The mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is to support the overall mission of Westminster University. The athletic programs offered at Westminster University are developed for the purpose of supporting the institutions commitment to student learning. Through athletics, student-athletes have the opportunity to learn life-long skills such as leadership, self-discipline, healthy lifestyle and teamwork which provide all student-athletes an opportunity to achieve excellence in their academic, athletic and personal pursuits. In this pursuit of excellence, the Department supports equitable opportunities for all student-athletes and staff and adheres to national and conference principles of amateurism, sportsmanship, fair play, ethical conduct, institutional control, and the health and welfare of our student-athletes.
The Westminster Department of Athletics is committed to the following guiding principles:
- We support the educational mission of Westminster University by:
- focusing on the student-learning experience
- prioritizing academics and emphasizing paths to graduation
- integrating the university learning goals into the athletics department learning outcomes
- We support student-athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence while encouraging their holistic development and well-being.
- We value equity and diversity and work to create an inclusive community in which all members are respected and feel a sense of belonging.
- We develop leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility.
- We support and engage with our local community.
- We maintain high standards of fairness, sportsmanship and ethical conduct in all endeavors.
- We play a role in enriching campus life and increasing school pride.
- We contribute to the recruitment and retention of qualified students to the University.
- We serve as ambassadors for the Unviersity and enhance its reputation through the development of successful student-athletes and teams.
Westminster University is committed to the Principles of Conduct of Intercollegiate Athletics as outlined in Constitution 2 of the NCAA Division II Manual, the NCAA Division II Philosophy Statement and the “Life in the Balance” NCAA Strategic Positioning Statement.
- Problem solving skills - the ability to analyze a problem and find a resolution. Student-athletes learn problem solving skills through practice, competition and teaching from their coaches. They learn how to analyze and solve issues amongst teammates, through collaboration and team work.
- Striving to reach my potential - the desire and passion to continually push to improve. Most collegiate student-athletes understand the importance of striving to reach goals, though most freshmen arrive at Westminster not thoroughly understanding what one must do and the effort needed to reach goals. Our coaches work with our student-athletes to teach the mental and physical aspects to successfully grasp this concept.
- Leadership - the capacity and influence to align others and direct toward a common goal. Student-athletes learn leadership skills through teaching, practice, training, competition and collaboration with teammates. A handful of student-athletes are selected as team captains by their peers, which gives them leadership responsibilities for the team.
- Teamwork and collaboration - working together within a group of teammates. Student-athletes are involved in many activities through which they must learn how to work, communicate, support and problem solve in order to accomplish tasks and attain goals.
- Developing long-lasting friendships - forging friendships among fellow students. Due to the time spent, effort put forth and the many diverse experiences student-athletes share with one another strong bonds and long-lasting relationships are formed.
- Communicating effectively with others - the ability to share words and ideas with others. In order to collaborate, reach goals and achieve success, student-athletes learn effective communication skills with their coaches and teammates.
- Respect for others with differing backgrounds/beliefs - learning and understanding the differences amongst other people. Student-athletes experience diversity through fellow teammates, competition against other teams and through travel.
- Service to and engagement with the community - volunteer service that is performed to benefit an institution and/or community. Our teams are required to participate in annual community engagement, service projects and volunteer efforts.
- Fair play and sportsmanship - to play fair, follow the rules of the game, respect the judgment of referees and officials and treat opponents, coaches and fans with respect. Westminster coaches teach and stress the expectations and importance of fair play and sportsmanship.
The Westminster University Athletics Department is committed to developing and sustaining an
inclusive1 culture that welcomes and supports all members of our community. We foster a
diverse and
equitable environment where all student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff are treated with respect and understanding. Through our educational and community engagement activities we promote social responsibility and ethical awareness. We partner with other campus departments in supporting the
Commitment to an Inclusive Westminster, and we continually work to achieve
inclusive excellence through implementation of our departmental diversity and inclusion plan.
1We use the definitions found on page 2 of the Westminster University Diversity Statement.
