Guiding Principles

The athletic department of The University of Texas-Pan American is responsible for the operation of the intercollegiate athletics program.  To administer a program of high quality requires the trust and support of the student-athletes, the academic area, the public, the coaching staff, the university, the NCAA and affiliated conferences.  The athletic department has responsibilities in the following areas:

 

A.     Student-Athletes

The primary goal of the athletic department is to provide the best possible atmosphere within which the student-athletes compete.  The responsibilities of the department to the student-athletes are to ensure that they receive an outstanding education, and to provide the best possible athletic program in an environment that allows all student-athletes the opportunity to compete to the fullest extent of their abilities.

B.     Academic Integrity

The athletic department views the athlete as both a student and as an athlete.  The student-athlete’s major purpose at Texas-Pan American is to continue his or her education, and to earn a degree. The student-athlete is responsible for attending class on a regular basis, completing all classroom assignments, and conducting themselves properly.  The student-athletes are required to meet all university academic requirements, and remain eligible to compete under the rules of the university, affiliated conferences and the NCAA.  The athletic department has the responsibility of monitoring the academic performance of its student-athletes on a regular basis to ensure that classes are being attended, class assignments completed, and that appropriate academic support is being utilized through the UTPA Counseling/Advisement Center.

C.     The Public/Community Involvement and Service

The athletic department aims to provide the public with highly competitive athletic teams.  It is the department’s goal to provide a quality program in all sports that will earn the support and confidence of the public.  In addition, the athletic department has developed partnerships with the local community that provide opportunities for mutual involvement, through service oriented projects.

D.     The Coaching Staffs

Coaches have the responsibilities in all three areas of concern to the athletic department.  They provide the public and the community in general with a quality program.  They truly represent the athletic department and the university in a manner that enhances the athletic program.  They take a sincere interest in the academic and athletic activities of all their student-athletes and ensure that each on is treated fairly and provided with the best opportunity to excel.  They continue to operate their programs and activities within the rules and regulation of the university, affiliated conferences and the NCAA.

E.      Fiscal Responsibilities and Budget Management

All athletic department personnel ensure that their program or department operates effectively and productively within assigned budget parameters and without violating established UTPA procedures.

F.      The NCAA and Affiliated Conferences

The athletic department is committed to the principles and objectives of The University of Texas–Pan American, affiliated conferences and the NCAA.  All activities of this department are governed by the rules and regulations of these organizations.