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Athletics

 SIUE Athletics
Cougar Ruler
Mission & Values

The mission and values of the Athletics Department is in alignment and complements the mission of the University with a focus on excellence, opportunity, compliance and increasing and enhancing the University's visibility and image.

Mission

The mission of the SIUE Intercollegiate Athletics program is to provide students with opportunities to enhance their education, to represent the University, and to participate in competitive sports while developing skills and understanding. This mission is fulfilled through meeting the following objectives:

1. Emphasize the student athlete concept and support the academic achievement of all participants;
2. Engage in all sporting activities in compliance with NCAA, Conference and University regulations and procedures;
3. Provide equal opportunities for both male and female athletes;
4. Enhance the University's visibility and name recognition through a comprehensive program of successful competitive athletics;
5. Provide spectator events that contribute to campus life, build community spirit and generate regional competition and rivalry.

Values
  • Higher Education - No goal of ours exceeds the mandate to educate and graduate the student-athlete.
  • Dedication to the educational purpose of the University.
  • Rules and Regulations - We are dedicated to enforcing adherence to the rules and regulations of the NCAA and the Conference by our student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
  • Pursuit of Excellence - Intercollegiate Athletics, with its emphasis on excellence at all levels of play, provides opportunities for undergraduate/graduate students to understand the rewards that come from dedication to a larger purpose and to develop their personal, physical and intellectual skills.
  • Citizenship - We believe that the values of citizenship are realized through sportsmanship and ethical play in athletics. We are committed to teaching our student-athletes essential skills that will provide for
  • A lifetime of contributions to their community, state and nation.
  • Amateur Sportsmanship - Participation in amateur sports provides the student-athlete with opportunities to experience and develop life skills in the areas of leadership, discipline, teamwork, goal-setting, self-respect and respect for others.

    It is important to note the guiding principles of the University with regard to athletics transitions from Division II to Division I and its congruence with both the University and the Division I Philosophy Statement.
  • Need to have a high probability of getting into a conference
  • Under no circumstances will we sacrifice academics for athletic success.
  • If student fees are used, we will not charge students for regular season games.
  • Athletic facilities need to reflect the University's commitment to overall excellence.
  • Should only consider a move to enhance the overall university experience,
  • Need to remain committed to gender equity.
  • Recruitment of student athletes should continue to reflect the university's commitment to diversity.
  • Academic profile of the student athlete should continue to mirror that of the general student body.
  • No move should be made at the expense/sacrifice of the university's financial well being.
  • University community should be informed fully of the cost and benefits of any move to Division I and given the opportunity for input into the decision.
  • Athletic decisions should continue to be consistent with the University's mission.
  • Climate of Intercollegiate Athletics should continue to reflect the mission, vision and values of SIUE.

    PRINCIPLES GOVERNING INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
    The Intercollegiate Athletics program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been developed in the belief that properly administered intercollegiate sports, subscribing to the principles of good sportsmanship, rules compliance and amateurism, are beneficial activities which contribute to the physical, intellectual, and social experiences of the entire University community. Intercollegiate athletics should compliment the instructional research and service programs of the University; and therefore, must function within the framework of the University's overall goals.

    In harmony with the stated mission of the University, the goals of intercollegiate athletics are to enhance the physical and intellectual abilities of those participating in the program, and to provide for the physical and social welfare of our student-athletes, as well as to provide spectator benefits for the University community and the community at large. The recognition that the goals of the athletics program are subservient to the goals of the general academic program should guide the activities of those responsible for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics. Athletics programs must support, not detract from, the University's educational program.

    Intercollegiate athletics is intended to provide students with equitable opportunities to enhance their education, to represent their university, and to participate in athletics with developing skill and understanding. All undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in intercollegiate athletics as determined by their interests and capabilities. Participation in the program; however, is secondary to the academic obligation of students. To this end, it is the responsibility of those administering the program to schedule the length of playing seasons, the frequency of practice sessions, and the number of contests so that they shall not unreasonably conflict with students obligations to attend class regularly, to study, to develop their intellectual, moral, and social faculties, and to graduate from the university as educated men and women.

    This Statement of Principles approved April 9, 1984.