Commitment to Excellence

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

  1. Expectations for Student-Athletes:

Being a student-athlete at Midland University is a privilege. It provides unique opportunities and responsibilities that not all students have. You are expected to grow personally, compete successfully, and represent your team, the athletic department, and the university with pride.

As a student-athlete, you are expected to:

  • Follow all laws and university rules.
  • Respect the mission and values of Midland University.
  • Act with integrity, both on and off the field.
  • Show respect for all people, regardless of background or beliefs.

 

You are responsible for knowing and following the rules set by:

  • Federal, state, and local laws,
  • The NAIA and GPAC (and other sport affiliations),
  • Midland University and your coaches.

 

These rules cover everything from academics and sportsmanship to drug and alcohol use, harassment, hazing, and more.

If you violate any part of this Commitment to Excellence , you must report it to your Head Coach or the Director of Athletics within 24 hours, even during breaks or the off-season.

 

  1. What’s Not Allowed (Prohibited Conduct)

Here are examples of behaviors that are not allowed as a Midland University student-athlete:

  1. Social Media Misuse. Including but not limited to:
  • Posting offensive or inappropriate content.
  • Sharing anything that goes against this Commitment, the Student Handbook, or the law.
  1. Academic Misconduct
  • No cheating, plagiarism, falsifying information, or helping others cheat.
  • Skipping Class or Poor Performance
  • Go to class, be on time, and stay in good academic standing.
  • Poor academic performance may affect your eligibility and scholarships.
  1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
  • Always represent your team and school with class.
  • No abusive language, threats, or property damage.
  1. Alcohol, Drug, Vaping or Tobacco Violations
  • No drinking under 21
  • No supplying alcohol to minors
  • No drinking at team events or while traveling for your sport
  • No public intoxication or breaking campus alcohol rules
  • No illegal or unauthorized drug use
  • No drug sales or distribution
  • No tobacco use during team events
  • No drug paraphernalia or policy violations
  • DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
  • Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  1. Failing a Drug Test
  • You may be randomly drug tested.
  • Failing or refusing a test will lead to disciplinary action.
  1. Violence and Hazing
  • Any form of assault, stalking, sexual misconduct, or hazing is strictly prohibited.
  1. Sexual Misconduct
  • This includes harassment, assault, stalking, or any behavior that violates another person’s safety and dignity.
  1. Criminal Charges: If you're arrested or charged with a crime:
  • You will be suspended from team activities immediately.
  • Your case will be reviewed within 48 hours.
  • You’ll have a chance to explain your side within 10 days.
  • A guilty felony conviction may result in permanent suspension
  1. Consequences and Discipline

Violating this policy may lead to one or more of the following sanctions:

  1. Individual Consequences
    • Warning: Formal written notice
    • Work/Restitution: Community service or paying for damages
    • Probation: You stay on the team but have restrictions
    • Suspension: Temporary removal from the team
    • Scholarship Loss: Partial or full loss of athletic aid
    • Expulsion (Team): Permanent removal from team activities
    • Expulsion (University): Permanent removal from Midland University
  2. Team Consequences
    • Probation
    • Team service projects
    • Cancelled games or seasons
  3. Disciplinary Process
    • The Athletic Department investigates violations and may interview people involved.
    • A meeting is usually held before any discipline is imposed.
    • Refusing to cooperate with an investigation may lead to further consequences.

Head coaches and athletic leadership may add additional sanctions as needed. Team-specific rules must also be followed, and each team must share them in writing.

  1. Appeals

You may appeal a disciplinary decision within two (2) days if you believe there were special circumstances. Write a letter to the Director of Athletics or the President’s Senior Leadership Team explaining your situation.

Note: DUI and drug distribution offenses cannot be appealed.

 

NAIA Champions of Character Pledge

As a student-athlete at Midland University, I pledge to uphold the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character:

  • Integrity – Always do what’s right
  • Respect – Show respect to everyone, including opponents, teammates, officials, and coaches
  • Responsibility – Own your actions and contribute to your team and community
  • Sportsmanship – Compete with honor and fairness
  • Servant Leadership – Put others first and lead by example

 

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