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CHAMPS Program of Excellence

As the Division 1A schools have embraced CHAMPS and as they have developed fully functional programs, the 1A Directors' Association has shifted the emphasis from educating program coordinators about CHAMPS to CHAMPS management. The tool that has been developed to move their process forward is the 1A CHAMPS Program of Excellence.

The Program of Excellence was developed 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.

A "Program of Excellence" is, in essence, a lifetime award designed to recognize Division 1A athletics programs that have established student-athlete welfare as the cornerstone of their operating principles. In order for a school to have its CHAMPS program considered as a "Program of Excellence" it must demonstrate:

  • 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;
  • that goals and objectives are stated for all components which are designed to address the needs of the student-athletes;
  • the design and implementation of an athletics department mission statement that reflects a commitment to the welfare of student-athletes. The program will also demonstrate that the mission and goals of the athletics department are communicated to all student-athletes and staff;
  • 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;
  • the development and implementation of a marketing and promotions plan which includes promoting CHAMPS programs and achievements to all constituency groups (student-athletes, coaches and staff, campus, community, alumni, supporters/boosters)
  • the establishment of a method of evaluating outcomes as directly related to stated goals.

D1A Institutions Designated As a CHAMPS Program Of Excellence

1997-1998
North Carolina State University
The Ohio State University
University of Arizona
University of Texas - Austin
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
University of Georgia
Georgia Technical Institute
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 of Oregon
2003-2004
Texas A&M University
University of South Carolina
2004-2005
Auburn University
Purdue University
University of Utah
2005-2006
Texas Tech University
University of Illinois
University of Wisconsin
University of Wyoming
2006-2007
Miami (Ohio) University
Virginia Tech University
Washington State University
2007-2008
University of Buffalo
2008-2009
Iowa State University
2009-2010
Award Administration transferred to NCAA