Life Skills Program

Consistent with the NCAA CHAMPS Program, a Life Skills Program has been developed to further enhance student-athlete success at Temple University. This encompasses a variety of programs that are initiated as deemed necessary. If you need additional information regarding Temple University's CHAMPS/Lifeskills program, please contact Jennifer White, Compliance and Student Services Coordinator, at whitejen@temple.edu.

Program History

In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success) was created.

In 1994, after several years of development by the NCAA Foundation, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was launched to the NCAA membership. That summer 46 NCAA institutions participated in the first orientation for administrators from around the country. Since then, approximately 40 member institutions have joined the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program each year.

Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Leadership Advisory Board and the NCAA national office.

Personal Development Skills

The Compliance & Student Services Office, presents a variety of workshops and sessions, specifically designed for the Temple University student-athlete. Among the topics that may be presented during the course of the academic year are:

Owl Outreach - Community Service Program

The Temple Teammates Program is a community service program conducted by the Athletics Department. Throughout the academic year, Temple student-athletes participate in a wide range of community service projects ranging from clean-up projects to mentoring elementary and middle school students. The goal of Owl Outreach is to raise awareness in young people throughout the greater Philadelphia area on leadership, positive character development, and good sportsmanship. The Temple Teammates program proves that student-athletes can make a positive impact both on and off the field.

TU Student-Athletes participating in the Big Five Cleanup at Fairmount Park

Student-Athlete Exit Interviews

In order to comply with NCAA bylaws, Temple University interviews a sampling of student-athletes at the end of each semester (e.g., transfers and those who have exhausted athletic eligibility). These interviews are used to find out how student-athletes perceive their experience at our institution. The actual responses on the written portion of the exit interview process will be kept confidential, to be read only by the Academics/Compliance Committee. The Academics/Compliance Committee is comprised of the Faculty Athletics Representative, Director of Athletics, Associate AD/SWA, Associate AD for Athletic Administration, Associate AD for Compliance & Student Services, the Assistant Director of Compliance & Student Services, the Compliance and Student Services Coordinator and the Assistant AD for Academic Services. In these meetings, the committee members will make recommendations to the Director of Athletics of proposed changes or items that need to be addressed immediately.

Crisis Intervention

Occasionally, a student-athlete has or encounters a problem that seems insurmountable. Student-athletes are encouraged to inform their coaches accordingly. Working with the Department’s Office of Student-Services in a discrete and confidential manner, the appropriate medical, legal and/or counseling services can be put into place, consistent with NCAA rules.