Villanova University

PHILOSOPHY

Villanova University enjoys a long and visible history in intercollegiate athletics. Athletic success has been achieved without compromising academic standards or goals. The academic and personal development of every student-athlete remains the primary concern of the University and of the Department of Athletics. Educational experiences in the classroom are complemented by those in athletics, which promote discipline, teamwork, leadership, and good sportsmanship. AUltimately all these programs and support are seen as a means of developing the total person: intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, socially, and physically.@ (Mission Statement of Villanova University)

The concept that athletics is an integral part of the educational system is the foundation of intercollegiate athletics. It dictates the organization and procedures in which a Department of Athletics works and determines the athletic tradition which it will perpetuate over the years. Included in the NCAA Manual is the following statement:

AThe competitive athletic programs of the colleges are designed to be a vital part of the educational system. A basic purpose of this association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the student-athletes as an integral part of the student body, and, by so doing, retain a clear line of demarcation between college athletics and professional sports.

The University upholds the rules and regulations established by the NCAA, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Big East Conference, Big 5, Atlantic 10, Patriot League, and other groups which it belongs. In addition to these regulations, the student-athlete must abide by more rigorous standards imposed by Villanova University. The University is also committed to the concept of institutional control, requiring appropriate participation in the development and review of athletic policies by the University President, the University Senate, and the Athletic Advisory Committee of the Board of Trustees, additionally, athletic booster organizations, alumni, and other groups and individuals who represent the University for the governance of its intercollegiate athletics program.

OBJECTIVES

The success of the athletics program is measured by its relationship with the mission of the University, defined in the University's mission statement. Integrating the goals of the University with the mandates established by the NCAA, ECAC, Big East, Big 5, Atlantic 10, and Patriot League, the Department of Athletics recognizes a dual commitment to serve both the student-athletes and the University. Based upon the above philosophy, the Department is guided by the following objectives:

1. To provide the maximum opportunity for the University community to participate in varsity, intramural, club, and recreational sports programs. Sports programs offer the opportunity for personal, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, cultural, social, and physical development.

2. To offer a well-run athletics program that fosters pride in the University among faculty, students, and the citizens of the area and engenders community support for the institution at the legislative, state, and local levels.

3. To have the University represented by men and women student-athletes whose conduct reflects credit upon the institution and who are bona fide students, making normal progress in degree programs with appropriate academic counseling, advisement, and support.

4. To provide equal opportunities for both men and women by developing and sustaining programs which help student-athletes achieve their maximum potential, both athletically and academically.

5. To have the Department of Athletics as a leader among ethical, nondiscriminatory and well-managed departments by avoiding the appearance, as well as the fact, of impropriety and by producing teams and programs characterized overall by excellence.

6. To field discipline and competitive student-athletes and teams who are supported by skilled people dedicated to the observation of the spirit as well as the letter of all the applicable rules.

7. To schedule appropriate competition for the University's student-athletes and athletic teams.

8. To provide trainer and medical support for all intercollegiate student-athletes to enhance the physical fitness and skill of the student-athletes, as well as to promote the recovery of those who are ill or injured.

9. To provide financial aid to a student-athlete who is offered and accepts an athletically-related scholarship, as long as the student-athlete is a team member and continues to make normal progress toward graduation, as defined by existing standards.

10. To produce the revenue necessary to support, at least in part, intercollegiate teams and student-athletes in those sports that are not financially self-supporting.

11. To provide a means by which institutional alumni and the public at large identify with the University for mutually beneficial purposes.

12. To update and maintain intercollegiate athletics befitting a university and to accommodate the athletic and recreational needs of a diverse student and faculty community.

13. To strive for improvement in the system of intercollegiate athletics by cooperation with other institutions to reduce pressures tending toward improprieties.

COMMITMENTS

Villanova University is committed to a policy of providing equal opportunity for all. In all matters regarding admissions, registration, and all official relationships with students, including evaluation of academic performance, the University insists on a policy of nondiscrimination. Villanova University is also an equal opportunity employer, institutional policy states that there shall not be Any discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or on the basis of being a handicapped but otherwise qualified individual. In addition, Villanova takes affirmative action in the recruitment of students and employees. Inquiries concerning equal opportunity policies may be referred to the University Affirmative Action Officer.

The Board of Trustees of Villanova University, the President of the University, and the Director of Athletics are fully committed to compliance with letter and spirit of the regulations mandating equal opportunity for men and women in intercollegiate athletics.

The Department of Athletics pledges to continue its commitment to uphold the Villanova University Affirmative Action Program toward the achievement of equal employment and educational opportunity, as noted in the Affirmative Action Program Guidelines that are enforced by the Administration of Villanova University. A copy of these guidelines is available upon request from the Office of the Director of Athletics.

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONS

Villanova University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and is governed by the constitution and bylaws of the association, as outlined in the NCAA Manual. The purpose of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the University's educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body of the University. By so doing, a clear line of demarcation between college athletics and professional sports is maintained. NCAA legislation governing the conduct of intercollegiate athletics programs applies to basic athletic issues such as recruiting, admission, financial aid, eligibility, and practice and competition. If member institutions fails to fulfill this obligation, the enforcement program of the NCAA is applied.

Villanova University is also a member school of the ECAC, Big East Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, Patriot League Conference, and the Big 5 and is governed by the rules and regulations of these associations. These conferences uphold high standards of academics and conduct while promoting conference teams.

The Department of Athletics is committed to compliance with the rules and regulations of the athletic associations in which it is a member. Departmental administrators, coaches and employees are expected to maintain current knowledge about and comply with rules and regulations governing their area of responsibility. In creating Departmental policies and procedures, every effort has been made to adhere to the rules and regulations of these associations and to implement their policies. This commitment encompasses all administrative aspects of the intercollegiate athletics program, as well as the management of student-athlete activities.