Philosophy
Rogers State University Philosophy Statement
The primary purpose of Rogers State University is to ensure students develop the skills and knowledge required to achieve professional and personal goals in dynamic local and global communities.
As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the MIAA, Rogers State adheres to the policies established by these organizations. In addition, the University supports the NCAA statement of philosophy. This philosophy is based on the belief “that a well-conducted intercollegiate athletic program based on sound educational principles and practices is a proper part of the educational mission of a university…and that the educational welfare of the participating student-athlete is of primary concern.”
Additionally, the objectives of the athletic program are to be compatible with the overall mission of the University. The activities of the athletic program will serve the purpose of preparing students and student-athletes for life as they reinforce the principles of competition emphasizing fair play and good sportsmanship. The welfare of the student and student-athletes are of primary concern emotionally, physically, and academically.
The philosophy stands on the following principles of the NCAA Philosophy Statement: offering intercollegiate athletic participation opportunities to as many of its students as possible, striving for broad participation and competitive excellence, encouraging sportsmanship and ethical conduct, and developing social attitudes in all of its athletic endeavors, scheduling the majority of its athletic competition with other members of Division II, and recognize the dual objectives in an athletic program of serving both the campus and general public.
NCAA Division II Philosophy
Members of Division II believe that a well-conducted intercollegiate athletics program, based on sound educational principles and practices, is a proper part of the educational mission of a university or college and that the educational welfare of the participating student-athlete is of primary concern.
Members of Division II support the following principles in the belief that these objectives assist in defining the division and the possible differences between it and other divisions of the Association. This statement shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences. A member of Division II:
• Believes in promoting the academic success of its student-athletes, measured in part by an institution’s student-athletes graduating at least at the same rate as the institution’s student body;
• Believes that participation in intercollegiate athletics benefits the educational experience of its student-athletes and the entire campus community;
• Believes in offering opportunities for intercollegiate athletics participation consistent with the institution’s mission and philosophy; • Believes that championships are intended to provide national-level competition among eligible student-athletes and teams of member institutions;
• Believes in preparing student-athletes to be good citizens, leaders and contributors in their communities;
• Believes in striving for equitable participation and competitive excellence, encouraging sportsmanship and ethical conduct, enhancing diversity and developing positive societal attitudes in all of its athletic endeavors;
• Believes in scheduling the majority of its athletics competition with other members of Division II, insofar as regional qualification, geographical location and traditional or conference scheduling patterns permit;
• Recognizes the need to “balance” the role of the athletics program to serve both the campus (participants, student body, faculty-staff ) and the general public (community, area, state);
• Believes in offering opportunity for participation in intercollegiate athletics by awarding athletically related financial aid to its student-athletes;
• Believes that institutional control is a fundamental principle that supports the educational mission of a Division II institution and assumes presidential involvement and commitment. All funds supporting athletics should be controlled by the institution. The emphasis for an athletics department should be to operate within an institutionally approved budget, and compliance with and self-enforcement of NCAA regulations is an expectation of membership; and
• Believes that all members of Division II should commit themselves to this philosophy and to the regulations and programs of Division II.
Life in the Balance
Higher education has lasting importance on an individual’s future success. For this reason, the emphasis for the student-athlete experience in Division II is a comprehensive program of learning and development in a personal setting. The Division II approach provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletics competition and development of positive societal attitudes in service to community. The balance and integration of these different areas of learning opportunity provide Division II student-athletes a path to graduation while cultivating a variety of skills and knowledge for life ahead.
In addition, the Division II Strategic Positioning Platform emphasizes six key attributes that summarize the Division II student-athlete experience:
