STUDENT ATHLETE HANDBOOK

A. National Affiliation

Concordia University participates in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III.

Division III Philosophy Statement  Colleges and universities in Division III place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students' academic programs.  They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete's athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete's educational experience. They also seek to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletics staff.

To achieve this end, Division III institutions:  

(a)   Place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators and place greater emphasis on the internal constituency (students, alumni, institutional personnel) than on the general public and its entertainment needs;

(b)  Award no athletically-related financial aid to any student;

(c)   Encourage the development of sportsmanship and positive societal attitudes in all constituents, including student-athletes, coaches, administrative personnel and spectators;

(d)  Encourage participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletics opportunities for their students;

(e)   Assure that the actions of coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with student-athletes;

(f)   Assure that athletics participants are not treated differently from other members of the student body;

(g)  Assure that athletics programs support the institution's educational mission by financing, staffing and controlling the programs through the same general procedures as other departments of the institution;

(h)  Provide equitable athletics opportunities for males and females and give equal emphasis to men's and women's sports;

(i) Support ethnic and gender diversity for all constituents;  (Adopted:  1/12/99)

(j)   Give primary emphasis to regional in-season competition and conference championships; and

k)  Support student-athletes in their efforts to reach high levels of athletics performance, which may include opportunities for participation in national championships, by providing all teams with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities.

The purpose of the NCAA is to assist its members in developing the basis for consistent, equitable competition while minimizing infringement on the freedom of individual institutions to determine their own special objectives and programs. The above statement articulates principles that represent a commitment to Division III membership and shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences.

Athletic Department Affiliations

B. Conference Affiliation

Through conference affiliation we seek to provide competitive opportunities for all sports with institutions similar in mission and purpose, academic reputation, demographics, geography, and sport offerings.

Northern Athletics Conference Membership:

Alverno College   Aurora University  Benedictine University Concordia University – WI Concordia University - IL Dominican University Edgewood College Lakeland College Maranatha Baptist Bible College Marian College Rockford College Wisconsin Lutheran College

MCHA  (men's hockey)  NCHA  (women's hockey)

Pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 6.1.3:

A member institution shall designate an individual to serve as Faculty Athletics Representative. An individual so designated after January 12, 1989, shall be a member of the institution’s faculty or an administrator who holds faculty rank and shall not hold an administrative or coaching position in the athletics department. Duties of the faculty athletics representative shall be determined by the member institution. (Adopted: 1/11/89) NCAA Handbook

The Faculty Athletics Representative(FAR) provides oversight and advice in the administration of the intercollegiate athletic program. The FAR is appointed by the administration and will serve a two year term.  The FAR will serve as the liason between the student athletes and the faculty at large.  Other duties performed by the FAR as follows:  

1. Oversight of the academic integrity of the athletic program  

2. Assurance of the welfare of the student athlete

3. Monitor academic performance of student athletes

4. Member of the academic appeal committee  

5. Oversees the administration of support services for student athletes  

6. Advisor to the President on matters of academics as they relate to the athletic program

Should you encounter any issues related to the relationship between academics and athletics please contact the faculty athletic representative.

Student Athlete Support Services

Senior Women’s Administrator

The Senior Women’s Administrator (SWA) is member of the management team within the department of intercollegiate athletics.  The purpose of this position is to include a female administrator in the decision making process to insure representation of women’s interest and perspective.

The SWA is to be concerned about the welfare of student athletes with specific regard to matters concerning gender.  The SWA brings to the management team a diverse perspective that should help frame policy and procedure used in the administration of equity and opportunity within the athletic program.

The SWA is a representative of the student athlete.  If you should have concerns regarding the overall athletic program or specifically the women’s side of the program please contact the SWA.

The athletic department strives to provide equitable opportunities for all participants and depends on the feedback from student athletes via the SWA.  Please take advantage of our personnel to provide the highest quality sport program we can offer.  

Student Athlete Support Services

Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The student athlete advisory committee (SAAC) is a group comprised of student athletes assembled to provide valuable insight and feedback on the athletic experience.

