The athletics department's personal growth and development programs are designed to provide student-athletes a smooth transition to college life and to enhance skills crucial to their personal and academic lives.

All freshman student-athletes are required to attend two 50-minute sessions per week for approximately 15 weeks during their first semester at the University of Utah. The freshman year is heavily targeted because it is a crucial time for student-athletes to learn the importance of succeeding in all areas. All freshmen and transfer student-athletes must also attend "Rookie Day" prior to the start of classes to further help them make the transition. Through the Life Skills class, student-athletes gain exposure to services offered by the Athletics Department and other offices and resources on campus. The course also allows new U. students to interact with upper division Student-Athlete Mentors (SAMs), as well as other student-athletes.

Freshman Year Curriculum will address:

• College Transition
• Time Management
• Sports Nutrition
• Performance Enhancing Drugs and Supplements
• Administration of Strong Interest Inventory/Career Exploration
• NCAA Rules/Student-Athlete Handbook
• Community Service/UTES Speakers Bureau
• Diversity
• Sports Psychology
• Establishing Relationships/Sexual Responsibility
• Media Relations
• Leadership/SAAC/SAMs
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Stress Management
• Financial Responsibility
• First draft of a Resume

Upper Division Assistance
Beyond the freshman year, workshops are also offered to student-athletes via a network of professionals, student-athlete support services, within the Athletics Department, University Counseling Center, Office of Health Promotion, Women's Resource Center and Alcohol Drug Education Center, per request. Below is a list of programs offered:

• Nutrition
• Mental Aspects of the Game/Sports Psychology
• Alcohol and Drug Education
• Eating Disorders
• Diversity
• Sexual Responsibility
• Gay & Lesbian Issues
• Stress Management
• Violence Prevention

SAFARI/Student-Athlete Wellness Team
Two other programs coordinated by the Office of Student-Support Services are SAFARI (Student-Athletes for Active Rehabilitation of Injuries) and the Student-Athlete Wellness Team. SAFARI is designed to equip injured athletes with the tools for actively enhancing the rehabilitation process. The purpose is to facilitate a successful return to practice and competition following an injury. The Student-Athlete Wellness Team consists of individuals from the Athletics Department (the trainer, strength coach and support services director), along with the team physician, sports psychologist, sports nutritionist, social worker, and counselors from the Women's Resource Center and Counseling Center. This team of professionals focuses on prevention, therapy, and performance. The variety of specialties provides athletes support for physical, mental and emotional wellness.

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