Mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

The University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (ICA) considers athletics to be an integral part of the University community and thus follows and honors the University of Arizona's overall institutional mission. As such, Intercollegiate Athletics must strive for excellence just as academic units strive for greatness in teaching, research, and services. This commitment to excellence in athletics implies that ICA will provide exemplary leadership and appropriate facilities and support services to allow its student-athletes to compete at the highest level of intercolle­giate competition and to reach their educational and academic progress objectives.

The University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics believes the student-athlete to be a representative of the general student body, with like academic qualifications and the same probability of success. The individual rights, welfare and academic goals of the student-athlete should not be compromised by the University's desire to conduct successful athletic programs. Participation in the Intercollegiate Athletics program, while augmenting the student's formal education, should lead to the development of a well-rounded, more enlightened individual.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics serves as a window of the University of Arizona to the Tucson and campus communities, and recognizes its obligation to serve as a concerned and committed partner in community life.

Integrity is indispensable to an intercollegiate athletics pro­gram, for without it sport loses its true meaning. The University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics believes that administrators, coaches, and student-athletes, in concert with all members of the University community, must share a total commitment to abiding by the rules and regulations of the NCAA, the Pacific-10 Conference, and the institution, in their endeavor to be successful.

The University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics embraces the National Collegiate Athletic Association's "Principles of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct" and believes that student-athletes, coaches and staff should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility.

The University of Arizona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is also committed to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. The University provides equal opportunity to education, employment, and participation in University-sponsored activities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. [Eff: 9/06]