SAAC should strive to “enhance the total student athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student athlete welfare and fostering a positive student athlete image”. NCAA Membership Services

SAAC is the student athlete organization that provides input into policy and procedures that guide and govern the athletic program.  Membership is optional but encouraged. This group should work with the athletic administration to address any issues and topics that relate to the intercollegiate athletic experience.  SAAC activities include:

1. Regular meetings to work on projects and discuss related topics  

2. Friendly Falcon Program

3. Service Projects  

4. Student Athlete Orientation  

5. Homecoming  

Marketing and Fundraising

For information about membership contact the SAAC leader.

Athletic Training

The athletic training staff is a dedicated group of health professionals trained in the methods of student athlete support and rehabilitation.  These individuals work tireless hours in the training room in addition to teaching assignments and should be afforded the highest level of respect and appreciation.  The athletic training staff has final say in all matters related to student athlete health and welfare. The training staff will decide who participates in practice and competition.

Athletic Training Department Policies

Introduction –The Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) has a dual purpose. The ATEP serves as an educational environment for students to learn in and it serves the health care of the athletes at Concordia University Wisconsin. The ATEP is supported by four team physicians and one dentist. We have one Orthopaedic Surgeon who is fellowed in Sports Medicine, two Family Practice Physicians who are fellowed in Sports Medicine, one Chiropractor, and a Dentist. There are four full-time Certified Athletic Trainers and one Graduate Assistant Certified Athletic Trainer on staff.

I. Medical forms

All medical forms are due BEFORE the athlete is allowed to participate in any type of practice situation. The athlete will be held from practice if all medical forms are not completed.

A. Medical history is due every year

B. Medical Insurance is due every year

C. Physical is required every other year 1st , 3rd , 5th year athletes.

D. Forms can be downloaded at www.cuw.edu/athletictraining

II.            Athletic training equipment

 As an athletic training department we have an abundance of equipment. Most of it is expensive and used extensively within the ATEP and treating injured athletes. It is the property of the ATEP and not the coaching staff. We ask that you do not help yourself to our equipment without first getting approval. This way we can give it to you if appropriate and record the issue of any equipment.

III.           Athletic training room hours of operation There are scheduled athletic training room hours for fall, winterim, and spring.    Please ask one of the ATEP staff or students for the schedule. The times will change depending on the time of year and the need for services.

IV.          Daily appointments/rehabilitation opportunities The athletic training room is open to serve the rehabilitation needs of all athletes. We ask that whenever possible that an appointment be made so the injured athlete may get the best possible care with an adequate amount of time needed to treat them appropriately. It is the athlete’s responsibility to make an appointment to be seen by one of the athletic training staff.

V.            Athletic training staff & student/ student-athlete relationship The athletic training staff and athletic training students have a duty to treat and respect all student-athletes in a professional manner. It is expected that student-athletes respect the athletic training staff, associated physicians, and athletic training students and the decisions they make in regards to the athletes health. Each student-athlete will have equal access to health care services that the athletic training department offers. 

VI.          Team physician roles The role of the team physicians is to support the athletic training staff in the health care needs of the athletes. There is an orthopaedic, two family practice physicians, chiropractor, and dentist. All of them are excellent in their fields. The orthopaedic and family practice physicians provide all of their on-site evaluations and care without cost to the athlete. Athletes are scheduled through the certified athletic training staff on an as needed basis.

The following statements of policy will be used as the guideline for administration of the athletic department at Concordia University.  

1. Responsibilities of the Concordia University Athletic Program

The athletic department is committed to provide resources and opportunities for those who wish to compete in their sport of choice. The department is expected to administer itself within the construct of higher education promoting improvement in the physical and mental well being of it’s members through athletic competition.  The athletic department is expected to support and represent the Mission of Concordia University – “Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the World”.

                Institutional Representation - The student athletes, coaches, and fans bear the responsibility of representing the mission and objectives of Concordia University and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod through athletic competition.  As such, it is vital that we all recognize the role we play as ambassadors for the institution and conduct ourselves accordingly.

