I. Title
Intercollegiate Athletics Policy
II. Policy
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or University) is committed to the principle that a successful intercollegiate athletics program contributes substantially to maintaining a comprehensive collegiate environment. Pursuant to UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents Rule 20206 Intercollegiate Athletics, the President is assigned ultimate responsibility and authority for the operation, fiscal integrity, and personnel of the institution’s athletics program, including appointment and supervision of the Director of Athletics.
A. Mission of Athletics Program
- The mission of the Athletics Department is to prepare student-athletes to be successful in all aspects of their lives, and help them accomplish their academic, athletic, personal and professional goals. These characteristics go hand-in-hand with the primary mission of UTA. The intercollegiate athletics program is an integral part of the public image projected by the University and a major contributor to the development of a sense of pride and esprit de corps within the University community.
- The Athletics Department will provide competitive resources and first-class facilities for all of its intercollegiate sports.
B. Goals
- To focus on academics, ensuring that all student-athletes progress each year toward graduation, culminating with the awarding of a bachelor’s degree.
- To facilitate the integration of the Athletics department and student-athletes into the university community.
- To play each sport at a competitive level.
- To maintain well-rounded, balanced programs that comply with Title IX and that respond to student interests.
- To comply fully with the relevant governing athletics association (NCAA or NAIA), conference, UT System, and University rules.
- To operate fiscally sound and prudent athletics programs.
- To maintain programs that serve as models in intercollegiate athletics, on which the University community may look to with pride.
- To promote interaction between the community and the University, so as to develop widespread public identity with and pride in the University and its many programs.
C. Compliance with Rules
- The Director of Athletics is appointed by and reports to the University President. The Director of Athletics is responsible for the administration and management of the Athletics Department in a manner that is consistent with the philosophy and purposes of the University and for creating an atmosphere of compliance and success in the classroom and on the court/field.
- UTA holds membership in the NCAA and the Athletics Department is committed to conducting its athletics program within the rules and regulations set forth in the NCAA constitution and bylaws. The Athletics Department notices each coach that they can access a copy of the NCAA Manual and are expected to become knowledgeable with, and comply with, the rules that affect their sport.
- Additionally, the University holds membership in the Western Athletic Conference and is governed by the rules and regulations of that conference. Each coach is provided a copy of the Western Athletic Conference Manual and is expected to become knowledgeable with, and comply with, the rules that affect their sport.
- The Director of Athletics is expected to be knowledgeable about the rules of both the Western Athletic Conference and the NCAA and is to interpret those rules to the coaching staff as requested or needed.
D. General Provisions
Article III of the Texas General Appropriations Act prescribes that no appropriated funds may be used for intercollegiate athletics purposes.
III. Definitions
N/A
IV. Relevant Federal and State Statutes
N/A
V. Relevant UT System Policies, Procedures and Forms
UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents Rule 20206 Intercollegiate Athletics
VI. Who Should Know
All UTA employees and students.
VII. UTA Office(s) Responsible for Policy
- Responsible Officer: Director of Athletics
- Sponsoring Department: Department of Athletics
VIII. Dates Approved or Amended
- March 31, 2023
- February 6, 2024
IX. Contact Information
All questions regarding this policy should be directed to: athletics@uta.edu Send notifications of errors or changes to: policysite@uta.edu