Athletics

Health and Physical Fitness Center
Hours: Day and Evening Hours as Posted
814-886-6373 or 814-886-6359

Intercollegiate Athletics
Men’s/women’s basketball, tennis, cross country, golf, soccer, and men’s baseball, women’s softball, and women’s volleyball are teams sponsored by Mount Aloysius as members of the NCAA-DIII and of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. Open tryouts are available for all teams. Please contact the Athletic Director for information. Students are invited to join in the school spirit by rooting for the Mount Aloysius athletic teams as they challenge many worthy rivals at home and on the road.

Mount Aloysius Athletic Department Philosophy
The philosophy of the Athletic Department of Mount Aloysius College is based upon the recognition of the positive benefits of competition and participation. Sportsmanship, teamwork, self-discipline and self-sacrifice are primary attributes that are gained through athletic competition.
Academic achievement goes hand-in-hand with athletic achievement. Athletic Department personnel must support and promote the total growth of the student-athlete. Student-athletes are students first. Student-athletes should be encouraged to immerse themselves in all positive aspects of the college experience. Athletic participation should enrich the student-athlete’s experience, not limit it. Student-athlete well being is a primary focus and, through athletic experience, character growth, and healthful lifestyles will be promoted.
The Mount Aloysius College Athletic Department supports gender equity and strives for equal support and success in all departmental offerings. Mount Aloysius embraces the philosophy of the NCAA-III and celebrates the efforts and growth of its student-athletes under the guidelines and regulations of the NCAA-III.

Health Forms and Health Insurance
Varsity athletes are required to submit completed health forms to the Health Services Office prior to the start of the season in order to participate in any given sport. All student-athletes must carry health insurance. They must present their health insurance card to the Health Services office prior to the start of their practice season. All injuries not covered under the primary health coverage (i.e. dental or vision) will be the responsibility of the student-athlete. If injury is considered catastrophic and the College’s insurance is used, the student athlete will be responsible for the deductible ($1500). They also must complete the physical examination requirement and have all necessary health forms filled out in advance of their first participation. If all health requirements are not completed, the student-athlete will not be cleared to practice or play. A physical examination must be done within six months prior to participation by the student-athlete in order to be acceptable and paperwork from that physical must be forwarded to the Health Services Office.

Student Athlete Code of Conduct
Being a student-athlete at Mount Aloysius College brings responsibilities as well as privileges. As a student-athlete, you are a representative of your team, the Athletic Department and Mount Aloysius College. Your behavior, both on- and off-campus, and in and out of season, creates an image that is a direct reflection on yourself, your team and the College. It is expected that student athletes know, understand and honor the College Code of Conduct for student athletes and demonstrate good citizenship, sportsmanship and integrity during competition, on campus and in the community.
Student-athletes will:

• Adhere to local, state, and federal laws, NCAA rules, and College policies.
• Treat all members of the Mount Aloysius College community with respect and civility.
• Hazing: Zero tolerance for hazing activities. Hazing is defined as planning, directing or committing acts which willfully or recklessly endanger the mental or physical health of a student, or subjects the person to ridicule, embarrassment, or unlawful activity for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
• Gambling: Participation in gambling activity is prohibited.
• Tobacco: Use of tobacco is prohibited while practicing, traveling with the teams or during any College sponsored athletic event.
• Alcohol: Use of alcohol is forbidden for all students on campus or at college related activities off campus. State laws governing alcohol consumption in other settings must be obeyed.
• Banned Drugs: Use of any drugs banned by the NCAA is prohibited.
• Academic Integrity: Student-athletes must adhere to the College academic integrity policy.

Policy on Non-Compliance Code of Conduct
In the event a student-athlete fails to meet the stated expectations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, they may be subject to the following sanctions according to the degree and number of violations.

• Suspension from practicing with their team/community service assignments;
• Suspension from playing in games/matches with their team;
• Dismissal from the team;
• College sanctions may also be imposed according to the College Conduct System practice;
• Local, state, or federal sanctions may also be imposed as applicable by civil authorities.

