The Hatter Challenge is a competitive program developed for Stetson University's varsity intercollegiate teams. This annual competition is designed to recognize student-athletes for their dedication to academics, contribution to the community, and support for fellow student-athletes. Points will be awarded to teams based on the following three categories: academic success, community engagement, and attendance at athletic events (not including the student-athlete's sport). At the end of each academic year, the team with the most total points wins $500 to be used however the team decides and as allowed by NCAA bylaws and Stetson University policies. The points system will be broken down as follows:
Academic Success
Teams will be awarded points based on academic success and academic improvement. Points will be given for team GPA at the end of both the Fall and Spring semesters. Teams can also earn points by showing improvement in their team GPA each semester. Lastly, at the end of each semester, individuals will be awarded 5 points each towards their team's total for having a 4.0 GPA. Points earned by individuals will contribute directly to the team total, regardless of roster size. GPAs will be calculated to the hundredth place value and will not be rounded.
Team GPA - Awarded at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters:
4.0 3.75 = 50 points 3.24 3.00 = 20 points Below 2.50 = 0 points
3.74 3.50 = 40 points 2.99 2.75 = 10 points
3.49 3.25 = 30 points 2.74 2.50 = 5 points
GPA Semester Improvement - Awarded to the teams that improve their Team GPA each semester:
.01 - .09 increase = 10 points.26 - .30 increase = 50 points .50 + = 90 points
.10 - .15 increase = 20 points.31 - .35 increase = 60 points
.16 - .20 increase = 30 points.36 - .40 increase = 70 points
.21 - .25 increase = 40 points.41 - .45 increase = 80 points
Community Engagement
In compliance with the core values of Stetson University, student-athletes will be awarded points for their involvement in the community. Hours can be earned by the student-athlete through work with a registered non-profit organization or a team-sponsored project. Community Service points will be awarded based on the following equation:
(Hours x 20) / Roster Size = Number of Points Earned per Athlete
In order to get credit for hours, the student-athlete must complete a designated form which will be available to them online. Student-athletes can access the form at www.gohatters.com by clicking the SAAC link on the lefthand panel. The form must be completed within one week of completing the project for credit. No forms will be accepted prior to the completion of the community service project. Each individual athlete must complete a form, even if the service was completed as a group.
Athletes Supporting Athletes
Teams will be awarded points based on the percentage of team members attending Stetson University varsity athletic events against an Atlantic Sun Conference opponent. However, for cross country, men's golf, women's golf, men's rowing and women's rowing events, teams will be awarded points (based on the percentage of team members attending) for attending any home events in these sports.
A sign-in sheet will be available at these events for student-athletes to sign as verification of their attendance. Each student-athlete attending the event must sign the sheet in order to receive credit for attending one student-athlete may not sign in other student-athletes. For events in the sports of volleyball, men's soccer, women's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, softball and baseball, the sign-in sheets will be available until the ticket office closes; for all other events, the sign-in sheet will be available for the duration of the event.
1-24% attendance - 6 points
25-49% attendance - 8 points
50-74% attendance -10 points
75% and over attendance - 12 points
SAAC Meetings
Teams will also earn points on their representatives' attendance at SAAC meetings. Teams will be awarded zero points if no representatives are present. If at least one representative is present, the team will earn 5 points. If two or more SAAC representatives are present, the team will be awarded 10 points.