Department Goals & Mission
Mission Statement
The Southwest Minnesota State University athletics department strives to provide leadership, resources and support to ensure all student-athletes receive the finest personal, academic and athletic experience as possible. Along with SMSU’s institutional mission of providing a high quality liberal arts education, the SMSU Athletics department is committed to learning, service, passion, sportsmanship, resourcefulness and balance.
Athletic Department Goals
- Promote sportsmanship and act in an ethical and honest manner dedicated to compliance with all federal, state, NCAA, conference and University rules and regulations.
- Continue to provide successful programs presenting a positive image, while connecting with the local communities.
- Provide quality, championship-caliber athletic facilities for training and competition for the benefit and enjoyment of student-athletes, fans and regional communities.
- Provide multiple opportunities to broaden knowledge and skills, while encouraging student-athletes to attain a meaningful education culminating in the attainment of their degree.
- Provide resources and support necessary for each team to compete for conference, regional and national championships.
- Ensure equal participation opportunities for all student-athletes and to provide equal opportunities in employment within the athletics staff as guided by Title IX and the Office of Civil Rights.
- Create an environment where the physical, emotional and social welfare of all student-athletes is upheld regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, national origin, color, creed, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion.
Athletics Statement on Gender Equity
Southwest Minnesota State University believes in and is committed to Diversity, Inclusion and Gender Equity. The goal of the University is to maintain an athletics program which provides equal opportunities and quality experiences for female and male participates in intercollegiate athletics.
In order to ensure adherence to Federal laws and guidelines and gender equity principles, SMSU will commit to review the following program areas:
- Accommodation of Interests and Abilities: Conduct a general assessment of the interests and abilities every five years (or as necessary).
- Equivalency of Treatment in Support of the Respective Programs: Review the athletics programs to ensure female and male student-athletes are provided equal treatment in support of the respective program by assessing the following items:
- Athletics Scholarships
- Equipment and Supplies
- Scheduling of Contests and Practice Times
- Travel Allowance
- Academic Support Services
- Coaches
- Locker Rooms, Practice and Competitive Facilities
- Medical and Training Facilities and Services
- Housing, Dining, Facilities and Services
- Publicity and Awards
- Support Services
- Recruitment of Student-Athletes
- Retention
- Programs and Activities (Staff and Coaches)
- Programs and Activities (Student-Athletes)
- Participation in Governance and Decision Making
Gender Equity Information
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 - “No person in the United State shall, on the bases of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
NCAA Gender Equity Statement- “An athletics program can be considered gender equitable when participants in both men’s and women’s sports programs would accept as fair and equitable the overall program of the other gender. No individual should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, institutionally or nationally, in intercollegiate athletics.”
