap between student athletes, general body, and the community as a whole

SAAC Overview at Bowie State
SAAC at Bowie State advocates for the betterment experience of the student athlete by building reports to conduct feedback and advocate the voice of student athletes (Need's Report). We look to ensure positive relationships between players and coaches by discussing activities of sport conduct and experiences (Legislative Conducts). Additionally, SAAC at Bowie State potentially provides exposure/networking opportunities for student athletes. It is part of our mission to encourage input from student athletes to speak on their concerns, and the student body to suggest ideas on how they would like to connect with the student athletes.

Membership
Membership in the organization is only open to any currently enrolled Bowie State University student athlete as they may serve as representatives and officers in the organization and have voting rights. Membership of SAAC should be representative of the diversity of the institution's population and involve representatives from diverse sports. Representatives serve as a liaison between their respective sports team and the committee.

To obtain representative membership, it is required that candidates remain in good standing by enrolling as a member of any sports teams at Bowie State and meet the minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. All SAAC board members are appointed by the Advisor and the executive board from the previous academic year. To be appointed to a position on the executive board you must have served as a team representative during the academic school year.

SAAC E-Board
Dr. Wanda Rene Howard, SAAC Advisor
Janee Lewis, Volleyball, SAAC President
Madyson Brinson, Volleyball, SAAC Vice President
Arianna Clayton, Women's Bowling, SAAC Secretary
Bracey Gross, Volleyball, SAAC Treasurer

For more information, please contact SAAC Advisor Dr. Wanda Rene Howard at whoward@bowiestate.edu and on Instagram @Bowiestatesaac.