Neumann University Athletics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neumann College is a Catholic and Franciscan College that affirms and respects the uniqueness and inherent dignity of each person and believes that the individual’s spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical and social growth complement and fulfills one another. Neumann seeks to educate a diverse population of students in a scholarly, supportive and caring environment. Neumann College strives to nurture the whole person by complementing the academic experience with athletic and recreational programs and activities.

 

The Mission of the Athletic Department at Neumann College reflects the Franciscan Mission of the College by using the programs within Athletics as a way of developing the whole person and preparing men and women for service to others. The Athletic Department, therefore, strives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colleges and Universities in Division III place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience. In so doing, they seek to strengthen the integration of objectives and programs in athletics with academic and developmental objectives and to assure the integration of athletes with other students.

 

The following statement is not binding on member institutions but shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementing programs by institutions and conferences.

 

Division III member institutions place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on spectators and place greater emphasis on the internal constituency (students, alumni and special friends) than on the general public and its entertainment needs. To achieve this end, the athletics program in Division III:

 

(a)    encourages participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletics opportunities in varsity, club, and intramural sports;

(b)   ensures that participants receive the same treatment as other students. They have no unique privileges in admissions, academic advising, course selection, grading, living accommodations, or financial aid. Similarly, athletes are not denied rights and opportunities that would be available to them as non-athletes;

(c)    is controlled, financed, and staffed through the same general procedures as other departments of the college;

(d)   gives equal emphasis to men's and women's sports, and the desired quality of competition is similar in all sports. Participant interests will be one factor considered in the determination of the level of support provided by the college to each sport;

(e)    supports students in their efforts to reach high levels of performance by providing them with adequate facilities, competent coaching, and appropriate competitive opportunities with students from similar institutions, and

(f)    gives primary emphasis to in-season competition, but exceptional teams and individuals may be encouraged through postseason championships.

 

The purpose of the NCAA is to assist its members to develop this approach as the basis for consistent, equitable competition and to do so in ways that minimize infringement on the freedom of individual institutions to determine their own special objectives and programs. 

Neumann College student-athletes should be aware that there are expectations of them by coaches, teammates, and the College. Individual team policies vary, but in general, student-athletes should understand that:

 

1.      There is no place in the training regimen for the use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco or any controlled substance. Any infraction in this area is a most serious breach of college codes and department policy and may result in sanctions against violators.

 

2.      Any persons who encourage such use or abuse by hosting in their dorm, apartment, or house, (or who arrange with an outside facility for) parties or social events where alcohol or other substances are abused are liable to sanction. All team members residing in the dorm suite, apartment, or house of such an event may be considered hosts of the event and also liable to sanction.

 

3.      Proper rest and nutrition are essential to achieving academic and athletic success. Careful attention should be paid to diet, while late hours unrelated to academic pursuits are not acceptable.

 

4.      Personal and team morale are vital ingredients to success. Every team member is expected to be a positive influence in achieving team goals. Individual differences should not interfere with the spirit of cooperation; every effort should be made to avoid being a negative influence. Respect for all is our number one commandment.

 

5.      Attendance at team functions (meetings, practices, etc.) is mandatory. A member of the staff must excuse an athlete in advance, of a team function. Athletes are expected to attend all classes unless an emergency or team competition or athletic contest requires their absence. Academic success is the primary reason for attending Neumann College.

 

6.      Promptness for practices, meetings, team departures, and other events is required and expected as a courtesy to all others concerned.

 

7.      Good Sportsmanship is promoted at all times; on and off the playing field, in practice and in competition. Respect for self, teammates, coaches, administrators, officials, and opponents, should be demonstrated at all times.  Student-athletes are to refrain from disrespectful conduct including verbal abuse of opponents and officials, profane or belligerent “trash-talking”, taunting and unseemly celebrations.

