Champs

 

CHallenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success

The University of Miami is committed to a program that provides educational experience and services in order to develop well-balanced lifestyles for student-athletes; to encourage growth in decision-making, planning and fulfillment of career and life goals; and to enhance the quality of a student-athlete experience. In the process of achieving this mission, the University of Miami CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will:

  • Support the efforts of every student-athlete towards graduation
  • Use athletics as a preparation for success in life
  • Meet the changing needs of student-athletes
  • Promote respect for the diversity among student-athletes
  • Enhance interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes
  • Assist student-athletes to build self-esteem
  • Enable student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities
  • Promote ownership by the student-athlete of his/her academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities
  • Enhance partnerships between the athletic department, other university departments and the community for the purpose of education

    Life Skills Staff

    Commitments
    Through four vital commitments the CHAMPS program provides the opportunity for all student-athletes to develop the skills needed to lead successful lives. The four commitments are: Community Service, Academic Development, Career Development, and Personal Development.

    Community Service
    At the University of Miami our student-athletes, coaches, and staff take pride in giving back to the community. Through volunteerism, the student-athletes will have the opportunity to serve the community and be positive role models to youth. The University of Miami has a number of different programs for student-athletes to become involved in. The following is a list of community programs and events that the Hurricanes have contributed their time and service to:

      Hurricanes Speaker's Bureau
      Student-athletes, coaches and staff take time to speak to groups about developing a positive, winning lifestyle.

      5000 Role Models
      The project's goal is to have student-athletes and athletic department staff members intervene in the lives of at-risk boys to provide them with alternatives that will lead them away from crime and violence.

      First Mentors
      In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, pairs of student-athletes are matched with a child to serve as mentors.

      Join-a-Team, Not-a-Gang
      Its purpose is to encourage area youths to seek positive alternatives to gangs.

      Red Ribbon Week
      An annual week-long event where student-athletes make appearances at local schools and organizations to educate children on the importance of staying drug free.

      Hurricane Helmet Helpers
      Area youngsters are given the opportunity to greet Hurricane players and serve as personal attendants.

      Read to Win Program
      Designed to show elementary school children the relationship between good learning skills and success as an athlete, UM student-athletes read stories and lead classroom discussions on the importance of good study habits.

      Future Canes Program
      Exposes at-risk youth, disabled persons and disadvantaged children to a university atmosphere and Hurricane athletics events.

      Canes on Patrol
      Student-athletes are given an inside look at police work riding with Broward County Sheriffs and assisting in their patrols.

      UM, City of Hialeah Team Up
      The UM Athletics Department entered in a 5-year grassroots partnership with the City of Hialeah that will allow the Hurricanes to reach out into the community and create opportunities for local youths to participate and enjoy athletics.

    In the Community

     

    Academic Development

    Career Development
    The Career Development Program provides student-athletes the opportunity to explore career options, develop job search skills, and assistance with job placement.

    Career Awareness Career Exploration Job Placement
  • Interest Inventories
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  • Career Day
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  • Resume Preparation
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  • Skills Assessments
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  • Internships
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  • Interview Skills Training
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  • Career Information
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  • Summer Jobs
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  • Job Search Skills
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  • Career Networking
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    Personal Development
    The Personal Development component of our Life Skills Program provides student-athletes opportunities to focus on personal growth and developing healthy lifestyles. The program covers topics such as nutrition, eating disorders, sexual responsibility, self-esteem, stress management, alcohol and drug education, interpersonal communication, etiquette, fiscal responsibility, agents, and diversity. Athletic Department staff work closely with the Counseling Center, Health Center, Wellness Center, Dean of Students, and Volunteer Services to provide services for our student-athletes. We also use nationally recognized experts as well as numerous resources from the South Florida Community for our programming.

    University of Miami
    Community Relations
    5821 San Amaro Drive
    Coral Gables, Fla. 33146
    Phone: (305) 284-4609 Fax: (305) 284-2703