About NJCU's involvement

NJCU's, Class of 2005

New Jersey City University is currently one of 512 programs nationwide, and just 103 in Division III to currently participate in the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.

NJCU was one of 17 Division III institutions to form the Class of 2005. These colleges, universities, and conferences that were accepted into the program in 2005 include: Cornell College, Macalester College, University of Maine, Farmington, University of New England, New Jersey City University, New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association, Nichols College, North Park University, State University College at Old Westbury, Regis College (Massachusetts), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, Salve Regina University, Spelman College, University of Texas at Dallas, Waynesburg College, University of Wisconsin, Superior.

Mr. Arnold Jeter, NJCU's Coordinator of Athletic Academic Advisement and Retention, serves as NJCU's CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Coordinator. He can be reached at 201/200-2528 or via e-mail.

For more detailed information on the program, please visit the NCAA's resource website.

For a printable PDF version of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program brochure, please click here.

Program History

In 1994, after several years of development by the NCAA Foundation, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was launched to the NCAA membership. That summer 46 NCAA institutions participated in the first orientation for administrators from around the country. Since then, approximately 50 member institutions have joined the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program each year. 

Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the NCAA national office. 

The mission of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.

Mission Statement 

In the process of achieving this mission, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will: 

• Support efforts of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.       
• Use athletics as preparation for success in life.       
• Meet the changing needs of student-athletes.       
• Promote respect for diversity among student-athletes.       
• Enhance interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes.       
• Assist student-athletes in building positive self-esteem.       
• Enable student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities.       
• Promote ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities.       
• Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education.       
• Encourage the development of leadership skills.

Participating institutions in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program are provided with instructional materials and supplemental resources, which support a student-athlete's development in five areas: academics, athletics, personal development, career development and community service.