The purpose of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to be the unified voice for all Carroll University student-athletes to advocate for their academic, social, and athletic needs to the administration. SAAC is dedicated to promoting unity in the Carroll community as well as the local community. SAAC is made up of representatives from each team in which the athletes hold their teams accountable to the Division III philosophy.
Officers
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
Samantha Hurd,
President |
Rebecca Hallman,
Vice President |
Demetrius Bissen,
Communications |
Jared Kniola,
Secretary |
Community Coordinator |
Kelly Gordon,
Wellness & Inclusion |
|
.
Carroll’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) can serve as the voice of student-athletes, promote leadership development, and strengthen communication between athletics administration and teams. Below is our comprehensive SAAC Policies and Procedures Manual.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Policies and Procedures Manual
Article I: Purpose
Carroll’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) exists to:
- Represent the interests and concerns of our student-athletes.
- Enhance communication between student-athletes and athletics administration.
- Promote leadership, service, and engagement within Carroll’s athletic community.
- Support student-athlete welfare and the overall student-athlete experience.
- Foster collaboration among our athletic teams.
- Encourage community service, campus involvement, and professional development.
Article II: Mission Statement
Carroll’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee serves as the voice of student-athletes by promoting leadership, communication, advocacy, and service while supporting the D3 model of academic excellence, athletic success, and personal development.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Representation
Each varsity athletic program shall appoint:
- AT LEAST One (1) primary representative and
- AT LEAST One (1) alternate representative
- But may have additional representation if other student-athletes would like to join, but won’t be
Programs with roster sizes exceeding 40 student-athletes may appoint two voting representatives.
Section 2: Eligibility
Representatives must:
- Be enrolled full-time.
- Be academically eligible.
- Be in good standing with the athletics department and institution.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and positive citizenship.
Section 3: Selection Process
Representatives may be selected by:
- Head coach recommendation with administrative approval for primary and alternative reps.
- Additional athletes may join as
Appointments shall be completed before the first SAAC meeting each academic year.
*Generally, the first or second Sunday of September
Section 4: Term of Service
- Representatives serve one academic year.
- Members may be reappointed or reelected.
- Vacancies shall be filled by the team's alternate representative or other players that show leadership qualities throughout the season.
Article IV: Officers
Section 1: Executive Board
The SAAC Executive Board shall consist of:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Community Service Coordinator
- Social/Engagement Coordinator (optional)
Section 2: Election of Officers
- Elections shall occur during the final spring meeting.
- Officers serve a one-year term.
- Nominees must have served at least one semester as a SAAC member.
Section 3: Officer Duties
President
- Preside over meetings.
- Set meeting agendas with the advisor.
- Serve as spokesperson for SAAC.
- Attend athletics leadership meetings when invited.
Vice President
- Assist the President.
- Preside in the President's absence.
- Oversee committees and special initiatives.
Secretary
- Record meeting minutes.
- Maintain attendance records.
- Distribute meeting materials.
Community Coordinator
- Organize department-wide service projects.
- Track community engagement efforts.
- Promote volunteer opportunities.
- Coordinate SAAC-sponsored events.
Social Media/ Communications
- Communicate and help coordinate SAAC-sponsored events.
- Promote student-athlete engagement initiatives.
- Manage recognition programs.
Article V: Advisor
SAAC Advisor – Ben Mathias.
Advisor Responsibilities
- Provide guidance and support.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies.
- Coordinate meeting logistics.
- Facilitate communication between SAAC and athletics administration.
- Assist with leadership development initiatives.
The advisor serves as a non-voting member.
Article VI: Meetings
Section 1: Frequency
SAAC shall meet:
- Monthly during the academic year. Sundays generally at 6pm
- Additional meetings may be called by the President or Advisor.
Section 2: Quorum
A quorum shall consist of:
- Fifty percent (50%) of voting representatives.
Business may not be conducted without a quorum. If quorum is not met, the board will meet and reschedule meeting time during the next week.
Section 3: Attendance Requirements
Members are expected to:
- Attend all regularly scheduled meetings.
- Notify the Advisor in advance if unable to attend.
Attendance expectations:
- Missing more than two meetings per semester may result in replacement.
- Alternates may attend and vote when primary representatives are absent.
Article VII: Voting Procedures
Section 1: Voting Rights
- Each team shall have one vote.
