The Life Skills program was developed to assist the student-athletes in their personal growth and development and prepare them for life after graduation. The program is committed to this goal through a commitment to academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development, career development and service.
These ideals are supported through the following mandatory programming:
ORIENTATION/CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS
During the calendar year, the Orientation seminar is presented three times. This seminar is provided to all incoming student-athletes (regardless of class level), where the objective is to educate the audience on the expectations and resources available to them from an academic standpoint. Within the seminar, the student-athletes are also presented with information focused on the topic, “Consequences For Your Actions”, where the objective is to encourage responsibility and mature behavior among the student-athletes and to teach them there are consequences for the decisions they make.
ETIQUETTE SEMINAR: “MANNERS MATTER”
The Etiquette Seminar is designed for sophomore status student-athletes in preparation for upcoming internships and job-hunting skills in their junior and senior year. We teach table manners and etiquette appropriate for interview situations. It is an interactive dinner where student-athletes learn as they are dining in a formal dinner setting.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The Dress for Success Seminar is designed for junior status student-athletes in preparation for special events, awards ceremonies, interviews, and other formal occasions. Industry professionals each teach a separate program for men and women, which includes demonstrations and tips on personal presentation and building a proper wardrobe.
GAMECOCK NETWORKING SEMINAR
In the fall of each year, the Athletics Department invites South Carolina Lettermen and members of the Gamecock Athletics Career Network to assist the department staff in training student-athletes with the skills needed to begin their professional careers. This seminar, designed for senior status student-athletes, includes topics such as interviewing, resume and cover letter writing, networking skills, dress and presentation.
You can learn more about the programs described above by visiting the below links:
http://www.gamecocksonline.com/watch
http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/acad/spec-rel/030414aaa.html
THE STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The University of South Carolina has a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), an organization made up of student-athlete representatives from each sport team within the Athletics Department. Meetings are conducted twice per month. SAAC has been active in promoting department-wide community service projects and student-athlete camaraderie. In addition, SAAC is designed to be a means for student-athletes to communicate with athletics administration about issues that affect student-athletes. Team representatives are responsible for sharing information about SAAC with their teammates. SAAC meetings are held on Tuesday nights.
