Today's student-athletes are faced with many challenges both on and off the playing field. High expectations face each student-athlete and create demands which challenge his or her athletic, academic and emotional capabilities. With this in mind, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) created a program to assist student-athletes in acquiring the education and experiences necessary for success in virtually every aspect of life. Developed in 1994, the Challenging Athletic Minds for Personal Success (CHAMPS)/Life Skills Program has taken root at Oswego State and more than 400 other colleges and universities.

Oswego State has incorporated CHAMPS/Life Skills into its Oswego Athletes Striving to Incorporate Skills for Success (OASIS) program since 1996. It consists of five commitment areas:

* athletic excellence
* academic excellence
* personal development
* career development
* service

The mission of the program is to reach each student-athlete based on his or her individual needs while concentrating on the overall development of a whole, well-rounded person. The program seeks to integrate campus student services, classes and programs with initiatives of the CHAMPS/Life skills Program.

For more information, contact Ryoko Sekiguchi, academic/life skills coordinator, at sekiguch@oswego.edu.