UIS Athletics Mission Statement

MISSION STATEMENT

The Intercollegiate Athletics Department will provide a competitive, culturally diverse, gender-equitable sports program; one which will serve as a window to the University in an environment of integrity and equity that enables student-athletes to achieve excellence in their academic and athletic pursuits. 

The department strives to recruit academically sound student-athletes who have the desire and motivation to graduate and become responsible citizens.  The Intercollegiate Athletics Department personnel and student-athletes shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times while representing the honor and digninty of their sport, as well as the University of Illinois at Springfield. 

The Intercollegiate Athletics program is dedicated to a belief that athletic participation promtes the development of sportsmanship, good character and a strong work ethic.  The overall physical and mental well-being of the student-athlete is our top priority.  University spirit and community pride will be developed through a successfull athletics program.

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

It is paramount that the Intercollegiate Athletics Department works in harmony with the values outlined in the mission statement of the University of Illinois at Springfield.

The goal of the University of Illinois at Springfield and its Intercollegiate Athletics Department is for the student-athletes to receive a quality experience both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits.  To ensure that each student-athlete achieves this goal, the University is committed to the academic and financial integrity of the Intercollegiate Athletics Programs by exercising solid institutional control.  It is the responsibility of the University and the Intercollegiate Athletics Department to follow all regulations set in place for the governance of intercollegiate athletics by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II, and the Great Lakes Valley Conference.  Additionally, it is the responsibility of the University and its agents to educate and enforce the NCAA and GLVC regulations among all boosters, alumni, and all groups or individuals who represent the athletic interests of the University of Illinois at Springfield.

OBJECTIVES

The University of Illinois at Springfield has adopted the listed objects to serve as a guide for intercollegiate athletics.

1.    The Intercollegiate Athletic Program is an integral part of UIS and it is the responsibility of the University Administration, the Athletic Director, and all the coaches to administer all aspects of the programs with oversight and advisement by the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee.  Support and involvement by alumni, supporting groups, and others are necessary and welcome and help serve the outreach mission of intercollegiate athletics, but all activities by such groups must be undertaken in conformance with applicable regulations and under the strict control of appropriate UIS personnel. 
2.    The educational goals and mission of UIS determine the standards by which we conduct the Intercollegiate Athletic Program.
3.    The Intercollegiate Athletic Program shall be administered with the highest ethical standards reflecting sportsmanship by continually practicing the values of respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility.
4.    UIS shall maintain compliance with all institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and regulations governing amateurism, recruiting, eligibility, playing and practice seasons, and program finance.
5.    The Intercollegiate Athletic Program at UIS will provide unique opportunities for experiential learning.  Skills, competencies, and knowledge that can only be developed and expressed in a highly competitive environment.
6.    The intercollegiate environment at UIS will embrace and promote gender and cultural diversity among administration, coaches, and student-athletes.
7.    Academic progress is expected to accompany athletic participation.  Academic success, as well as athletic success, will always be promoted at UIS.
8.    UIS will conduct an Intercollegiate Athletic Program that will provide the physical and general well-being of all student-athletes and will be addressed through a comprehensive program of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injury and a substance abuse education and testing program. 
9.    The UIS Intercollegiate Athletic Program will make other contributions to the student-athletes, the campus and the surrounding communities it serves (e.g. by enhancing character development and other tertiary benefits which result from involvement, contributing to a balanced educational program, and will provide a sense of identity).
10.  The Intercollegiate Athletic Program and the Academia at UIS will continue to foster a symbiotic relationship as UIS becomes one of the “Top Five” Small Liberal Arts Universities in the country.