Philadelphia University Department of Athletics Mission Statement

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is an integral part of Philadelphia University. A professionally managed and well-rounded athletics program serves to enrich the student's life in college and enhances his or her preparation for a full and rewarding life after college.

The mission of the Department of Athletics is to afford our student-athletes, men and women, the opportunity to participate in a challenging and competitive athletic program, while ensuring that they are provided with a quality education in keeping the University's long-standing concern for each student's distinctive needs. 

 Athletics are the most publicly visible activity of the University. Its standards, goals, and ideals must remain in harmony with the University's academic programs. The athletic program will be conducted in a manner that is most conducive to the physical welfare of the student-athletes who participate, allowing them to grow physically, emotionally and intellectually. The academic success of those students is considered paramount.

Our administrators, coaches, and athletic department staff are dedicated to maintaining the University's reputation for integrity and excellence, both on and off the playing fields. All athletic contests, practices and related activities will be conducted in total compliance with the principles of fair play and amateur competition, as defined by the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), the East Coast Conference (ECC), the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

We empower our student-athletes to make a difference, both in their University community and the surrounding Philadelphia area.  By doing so, we believe they will be better prepared after graduation to assume the leadership roles for the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world.

Based on the above mission statement, the objective of Intercollegiate Athletics at Philadelphia University is to:

1. Provide an equal opportunity for female and male student-athletes of good character and acceptable academic standing, to compete in organized intercollegiate athletics while pursuing a baccalaureate or master's degree.
2. Provide an opportunity for each student-athlete to grow as a total person by enabling involvement in more areas of student life and providing the tools that will aid the student-athlete after graduation.
3. Provide financial opportunity through scholarship assistance to diverse and deserving student-athletes of local, regional, national and international origins.
4. Provide quality athletic facilities for athletic participation, community utilization, and regional, national and international good will.
5. Utilize Intercollegiate Athletics as a means to reach and draw together the University community and the alumni, to provide a source of institutional pride and through athletic competitiveness and academic integrity.
6. Ensure in all areas of intercollegiate athletics, that Philadelphia University demands and functions with integrity, social responsibility, ethical standards, and strict adherence to the spirit and letter of all University, CACC, ECC, ECAC and NCAA rules.

Desired Goals and Learning Outcomes through Athletics:

1. Communication/Public Speaking: Communicating- verbally, nonverbally, and in written form- information, ideas, and contrasting points of view in an effective and professional manner.
2. Conflict Mediation: Promoting reconciliation, settlement, or compromise between teammates who are experiencing incompatible or opposing views.
3. Event Planning: Effectively managing and planning team events, utilizing campus resources and working with other members of a club or organization.
4. Goal and Vision Setting: Identifying goals and a vision for the team that fosters unity and a sense of purpose amongst group members and is in the spirit of the University Mission and Campus Community.  
5. Group Dynamics/Motivation: Interacting effectively within the group, as both a leader and as a peer. Maintaining focus, drive and determination to meet individual and team goals.
6. Management/Delegating: Giving recommendations to others to help them make a decision or plan a course of conduct and skillfully directing or implementing organizational taks and responsibilities.
7. Mentoring/Remodeling: Critically directing activities or a course of action in an organizational context with the intent to develop future leaders and promote organizational continuity.
8. Problem Solving: Analyzing problems from several perspectives, identifying and evaluating alternative solutions, and implementing selected solution(s).
9. Self-Awareness: Understanding one's own capabilities, character, ability, feelings, or motivation, and how these might affect one's effectiveness.
10. Social Awareness and Civic Responsibility: Identify ways in which a team plays a role in a variety of communities, including its own constituents within Philadelphia and as far-reaching as the global community.
11. Utilizing Resources: Creatively employing or applying appropriate resources (physical, personal, educational, etc.) to the challenge of academic and athletic success.
12. Working Effectively with Diverse and/or Underrepresented Populations: Working effectively with students, teammates, faculty and staff who represent a diversity of viewpoints, experiences, and cultures.