                Environment for Success – The athletic department seeks to provide the best possible environment for the student athlete to prepare, practice, and compete.  Institutional support is realized through budget allocation, coaching salaries, equipment purchase, game management, and travel expenses

2. Responsibilities of the Coaching Staff

The coaching staff is required to provide the best possible environment for personal development in all aspects of the student athlete experience.  The coaches are expected to create opportunities for growth and development in the areas of Mind, Body, and Spirit.

Mind

The coaching staff is expected to recruit student athletes that possess the academic capacity and willingness to compete academically and ultimately matriculate.  Coaches are required to monitor the academic progress of the student athlete. Coaches are encouraged to advise student athletes of their support options.  Coaches are required to provide adequate time for academic pursuits. Coaches are expected to be present in the event of an athletic appeal

Body

Coaches are required to organize and plan practice/training sessions that are challenging, productive, efficient, and preparatory.  Coaches are required to encourage off season training utilizing our facilities and personnel.  Coaches are expected to implement winning game strategy utilizing the mental and physical assets of the team

Spirit

Coaches are required to support the Mission of the university in matters of Spiritual development and growth.  Coaches are encouraged to incorporate Spiritual growth activities in their program

3. Responsibilities of the Student Athlete

To be a member of the Concordia University community is a privilege which must be earned by each student’s academic and athletic promise and continuing performance. Student athletes who participate in intercollegiate athletics become a member of a team.  By accepting this privilege of team membership, the student athlete accepts the following responsibilities in the areas of academic performance, athletic participation, and student conduct.

Academic Performance

The athletic department does not view the student athlete merely as an athlete; his/her    primary purpose at the university is to obtain an education culminating with a degree.  The student athlete has the responsibility to compete in the classroom.

Academic Rules and Regulations – Eligibility (Returning Student Athlete 2007-2008)

 Athletic Eligibility Appeals (Returning Student Athlete 2007-2008)

Any student athlete found to be ineligible may request an athletic eligibility appeal.  The student athlete is to work in conjunction with their coach to contact the Faculty Athletic Representative and the Athletic Director to schedule the appeal.  The appeal committee is comprised of 6 people: Athletic Director, Senior Women’s Administrator, Faculty Athletic Representative, Faculty at large member, designee of the Vice President of Student Life, and Head Coach of that sport. Athletic eligibility appeals should include but not be limited to the following:

                A review of the student athlete’s transcripts and academic history

                A review of the student athlete’s conduct record

                A review of a letter presented by the student athlete explaining the merits or evidence on which the appeal should be granted

                A discussion between the panel and the coach

                A discussion between the panel and the student athlete

Academic Rules and Regulations – Eligibility (New Student Athlete 2006-2007)

Section 1: Transfers.

a.            From another conference institution. A transfer student who participated in a sport at another Conference member institution shall be eligible for participation in that sport only after one calendar year from the student’s official withdrawal date from the previous Conference institution, and not before one full season, including post¬season, in that sport has been completed.  The Conference will permit a transfer student to appeal this policy to the CCEO if the student is transferring to pursue an academic program that does not exist at the school of first enrollment.

A transfer student from another Conference institution who did not participate in the sport for one full year prior to transferring may be immediately eligible for participation upon transferring, provided that participation is not in violation of NCAA regulations or other regulations of the Conference.

                From a non-conference institution. A transfer student from an institution  outside the conference may be eligible to participate immediately, provided that participation does not violate NCAA regulations or other regulations of the Conference.

Section 2: Academic Standards.

First-year students. During the fall semester, each first-year student-athlete  must be enrolled as a full-time student. At the end of the fall term, each student must have passed 12 semester hours or its equivalent of the first term’s work.

Minimum Grade Point Average. The following scale of grade point averages (GPA) shall be required of all student athletes representing Conference schools in intercollegiate competition:

1) First Term of Enrollment. To participate as a first-year student after the first term of enrollment: 1.75 cumulative GPA at the end of the term prior to the term of participation.

