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Belonging & Experience

Belonging & Experience

Mission Statement

To cultivate a home-court advantage that ensures every student-athlete, coach and staff member feels a sense of belonging at BYU. We align with the university's charge that, "all relationships within the BYU community should reflect devout love of God and a loving, genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor" and the need to "root out racism." As we continually strive to obey God’s commandment to love one another, we commit to building an intentional and inclusive environment that welcomes varying perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.

About

About

At BYU Athletics, we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every student-athlete, coach, and employee feels valued, respected, and connected. Through education, awareness initiatives, service opportunities, community-building experiences, and ongoing collaboration, we work to strengthen relationships across our athletic community and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

One way we bring this commitment to life is through events that bring people together. Many of these activities draw from the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and traditions represented within BYU Athletics. Whether through cultural celebrations, service projects, educational discussions, or observances of important holidays and heritage months, we create opportunities for student-athletes and employees to learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and strengthen our shared commitment to belonging.

Key Pillars

#1Community

We foster a culture where every student-athlete, coach, and staff member feels seen, valued, and supported. By strengthening meaningful relationships, we create a home-court advantage rooted in belonging and mutual respect.

#2Leadership

We empower individuals to lead with integrity, empathy, and accountability. Through example and action, we encourage leadership that uplifts others and strengthens our athletic community.

#3Education

We promote learning through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and opportunities for growth. By increasing understanding of different perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures, we strengthen connection and belonging.

#4Data Collection

We listen, assess, and learn through intentional feedback and meaningful data. By understanding experiences within our community, we can make informed decisions that improve belonging and support positive change.

#5Issues of Belonging

We are committed to addressing barriers that impact a sense of belonging, including discrimination, exclusion, and team culture challenges. We strive to create an environment where all individuals feel respected, welcomed, and empowered to thrive.

#6Partnerships

We believe lasting change happens through collaboration. By working together across teams, departments, and communities, we strengthen relationships and create shared responsibility for belonging.

Yearly "BIG" Events

FALL SEMESTER

September

  • Welcome Back Bash
  • Opening Social
  • President's Fireside

October

  • Sports Hero Day
  • Candy on the Concourse

November

  • Fall Honor Week
  • Friendsgiving
  • International Education Week

December

  • Christmas Service Project

WINTER SEMESTER

January

  • Winter Honor Week

February

  • Sports Hero Day
  • Stories of LIfe

March

  • More Than an Athlete Dinner
  • Belonging Begins with Us Campaign

April

  • Inclusive Sports Foundation
  • Y Awards

Belonging & Experience Initiatives

Asian Student-Athletes
Black Student-Athletes
International Student-Athletes
Latinx Student-Athletes
Pacific Islander Student-Athletes
Religiously Diverse Student-Athletes

A community outreach initiative where BYU student-athletes visit elementary schools to lead assemblies centered on the principles of being Built to Love, Work, Learn, and Connect. Through these engaging experiences, the program helps inspire and empower young students while strengthening connections within the community and fostering the next generation of BYU fans.

Get more information here

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Two-three times per year, groups of student-athletes visit various out-of-state locations to serve local communities and find new ways to connect with the BYU fanbase. These trips include partnering with nonprofits, speaking at firesides, and hosting Q&As for local schools.

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SAAC representatives are the voice of BYU student-athletes at both BYU and the NCAA. They represent their teammates, share feedback, and help improve the student-athlete experience. Each team has 2–4 representatives (depending on roster size) who connect their team with BYU Athletics and the NCAA, communicate updates, and support student-athlete initiatives.

Check us out on Instagram: @byusaac