Sept. 27, 2005

The Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association is pleased to announce the 2005-2006 Program of Excellence recipients: Texas Tech University, University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Wyoming. The Program of Excellence is awarded to Division 1A CHAMPS programs that have displayed a highly effective and pervasive program benefiting their student-athletes in the five components of the CHAMPS program. Following a precise plan, these universities have developed superior CHAMPS program. This year's recipients join a growing list of universities that have earned the distinction that accompanies their recognition as a "program of excellence."

The Program of Excellence is awarded annually to Division 1A athletics departments during the 1A Annual Meeting. This year's Annual Meeting was postponed due to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Rita to Texas and to Louisiana. These institutions have clearly earned the distinction that accompanies their selection as a CHAMPS Program of Excellence. The recipients will be recognized at the re-scheduled Annual Meeting. The process for consideration for this distinguished award is a lengthy and thorough process. Submitted materials are evaluated by the CHAMPS National Advisory Board. When a Division 1A athletics department applies for this award, their materials are evaluated by 1A CHAMPS National Board of Advisors. The CHAMPS Board is comprised of CHAMPS program administrators from Division 1A Institutions and the Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association Executive Director. Members of the CHAMPS Board represent programs from different conferences, CHAMPS Administrators with vast expertise as athletic professional and as well as representatives whose campuses have received the Program of Excellence.

In order to be considered as a CHAMPS Program of Excellence, an athletics department must demonstrate:

1. That all five components of the CHAMPS program are in place and that they demonstrate both substance and longevity, i.e., the program exists as a total departmental commitment and is a part of the operating principles of the athletics program;

2. That goals and objectives are stated for all components which are designed to address the needs of the student-athletes;

3. The design and implementation of an athletics department mission statement that reflects a commitment to the welfare of the student-athlete;

4. The designation of a CHAMPS professional who is identifiable on a departmental organizational chart with reporting lines to the Director of Athletics. The department will demonstrate that staffing and financial support are provided in all five component areas of the CHAMPS program;

5. The development and implementation of a marketing and promotions plan which includes promoting CHAMPS programs and achievements to all constituent groups.

The CHAMPS Program of Excellence was developed in 1997 in order to:

• Serve as an assessment tool for universities that are seeking to improve programs and services for student-athletes;

• Establish a "standard of excellence" that will serve as a model for Division 1A CHAMPS programs;

• Honor universities that have made a commitment to a broad program of student-athlete support services, as defined by the Division 1A CHAMPS program.

The CHAMPS program was established in 1991 by the Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association to provide student-athletes with a formal educational and training program to assist in their "total personal development". As an extension of the 1A Athletic Directors' Association, the CHAMPS program represents the commitment to the "Preparation for Life" of each Division 1A student-athlete. The CHAMPS program is comprised of the following five components:

1. The commitment to academic excellence: A primary goal is to educate the student-athletes responsibly so that they will have an appreciation for learning, as well as knowledge and skills that will assist them throughout their life;

2. The commitment to athletic excellence: Basic to any successful 1A program is the pledge that all student-athletes will be provided the quality facilities, equipment, coaching and support services that they need to reach their maximum potential;

3. The commitment to personal development: It benefits each 1A program to provide assistance to its student-athletes in such like skills areas as social development, personal health, ethics, emotional health, and fiscal management areas in which many collegiate athletes are often uneducated or unprepared;

4. The commitment to service: The CHAMPS program supports the philosophy that all student-athletes have inherent talents that allow them to excel in athletics and in life. It is therefore prudent that student-athletes use their gifts in a responsible fashion. The CHAMPS program calls for the development of an extensive community outreach effort, involving student-athletes, coaches, and staff;

5. The commitment to career development: CHAMPS is committed to the position that 1A programs will emphasize the benefits of completing an academic degree program and will take a proactive approach to assisting each student-athlete with career opportunity counseling and placement.

The following schools are recognized CHAMPS Program of Excellence:

1997-1998
North Carolina State University
The Ohio State University
University of Arizona
University of Texas

1998-1999
Florida State University
Penn State University
Syracuse University
University of Florida
University of Nebraska
University of Oklahoma
University of Washington

1999-2000
University of Alabama
Clemson University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Georgia
University of Kentucky
University of Tennessee

2000-2001
Arizona State University
University of Iowa
Michigan State University
University of Notre Dame

2001-2002
Ball State University
Central Michigan University
Louisiana State University

2002-2003
Brigham Young University
University of Missouri
University Oregon

2003-2004
Texas A & M University
University of South Carolina

2004-2005
Auburn University
Purdue University
University of Utah