I. Mary Baldwin College Philosophy Statement Mary Baldwin College is committed to the education of today’s young women for tomorrow’s world. The athletic program is an integral part of the overall educational experience. It goes beyond the mere imparting of knowledge to the integration of knowledge and experiences from a variety of disciplines. The pursuit of excellence and success associated with competition serves as a model for goals set in academics and other endeavors. Intercollegiate athletics offers athletes the opportunity to represent MBC at a high level of competition. Faculty and staff, as well as the entire student body, benefits from competition through the strong sense of loyalty and community that is generated. Top priority for the Department is the student-athlete. The directions and administration of the program is focused on generating and maintaining a high standard of excellence both athletically and academically for all athletes. It is the responsibility of the entire Department to encourage and assist student-athletes in reaching their full potentials in all their endeavors. As such, administrators and coaches must have a strong commitment to provide them with the tools necessary for success. The health and physical well-being of MBC athletes is of utmost importance. A full-time certified athletic trainer is employed by the college to ensure the safety and health of all our participants. All concerns of this nature are held in the strictest of confidence. As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Department subscribes fully to all guidelines, principles, and regulations thereof. At all times the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations as set forth are followed. The Department is obligated to self-report any infractions or violations that they may have knowledge of
III. Academic Policies for Student-Athletes A. Philosophy It is the primary purpose of all student-athletes to apply themselves in such a way as to reach their highest potential in the academic realm and obtain their baccalaureate degree. . B. Class Attendance Athletes are expected to attend all classes and meet all requirements as stated on the course syllabi. There is no such thing as an “automatic” excused absence for an athletic competition. It is up to the student-athlete to work with her professor to find a solution for any conflicts related to the missing of class time due to a competition. The nature of intercollegiate competition, on occasion, necessitates the missing of class time for travel or early afternoon start times. These situations are unavoidable but the following procedures should be followed to ensure minimum conflicts. Early communication with professors is key. At the beginning of the semester, carefully read through the course syllabus and make an appointment with the professor to discuss any conflicts that exist between class time and athletic travel or competition. Doing this early will provide ample time to work out alternate arrangements. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to follow through and complete the work as agreed.Most professors will work with you if you are responsible and sincere in wanting to do well in their classes. But, if no alternate agreement can be reached, the competition will have to be missed. For future semesters, try to stay away from late classes during the athletic season, if possible.
C. Class Registration During pre-registration for classes, student-athletes are requested to make every effort not to schedule classes during the traditional practice times of 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
IV. Learning Skills Center The Learning Skills Center, which aids in the enhancement of academic skills, is available to all students. Student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of the services provided to help them supplement class time missed due to practices or competitions. There are a variety of opportunities for assistance in both individual and group settings.
Workshops – Designed to address significant topics for the college student. Topics include time management, note taking, reading skills, test taking, etc. Individual Conferences – The Director of the LSC is available by appointment to discuss learning needs. Peer Tutor Programs – Programs include math tutors for those who need help in this area, the Match-a-Tutor program which arranges for tutors from a particular course to be assigned, and the LLSC Peer Tutor program for students needing help in time management, adjusting to college, study skills, etc.
V.
NCAA Academic Standards
All students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours during the semester in order to be eligible. If a student drops 12 hours, she is automatically ineligible for the remainder of the season. A student must be in “Good Academic Standing” as defined by Mary Baldwin College in order to remain eligible. The following GPA’s are the standard established by the college and therefore the standards to be used for NCAA academic eligibility: Mid-Freshman… 1.50 End-Freshman… 1.65 Mid/End Sophomore…1.75 Mid/End Junior… 1.95 Mid/End Senior… 2.00 Mary Baldwin College is not permitted by the NCAA to round up grades in any way for purposes of eligibility. Official cumulative grades are the sole responsibility of the college registrar.
VI.
MBC Team Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures have been reviewed, discussed, and approved by the administration and coaching staff. These policies are for the express purpose of meeting the many demands of the team and Department cohesiveness. It is important to remember that policies look at the big picture and address the issues of
the group, not individuals. As a member of the intercollegiate program, all studentathletes are expected to abide by the policies and work towards the good of the team, not follow their own selfish agendas.
Sportsmanship Student-athletes should display good sportsmanship in all competitions and practices to all opponents, coaches and officials. Student-athletes are expected to be respectful at all times, as they not only represent themselves, but the team and college as well. Practice Policies Attendance at all team practices (including team meetings, team educational sessions, etc.) and competitions is mandatory for al in-season TRAD, PEG and VWIl student-athletes. In-season: In-season is defined as the period from the first day of the pre-season through one day after the final competition. If the final competition occurs on the weekend, the final day of in-season is the Monday following the weekend. Classes: Student-athletes may not miss academic classes for practices. If there is a class conflict with a practice, studentathletes are expected to attend any portion of practice before or after the class session. Competitions: Student-athletes are “excused” from classes 90 minutes prior to home competitions and 30 minutes prior to departure for away competitions. Illnesses/Injuries: Student-athletes are expected to attend practices unless they have a note form the health center or a doctor. Class Scheduling: Student-athletes should make every effort to build their class schedules around practice times. It is understood that this is not always possible at a small college; however, a concerted effort to avoid conflicts is expected. Academic Commitment: The Student-athlete’s first and primary commitment is to their education and pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. Student-athletes must consider their involvement in any intercollegiate program based on their ability to meet academic expectations.
IN accordance with this policy, the Department of Athletics will recognize the following college activities and excuse stated student-athletes from athletic responsibilities: Junior Dad’s Weekend: Juniors only will be excused, if they wish, from competitions that may be scheduled during the Saturday night festivities. Junior student-athletes who are in VWIL will be excused Friday afternoon for their parade. All juniors, however, will be expected to participate in practices scheduled during the weekend. Coaches will make every effort not to schedule practices during Saturday night and/or Friday afternoon.
VWIL Wilderness: Students-athletes who are Nulls (only) will be excused for Wilderness if it conflicts with pre-season practice. The commitment policy was created and agreed upon by the MBC coaching staff. This is a standard policy designed with the mission of NCAA Division III athletes as its’ foundation and is used to guide student-athletes in the responsibilities of being an intercollegiate athlete. Any lack of commitment on the part of any student-athlete to the sports teams representing Mary Baldwin College is taken very seriously by the coaching staff. Coaches, therefore, exercise a zero tolerance policy for any infractions. Uniforms Athletes are assigned uniforms/equipment at the beginning of the season, and are responsible for its return at the conclusion of the season. Each item issued is numbered and the item number issued is the item number that must be returned. Failure to return items you were issued will result in the athlete being charged for replacement. Uniforms and warm-ups are issued for competitions only. No uniform or warm-up should be worn outside of competition around campus. Also, travel bags are issued for carrying uniforms during away competitions, not for personal use. Uniforms are to be laundered by the equipment room workers only. All uniforms are to be left in the PAC immediately upon completion of competition or return from competition. No exceptions. The team room is to be kept clean at all times. All items should be stored in lockers. Clothes, shoes, equipment, etc. should never be left lying on the floor or benches. Travel All athletes are to travel with the team both to and from competitions. Athletes may not drive personal vehicles unless requested to do so by the coach. The only exception for an athlete not traveling back with the team is if a parent is picking them up after they have been released from the team competition and/or activities. All athletes must stay with the team on overnight trips. If parents want to stay at the same hotel as the team, the Department will be happy to provide parents with the information so that they can reserve accommodations there. However, athletes are still required to stay with the team and participate in any outside activities designed for them. Teams are responsible for making sure the bus or vans are clear of all trash immediately upon return. II. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Student-athletes, by virtue of increased visibility and recognition, have increased responsibilities in terms of their conduct on and off campus. Actions and conduct of athletes not only reflect upon themselves, but also on the team, Department, and entire
college. This is a great responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. The following are expectations of all athletes. A student-athlete in an MBC uniform is representing the college and should always reflect a positive image. As a member of a tem, athletes are expected to attend all practices, contests, meetings, etc. (except due to class), as scheduled by the coach and/or athletic administration. The Department of Athletics prohibits the use and/or possession of any alcoholic or tobacco product, as well as any illegal substances/narcotics while officially involved in a team related activity, both home and away. The Department does not encourage or condone the consumption of alcohol by athletes of legal age nor the use of any tobacco or illegal substances by athletes who are in preparation for or in the midst of their athletic seasons. Excessive or abusive drinking at any time while enrolled at MBC is inappropriate. MBC’s S.A.A.C. representatives (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) issued a policy of no alcohol at least 24 hours prior to competition for student-athletes 21 or older. Student-athletes are expected to abide by all rules and regulations as set forth by the college. If violation occurs, student-athletes are disciplined in the same manner as non-student-athletes. The coach and/or Department of Athletics reserve the right to apply additional disciplinary measures if appropriate. Failure to comply with the expectations of the Code of Conduct could result in the dismissal from current or future teams.