 

8.      Violation of any college policy or involvement with the College’s discipline system is a most serious offense, as it reflects negatively upon the Neumann College Athletic Department. Penalties may be imposed if there is a breach or violation of these policies.

 

 

 

And the Lord said to Moses the Knight, subscribe to the following laws and your life at Neumann College will be rewarding for you, and your family:

 

 

Thou shalt..................

 

1.      Respect for all

 

2.      Attend all classes.

 

3.      Get to know all of your professors.

 

4.      Be committed to having the best academic and athletic experience of your career.

 

5.      Maintain healthy eating habits and physical conditioning.

 

6.      Learn to accept responsibility for all of your actions.

 

7.      Enjoy yourself and have fun doing all that you do.

 

8.      Do unto others, as you would expect them to do unto you.

 

9.      Be self-confident in your abilities.

 

10. Give thanks for all of your gifts, abilities and experiences.

 

 

 

The Intercollegiate Athletic Program is conducted according to the rules and policies formulated by several governing bodies. Included within this manual are rules that are most frequently relevant to student-athletes. If a student-athlete wishes to pursue a topic in greater detail, this can be done using the manuals that are available in the athletic office.

 

Neumann College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III (NCAA III). Most of the policies and rules that must be met in the athletic program have been adopted from the NCAA and the Colonial States Athletic Conference. However, specific rules of Neumann College must be followed. The rules of various conferences to which Neumann College is a member pertain mostly to the scheduling and conduct of championship events.

 

The National Collegiate Athletic Association: The NCAA constitution, by-laws, and executive regulations cover almost all facets of intercollegiate athletics. Admissions, financial aid, eligibility, and recruiting are extensively regulated. In several sections of this manual, there are synopses of NCAA rules.

 

Conference Affiliations: The major conference affiliation of Neumann College is the Colonial States Athletic Conference. Championship events are conducted in all of the sports that Neumann College sponsors. The College is also a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

 

Faculty Athletics Representative: Neumann College, as mandated by the NCAA, has a Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) whose primary responsibilities are to evaluate and ensure the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, to facilitate institutional control of this program, to enhance the student-athletes experience and ensure the student athlete’s welfare. 

 

The Faculty Athletics Representative deals with issues of Academic Integrity, Compliance, Student-Athlete Experience and Communication between the institution and the NCAA, and the institution and its athletics program. Currently, the FAR at Neumann College is Dr. Sandy Slabik of the Sports Management Department. Student-athletes should feel free to contact Dr. Slabik if they have concerns in any of these areas. The Faculty Athletics Representative reports directly to the President at Neumann College.

 

Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is composed of student leaders from each team and is convened monthly by the Senior Women’s Administrator or Senior Women’s Administrator Emeritus. The purpose of the committee is to give feedback to the Athletic Director on issues pertinent to student-athletes, to give input into the planning process of the Athletic Department, and receive updates from the Athletic Department in order that these might be communicated to other student-athletes and teams.

 

 

Neumann College expects all people associated with its intercollegiate athletic programs – coaches, managers, student-athletes, athletic trainers, administrators and fans– to conduct themselves within the spirit and letter of the College’s values. Behavior informed by honesty, integrity and respect for the dignity of each person leads to the sense of sportsmanship and fair play required by Neumann College and NCAA Division III philosophy.

 

Neumann College has therefore adopted these ethical principles for the conduct of all individuals associated with Neumann College’s intercollegiate athletic programs:

 

 

 

 

In accordance with the missions and values of its member institutions, the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) is committed to promoting good sportsmanship and creating a healthy competitive environment. The opportunity to represent a CSAC institution is a privilege, and is accompanied by a duty and responsibility to act with civility, dignity and respect at all times.

 

All individuals associated with the CSAC are expected to represent their teams, institutions and the conference with behavior above reproach, and to observe the principles of good sportsmanship - civility, respect, honesty, dignity, courtesy, fairness, and integrity.

