Participants at the April 24 "Healthy Kids Day!", an outreach event for children of the Boulder/Denver metro-area sponsored by the Student Development/Enrichment Program. Photo courtesy of Justina Boyd.

Students expect to exercise their gray cells during their academic careers; student athletes add structured physical training to the mix. The Athletic Department's Student Development/Enrichment Program extends an additional opportunity to student athletes-the chance to further develop their personal and professional skills.

"It makes for a full schedule," said Justina Boyd, director of the program. "But we offer important opportunities for expanding students' view of community service and their future careers."

The program is based on the NCAA's Life Skills Program, which offers student athletes assistance in the areas of academic, personal and career development and service. Now in its 10th year, the NCAA program has recently become a requirement in all Division I schools.

CU-Boulder joined the program in 1996 and last year hired Boyd as director. Her position is unique in that very few colleges have committed to fulltime management of their Life Skills programs.

"Enrichment programs are a growing trend in college athletics," said Boyd.

Among the opportunities available to student athletes is leadership training through the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. The SAAC consists of two representatives from each of the 17 CU-Boulder teams who meet twice per month to discuss various issued related to athletics, including opportunities for student athletes to serve on campus committees. The SAAC also is the driving force behind the Athletic Department's community outreach programs.

Boyd also works closely with campus programs that are open to all students and administered by the Division of Student Affairs, including Career Services, Wardenburg Health Center and Interactive Theater.