It serves as a laboratory experience for those student-athletes who choose to major in Physical Education and for those pursuing careers in coaching or recreation. Like our fine arts programs, it provides students with opportunities to develop skills and talents widely admired in society. It enables the intercollegiate athletes to compete at a high level of excellence, encourages intramural participants to greater achievement by providing accessible athletic role models, and gives all students an opportunity to develop an appreciation of a wide variety of sports. The intercollegiate Athletic Program, by offering this wide variety of quality sports, enhances university life, contributes to the recruitment and retention of students, fosters pride in the university and broader community, and strengthens university-community links. The principal goal of the University is the education of its students.
Intercollegiate athletes are students first, and their educational progress is our primary concern.
The University should facilitate the academic progress of intercollegiate athletes through diligent monitoring of academic progress and a strong faculty-advising program. Coaches should take a proactive role in this endeavor. Attendance at sports events must increase substantially. The University will continue its current high level of support for the Intercollegiate Athletic program. The highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct must be maintained by all those associated with the Intercollegiate Athletic Program.