 

The CSAC shall neither condone nor ignore unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct by student-athletes, coaches, spectators, administrators, staff or officials

 

 

 

 

The Sports Media Relations Office is the public relations arm of the Athletic program. It is primarily responsible for providing information about the Athletic Department to the electronic and print media but also serves the College’s internal constituencies including students, administrators, faculty and staff, alumni, and community personnel. In performing these duties, the Sports Media Relations Office must have complete cooperation from administrators, coaches and athletes.

 

Athlete's Responsibilities:

 

1.      Complete the Sports Media Relations form immediately and completely. Return it to your coach or the director of Sports Media Relations as requested.

 

2.      Cooperate within the time frames of their own schedules to see the Sports Media Relations director for interviews or for photograph sessions.

 

3.      Abide with the policies of the athletic department regarding communicating with non-university personnel as follows:

 

Coach’s Responsibilities:

 

1.      Follow protocol and recommended guidelines for all CSAC, ECAC and NCAA Championships.

 

2.      Cooperate within the time frames of their own schedules to see the Sports Media Relations director for interviews or for photograph sessions.

 

3.      Abide with the policies of the athletic department regarding communicating with non-university personnel as follows:

 

 

Athletic Department Policy Regarding Communicating with Non-University Personnel: Particularly with basketball, but occasionally in other sports, gamblers will contact athletes, coaches and staff attempting to gain information that might be useful in gambling activities. Regarding sports information, athletes, coaches and staff should speak only in interviews pre-arranged through the Sports Media Relations Office. These interviews may take place in person or by telephone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) works closely with faculty, administrators to provide programmatic support to all Neumann students, beginning with their First-Year Experience and overall orientation to the College. The ARC’s staff plays a key role in helping to develop well balanced lifestyles for student-athletes. The program is designed to provide students with education and experiences to assist them in bridging the gap from college life to professional life and also to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

 

The ARC is home to the following offices:

 

The ARC provides the following services:

 

There are two goals for the Department of Athletics Academic Support Office. The first goal is to assist student-athletes in their efforts to complete their degree requirements in collaboration with each student-athletes faculty advisor and respective dean. The second goal is to design programming which will nurture the student-athlete’s life skills which are necessary to be successful in their future endeavors.

 

Programs include:

The Department of Athletics sponsors a study hall program known as Power Hours. Participation in this program is based on a student-athletes cumulative grade point average from the previous semester. Power Hour commitments are recalculated prior to the start of each semester. The number of Power Hours a student-athlete is required to complete each week of the semester is determined according to the following scale:

 

All new freshmen and transfers                      6 hours

2.24 and below                                               8 hours (3 hours must be completed in the ARC)

2.25 – 2.49                                                      3 hours (1 hour must be completed in the ARC)

2.5 or higher                                                    None

 

All questions will be handled by Matt Kennedy, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services and NCAA Life Skills. Mr. Kennedy can be reached at 610.361.5283.

 

 

Career Development Office strives to promote a values-based approach to career and life planning with opportunities for career exploration through Experiential Education programs, as well as Service-Learning, internship and cooperative education experiences. Career planning is viewed as a developmental process that begins with the first year of college and continues throughout the student’s educational program at Neumann. The Office also houses a library of career-related publications, and it’s Web site (www.collegecentral.com/neumann) also contains links to career planning information. These resources along with the opportunity for individual career counseling, by appointment, provide a basis for educational and career planning.

 

The Office of Counseling Services and the Health Services Office

Counseling Services provides a safe and supportive atmosphere in which students can explore and develop the socio-emotional-spiritual areas of their lives. Counseling enables students to integrate their academic experience with their total holistic development. Educational programs sponsored by Counseling Services include topics on the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse as well as personal counseling.

 

The Health Services Office attends to the physical and emotional needs of the students. The Director of Health Services coordinates the activities of the Health Service Office, utilizing a physician as a resource person and consultant, whenever needed. Care administered to students in the Health Services Office is free of charge.

