A61.2
Policy
ATHLETIC COUNCIL
(*See also "Statement of Responsibility" below). The chief duties and functions of the Athletic Council are to formulate and maintain general policies pertaining to intercollegiate athletics including but not limited to the following: (a) medical care of student athletes; (b) academic counseling of student athletes; and (c) scheduling of athletic events. In formulating policy, the Athletic Council of the University of New Mexico shall (a) maintain a position in favor of high scholastic standards for intercollegiate athletics; (b) maintain a position in favor of high standards of institutional and personal integrity and ethical conduct for intercollegiate athletics, and (c) maintain the concept of the intercollegiate athlete as an amateur competitor, a bona fide student pursuing a degree program.
The duties of the Athletic Council are further specifically defined: (a) to transmit to the President and Faculty Senate at the beginning of each calendar year a report to include information on athletic scholarships and financial aid given to athletes (based on information compiled by the Athletic Academic Advisement Office and the Student Affairs Office), current ten-year review of the graduation rates of student athletes, the eligibility of student athletes as indicated by the Faculty Representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Records Office, and the Athletic Academic Advising Office, appropriate recommendations concerning the administration of athletic programs from the perspective of the academic performance of student athletes; and appropriate policy recommendation concerning the "UNM Athletic Council Statement of Responsibility;" (b) to review annually all schedules for conformity to the Athletic Council policy on scheduling of academic events. Scheduling of non-conference games during (note that the University no longer formally defines or has specific policies regarding "closed" week) final exam weeks should be avoided when possible or minimized. Exceptions shall have prior approval from the Director of Athletics and the Athletic Council, and shall be restricted to Friday and Saturday contests; (c) to advise the President when a Director of Athletics (note the position of Director of Women's Athletics has been eliminated) or a head coach is to be employed or dismissed; (d) to review at the end of each academic year the list provided by the Director of Athletics of student athletes whose scholarships or financial aid are not being reviewed, including the reason for each action; (e) to encourage ethical conduct in intercollegiate sports at the University of New Mexico; (f) to review and make recommendations regarding conference affiliations and other intercollegiate relationships; (g) to consult with the Director of Athletics on evaluations of coaches and athletic staff; (h) to review annually and make appropriate policy recommendations concerning the "UNM Athletic Council Statement of Responsibility" and (i) to make appropriate recommendations to the Director of Athletics, faculty, and President regarding other items pertaining to the maintenance of scholastic standards for intercollegiate athletics.
(Eight faculty members, the majority of whom should be tenured, including the chairperson, all to be appointed by the Faculty Senate. These eight members must be representative of at least four colleges. The terms of office shall be for three years, set up on a staggered basis so that the terms of two members will expire each year. The remaining council membership shall be composed of: three undergraduate student members; one graduate student member; one alumni member; and, also, ex-officio, non-voting, the Director of Athletics, the Associate Director of Athletics, and the faculty or administrative representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA.)
Intercollegiate athletics at the University are regulated primarily by the constitution and operating code of the Mountain West Conference whose policies the University has officially adopted as its own. The University also conforms to the general policies of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. Local implementation is carried out by the University's Athletic Council, a faculty standing committee.
The following statement of policy was adopted by the University faculty on May 17, 1972, and was incorporated as part of the bylaws of the Athletic Council. It was modified in April, 1976 and September 1980.
UNM ATHLETIC COUNCIL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
1.It is the policy of the University of New Mexico that student athletes must be making progress toward a degree of their choice and that they be provided with the opportunity to develop athletic skills in an environment consistent with high standards of scholarship, sportsmanship and human dignity.
2. Student athletes and members of the coaching, medical, and administrative staff of the Athletic Department are expected to manifest humane relationships in their contacts with team members, officials, representatives of other universities, and the public. Their conduct should exemplify fair play, sportsmanship, and high ethical standards traditionally associated with wholesome competitive sports.
3. Staff members of
the Athletic Department shall familiarize themselves with and adhere to
rules, regulations, and policies of the NCAA, AIAW, WAC, and University
of New Mexico. They will refrain from using any demonstrative teaching,
motivating, or disciplinary techniques that would be in violation of paragraph
6 which prohibits "physical abuse, the threat of physical abuse, or
intimidation of any person on campus or at any University-authorized function
or event, or other conduct that threatens or endangers the health, freedom
of action, or safety of any such person."
4. Complaints of violations of paragraphs 1 through 3 above should be brought
to the Athletic Council. At the request of either the Director of Athletics,
a student athlete, or staff member, the Athletic Council in accordance with
University regulations concerning due process, will consider evidence of
such violations, make a decision regarding its credibility, and recommend
appropriate action to the University President.
5. No student athlete will be subjected to any physical or mental reprisal for having filed a complaint with the Director of Athletics or the Athletic Council. (Such reprisal would constitute a violation of paragraphs 1 through 3.)
6. Before June 15 each year, the Director of Athletics will submit to the Athletic Council a list of student athletes whose grants-in-aid are not being renewed; the list will include the reasons for such actions.
7. The Director of Athletics
and the Administrator responsible for women's sports will develop and use
regularly a systematic method of evaluating the teaching competence and
ethical behavior of coaches and staff and their ability to develop and maintain
healthy interpersonal relationships with student athletes and staff members
in their programs. The Director of Athletics will report the results of
these evaluations at least annually to the Athletic Council.