Western Carolina University Athletics Department

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Role And Mission Statement

The Department of Athletics at Western Carolina University is an integral program of the institution and exists solely to complement the central University mission of teaching and learning. The University seeks to create a community of scholarship in which the activities of its members are consistent with the highest standards of knowledge and practice in their disciplines. The athletics program reflects this commitment to highest standards and shares the responsibility of achieving the goals of the University.

The activities of the athletics program provide an environment in which students, coaches, faculty, staff and administrators jointly assume the responsibility for the success on and off the field of play. The athletics program embraces the concept that student-athletes are first and foremost students -- possessing academic goals, personal interests, and vocational ambitions not unlike those of any other student. The athletics program complements other University programs by enhancing the educational, social, career and athletic opportunities of the students who participate in athletics. This environment also fosters a commitment to high standards of personal and professional conduct by all members of the athletic community manifested in the highest level of sportsmanship.

Western Carolina University is committed to ensuring equitable participation and treatment of men and women of all races and ethnic origins. The athletics program actively promotes an environment in which fair and equitable distribution of athletic opportunities, benefits, and resources are available to all athletics program participants, and in which any person is free from discrimination.

The athletics program provides significant contributions to the University by enhancing loyalty to the alma mater, strengthening the pride and enthusiasm of alumni, fostering a strong sense of community, and serving as a positive public relations tool for the university.

Vision

Western Carolina University Athletics' vision is to be the best place to be a student-athlete in the Southern Conference.

The first question that this statement causes to surface is, "What does 'best place' mean?" For the Athletics Department (Athletics), it means all of the following:

  • Academics-Athletics will become the number one program among the public institutions in The Southern Conference (SoCon) for graduation rates for its student-athletes. Athletics is committed to ensuring that every student-athlete graduates. This means giving greater attention to study halls, tutoring, and other means of coping with the additional pressures student-athletes face in balancing their academic and athletics goals.

  • Winning-Athletics is committed to upgrading its competitiveness and dominating the SoCon in all sports by competing for and winning Conference championships and post-season competitions.

  • Support-Athletics has fostered support (financial and attendance) based on shared ownership among the following groups:
    1. University Administration
    2. Faculty/Staff
    3. Students
    4. Alumni
    5. Community

  • People-Athletics personnel includes coaches, administration and support staff are highly skilled at what they do and determined to help the student-athletes realize a meaningful and enjoyable experience during their tenure at WCU.

  • Life Skills-Athletics maintains a vibrant Life Skills program which is a model in the SoCon. Support for this program continues to foster the growth of student-athletes by emphasing the following commitments: academic excellence, athletic excellence, personnel development, career development and service.

  • Facilities-Athletic facilities are comparable to or better than any of those within SoCon.

  • Competition-Athletics has enhanced its level of competition, thereby increasing the quality of play within the SoCon and the possibilities for post-season opportunities.

  • Attitude-Athletics has developed a winning attitude. This sustained attitude, coupled with real success, has created a new winning tradition for Western.

  • Gender and Minority Equity-The athletics program reflects its commitment to ensuring equitable participation and treatment of men and women of all races and ethic origins.

    Core Values

    "Being the best place to be a student-athlete in the Southern Conference " will reflect the following core values:

  • Winning Programs
  • Academic Achievement
  • Exceptional Sportsmanship and Integrity
  • Contributing to Life Success of student-athletes
  • Creating Institutional Loyalty and Support
  • Enhancing Gender and Minority Equity

    Core Value: Winning Programs

    Goals:

    1. Hire, retain, and reward the best coaches possible.

    Objectives:

  • Provide the necessary resources to compensate coaches in the upper 1/3 of the SoCon.
  • Develop incentive based contracts for coaches.
  • Maintain our current annual evaluation program.