 

The Institute for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development is dedicated to a vision of sport as an educational enterprise, which promotes the inescapable spiritual and ethical dimension that exists within athletics. One of the objectives of the Center is to offer opportunities for reflection and dialogue on the power of good inherent in sport. 

 

The Center engages in research, teaching and outreach/service designed to identify and implement practical strategies for optimizing the character-building, inspirational potential of sport. The Center recognizes that sport activities are a reflection of our culture and the moral challenges which we confront on a daily basis. If you are interested in contacting the Institute you can call Dr. Ed Hastings at 610.361.5293.

 

The Residence Life team is focused on providing a terrific living and learning experience. Each room is furnished with private bathrooms and are fully wired for computer, cable and voice communication. Neumann College can not guarantee housing from year to year. Any questions can be sent to Mike Webster, Director of Resident Life at 610.361.2222.

 

The Office of Student Activities sponsors services, programs, activities and other events the further the mission of Neumann College and enhance the quality of campus life. Education extends beyond the classroom and getting involved in campus life is a large part of Neumann Experience. If you are interested in getting more involved in student activities contact Megan Camp at 610.558.5539.

 

 

 

 

 

Student-athletes are responsible for any equipment issued to them and are required to sign an equipment issue form of responsibility. Each student-athlete is required to return issued equipment within one week after the season is completed. Failure to comply will result in financial holds being placed on student-athlete’s accounts.

 

Before being issued any equipment, each student-athlete must undergo a physical examination by a qualified physician provided by the College and be cleared to participate in their particular sport. 

 

 

 

Housing: Student-athletes are housed through the normal procedures of the Neumann College Residence Life as part of the general student population. Special arrangements may be made as required during summer, winter and spring breaks.

 

Travel and Meals: As a general policy, the College will provide meals for student-athletes during travel time or practice times when the student-athlete may miss the college sponsored meal due to athletic competition.

 

Most teams at Neumann College travel by charter bus when possible (or by college vans for local contests or practices). While traveling, student-athletes are reminded that they are representatives of Neumann College and are expected to behave and dress accordingly.

 

 

In addition to College’s Health Service requirements, each student-athlete must have an ANNUAL SPORT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION provided by the Department of Athletics and MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION MUST BE FILED WITH the ATHLETIC TRAINER. Athletes cannot practice or compete until these requirements have been met.

 

The final decision on physical qualification or reason for rejection shall be the responsibility of the Team Physician.

 

1.      Decisions regarding athletic injuries and health of athletes are made by a physician or in the absence thereof, a member of the athletic training staff, who determines when the athlete may return to activity and prescribe the level of activity allowed.

 

2.      Athletes are to attend practices unless excused for health reasons by a physician, athletic trainer or head coach.

 

3.      When a certified athletic trainer is not present, a student athletic trainer shall render care and assistance if possible. If a student athletic trainer is not available, the coach shall render care and obtain assistance (athletic trainer, physician, ambulance or transportation to hospital).

 

The athletic training room is for the varsity athletes of Neumann College. The hours are Monday – Friday 1 PM to 4 PM. Weekend hours may vary. (Last treatment commences at 4PM). Phone numbers: 610 558 5559 or 610 361 5228. Other times are available at the discretion of the Athletic Training Staff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student-athletes are responsible for setting an appointment time with the athletic training staff to complete any documentation necessary for the submission of a claim to the schools secondary insurance carrier for athletic claims. After the completion of a claim form student-athletes are responsible to send any bills and coordinating insurance statements from their primary insurance carrier to the athletic trainer. If a student-athlete is under the age of 17 the student’s parents must be responsible for forwarding all invoices.

