How does the Delaware State University (DSU) generate feedback from its most valuable product, its student-athletes? Through the DSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Since its implementation, the SAAC has been an essential component in the athletics department administration as well as a strong voice for student-athletes’ well-being at the institutional and conference level. It provides recommendations and positions on specific institution, conference, and National Collegiate Athletic Association proposed legislation. It also addresses campus issues that may have an effect on the well-being of all student-athletes here at DSU. In addition, its members provide recommendations to the Athletics Department to enhance the student-athlete experience for all sports. Another objective which the committee constantly strives to obtain is to help strengthen and improve the communication and relationships among athletes, campus administrators and coaches.
On the conference stage, the DSU's SAAC selects two of its committee members to serve as its representatives on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's SAAC, which includes all conference member institutions.
DSU's SAAC is a proactive committee and is making a very positive impact on campus. To conduct business, the committee has monthly in-person meetings during the academic year.
Taking a leadership role in conducting community projects is part of the DSU's SAAC’s goals and objectives. As part of the DSU's SAAC commitment to make a difference, the committee annually conducts a community service outreach project within the Dover, Delaware local area. Past projects have included the following: sports camp and clinic for underprivileged children, visiting local Boys and Girls Clubs, visiting Children’s Hospitals and homeless shelters and neighborhood house painting.
If you have any questions relative to the DSU's SAAC or its activities, please contact Patrick Hairston, Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations at (302) 857-6030 or email phairston@desu.edu.