Legislative Adherence

LEGISLATIVE ADHERENCE

I. We confirm that our institution has adhered to all appropriate NCAA Division III legislation; specifically, divisional membership requirements of NCAA Division III Bylaw 20

 YES

At Mississippi University for Women, we place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all our students' academic programs. We strive to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletics activity is conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete's educational experience, and in which all of our coaches play a significant role as educators and mentors. To us at MUW the establishment and maintenance of our environment as one that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and our staff.

At MUW our president has the ultimate responsibility and final authority for the conduct of our athletics program. We strive to place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators and place greater emphasis on our campus community than on the general public and its entertainment needs. We do not award any financial aid to any student on the basis of athletics leadership, ability, participation or performance. At MUW our primary focus is on intercollegiate athletics as a four-year, undergraduate experience. Every day we encourage the development of sportsmanship and positive societal attitudes in all our community members, including student-athletes, coaches, administrative personnel and spectators. Participation is encouraged by maximizing the number and variety of sport offerings for our students through broad-based athletics programs. Through Education and Accountability, we look to assure that the actions of our coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in all relationships with student-athletes and the community.

Student-athletes are supported in their efforts to meaningfully participate in nonathletic pursuits to enhance their overall educational experience. Athletics strives to support all of our institution's educational missions by financing, staffing and controlling the programs through the same general procedures as other departments of the institution. Further, the administration of our athletics programs have been integrated into the campus culture and educational mission to work towards building our cohesive campus community. MUW Athletics recruitment complies with the established institutional policies and procedures applicable to the admission process.

At MUW we exercise institutional autonomy in the establishment of initial and continuing eligibility standards for student-athletes and we guarantee that the academic performance of student-athletes is, at a minimum, consistent with that of the general student body. Here at MUW the admission policies for student-athletes complies with policies and procedures applicable to

the general student body and we look to provide equitable athletics opportunities for studentathletes and give equal emphasis to men's and women's sports. In our MUW community we value and find strength in our ethnic and gender diversity.

Athletics has been intentional in our pursuit of the mission, vision and philosophy of the NCAA Division III. We have dedicated time, personnel and resources to ensure compliance with the NCAA. We still have work to accomplish. However, we are excited to share the strides we have made and the work we will continue to not only fulfill the membership requirements, but also to be a celebrated member.

APPENDIX A – Legislative Adherence Documentation

• NCAA Checklist • Staff Meeting Dates • Sample Agenda • Compliance Powerpoint • NCAA & MUW Overview Powerpoint