Athletic Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Athletic department is to provide an opportunity for student athletes to enhance, refine and demonstrate their athletic and intellectual skills through teamwork, sportsmanship, intercollegiate competition and to further seek and provide the staff and facilities for the training necessary for an outstanding athletic program and the development of a well-rounded athlete.

Aims and Objectives of the NAIA

The aims and objectives of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is to promote the development of athletics as an integral part of the educational offering of member institutions by means of democratic participation at district, national and local levels. This aim and objective shall be accomplished by means of the functioning of district and local committees composed of representatives of those institutions which subscribe to and support athletics programs that shall culminate in truly democratic national and local championship competitions. NAIA seeks membership only from accredited institutions which support this aim. In addition, the NAIA are dedicated to aid in the solution of problems in intercollegiate athletics common to both institutions. The primary criteria for selection and encouragement of membership shall be educational emphasis.

Philosophy of the Athletic Program

Morris College supports and fully adopts the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) philosophies and thus, shapes its statement of philosophy by inculcating the basic philosophy of this association into its athletic mission and purpose statement.

The purpose of the Morris College Athletic Program, as is the purpose of the NAIA, is to promote the education and development of students through intercollegiate athletic participation. The College's commitment to high standards and the principles of athletics serve as an integral part of education.

Morris College embraces the concepts of the student-athlete and recognizes the importance of the individuality of each student. The College also recognizes the value of the district and conference structure, and the benefits of membership in a national and local association.

Morris College pursues the following goals for student athletes:

1. The student, as a central focus of intercollegiate athletics, shall:

  1. Accept the responsibility to become an effective, contributing member of society.
  2. Perform as a positive role model on the campus and in the wider community.
  3. Fulfill academic responsibilities while progressing steadily toward meeting the requirements for a degree.
  4. Maintain eligibility for participation in every athletic contest.

2. The College shall:

  1. Ensure that intercollegiate athletics is an integral part of the total educational offering, under the control of those responsible for the administration of the institution.
  2. Encourage the broadest possible student involvement in the athletics program.
  3. Maintain high ethical standards through commitment to the principles of self-reporting.
  4. Evaluate the athletics program in terms of the educational purpose of the institution.
  5. Engage in competition with other institutions having similar athletics philosophies and policies.
  6. Provide campus wide recognition of outstanding accomplishments of athletes.
  7. Provide opportunities for athletes to develop leadership skills through participation in athlete encounters.