CHARLOTTE – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), in conjunction with the CIAA Faculty Athletic Representative Association (FARA), recently hosted its first-ever virtual mental health symposium.
The symposium, which featured commentary from CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams, CIAA FARA President Dr. Charles Pinckney of Livingstone College, and members of CIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), was facilitated by keynote speakers Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley and Dr. LaKeitha Poole leading an interactive presentation and multi-faceted discussion about mental health.
With items such as COVID-19 and the fight for social justice at the forefront of many discussions among membership, the two-day event focused on managing mental health during such unprecedented times and delivered messaging that resonated with many of the 150+ attendees – made up of CIAA student-athletes, coaches, administrators and other outside constituents – that took part in this unique virtual experience.
“The Mental Health Symposium was an amazing experience! Dr. Poole and Dr. Mosley provided many resources that I never knew were available. They also educated me on ways to identify signs of stress, which was very informative because I never realized some of the behaviors were actually signs,” said Winston-Salem State University senior track & field athlete Ashley Taylor.
“As a student-athlete, it’s very important to know these signs and resources because we are put under a lot of stress, so knowing this information can help control stress before it becomes unbearable,” Taylor further explained.
Additionally, this event served as the initial effort of the conference to deliver programming that aligns with the newly developed strategic plan. Specifically, it was an opportunity to highlight one of the main pillars of the plan, Champions of Character, which looks to promote and support the development of the student-athletes.
“The heart and soul of this conference is our student-athletes,” stated CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “It is important that we continue to remain engaged with them during this time of uncertainty and provide resources that enhance their athletic and academic experience. This symposium provided that opportunity while allowing us to remain in tune with the goals of our strategic plan.”
The CIAA will look to continue the positive momentum of the symposium with similar events in the future. A replay of the symposium can be viewed on the CIAA Sports Network by clicking
HERE.
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