Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the student-athlete experience by influencing and providing input on athletic and academic rules and regulations that will lead student-athletes to success. SAAC will use its leadership position on campus to create a stronger community and lead and recruit fellow student-athletes to serve the community through a variety of service programs and events, health promotion, social responsibility and general awareness.

Officer Name Title Sport

Mercy Ogutu  Chair Tennis

Breonna Bailey Vice Chair Tennis
Destiny Wright Secretary/Treasurer Volleyball

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Constitution and Bylaws

I.            Mission Statement

The mission of Trinity Washington University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is to enhance the student-athlete experience by influencing and providing input on athletic and academic rules and regulations that will lead student-athletes to success. SAAC will use its leadership position on campus to create a stronger community and lead and recruit fellow student-athletes to serve the community through a variety of service programs and events, health promotion, social responsibility and general awareness.

II.            SAAC Advisors

The Advisor(s) of SAAC will be full-time members of the Trinity Washington University Athletics staff or other designees by the athletic director. They will provide council with pertinent information involving student-athletes, discuss athletic department issues affecting student-athletes and services provided to the student-athletes and any relevant information involving the University and the NCAA.

 

III.            Membership

At least one student-athlete from each of Trinity Washington University varsity teams will serve as a general representative on SAAC. The representatives will be chosen by the team it will be representing.

Duties of SAAC representatives include but are not limited to:

  • Attend all SAAC meetings and related events.
  • Serve as a liaison between the member’s respective sport to the committee and the athletics department.
  • Serve the needs of fellow student-athletes via leadership and support.
  • Serve on at least one SAAC sub-committee with active involvement.
  • Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus and in the community.
  • Assist in the growth and development of SAAC.
  • Play an integral role in the structure of our athletics departments and its formulation of policies regarding student-athletes.

IV.            Meeting Dates

SAAC will meet once a month on the first Monday of the month during the course of the academic calendar year.

Attendance Policy

Representation from each team at all SAAC meetings is mandatory. After one (1) unexcused absence, the AD and team representative will be notified by email of their warning. After two (2) unexcused absences, the member shall be expulsed and the search for a new representative will begin. If a member is removed due to attendance issues, his/her team will not be able to gain another voting seat in SAAC until the following year.

Unexcused Absences

An unexcused absence is defined as an absence from a regularly scheduled meeting without providing written notice to the Secretary at least three days in advance. Documented medical emergencies are the only excused absences without prior written notification.

V.            Executive Board 

The NCAA recommends the creation of an executive board to oversee the operation of SAAC. Trinity Washington University will consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer.

Chair Role Description: As the Co-President of SAAC, he/she will represent all student-athletes at the University and Athletic Department level. These persons are responsible for helping to set the vision, goals, and objectives of SAAC, with assistance of the SAAC Advisor and executive board. Co-Presidents will serve as a CIAA representative, committing to all scheduled events. They will represent SAAC and all student-athletes at athletic department, coaches, and leadership team meetings. Co-Presidents will set the executive board meeting agenda and the general assembly agenda. He/she will be responsible for communicating with internal and external organizations, as needed.

Vice Chair Role Description: The Vice President is responsible for overseeing the operations of the General Assembly. This includes attendance, keeping track of participation on committees, facilitating meetings, etc. He/she will be expected to keep a pulse of the student-athlete reps, making sure all needs are addressed. In addition, he/she will be responsible for assisting the Co-Presidents as needed.

Secretary/ Treasurer Role Description: The Secretary is responsible for keeping a written or electronic record of all meetings. He/she will distribute minutes of meetings to the members via e-mail. In addition, he/she will be responsible for assisting the Co-Presidents as needed. The Treasurer is responsible for preparing, maintaining and reporting on the annual SAAC budget. This includes balancing the SAAC account, tracking all expenses and revenue and reporting to the General Assembly. He/she will be in charge of organizing and coordinating all fundraising activities within SAAC; these documents and records should be available for public display upon request.

VI.            VOTING

Only teams represented at called meetings will be allowed to cast votes. Absentee votes will be allowed for teams traveling or competing the day of the called meeting.

VII.            AMENDMENTS 

These bylaws may be amended by a two thirds vote of the total membership. An amendment shall be effective once it is ratified by a simple majority of fifty percent plus one (50% plus 1) of the membership.