COMPLIANCE

University at Buffalo 2007-08 Student-Athlete Handbook

HONORS AND AWARDS

University at Buffalo Academic Awards

Taurus Aureus / Chi Alpha Sigma
Those student-athletes who will be graduating or will have exhausted their eligibility and have maintained a cumulative average of 3.0 or above, are inducted as members of Taurus Aureus (Golden Bull). Taurus Aureus was established to recognize those student-athletes who have been scholar athletes throughout their undergraduate careers. Members receive an embossed Golden Bull certificate and a Golden Bull medallion to wear at graduation.

The University at Buffalo Beta Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, was chartered to recognize distinguished scholar athletes. Student-athletes nominated for induction into Chi Alpha Sigma must be junior or senior letter winners with at least a 3.4 cumulative grade point average. They receive certificates and pins from the Chi Alpha Sigma national office. These student-athletes truly represent our most outstanding scholars.

Scholar Athletes
Student-athletes who earn a 3.0 semester GPA with 12 or more letter graded credit hours achieve Scholar Athlete status. The Office of Academic Services recognizes these students each semester.

Dean’s List
Student-athletes who complete 15 or more credit hours (at least 12 letter graded) and earn at least a 3.6 semester GPA qualify for the Dean’s List. These students receive recognition from the university Provost.

The Clifford C. Furnas Award
This is the most prestigious award presented to a student-athlete by the University at Buffalo. The award, which was established by former UB president (1954–1966) Dr. Clifford Furnas, serves to “recognize outstanding undergraduate performance in scholarship and athletic prowess.” Coaches are encouraged to nominate any seniors who are planning to go on to graduate school. Once nominations are in, the Furnas Committee reviews the candidates and recommends one award recipient. The honor includes a one-year grant for graduate study.

Highest Team GPA Award
The purpose of this award is to reward and recognize teams who illustrate exceptional academic achievement during a semester. The students on these teams are the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete and exemplify our motto: ”Mes Sana in Corpre Sano”- sound mind in a sound body. The team that achieves the highest GPA for each semester is recognized at the completion of that semester.

Most Improved Team GPA Award
The purpose of this award is to reward teams who show drive and determination as a team to improve their academic achievement for that semester as compared to previous semesters. These students are the epitome of what it means to be a student-athletes at our University and Division of Athletics. The team that achieves the most improved GPA for each semester is recognized at the completion of that semester.

University at Buffalo Athletic Awards

The Outstanding Female/Male Athlete Award
This award is given to one male and one female UB student-athlete who are determined to be the most valuable to his and her team during the season. Coaches nominate the student-athletes and then vote on those nominations. Judging is completed on a point system.

Varsity Letter Awards
Each head coach has the opportunity to recommend varsity letter awards based on, but not limited to, length of participation in varsity athletics. At the end of the season, the head coach submits a roster of letter award nominees to the Director of Athletics. The criteria for lettering is established at the discretion of the head coach, however, the following is the list of awards according to years of varsity athletic participation:

1st Year......Varsity Letter
2nd Year......UB Stadium Blanket
3rd Year......Letterman Jacket (includes junior college transfers)
4th Year......UB Bulls Wristwatch

Christine Dickerson Memorial Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero Award is selected by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution to his or her sport, and displays outstanding dedication, unselfishness, and contributions to the team. This award is focused on recognizing a student-athlete who excels in the areas of service to the community, academic achievement, sportsmanship, and athletic commitment. A donation of $500 is made each year to the charity or non-profit organization of the recipient’s choice.

Athletes-for Athletes Spirit Award
The Athletes-For-Athletes program was developed in order to encourage athletes to support one another through attendance at athletic events and other forms of school spirit. This award is given to the varsity team who has the highest overall level of support surrounding AFA events throughout the year. Travel schedules are taken in to consideration so as to not count against teams that are out of town for AFA events.

Mid-American Conference Academic Awards

Academic Honor Roll
As members of the Mid-American Conference, student-athletes competing for UB are eligible for the Conference Academic Honor Roll (published list). The Conference recognizes those student-athletes who:

• have achieved a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average at the end of the fall semester or
• have achieved a 3.5 minimum semester or term grade point average.

Commissioner’s Award
The Mid-American Conference also recognizes student-athletes with the Commissioner’s Award (certificate). This award goes to a student-athlete who has achieved a 3.5 minimum cumulative grade point average at the end of the fall semester. (Freshmen are not eligible for this award.)

Presidential Award
The Mid-American Conference recognizes graduating senior student-athletes who have achieved a 3.5 minimum cumulative grade-point average by awarding them the Presidential Award (paperweight).

Bob James Memorial Award
The MAC annually recognizes one male and one female student-athlete, with a certificate and a $1,000 postgraduate scholarship, who have achieved a 3.5 minimum cumulative grade point average, as well as shown evidence of good character, leadership and citizenship.

Annual Awards Banquet
At this banquet, sponsored by the Division of Athletics, each team has the opportunity to receive the academic, athletic, and MAC awards listed above. In addition, individual team awards are given. The four awards given are: