A student-athlete must simultaneously balance two very significant roles. The challenge of being both a student and an athlete can be rewarding if approached in a responsible manner. A commitment to athletics mandates the establishment of priorities to satisfy both academic and athletic roles. The student-athlete’s primary commitment must be academics with the major goal of graduating with a college education.

Conflicts between class attendance and athletic events are inevitable due to the nature of the athletic programs and the amount of travel required completing the competitive schedule. Classes may not be missed for practice. Conflicts with classes, exams and/or other academic requirements must be resolved between the student and the professor. In the event this conflict cannot be settled, student-athletes must first satisfy academic obligations. A coach cannot require an athlete to make a choice that may jeopardize the student’s academic standing.

It is strongly recommended that student-athletes contact professors at the beginning of the semester with a copy of the athletic schedule to anticipate and resolve any conflicts that may arise during the semester.

Coaches are encouraged to limit the athletic participation of any student-athlete who appears to be having academic difficulty or missing classes for reasons other than illness, injury or other extenuating circumstances. The coaches should bring such situations to the attention of the Athletic Director. In the final analysis, the student-athlete earns his/her own grade. Hard work, proper study habits, positive time management skills and an aggressive perseverance will be the determiners of that grade.