Athletics Policy
Introduction
The Council on Postsecondary Education (“the Council”) recognizes and supports the notion that a successful program of intercollegiate athletics is an important part of campus life. The exact parameters of the athletics program will vary with the unique role and mission of each particular school.
There are, however, certain conditions which must be present in every program regardless of the level of competition or the number of sports offered.
Policy
I.While success, both on and off the field, is certainly the goal of any athletic program, such success should never come at the cost of academic integrity. Athletes are students first and those involved in an athletics program must ensure that students receive the highest quality education with graduation or transfer being the primary goal.
II. The Council on Postsecondary Education endorses the authoritative role of the Presidents as the chief executive officers of their institutions, ultimately responsible for maintaining the highest academic and ethical standards on their campuses. This includes ensuring that academic and fiscal integrity are the core of a successful athletic program. Presidents will also ensure that the colleges pursue programmatic certification by the appropriate governing bodies where available.
III. Presidents will ensure that their athletics programs comply with applicable regulations and policies as established by the NCAA or the NJCAA and any league or conference in which their teams participate. Each institution shall promulgate a policy on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) in accordance with NCAA/NJCAA requirements as applicable to their level of athletics.
IV. Equal education opportunity is applicable to college athletics, to include recreational and intramural sports. Each institution shall have in place a program to provide opportunities for all students which are consistent with Title IX, Education Amendment of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§1681-1688 as articulated in Council Policy S-17. Additionally, in accordance with federal guidelines, each institution will prepare an annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report, pursuant 34 CFR 668.47, for the Department of Education by October 15th of each year and such report should be made available to the public.
V. The President of each college shall report performance of the athletic program and compliance with Title IX to the Council at least once per year in the month of October.
