Ohio Administrative Code › Title 3359 - University of Akron › Chapter 3359-48 - Athletics and Academic Assistance › Section 3359-48-01 - Athletic policy

Current through all regulations passed and filed through July 1, 2024
(A)
								Statement on
			 athletics
(1)
									Purpose
The university of Akron has established
				an NCAA division I (FBS) athletics program to provide high-quality
				opportunities for student-athletes via athletic scholarships, practices, and
				competition. Competitive athletic programs contribute significantly to the
				learning and development of students, and the athletic programs are designed to
				work in harmony with the essential educational objectives of the institution.
				Intercollegiate competition in NCAA athletics helps to foster an enthusiastic
				sense of shared allegiance and collegiality among students, faculty, staff,
				alumni, and the greater Akron community.
The department of athletics seeks
				excellence in all areas and strives for balance within its athletics programs.
				The university's intercollegiate athletics programs are intended to encourage
				in their participants a desire for excellence, respect for teammates and
				opponents, fair play, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, integrity, and
				physical fitness. Athletics provides opportunities for student-athletes to
				understand the rewards that come from dedication to a larger purpose and to
				develop their personal, physical, and intellectual skills. The achievements in
				the competitive arena, in the community, and in the classroom will continue as
				university of Akron student-athletes, coaches and staff share in the commitment
				to excellence. Athletics shares with the university a commitment to cultural
				diversity and equal opportunity. Further, athletics is committed to sound
				fiscal decision-making and operating with integrity.
(2)
									Governance
The university of Akron shall maintain
				active membership in the NCAA division I (FBS) and the mid-American conference
				(MAC). In accordance with this membership, the institution and its department
				of athletics shall adhere to all NCAA and MAC rules. These rules govern areas
				of eligibility, recruiting, financial aid, practice and competition, among
				others.
Ultimately, the university president is
				responsible for the administration of all aspects of the athletics program.
				This responsibility has been delegated by the president to the director of
				athletics for daily management and implementation.
The members of the department of
				athletics (students and employees) are subject to all university
				rules.
(3)
									Staffing.
(a)
										Coaches.
The university will maintain a coaching
				staff that represents the best in athletics instruction and who possess the
				ability to motivate and inspire student-athletes. Coaches are primarily
				teachers and share with the members of the university community the
				responsibility to educate, train, and assist in the formation of the students
				entrusted to them. Coaches are expected to abide by the highest standards of
				personal conduct and are expected to be role models for their
				student-athletes.
(b)
										Administrative staff.
The university will provide
				administrative staffing to support the department of athletics, ranging from
				leadership to supportive roles. The administrative staff will be charged with
				ensuring fiscal responsibility, rules compliance, maintaining a focus on
				student-athlete experience, engaging the university and greater Akron
				communities, and aligning the department's activities with the goals of the
				university as a whole.
(c)
										Faculty athletics
			 representative.
The university president shall
				designate a faculty athletics representative (FAR) to serve the department of
				athletics in an advisory capacity, provide support to student-athletes and
				coaches, provide faculty perspective in athletics matters, and to act as a
				liaison among student-athletes, coaches, staff, and members of the faculty.
				This appointee shall hold a faculty rank at the university of Akron and shall
				not hold an administrative or coaching position in the department of
				athletics.
(4)
									Student athlete
			 conduct.
Student-athletes shall represent the
				university of Akron in a positive manner. They shall be students first,
				maintaining a focus on academic integrity, making progress toward their degree,
				and ultimately graduating. Further, student-athletes are expected to conduct
				themselves with integrity, sportsmanship, honesty, pride, and
				humility.
The university of Akron has a highly
				visible and successful athletics program. The student-athletes' public exposure
				in the competitive arena and the media place them among the most visible groups
				in the university community, the city of Akron, Summit county, and the state of
				Ohio. What they do and the way they do it is often highlighted, placing them in
				a public position, which requires exemplary behavior.
University of Akron student-athletes
				are totally responsible for their own behavior. They are expected to obey all
				applicable laws, rules, and regulations. If student-athletes do not meet these
				requirements, they are subject to the university code of student conduct and
				any relevant athletics policies and procedures. The department of athletics
				shall maintain a student-athlete handbook detailing specific expectations, and
				coaches may supplement departmental requirements with individual team
				rules.