    2. Continue to enhance facilities and services.

    Objectives:

  • Complete Athletic Annex (new offices and locker rooms for Soccer, Track, Volleyball).
  • Complete Phase One (West Side Stands and Strength and Conditioning Facility)
  • Phase Two (Soccer, Track and Tennis Complex and Baseball field and Ramsey Center) of the facilities renovation project. (Please see addendum for complete list of projects, cost estimates and funding sources).
  • Plan the facility needed for an additional women's sport.
  • Fully implement new Sports Medicine agreement.

    3. Enhance operating budgets and departmental services.

    Objectives:

  • Increase and effectively manage travel budgets.
  • Develop travel policies.
  • Provide adequate increases in supply and equipment budgets for each sport.
  • Conduct a technology review to assess the needs for computers and video services.

    4. Recruit student-athletes who embrace our core values.

    Objectives:

  • Work with admissions to keep pace with the new academic standards.
  • Include faculty and academic support services in the recruiting process.
  • Continue to provide additional scholarship and operational resources in order to have recruiting opportunities beyond the state and region.
  • Focus on WCU's unique location and safe environment in the recruiting process.

    5. Schedule teams that will challenge programs and provide opportunities for success.

    Objectives:

  • Whenever possible consider scheduling opponents that will enhance opportunities for post-season (RPI rankings and strength of schedule).
  • Consider the fan base and schedule teams that will provide appropriate rivalries and draw fan interest.
  • Continue to involve and consult with coaches whenever possible regarding schedules.

    6. Be officially recognized by the SoCon as the most successful athletics program in the Conference at the annual awards banquet.

    Objectives:

  • Make competitive progress each year in each sport by moving up in the conference standings and national rankings and/or defending conference championships.
  • Begin the process of comparing the Sears Cup ranking for Western and our peer institutions including the SoCon.
  • This includes receiving three trophies and then defending them:
    1. The Commissioner's Cup for the best men's athletics program; 2. The Germann Cup for the best women's athletics program; and 3. The McAlister Sportsmanship Award.

    CORE VALUE: Academic Achievement

    GOAL

    1. Graduation rates and GPA's are above the University average and lead all public institutions in the SoCon.

    Objectives:

  • Coaches and the Director of Academic Support Services monitor grades routinely.
  • Continue to recognize and celebrate academic achievement at various athletic events throughout the year.
  • Communicate academic success to all constituencies.

    2. Improve academic support services for all student-athletes.

    Objectives:

  • Increase funding for GA's and other staff in the Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes.
  • Continue to work with the University academic support services in providing tutors and other assistance to student-athletes.
  • Continue to work with the University Athletic Committee to evaluate academic support programs including required study hall.
  • Maintain and/or improve the initial eligibility and continuing eligibility processes for student-athletes.
  • Seek annual input from student-athletes on all academic services.

    CORE VALUE: Exceptional Sportsmanship and Integrity

    GOAL

    1. Win the SoCon McAlister Award for Sportsmanship on regular basis.

    Objectives:

  • Communicate effectively with student-athletes, coaches and fans the University's commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and fair play at all intercollegiate sporting events (Code of Ethical Conduct).
  • Annually conduct the SoCon required sportsmanship meeting with all related campus units to ensure awareness of sportsmanship issues.

    2. Comply with all NCAA, SoCon and University regulations.

    Objectives:

  • Provide regular communication to University constituencies on the regulations regarding prospective student-athletes and current student-athletes.
  • Report all violations to the SoCon office and the appropriate university personnel.
  • Educate coaches, student-athletes, and University personnel on any changes to the NCAA or SoCon regulations.

    CORE VALUE: Contributing to Life Success of Student-Athletes

    GOALS:

    1. Continue to enhance the CHAMPS Life Skills Program by involving the campus community in the programming for student-athletes.

    Objectives:

  • Conduct annual programming in academics, community service, leadership, personal development, and career development.
  • Tailor the programming by class and in some cases by sport.
  • Market the CHAMPS Life Skills program through a brochure and web page.
  • Keep records of student-athletes involvement in programs and services.
  • Increase involvement of the campus community in the programming for student- athletes.

