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. Thomas University in cooperation with the Department of Athletics ensu
res 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.