NAIA "CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER"
INITIATIVE
2005-2006 Year-end-Report
Prior to our athletic contests, our PA announcer reads the
NAIA ÒChampions of CharacterÓ announcement for football, basketball, and
volleyball. We also promote
the character initiative through signage on our campus and around athletic
venues. Signs that illustrate the
NAIA Champions of Character and the 5 core values are posted at the press box
of the baseball stadium, Collins gymnasium, and the football stadium. Coaches spotlighted athletes that
demonstrated the core value of respect at the November luncheon for the council
representatives and coaches
INTEGRITY –
During the July athletic department retreat, all head
coaches were given the Coaches Code of Ethics, which was read and signed copies
were kept on file. The retreat
included a session where coaches wrote their personal definitions for each of
the core values. There was also a
time designated for coaches to provide input and ideas that further support the
character initiative. During the
February luncheon coaches recognized athletes that demonstrated integrity for
their teams. All athletes are
given the opportunity to sign the Champions of Character pledge and those
pledges are kept on file.
All student-athletes are expected to assume responsibility for their academic progress. While this philosophy is instilled in the freshmen and new transfer students, we simultaneously provide them with a support system to assure academic success.
1. The Baker University Learning Resource Center hired an academic tutor to directly provide academic support services to the athletes. This individual met with student-athletes as necessary and was in constant communication with professors and coaches to ensure the achievement of student-athletes. The retention numbers indicate that his has made a positive impact on athletes.
2 Our First-Year-Experience (FYE) program reaches all incoming freshmen students and has a component of the course that explains the process of developing and implementing a 4-year academic plan. This involvement connects the student-athlete with several support groups to keep them on track to graduate. The LRC offers support for this process.
4. The continued recruitment of student-athletes who understand our commitment to academic excellence will enhance our graduation rates. Coaches meet with the Director of Admission to develop strategies for success in this area.
5. Coaches are providing intervention when necessary by encouraging athletes to use the Learning Resources Center. A position was created through the supervision of the Director of Academic Services to provide academic and personal support for athletes.
6. University imposed GPA requirements for maintaining eligibility and financial aid provide an intervention stage with students who do not meet the minimums. Coaches, academic advisors, Student Life staff, and the Office of Financial Aid will work with the athletes to keep them on task. The Office of Financial Aid distributes a list of students who might be in academic jeopardy of losing aid or who have contacted the office to consider transferring. This information is used to connect with those students to guide them in their decisions.
7. We promote academic honors on our campus and display them is such a way that students are motivated to make those lists. Our media and publications department support our efforts in this area. Both the Academic Dean and the president send complimentary messages to athletes who earn academic honors. We also recognize athletes at an awards banquet in the fall and one in the spring when an athlete receives academic honors from the university, the conference, Region V, and the NAIA.
We expect our student fans and supporting parents to exhibit responsible behavior at athletic contests. Administrative staff is assigned to supervise all home athletic contests and negative behavior was addressed as it occurred. Athletes that exhibited exemplary responsibility were recognized at the December luncheon.
Servant leadership was the focus of the March luncheon where
athletes were recognized for their servant leadership. Other various projects were conducted
throughout the year.
Community Service Project #1
The relationship with Big Brothers & Sisters of Douglas County was continued. Children from the program and their sponsor were invited to attend all football games. The children were paired with a university student and received free popcorn and a coke. The highlight of their afternoon was to be involved in the coin toss before the game in the center of the field. Children in the program also visited with athletes following the contest.
Community Service Project #2
Several athletes were trained to assist in programs that are
designed to prevent violence against women. Baker University is a recipient of a national grant and the
director of the grant has requested additional input from the Champions of
Character program and a working relationship is planned for the 2006-07
academic year.
Community Service Project #3
The University Spirit Squad sponsored a community youth cheerleading clinic and had the participants perform at an evening basketball game
Community Service Project #4
All First Year Experience (FYE) students perform a community
service project as a component of the course. All freshmen athletes must participate in the project.
Community Service Project #5
4 student-athletes council members served on a panel at the
local junior high school for a drug awareness day. The Baker University athletes presented and answered
questions to over 400 students.
SPORTSMANSHIP -