    2. Maintain the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

    Objectives:

  • Continue meeting on a regular basis.
  • Communicate effectively with representatives and coaches via bulletin boards, web pages and other means.
  • Work with coaches to ensure team representative involvement and attendance.
  • Continue to allow the SAAC to sponsor the All Sport Banquet at the end of the academic year.

    3. Annually assess the student-athlete experience.

    Objectives:

  • Conduct confidential exit interviews with student-athletes who leave a team or have exhausted their eligibility.
  • Share results of exit interviews with coaches and appropriate University personnel
  • Create a comprehensive annual assessment program that will allow student- athletes to provide feedback on their entire experience.

    CORE VALUE: Creating Institutional Loyalty and Support

    GOALS:

    1. Increase the membership and annual giving of the Catamount Club to meet the anticipated scholarship needs.

    Objectives:

  • Work with the Catamount Club Board of Directors in establishing realistic annual fund-raising and membership goals.
  • Collaborate with University Advancement to establish an updated prospect database of alumni and supporters.
  • Work with the Advancement office to identify, cultivate and secure major gift and service prospects.
  • Support the special events sponsored by the Catamount Club.
  • Continue stewardship activities with endowed scholarship donors.
  • Increase awareness that giving benefits all sports.

    2. Create an organization for former student-athletes.

    Objectives:

  • Contact former student-athletes and encourage their involvement in this new organization.
  • Create an annual event to bring former athletes back to campus.
  • Establish a meeting place for former athletes to meet prior to home games.
  • Create a data base of former athletes.

    3. Develop a fan-friendly game atmosphere that focuses on the event surrounding the game.

    Objectives:

  • Foster and promote the CAT PACK student spirit group.
  • Create pre-game, in game and post game activities for fan involvement.
  • Cooperate with bands, cheerleaders, dance teams to enhance collegiate atmosphere at athletic events.

    4. Work with the local constituencies and media to promote this community as a travel destination for our alumni, supporters and the visiting fans of the SoCon institutions.

    Objectives:

  • Identify hotels, restaurants and other business who wish to work together to promote Western athletics and this region.
  • Co-promote regional events with athletic events.
  • Maintain and enhance relationships with local and regional media outlets.
  • Continue to make our facilities available to host regional high school events.

    5. Provide more consistent and informative communication with fan base and donors.

    Objectives:

  • Creatively use the web and other technology as a means of communicating with constituencies.

    CORE VALUE: Enhancing Gender and Minority Equity

    The following two objectives and action plans were created to comply with the NCAA Interim Certification Report. The Board of Trustees in the June 2000 meeting approved these plans.

    GOALS:

    1. Implement Gender Equity Plan.

    Objectives:

  • The following tactical actions will be pursued during the period of 2001-2006 in an effort to promote gender equity in the University's intercollegiate athletic programs.

    FY 2001-2002

  • Implement new questions on Sophomore Survey on athletics interest .
  • Hire Graduate Assistant for Women's Basketball. (Director of Athletics)
  • Hire Part-Time Assistant for Women's soccer. (Director of Athletics)
  • Hire Graduate Assistant for Weight Room. (Director of Athletics)
  • Hire Part-Time/Graduate Assistant for Training Room. (Director of Athletics)
  • Complete renovations of Camp Lab: 5 offices, locker room for Men's Track, Women's Track, Women's Soccer and Volleyball. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Approve facility design and begin bid process for athletic renovations to include: Tennis, Track, Soccer, Weight Room and Training Room Facilities. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Every woman's sport received an increase in Financial Aid budgets by a total of 7%. This would be based on University enrollment increases. (Director of Athletics)
  • Initiate Roster Management with existing sports. (Director of Athletics)
  • Achieve or make progress towards equalization of operational budgets for comparable men and women's sports. (Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Senior Associate Athletic Director/ Internal Operations)

