“P.A.W.S.”
(PROVIDING ATHLETES WITH SUCCESS STRATEGIES)
NCAA CHAMPS/LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
P.A.W.S. is a “Life Skills” program designed to provide an optimum experience for every Morgan State student-athlete. P.A.W.S. focuses on the “total development” of the student athlete.
The P.A.W.S. program consists of five major components.
I. THE COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Our primary goal is to educate student-athletes so that when they depart Morgan State they will have more than a degree. They will have an appreciation for learning along with the knowledge and skills that will carry them through life. The components of this program are Orientation to the University, time management, study skills, notetaking and test taking techniques, tutoring and study hall, academic counseling, assistance with scholarship applications, awards and honors, recognition.
II. THE COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
The P.A.W.S. program focuses on the individual as a whole person and provides a system of balanced “life learning” that addresses the needs of the individual before and after graduation.
The components of this program are social development (manners and etiquette), personal health (nutrition, sexual responsibility, alcohol/drug education), fundamental values (values clarification, ethics awareness), emotional health (support groups, stress management, diversity, spirituality)
III. THE COMMITMENT TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The object of this component is to explore and develop career options and to prepare our student-athletes for an exciting long-term career. The goal is to aid our student-athletes in securing their first professional job in their chosen career path upon graduation. Services in this area include career counseling, resume writing and interviewing workshops, internships, summer employment and graduate school.
IV. THE COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
The P.A.W.S. program supports the philosophy that student-athletes gain “leadership through service”. Through their efforts, they can make a positive contribution in an extensive community outreach effort as well as develop a proper perspective about life. The Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) serves as a major entity in this project. Projects include adopt-a-school program, mentoring/tutoring, reading programs, and active community outreach.
V. THE COMMITMENT TO ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE
Morgan State pledges that all student-athletes will be provided quality facilities, equipment, coaching and support services so that each student-athlete can achieve his or her maximum potential both academically and athletically. Sensitivity to the dignity of the student-athlete is vital to the success of our department. The components are varsity sports, competitive sports opportunities, Title IX requirements, coaching and support staffs, media relations and athletic training and health care.
