NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland – In conjunction with the NCAA’s 103rd annual Convention this week, The NCAA News caught up with a few NCAA athletics administrators, student-athletes and faculty to get their observations on the importance of the Association’s annual gathering, among other topics of interest.

In Part 3 of a four-part series, today’s collection features members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committees. (Click here for Part 1, Convention veterans, and here for Part 2, women administrators.)

Nathan Studgeon, Division III SAAC vice chair

How do the SAACs influence the business conducted during the Convention? Most of our influence occurs behind the scenes. We form a formal position as a committee and then articulate our rationale through a variety of venues from planned conference meetings to the Presidents/Management Council breakfast, but most commonly via informal meetings in conference corridors and other social receptions.

What are the most surprising aspects of the Convention for SAAC members attending for the first time? The most shocking aspect of the Convention for our rookies is the sheer size of it! From the hotel to the actual business session, it is just overwhelmingly huge.

SAAC members have voting privileges at various levels within the divisional governance structure but not at the Convention. Should they? When we make our voting recommendation on the Convention floor, we feel we have a deep impact because we speak on issues we are truly passionate about, and everybody listens. In addition, we already have a direct vote on the Management Council, a group to which the membership looks for guidance on various proposals.

How does the Convention affect your understanding of the way the NCAA operates? As a student-athlete, having the opportunity to attend Convention broadens our horizons, not only in terms of the rules and regulations but also how this organization functions so efficiently. Since the concept of the NCAA is vast and appears distant to some, this opportunity gives us a better grasp of how the NCAA is committed to student-athletes.

Christopher Odom, Division II SAAC chair-elect

How do the SAACs influence the business conducted during the Convention? The SAACs provide a student-athlete view to many of the issues that are being discussed during the Convention. The SAACs also bring ideas from student-athletes across the country in ways to create a better atmosphere and overall experience during their time as a student-athlete.

What are the most surprising aspects of the Convention for SAAC members attending for the first time? The amount of importance placed on the student-athlete perspective.

SAAC members have voting privileges at various levels within the divisional governance structure but not at the Convention. Should they? I feel that our niche in the government structure is sufficient. It provides a way for student-athletes to communicate our views and feelings about particular legislation being addressed.

How does the Convention affect your understanding of the way the NCAA operates? It provides a view on how legislation goes into place. I know when I started, I thought the national office made the rules and regulations, but I have begun to understand that it is the membership that makes the rules. It also has given me the opportunity to speak with people at all levels of the NCAA to see the different roles they play. 

Kerry Kenny, Division I SAAC chair

How do the SAACs influence the business conducted during the Convention? SAAC has a great level of influence every year at the Convention and it is something that we take great pride in.  We have the opportunity to have our student-athletes sit on various panels during the week, and this year we even have a chance to host our own session, which is entitled “90 minutes with SAAC.”  For student-athletes, Convention is a one-stop shop to be able to have our voice heard by the membership on specific issues and legislative proposals. The NCAA Convention is a celebration of what makes collegiate athletics so great, and student-athletes are a large part of that. We are always honored to be able to have the level of participation that we have each year.

What are the most surprising aspects of the Convention for SAAC members attending for the first time? To be quite honest, I think that the sheer size and magnitude of the event. With close to 3,000 people walking around the hotel and with all of the NCAA signage that adorns the walls and ceilings, it truly can be overwhelming for someone attending for the first time. For most student-athletes, though, performing in front of large crowds becomes almost second nature do to the many games and events that we participate in during our collegiate experience.

SAAC members have voting privileges at various levels within the divisional governance structure but not at the Convention. Should they? I have always been of the school of thought that student-athletes have a more resounding and impactful voice because we do not have a vote at the table. I think that our voice means more because people who are making the decisions realize that we are out there fighting for our position even though we theoretically have no chance to affect the outcome through a vote.

How does the Convention affect your understanding of the way the NCAA operates? The Convention brings together a large population of people from all different arenas within the NCAA. You have all three divisions represented, a large number of faculty members here for the colloquium, members of the media and general public, and finally student-athletes. Having such a diverse group in attendance really allows everyone involved to hear a multitude of differing viewpoints and gives the delegates a chance to soak up a lot of information on current and future issues that the NCAA and its members are dealing with.