Use of Athletic Facilities and Fields
The facilities and athletic fields are available to students, faculty, alumni, and staff of Mount Aloysius. They are also available to family members of the College faculty and staff. Family members must be at least 12 years of age, and if under the age of 21, must be accompanied by an adult. The facility and athletic fields are also available for community use. For more information on use guidelines, please see the Athletic Director.
The basketball court and fitness center are not available during team practices. Practice times are posted in the gym. On game nights, all recreational areas of the gym are closed.

Mount Aloysius College Minimum Academic Eligibility Standards for Athletic Participation

A. Cumulative Grade Point Average

1. During the first two full-time semesters, all student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.5.
2. Transfer students, during their first year of attendance at the conference institution, shall be held to the same standard as incoming freshmen.
3. Beginning with third full-time semester, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 shall be required to compete in a conference sponsored sport.

B. Normal Progress
By the start of the fifth full-time semester (or third year of athletics eligibility), the student-athlete shall be enrolled in a course of study toward fulfilling a major.

C. Waivers
Mount Aloysius College chooses not to grant waivers to any student. We believe that a student who is at risk academically should concentrate on his/her studies. The student will be eligible for athletic competition again only after his/her cumulative grade point average reaches a 2.0 or higher.

D. Mid-Semester Reinstatement
It is possible for a student-athlete who is ineligible at the start of a semester to become re-eligible mid-semester, e.g.:

1. upon successful completion of an incomplete course.
2. upon an official grade change.
3. upon recognition of institutional error.
4. upon completion of a course lasting less than a full semester.

In all circumstances, the student-athlete will not be eligible until the grade change is officially recorded in the Registrar’s Office

PROVISIONAL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY PROGRAM
The purpose of the program is to provide the student-athlete with structure and guidance for improving their academic performance. The Program Coordinator will monitor the student’s progress through regular meetings with the student athlete and through consultations with faculty and staff as necessary and appropriate.

Participation in the program is required based on the following criteria:

• Any Freshman athlete earning a cumulative grade point average below 1.5.
• Any transfer student with a cumulative grade point average below 1.5 during their first semester at Mount Aloysius College.
• After the Freshman year, any athlete with a semester grade point average below 2.00.
  (Note: at the start of the third semester, all athletes must maintain a cumulative grade point average of a 2.00 or better to be eligible for athletic competition.)

Requirements:

• The student athlete must sign the Learning Contract and fulfill the provisions
  outlined.

Consequences of violating the provisions of the Athletic Learning Contract:

• First Offense will result in a one game suspension.
• Second Offense will result in a two game suspension.
• Third Offense will result in suspension from the team.

PROVISIONAL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY PROGRAM

Athletic Learning Contract: Fall/Sping 2009/2010 SEMESTERS

____________________ has agreed to the terms and conditions of the Learning Contract below. Failure to live up to these conditions may result in suspension of playing privileges.

1. I will achieve a semester GPAof 2.5 or greater, will pass all courses with a grade of C or higher, and will maintain and complete a full time credit load.
2. I will attend all scheduled classes and any other course-required activities and events. Perfect attendance is an expected and achievable goal. If I miss a class, I will inform the Program Coordinator ASAP via e-mail, phone, or in person within 24 hours with a reasonable explanation as to why.
3. Every two weeks I am required to schedule a progress meeting with the Program Coordinator to review and discuss progress. As part of this meeting, I will submit a one page typed report on the significant aspects of the period, including but not limited to academic progress, grades, tests, papers, etc
4. I am required before the last date for withdrawal to meet with each of my professors in order to discuss my academic progress and report back to the Program Coordinator.
5. I will follow any reasonable instructions, recommendations, or modifications (referrals for tutoring, for example) as they occur during the semester.

I have read and I understand the terms of the Learning Contract, and I agree to the Conditions set forth.

STUDENT SIGNATURE: __________________________ DATE: ________

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: _______________________ DATE: ________