2) Second Year of Enrollment. To participate in a sport after s/he has earned 24 semester hours or its equivalent toward graduation, a student must have a 2.00 cumulative GPA at the end of the term prior to the term of participation.

3) Third Year of Enrollment. To participate in a sport after s/he has earned 48 semester hours or its equivalent toward graduation, a student must maintain a

2.00 cumulative GPA at the end of the term prior to the term of participation.

Calculation of Grade Point Average. GPA is based on the 4.00 system. For the sake of the Conference definition, all grade point averages shall be rounded off to two decimal points.

                Minimum Credits Earned. No student-athlete shall be eligible to compete:

1) Second Season. In a second season of sport unless s/he has earned 24 semester hours or its equivalent toward graduation;

2) Third Season. In a third season of sport unless s/he has earned 48 semester hours or its equivalent toward graduation;

3) Fourth Season. In a fourth season of sport unless s/he has earned 72 semester hours or its equivalent toward graduation.

e.            Junior Varsity Squads. Eligibility requirements for participation on junior  varsity squads shall be identical to those for participation on varsity squads.        (NAC Constitution and Bylaws 2006)

Athletic Participation

As stated earlier, the opportunity to compete in varsity athletics at Concordia University is a privilege.  As such, the student athlete must adhere to department and team rules to be granted team membership.

                All student athletes are required to complete a medical history form

                1st, 3rd, and 5th year students must have a physician complete the physical form

                All student athletes must complete the required NCAA compliance and drug testing forms

                All student athletes must demonstrate the possession of health insurance that covers participation in their sport of choice.  The student athlete’s health insurance shall in all cases serve as primary insurance coverage.  The institution does not maintain a secondary policy thereby removing itself from financial responsibility for injuries.  The NCAA does maintain a Catastrophic Insurance Plan that covers all NCAA institutions and serves as a secondary policy for all athletic related injuries reviewed and defined as catastrophic. 

                All student athletes must sign the consent to participate in the Concordia University Athletic Department Random Drug Testing Program.  The policy governing the program can be found on the athletic web page.(See Athletic Drug Testing)

The student athlete is responsible for having all of his/her university business conducted and taken care of before he/she is allowed to practice or compete.

                The student athlete must obey the decision of the coaches and athletic department regarding behavior at practices, competition, and out of season behavior and conduct as it may reflect on you being eligible for team membership.  The coach and/or the athletic director reserve the right to suspend membership to a program at any time.

Student Conduct

As an ambassador of the University, it is vital that you recognize the importance of good conduct. The image of the entire campus and community can be positively and negatively impacted by the conduct of one individual.

All student athletes are bound by the student conduct code found in the Student Handbook. The student conduct section contains the rules and regulations governing the community. The student athlete will be held to the highest standard of the student conduct code and will be subject to it’s policies.  Violation of the conduct code will result in action by the campus judicial process.

Furthermore, all student athletes are bound by the rules of the athletic department and the coach of the his/her sport.

In the event that a student athlete is found responsible during the judicial process, the athletic department is notified and then the athlete’s coach is notified.

Repeat offenders may be subject to athletic department or team sanctions above and beyond what is applied by the judicial board.

Minimum Conduct Expectations

As a department we feel that the student athlete embodies the competitive spirit and the healthy lifestyle of the campus and community.  As such, we should participate in activities that promote healthy competition and healthy bodies.  As such we offer the following as minimum standards:  

1. It is expected that student athletes refrain from the use of Tobacco.

2. It is expecte that student athletes under the age of twenty-one refrain from Alcohol.

3. It is expected that student athletes refrain from using Drugs specified by the NCAA banned substance list.  

Concordia University Wisconsin in association with the Center for Drug Free Sports has created a drug testing policy.  Each student athlete must have a signed consent to participate form on file in the athletic department prior to practice or competition.  The drug testing policy is outlined on the athletic page of the Concordia University Wisconsin website.

