Worcester State University Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athletes experience. SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect the student-athletes' lives on NCAA member institution campuses and here at Worcester State University.

The mission statement of the National NCAA SAAC states that the idea behind the organization is to "enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image."

At Worcester State, the committee is composed of both male and female representatives of the student-athlete student body who are charged with the responsibility in assisting in the administrative process of athletic programs and the NCAA, and to recommend, comment and review on the activities and the subjects of interest. In addition, the SAAC involves its members in local community service projects and in a once a year conference project. Last year, the MASCAC SAAC project involved participating in a day to support the prevention of bullying and domestic volence at the Boys and Girls Club in Salem, MA.

If you are interested in joining SAAC or if you would like more information please contact Jessica Meany at 508-929-8024.

Chandler Magnet Library Project - April 2011

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Worcester, MA --- On Saturday, April 16 the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and other Worcester State Student-Athletes helped refurbish the Chandler Magnet Elementary school library. All who volunteered pitched in by repairing, painting, cleaning and decorating a new library for use of the children at the school.

The project was first proposed to the MASCAC SAAC for the conferences’ annual community service activity, but the membership at-large decided to go in another direction this year. Because the Worcester State SAAC felt so strongly about helping out, the organization decided to continue their efforts to revamp the elementary school, which is right across the street from campus.

“Overall the student-athletes enjoyed giving back to a place so close to campus,” said Jessica Meany, Head Athletic Trainer and SAAC Advisor. “The student-athletes enjoyed the exercise and helping out with the renovation, they really took pride for something so important to the kids in the community.”

The community service project was also supported by the Worcester State Student Education Association Board.

Sherry's House Project - December 2009

  Over the month of November, the Worcester State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) organized and held a successful drive at four athletics events to raise money and collect items for Sherry's House and WHY ME, a local organization that helps provide support for children and their families in their fight against cancer.  

On October 31, November 4, November 7 and at the Worcester City Tournament (Nov. 20-21), a donation box was set up to gather non-perishable food items, household and cleaning supplies and personal toiletry items to be donated to the organization.  At the Westfield State-Worcester State football game on Nov 7, 50 percent of the gate also went to help the cause as part of a monetary contribution to Sherry's House. A box was also set up inside the Athletics Department Office to help accumulate items for the drive.

In total, nine boxes of items to Sherry's House on November 24 by the members of SAAC, who then received a tour of the facility. The money that has been received from donations will go towards funding a video camera to record events at the house and to various gift cards to local dining establishments.

About WHY ME - The WHY ME organization was created by 13-year old Sherry Shepard, while she was battling cancer for four years. WHY ME stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting. Sherry was an inspiring young lady who was determined to help other children with cancer. WHY ME, a non-profit organization was founded with the help of her father. Today, Sherry's House provides emotional, social and financial support to help families successfully fight childhood cancer. It is a place where families whose child is receiving cancer treatment in Massachusetts can stay. More than 465 families have been served by WHY ME.