- Only designated representatives may vote.
Section 2: Motions
Any voting member may:
- Make a motion.
- Second a motion.
- Participate in discussion.
Section 3: Approval
Actions require:
- Simple majority of members present.
Section 4: Constitutional Amendments (Generally don’t make it to this portion)
Policy amendments require:
- Two-thirds vote of members present.
- Approval from the Athletics Director.
Article VIII: Committees
Standing committees can be created to focus specific groups of the SAAC to bring forth additional materials within the framework of their committees to discuss or implement. (Gabe brought this up at one of our full-time staff meetings. These may include:
1. Student-Athlete Welfare Committee
Focuses on:
- Mental health
- Academic support
- Athlete well-being
- Student-athlete feedback
2. Community Engagement Committee
Focuses on:
- Service projects
- Youth outreach
- Campus engagement
3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee
Focuses on:
- Inclusive programming
- Educational initiatives
- Student-athlete advocacy
4. Events and Recognition Committee
Focuses on:
- Senior recognition
- National Student-Athlete Day
- Athletics events
Committees shall report progress at each SAAC meeting.
Article IX: Community Service Expectations
The SAAC shall organize:
Required
- One department-wide service initiative each semester. We have two scheduled with the bowling and the botchy ball games scheduled for the spring semester but would like to create one for the fall semester.
Recommended
- Team participation in at least one community service event annually.
- Collaboration with campus and community organizations.
Service activities shall align with institutional values and community needs.
Article X: Communication Responsibilities
Representatives are expected to:
Before Meetings
- Gather feedback from teammates.
- Identify concerns and recommendations.
After Meetings
- Report meeting outcomes to their teams.
- Communicate upcoming events and initiatives.
Representatives serve as the official communication link between teams and SAAC.
Article XI: Student-Athlete Feedback Process
SAAC members may:
- Submit concerns anonymously on behalf of teammates.
- Present student-athlete issues to athletics administration.
- Recommend improvements to policies, facilities, scheduling, and services.
The SAAC serves in an advisory capacity and does not replace existing grievance or conduct procedures.
Article XII: Code of Conduct
Members shall:
- Demonstrate sportsmanship and professionalism.
- Maintain respectful communication.
- Represent their teams positively.
- Support departmental values and initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
Members may be removed for:
- Unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Continuous attendance issues.
- Failure to fulfill responsibilities.
- Violation of institutional or athletics policies.
Removal requires approval from the Advisor and Athletics Director.
Annual SAAC Calendar
August/September
- Officer orientation
- Goal setting
- Introduction to SAAC
- Campus engagement events proposal
October
- Student-athlete feedback review
- Potential fall community service project
November
- Student-athlete wellness initiative
- Potential fall community service project
January
- Virtual leadership development workshop
February
- NCAA/National Student-Athlete programming
- Spring service planning
March
April
- Awards recognition
- Officer elections
May
- Annual assessment
- Recommendations report to Athletics Director
Annual Assessment
At the conclusion of each year, SAAC shall submit a report including:
- Attendance data
- Completed initiatives
- Community service hours
- Student-athlete concerns addressed
- Recommendations for future improvement
- Goals for the upcoming year
Suggested SAAC Goals for Athletics Departments
- Improve student-athlete communication.
- Increase leadership opportunities.
- Support mental health and wellness initiatives.
- Expand community engagement.
- Enhance student-athlete recognition programs.
- Strengthen collaboration between teams.
Carroll SAAC Fall meeting dates:
- Sunday, September 7 at 6 p.m. in Hastad (Room 160)
- Sunday, October 5 at 6 p.m. in Hastad (Room 160)
- Sunday, November 1 at 6 p.m. in Hastad (Room 160)
Suggestion Box
Use this form to communicate any ideas, concerns or questions.
Form Here!
Digital Weekly Facilities Schedule
This schedule is posted every Sunday. If there are any changes made in the schedule during the week, they will NOT appear on this schedule.
Updated: 1/20/2025
Schedule Here!
Ganfield Athlete Gym Schedule (Spring)
Click link to access schedule. If it does not appear, select "View Full Screen".
Schedule Here!
Link to NCAA Division III SAAC website
http://www.ncaa.org/governance/committees/division-iii-saac
Link to NCAA Division III and Special Olympics website
http://www.ncaa.org/about/special-olympics-partnership
