SAAC Bylaws

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The UMass SAAC will be guided by the following principles: ethics, integrity, fairness, and a respect for diversity, which shall include attention to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and sport.

MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Massachusetts Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) exists to promote communication between the athletic administration and student-athletes. The committee will generate a student-athlete voice to provide feedback and insight on department issues and formation of policies. SAAC also serves the campus and surrounding community, Amherst, by leading participation in community service activities and events.

PURPOSE

To actively offer input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect the student-athletes' lives at the University of Massachusetts and within the NCAA.
To express opinions and concerns regarding University of Massachusetts Athletic Department policy.
To provide student-athletes the opportunity to discuss and provide feedback on NCAA and Conference proposed legislation as well as other issues that affect student-athlete welfare.
To discuss ways to help the UMass Athletic Department to implement principles of student-athlete welfare:
- Overall educational experience
- Cultural diversity and gender equity
- Health and safety
- Student-athlete/coach relationship
- Fairness, openness and honesty
- Student-athlete involvement
- Commitment to service
Organize Community service efforts
Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus

MEMBERSHIP
The SAAC shall consist of two representatives from each varsity sport team (preferably one upper and one lower classman) who are selected based on a written statement. A team may have a third representative if there are two seniors already selected. Members must be student-athletes who actively participate in a varsity sport, and who deemed eligible by NCAA, Conference and institutional rules and policies. Representatives shall inform their respective teams of all committee decisions and generate team involvement with SAAC fundraisers and community service projects.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS
All representatives are expected to attend meetings and respond to e-mail inquiries when an answer is required. One absence for an emergency is permitted. Unexcused absences or failures to respond will be handled in the following manner:

First Violation – An executive board member will contact the representative to discuss the issue.
Second Violation – The staff advisor will contact the coaching staff of the representative's sport to inform them of the multiple violations.
Third Violation – The coaching staff of the representative's sport will be asked to replace the representative.

All representatives are responsible for attending at least one SAAC service initiative during the academic year.

STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION
The committee shall have a five-person executive board. These five individuals will be responsible for running the full SAAC meetings. The executive board must take an active role in organizing Big Games, community service opportunities, and other committee responsibilities. The executive board is responsible for updating and amending the SAAC Bylaws annually. An Academic Support Counselor and an Athletic Administrator will advise the committee.

Other positions: These positions may be filled by elected e-board members or any other team representative.

A-10 Conference Call representative
SGA liaison
Athletic Council representative
Web and Social Media representative

TERMS
The length of each committee member's term shall be one year with the ability to be renewed for the following year. The executive board shall be chosen at the penultimate meeting of the school year and shall serve a term of one year.

VOTING
Each committee member shall have one vote. A decision shall be rendered if it receives a favorable majority vote of those committee members present and voting.

Core Requirements:
- Zamboni
- A-10 conference initiatives
- Organizing end-of-semester event
- Toy Drive for Shriners Hospital

University of Massachusets Athletics

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