PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The personal development commitment builds a foundation for a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and effective decision-making skills.

Student-Athlete Orientation:

As a way to welcome and introduce our new St. John's student-athletes, all incoming student-athletes (freshmen and transfer) are required to attend a one-day , interactive program just prior to the start of the Fall semester. Upperclass student-athletes serve as Orientation Leaders throughout the day.

Transition to Higher Education- Student Development 101 (SD 101):

In an effort to educate student-athletes in the early stages of their collegiate career, first-year student-athletes are required to participate in Student Development 101. Student Development 101 is held once a week, and is mandated by both the Student Development for Athletes program and the Athletic Department. Trained upperclass student-athletes volunteer their time to serve as small group leaders and mentors to the first-year student-athletes through this program. Every Monday night during the Fall semester, the freshmen meet in their small "color" groups created during Orientation. A variety of topics important to student-athletes are discussed, such as dealing with student-athlete stereotypes, managing time & stress, setting goals and staying focused, making healthy & responsible choices, etc. Additionally, outside speakers often come to present on additional topic areas, such as nutrition for the student-athlete and student-athlete stereotypes.

Continuing Education Series:

Sophomores, juniors and seniors are required to participate in the Continuing Education Series through selected events throughout the year. The Continuing Education Series provides opportunities for student-athletes to explore issues relevant to the student-athlete experience through small group discussions, individual and group activities, guest speakers, and Student Development seminars. This series builds on many of the topics covered in Student Development 101 that are essential to success as a student-athlete. As part of the series, every student-athlete has the opportunity to attend life balance sessions with a licensed therapist and sports psychology consultant.

Life Balance Program:

Ordinary pressures of daily collegiate life, involving academic and athletic expectations, have been found to lead to various student-athlete health concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, sleep and eating disorders, athletic performance issues, and relationship difficulties. Although most of these concerns are treatable, many student-athletes do not recognize that they have problems, and do not seek the help they need. The American College Health Association (2004) reported that out of the 47,000 students surveyed:

        - 94%	felt "overwhelmed" at times
	- 63%	felt "hopeless" at times
	- 45%	depressed to the point of having trouble functioning
	- 10%	seriously considered harming themselves

The Life Balance program aims to inspire student-athletes with a vision of personal wellness, valuing the importance of energy management: (physical, emotional, mental, interpersonal, and spiritual) as the key to ultimate health, peak performance and true life balance. Every student-athlete has the opportunity to attend Life Balance Sessions with a licensed therapist and sports psychology consultant. In addition, team seminars and individual counseling sessions are also available when requested. Topics include: Life Balance skills training, personal life balance counseling, individual team building coaching, sports psychology, alcohol, tobacco & other drug (ATOD) education.