4. Athletic Department equipment issue and return

The University has purchased the necessary equipment needed to practice and compete via budget dollars allocated to each sport.  The equipment that is issued to you is your responsibility while in your possession.  Mistreatment and neglect will not be tolerated. Students athletes may be billed for lost, stolen, or mistreated equipment.

The individual sport coach is responsible for monitoring the treatment and life cycle of their team’s equipment.  Student athletes are expected to use the equipment provided for them unless permission is granted by the sport coach.

5. Uniform Policy

The athletic department will make every available effort to insure that each sport receives a uniform rotation every four years. Each student athlete can expect to play in a new uniform at least once in his/her four year career.  

6. Team Gear

Due to budget constraints, it is impossible for the University to provide each student athlete with team workout gear and travel apparel.  Each sport is unique in their team gear needs and abilities to fundraise for such purchases.  Therefore, the student athlete may be asked to purchase such items.  Each individual sport coach is responsible for the team gear order and payment of such order.  Should a team or group of players wish to order something unique the must first get approval from their sport coach. There are some guiding principles:

                School Colors are Royal Blue and White.  The introduction of Black to gear and uniform purchases has over time taken place but should be kept in use accordingly.

                The institution does possess official logos and should be utilized.

                Slogans or Sayings must be approved by the Head Coach.

                Team travel or workout gear should match.  

7.       Weight Room and Fitness Center

The University has provided the campus and community with a state of the art workout facility to train and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. As a student athlete you are expected to make use of the facility.  Please realize however, that the facility is a community facility and therefore will be accessed by many different populations.  There are posted athletic times available and will be assigned through the strength coaches. These times are priority only and still open to the general campus community.  

It is expected that all student athletes will be courteous of other users and respectful of the equipment.  The detailed rules and regulations are posted in the Fitness Center.

8.     Travel 

Travel to and from athletic contests will be in university vans or rented vehicles.  Only members of the athletic teams or members of their official travel party may travel in the vehicles. All members are encouraged to dress accordingly when traveling and will consult with their coach for instruction.  Athletes are expected to depart with the team both on the way to the site and on the way home.  Exceptions to this policy may occur when an athlete wishes to travel with their parents or legal guardian. Prior permission must be obtained from the head coach or athletic director before such travel is to occur.

When traveling the athlete is the responsibility of the coach and the university. Team and institutional policies are in effect and student athlete conduct is expected to be appropriate.

9. Awards

The athletic department recognizes the student athlete’s participation through a structured Letter award program. Letter winners are selected by the individual sport coach and are subject to approval by the athletic director. General Qualifications

1. The athlete must be on the squad at the end of the season.

2. The athlete must have made a contribution to the team.

3. The coach determines other sport-specific qualifications.

4. Letters are distributed at the end of the school year.

Awards Continued

Letter award schedule:

First Year Award – Concordia Letter Certificate       Second Year Award – Chenille Award and Concordia Letter Certificate       Third Year Award – Wall Plaque       Fourth Year Award – Wall Plaque with individual picture and accomplishments 

Other awards such as NCAA and conference recognition will be sent to the athletic    department and forwarded to the player via the coach.

Should your team win a conference title or you win an individual title you will be presented with a gift recognizing the accomplishment from the athletic department.

The athletic department annually recognizes the Male and Female Student Athlete of the Year in the Spring semester.  To be considered for this award the student athlete should demonstrate good character and academic/athletic performance. The recipients of these awards are recognized at the Student Life Awards Night.

The athletic department also recognizes the Athletic Director’s Scholar Athlete Award.  This award is given to student athletes who have a 3.25 GPA or better while in season.

10.      Written Evaluation of Coaches

At the completion of each season, the student athlete will be given the opportunity to complete a formal evaluation of the head coach and the program.  The evaluations will be given directly to the athletic department for compilation and summarizing.  A copy is provided to the head coach and the athletic director keeps the file on record.  The athletic director and the coach will meet annually to discuss the evaluation and compare perceptions.