The Athletic Department announced Wednesday a new program to help freshmen athletes adjust to life at UW-Madison.
The Life Skills Academy is UW-Madison's extension of the NCAA's Challenging Athletes' Minds for Professional Success program, which has been in practice since 1994. In contrast to the Life Skills Academy, the CHAMPS program is aimed at all student athletes.
On the surface it may seem unfair to the rest of incoming freshmen who only have the two-day Student Orientation and Registration session to adjust to college life. However, student athletes have other concerns, like the press, that most other students will never face. Also, this program comes at the expense of the Athletic Department and not the university.
This new program will address issues ranging from academics to time management, which are key elements to being a successful student athlete.
Having a session devoted to dining etiquette, though, seems excessive. One would hope student athletes know how to use a fork and knife prior to going to
college.
It also seems the Life Skills Academy will benefit not only freshmen, but also the older athletes who will serve as the program's mentors. The sophomores, juniors and seniors chosen will have the added benefit of something else to list on a resumé, but the leadership experience from the program is not something you can learn on the field, ice or court.
With the benefits older athletes can also gain from the experience, the Athletic Department should also consider sessions for senior or fifth-year athletes who will leave UW-Madison and face the real world like the rest of the student body.
It is important, however, the Athletic Department keeps track of the program to ensure it is a successful departure from the CHAMPS program.
We hope as a result of this more focused program, episodes of athletes' bad behavior will decrease. If student athletes are still getting into trouble with the law, this mentoring may need to begin in high school. Most importantly, athletes should still be held accountable for their actions and understand the consequences of their behavior.
