The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) conducted their annual two-day workshop on February 6_7, 2011 at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. SAAC representatives from all 13 MEAC institutions were in attendance.The workshop began with icebreakers and group leadership activities led by Quintin Wright, Assistant Director of Championships and Compliance and the liaison to MEAC SAAC. Their MEAC NCAA representative, Carvell Copeland (NCAT) shared his experience from the NCAA National SAAC Convention, as well as important topics that were emphasized at the convention.
Focusing on campus SAAC updates from the student athletes, leadership empowerment activities led by compliance interns Sade' Kirby and Annitra Cole, the SAAC members were able to collaborate with each other for a common goal. The activity the "Tallest Tower" focused on the importance of collaboration and communication. Assistant Director of Corporate Partnerships and Media Relations Nicole Mitchell was also on hand to direct the student athletes in a leadership activity. Mitchell implemented a leadership exercise to help the student athletes realize their own leadership potential through a game called "I AM". Each student filled out a worksheet that asked statements about themselves that helped them realize their own potential.
After a day of workshops and discussions, the MEAC SAAC traveled to Laser Tag in Virginia Beach, followed by a Super Bowl party at the new MEAC conference office.
On Monday, February 7, 2011, the workshop concluded with the MEAC SAAC establishing the MEAC SAAC agenda for the 2011-12 academic year.
The day followed with the group participating in community service at the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk, by lending a hand in sorting donated food items.
The two-day workshop ended with final remarks from SAAC liaison Quintin Wright. "This MEAC SAAC conference was an opportunity for our student athletes to come out and empower themselves, and by doing so it made our in-person meeting successful and worthwhile. I expect nothing but the best for years to come."