|
 What
Is CHAMPS?
The CHAMPS life skills program was founded in 1991 and adopted by
the NCAA as an initiative to create a total development program for student-athletes.
The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal
Success) is a comprehensive program providing valuable learning tools
in the areas of personal development, career acquisition, academic life,
athletic participation and community service. San Diego State University
and the Athletic Department are committed to each of these program components,
and to that end have created AZTEC PRIDE.
The Aztec PRIDE Program Mission:
To enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the
University setting by providing an environment that facilitates the intellectual,
athletic, personal, social, and professional development of all student-athletes.
The Athletic Department, in coordination with the campus community, will
enhance these educational experiences of student-athletes by;
* Fostering Personal Growth
* Assisting in Career Development
* Encouraging Academic Achievement
* Maximizing Athletic Opportunities
* Providing Community Service Opportunities
Aztec PRIDE Service
The Aztec Pride Program has been involved in the following community
events and outreach programs as part of its commitment to Community Service
through its Aztec Pride program.
* "Shop With a Jock"- a Junior Seau Foundation event
* Toys for TOTS drive
* Jackie Robinson YMCA
* Address the WINGS program
* Read to children at local schools
* Volunteer at several service organizations such as homeless shelters,
nursing homes, and childrens hospital.
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE PROGRAM
The department of Athletics, The Aztec Athletic Foundation and PacBell
SBC recognize the outstanding academic achievement of student-athletes
at San Diego State University. Every year at an anually spring banquet
we honor those students who achieve a 3.2 or higher grade point average
during the past two semesters, as well as those students who achieve the
highest honor of a perfect 4.0 GPA, all this while competing as varsity
athletes on one of SDSU's 18 Division I athletics teams.
ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
Achieving academic excellence is a priority for San Diego State University.
The Aztec PRIDE/Life Skills program works closely with the Student-Athlete
Support Services Office to support student-athletes as they pursue their
educational goals and strive for academic excellence. At SDSU we have
developed a supportive academic environment which facilitates the academic
success of all student-athletes.
In addition to the student-athletes’ academic advising staff, student
success is encouraged through several support programs. The tutorial/mentor
program is just one of several key support programs that are available
to all student-athletes. The program is made up of approximately 50 tutors
and mentors who provide a proactive and individualized approach to ensuring
academic success.
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION
Sportsmanship, teamwork and integrity are the cornerstones of the SDSU
Athletic Department’s commitment to athletic excellence. The Aztec
PRIDE program encourages student-athletes to transfer the lessons learned
in athletic preparation to their daily life experiences. Communication,
self management, cooperation, and discipline are transferable skills that
will be beneficial to the student-athletes. San Diego State Athletics
sponsors 18 Division I athletic teams, most competing in the Mountain
West Conference while Men’s Soccer and Women’s Waterpolo compete
in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fostering the development of personal growth in student-athletes who participate
in the San Diego State University program is fundamental to the Aztec
PRIDE program. Student-athletes will be given the opportunity to identify
their fundamental values and develop decision-making skills that will
enable them to manage their personal health and well-being. The personal
development program offers several components including: social development,
goal setting, understanding diversity, financial responsibility, communication
skills, leadership development, and much more.
Individual, group and team seminars are coordinated by the PRIDE committee
in the areas of interest as indicated by the student-athletes during an
orientation period.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Preparing for a rewarding career and productive lifestyle is the ultimate
goal for all student-athletes participating in the Aztec PRIDE Program.
These programs provide student-athletes an opportunity to explore career
options, develop job search skills, and make informed career decisions
based upon their skills and interests. Student-athletes who combine the
lessons learned from athletic competition and the educational opportunities
afforded by our university will be well-prepared to meet the challenges
of today’s ever-changing world.
The Career Development program is broken down into three components,
each with the ultimate focus of preparing student-athletes for rewarding
careers and productive lifestyles. The first component is Career
Awareness where student-athletes investigate their interests and
assess their skills. The next component is Career Exploration
where student-athletes are given opportunities to participate in internships,
job shadowing cooperative education experiences and career-related summer
jobs. The final component is Job Placement. Student-athletes
are exposed to resume preparation, interviewing skills training, job search
skills and career networking.
Student-athletes at SDSU will have the opportunity to interact with successful
SDSU alumni through a series of Career Nights Interactive panel discussions
and the Aztec Alumni Career Network.
The Aztec PRIDE program works directly with the SDSU Career Services
Center throughout the career development process. This allows student-athletes
the opportunity to become involved with all career possibilities brought
to our campus which maximizes potential for career success.
|
