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Patriot League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Bylaws and Policies

The Patriot League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

A standing committee of the Patriot League, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) was established to deal with welfare matters pertinent to all student-athletes in the Patriot League and the NCAA. In addition, the Patriot League SAAC will serve as a support for campus SAACs in their charge to ensure the interests of all student-athletes. Matters developed by the Patriot League SAAC are appropriate for the Committee to present as recommendations to the Committee on Athletic Administration (CAA) and Sport Management Committee (SMC) for consideration and/or action.

The Patriot League SAAC membership is currently comprised of two student-athlete delegates from each member institution and a League office liaison. The committee meets semiannually, once each semester. The fall meeting is an in-person meeting at a location determined the summer prior to the meeting. This in-person meeting is to be scheduled over a weekend to avoid missed class time. The spring meeting is conducted as a conference call.

It is expressed that members of the Patriot League SAAC be active members of their institutional SAACs. Additionally, the Patriot League's representative to the NCAA Division I SAAC should be a member of his or her SAAC and the Patriot League SAAC.

Mission Statement

To enhance the student-athlete experience academically and athletically by providing an avenue through which the voice of student-athletes may be heard at the conference and national levels. The Patriot League SAAC representatives will be charged with enhancing student-athlete welfare, promoting a positive student-athlete image and developing leadership skills in a culturally diverse environment.

Guiding Principles

The Patriot League SAAC will be guided by the following principles: NCAA student-athlete Code of Ethics; integrity; fairness and sportsmanship; and a respect for diversity. This respect for diversity includes, but is not limited to, understanding and respecting differences in gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, and sport participation.

Patriot League SAAC Responsibilities and Expectations

    1. Patriot League SAAC representatives shall be active members of their campus SAACs, maintaining regular attendance at meetings and having an informed opinion to bring to the Patriot League SAAC.

    2. It is the responsibility of SAAC members to become informed and educated about the various issues affecting the Patriot League and their institutions.

    3. At all times, Patriot League SAAC members and NCAA SAAC representatives must keep their campuses and the Patriot League office informed about relevant issues.

    4. Members must act with integrity as leaders and liaisons to institutions, the Patriot League and the NCAA.

    5. Members must accept the responsibility of participating on behalf of their campus SAACs and member schools, understanding that they represent each student-athlete and sport on their campuses.

    6. Members must adhere to deadlines when submitting and responding to all forms of correspondence from the Patriot League office and other SAAC members.

Patriot League SAAC Members and Officers

The Patriot League SAAC consists of two student-athletes from each of the eight member institutions. It is preferred that delegates to the Patriot League SAAC be officers of their campus SAACs. Included in this 16-member group will be the Patriot League office liaison and any ex officio members such as administrators or faculty representatives, as deemed necessary.

Institutional SAACs will elect their delegates to the Patriot League SAAC as openings occur. Student-athletes elected to serve on the Patriot League SAAC should be active members of their institutional SAAC. To promote greater diversity it is also recommended that each institution elect delegates considering the following criteria: (a) one female and one male; (b) at least one delegate being an underclassman, and (c) delegates participating in different competitive seasons. Each institution will also designate an alternative delegate in the event that the elected members are unavailable.

SAAC representatives will serve a minimum of two-years to allow for greater continuity of ideas from year-to-year.

Patriot League SAAC officers consist of one chairperson and one vice chairperson. The chairperson represents the Patriot League at the NCAA Division I national SAAC level. Officers are eligible for reappointment. Elected leaders must meet the following guidelines:

    1. Election of officers must assure gender and sport equity.
    2. Upon election, the chairperson and vice-chairperson must have at least one year of education remaining.
    3. Officers must attend all Patriot League SAAC meetings.
    4. Officers, in conjunction with the League representative, will preside over the meetings.

NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Appointments

The NCAA Division I SAAC consists of one student-athlete from each of the 31 conferences. The Patriot League's chairperson serves as the Patriot League's representative to the national SAAC. The student-athlete Patriot League representative shall serve on the NCAA Committee for two years and is eligible for reappointment. A student-athlete may serve for only one year after exhausting his or her athletics eligibility.

Patriot League Meeting Guidelines

    1. Members from each school must be in attendance at all League SAAC meetings.
    2. Members from each school are responsible for putting forth agenda items for meetings.
    3. SAAC members are required to refer relevant campus and Patriot League issues to the full committee and the Patriot League staff liaison.
    4. At the conclusion of a SAAC meeting, it is each member's responsibility to disseminate information discussed to his or her campus SAAC and relay any comments or concerns to the Patriot League liaison.

Preparing for Meetings

    1. There will be two Patriot League SAAC meetings annually. The fall meeting is an in-person meeting at a location determined the summer prior to the meeting. This in-person meeting is to be scheduled over a weekend to avoid missed class time. The spring meeting is conducted as a conference call.

    2. At each meeting SAAC will discuss important action and legislation that can have an impact on student-athlete welfare. Members must be knowledgeable of the issues and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these at the meeting.

    3. . Members are expected to review the agenda and all documents sent prior to the meeting. This will enable them to actively participate in the meeting and comment on the issues.

Diversity and Gender Equity

The Patriot League is committed to cultural diversity and gender equity within its membership, promoting respect and sensitivity to the dignity of every person and fostering participation of all student-athletes.

As such, The Patriot League SAAC will not tolerate disparaging comments, remarks, or jokes about any characteristic of a group of people including, but not limited to, race, class, gender or sexual orientation.