    FY2002-2003

  • Implement new questions on Sophomore Survey on athletics interest.
  • Weight Room Renovation completed. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Construction begins on Track and Tennis and Soccer Facilities. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Begin design process for new women's sport facility. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Increase Financial Aid budgets a minimum of 3% for the following women's sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track, Volleyball (Director of Athletics)
  • Roster Management for existing sports. (Director of Athletics)
  • Achieve or make progress towards equalization of operational budgets for comparable men's and women's sports. (Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Senior Associate Athletic Director/ Internal Operations)

    FY2003-2004

  • Implement new questions on Sophomore Survey on Athletics interest
  • Projected construction complete for Track, Tennis and Soccer Facilities including dressing rooms, storage, and bathrooms. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Based on data collected from responses of the Sophomore Survey, and the admissions applications, decisions will be made on the implementation of a new women's sport.
  • Construction begins for new women's sport facility. . (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Increase Financial Aid budgets a minimum of 3% for the following women's sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track, Volleyball (Director of Athletics)
  • Roster Management for existing sports. (Director of Athletics)
  • Achieve or make progress towards equalization of operational budgets for comparable men and women's sports. (Director of Athletics, Senior \ Woman Administrator, Senior Associate Athletic Director/ Internal Operations)

    FY2004-2005

  • Pending approval of new women's sport, hire Head Coach for new women's sport. (Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator)
  • New women's sport facility completed and operational. (Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Director of Athletics)
  • Increase Financial Aid budgets a minimum of 3% for the following women's sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track, Volleyball (Director of Athletics)
  • Roster Management for existing sports. (Director of Athletics)
  • Achieve or make progress towards equalization of operational budgets for comparable men and women's sports. (Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Senior Associate Athletic Director/ Internal Operations)

    FY2005-2006

  • Hire Assistant Coach for new women's sport. (Director of Athletics)
  • Funding for new women's sport-1/2 of NCAA maximum in-state grant-in-aid level. (Director of Athletics)
  • Implement New Women's Sport.
  • Roster Management. (Director of Athletics)
  • Achieve or make progress towards equalization of operational budgets for comparable men and women's sports. (Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Senior Associate Athletic Director/ Internal Operations)

    2. Implement Minority Plan

    An overall objective of Western Carolina University's Athletic Department is to have a diverse department, both from an administrative and student participation standpoint.

    Objectives:

    The following tactical actions will be pursed in an effort to promote minority equity in the University's intercollegiate athletics programs. The Director of Athletics has the responsibility for assuring that the following actions are carried out. As standards change, the athletics department will adjust accordingly to provide fair and equitable treatment to majority and minority student-athletes.

  • An annual review shall be conducted of minority participation of all intercollegiate athletic teams. The Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Assistant Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator will compile participation rates for minority student-athletes annually. This information shall be shared with the Faculty Athletic Committee and the head coaches.
  • An annual review of graduation and retention rates for minority student-athletes shall be conducted. The Director of Athletics and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management will share this information with the Faculty Athletic Representative, head coaches, the academic coordinator for athletics, and the Director of Retention Services. This information will also be given to the Faculty Athletic Committee.
  • There shall be a diversity training session conducted annually. The training will alternate each year between the student-athletes and the Athletic Department's staff.
  • The Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Opportunity Programs shall conduct an annual session to update and remind the Athletic Department's staff of EEO policies and University practices.
  • All searches for full-time coaches and administrators shall be conducted within the guidelines set forth in the State of North Carolina and Western Carolina University Affirmation Action Plans. It is the University's practice to seek the most qualified candidate for every position, ever mindful of diversity issues.
  • The NCAA ethnic minority, the women's enhancement programs and the NCAA Vita Bank will be utilized as resources for searching and recruiting minority and female applicants for position vacancies.
  • All search committees will emphasize the identification and qualification review of qualified minority candidates for full-time administrative and coaching positions.
  • Minority representation will be emphasized on all search committees for full-time personnel in athletic administration and coaching positions.

    ATHLETICS has the potential, the commitment, and the resources to "be the best." It only needs to ensure that every component is synchronized with that objective.