PAWS - Providing Athletes With Support

Villanova University Student Handbook

At the core of every Athletics Department is the student-athlete. It is the responsibility of the University to provide the best academic, athletic and social experience possible for the student-athlete. PAWS (Providing Athletes With Support) has been established to achieve that goal. PAWS is a program completely devoted to the student-athlete and the development of life skills.

Components of PAWS

Freshman Orientation and Dinner

Incoming student-athletes begin their Villanova experience with an introduction to members of the Athletics Administration and the officers of the SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). Athletes are given a chance to interact with the entire class of incoming athletes. The student-athletes are also given an overview of the Academic Support Program and the Mentoring Program, followed by a buffet dinner with their mentor

Student Luncheons

Periodically throughout the academic year, various Athletics Administrators have lunch with student-athletes. This is an ideal opportunity to establish good communication between athletes and administrators.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) was formed in the fall of 1993 for the purpose of recognizing the student-athlete in the fields of academics and athletics. Also, it aims to implement programs that will promote a positive image of intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete. Most importantly, SAAC gives the student-athlete a voice in the administration of the Athletics Department.

The members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will be elected by their teammates. Each team will have two representatives, larger teams will have more representatives directly proportional to the number of players on the team. One of the jobs of the representative is to communicate the interest of their players to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The committee will also have an Executive Board consisting of a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and a Committee Chairperson.

The SAAC meets once a month to discuss issues pertinent to the student-athlete. The members of the committee are the liaisons between their team members and the administration. This committee is very important to the welfare and experience of the student-athlete.

Student-Athlete Resume Guide

The annual Student-Athlete Resume Guide is sent out to approximately 500 potential employers. The guide features resumes of graduating student-athletes, and provides valuable information to employers looking for bright new hires. This gives our athletes the extra exposure and connections needed in a highly competitive job market.

Newsletter PAWPRINTS

This is an in-house newsletter written by and for student-athletes. PAWPRINTS is published every other month and contains information regarding team accomplishments, academic information, schedule needs and many other items of interest.

Wellness - Eat to Compete

With the intent to educate all athletes about good eating habits, this program has been developed to teach proper nutritional standards for athletes in training and competition.

Books on Loan

Through use of the Villanova Athletics Book Card, a system has been developed to facilitate the distribution of books for those athletes whose scholarships include books.

Drug and Alcohol Education

PAWS includes a program designed to educate student-athletes on social drinking and the effects of alcohol and drug abuse.

Awareness

This program aims at promoting discussion of relationships, gender differences and potential problems within the scope of a relationship.

Business Etiquette/Benefits Employment Dinner

A four course "business" dinner is served. A consultant in business etiquette instructs the senior in proper business dining etiquette. During dessert, a workshop focusing on helping students identify employment benefit information including medical, pension funds, tax shelters, investment information and life and automobile insurance is given.

Student-Athlete Appreciation Luncheon

This luncheon is held in conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day. The luncheon primarily recognizes student-athletes and their contributions to the University.

Senior Banquet

This banquet is held during Senior Week of spring semester. The intention is to honor the contributions of all senior athletes, cheerleaders, managers and support personnel. Each senior is presented a watch as a memento of their athletic contributions to Villanova.

Scholar Athlete Award

This particular award is presented at the Senior Banquet to one male athlete and one female athlete who best demonstrate excellence in academics and athletics throughout their Villanova career.

Dining Etiguett

The PAWS (Providing Athletes With Support) Program is dedicated to the overall development of the student-athlete. An aspect of that mission is to prepare our athletes for life after Villanova. Workshops offered include Resume Development, Real World Considerations, the Resume Guide, and the newest, a Business Etiquette Dinner.