ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MISSION & PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
St. Thomas University’s Mission
St. Thomas University is an urban, student centered, Catholic university with rich cultural and international diversity, dedicated to developing leaders who contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the regions they serve.
Department of Athletics Mission
Intercollegiate athletics at St. Thomas University provides student-athletes with a competitive and diverse environment where they can challenge themselves athletically and academically. The Department of Athletics places a priority on the mental, social, physical, emotional, moral and spiritual well-being of the student-athletes, a practice that allows the student-athletes to flourish and reach their full potential. Participation in athletics prepares student-athletes for future endeavors by developing leadership and encouraging teamwork, values that enhance good citizenship. Consistent with the University’s Catholic tradition, rooted in diversity and service, the Department of Athletics emphasizes community engagement in the region. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or in the community, the student-athletes and staff respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every human being, maintain the highest standards of ethical behavior, and conduct themselves in a manner which brings credit to the University.
Philosophy Statement
The President of St. Thomas University and the Department of Athletics firmly believe in supporting the academic progress of student-athletes and encouraging the values of respect for others, quality sportsmanship, and ethical conduct in amateur intercollegiate athletics. These are key values in achieving our mission of developing leaders for life. The President of St. Thomas University in cooperation with the Department of Athletics ensures that all student-athletes, athletic staff, and institutional personnel understand and practice the highest ethical conduct on and off the field or court and comply fully with all the rules of our Division. These values are the standards for all our fans, alumni, boosters, and the members of our immediate collegiate community at all events throughout the athletics program.
The Department of Athletics places a high priority on the health, safety, well-being and academic success of its student-athletes, and encourages the growth of well-balanced student-athletes in the student centered environment established by the University mission and its Catholic tradition. Participation in athletics facilitates the learning of values which improve the mental, social, physical, emotional, moral and spiritual development of student-athletes. These lifelong values teach teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership. The Department of Athletics fully supports student-athletes and their efforts to meet their educational objectives and to maintain good academic progress toward their degrees.
In addition, the athletic programs afford student-athletes high-level, amateur athletic competition where they can challenge themselves on the field or court through equitable participation. Excellence in competition is always approached within the framework created by our Division’s constitution, bylaws, policies, and principles of sportsmanship. The Department of Athletics schedules the majority of its competitions with other members in its Division, within the University’s regional and geographical location. An equal opportunity to participate in intercollegiate athletics is provided for all students regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and sexual orientation. Furthermore, the Catholic tradition and mission of the University ensures that all students have opportunities for volunteer service and community engagement in order to develop leaders who contribute in the region in which they reside.