NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland – The Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee announced during a January 16 Division II educational session the creation of a DVD multimedia resource targeting both student-athletes and administrators.

A year in the making, the DVD focuses on how to build a SAAC on campus, how to strengthen the interest and involvement in SAAC and what types of student-athletes an institution should invite to participate in a campus SAAC. Each conference will receive one copy and every institution will receive two copies of the DVD. A letter explaining how the resource can be used also will be mailed to schools and conferences. The target release date is early February.

The Division II national SAAC members who served as panelists for the session also shared the group’s mission and objectives in addition to explaining how it benefits student-athletes, administrators and the community. Participation in SAAC offers student-athletes opportunities to demonstrate leadership off-the-field, strengthens leadership skills, provides interaction with other student-athletes, offers professional development opportunities and creates experiences and memories.

Meanwhile, administrators should consider that SAACs foster a positive image for the university and can act as a connection to the community. Beyond providing a visible connection between the university and athletics, SAAC members act as role models for youth in the community and serve as a reliable pool of volunteers to help fulfill community needs.

Panelists also touted some of the SAAC’s accomplishments, and most notably, its partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, through which the division has raised nearly $1 million since 2003.

In addition, Kim Ford, NCAA associate director for diversity and inclusion, reviewed details of the Division II Strategic Alliance Matching Grant Program, which helps institutions fund new or enhanced positions. Ford noted that the application process opens in October and runs through late January. This year’s application process closes on January 30. For more information, contact Ford at kford@ncaa.org.