 

Student-athletes and their families are advised that Neumann College carries catastrophic health insurance on all student-athletes who are rostered. This insurance begins after the injured student-athlete’s primary insurance carrier pays $75,000. Please review the coverage you have to assure your carrier will cover the first $75,000 of an athletic injury. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each coach follows the guidelines of the College and of the NCAA in running a Division III program and in educating the student-athlete. With this in mind, Student-athletes are always encouraged to maintain an open line of communication with their Head Coach. If at any time you have concerns that the coach is not addressing, these steps are suggested:

 

Speak to the team captain about the problem and begin to document the problem(s) encountered.

 

If you are not satisfied with the progress, speak to a member of the coaching staff.

(i.e. assistant coach, head coach)

 

After these steps are taken and you are still experiencing difficulties, request a meeting with FAR or the Director of Athletics. It is important to document the problem and the response you receive from each individual you speak to.

 

 

 

 

 

            Neumann College takes pride in teaching students to care for themselves, their community and others. When a student chooses to disregard care for any of these critical elements of our environment it is disappointing and may lead to severe consequences.  The Student-Athlete Judicial Violations policy outlines the process and consequences for individuals who may violate the policies and procedures of Neumann College. This policy applies to any Neumann College student-athlete found responsible for a violation.

 

NOTIFICATION OF JUDICIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

 

 

            In Season Violations: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The College's Drug and Alcohol policy states that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on its property or as part of any of its activities is prohibited. A statement of laws governing alcohol and illicit drugs and the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol can be found in the Neumann College Student Handbook.

 

Recognizing that students and employees addicted to alcohol and/or drugs may wish counseling in this area, Neumann College encourages them to visit or call the counseling office (610-358-4540), a campus minister, SAAC members, or members of the athletic department. Confidentiality will be enforced strictly as required by the professional ethics of the individual counselor. Referral to an outside agency is readily maintained.

 

NCAA REGULATIONS ON DRUGS:

 

In order to participate in athletics at Neumann College, you will be required to read and sign NCAA Drug-Testing Consent forms. By signing the form, you allow the NCAA to test you when you participate in any NCAA championship, for drugs banned by the NCAA under bylaw 31.2.3.1 of the NCAA manual. 

 

In the event that you test positive, you will be ineligible to participate in regular season and post-season competition during the time period ending one calendar year after your positive drug test, and you will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition eligibility. You must apply for re-instatement with the NCAA after you complete your year of suspension.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class attendance is mandatory for all student-athletes when not traveling to or representing Neumann College in a College sponsored athletic event. Student-athletes are required to complete a travel verification form at the start of each semester to inform their professors of the approaching missed class time. It is expected that student-athletes will see their professors and obtain all assignments he/she will miss due to requirements of traveling to college sponsored athletic events. If at all possible, student-athletes are advised to attend an earlier section of the class they will be missing, before leaving.

 

Student athletes are expected to attend all classes. No class time shall be missed for practice activities except when a team is traveling to an away from home contest and the practice is in conjunction with the contest. It is recommended that when a student-athlete is going to miss a class due to athletic participation the student-athlete may attempt to attend an earlier section of the class they will miss. However, the student-athlete should not attend an earlier section of a miss class if that earlier section is in conflict with a pre-existing class the student-athlete is already registered in.

 

Any unsanctioned missed classes that are brought to the attention of the Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Directors, FAR or Coach will result in a meeting with the Coach and student-athlete. A subsequent infraction of this policy will warrant meetings with the Athletic Director and potential loss of athletic participation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A student must be in good academic standing and show satisfactory progress toward a degree in accordance with Neumann College’s standards for all students in order to be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. The student must also be enrolled as a full-time student. (12 credits per semester minimum)

 

1. Good Academic Standing is defined as maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

 

 

2. Satisfactory Progress is defined as earning the appropriate number of cumulative credits per each academic year.

 

                       1                                       24 credits

                       2                                       48 credits

                       3                                       72 credits

                       4                                       96 credits

                       5                                     120 credits

Summer school can be used to meet this requirement for the academic year just completed as long as the credits are earned prior to the fall semester

 

3. Full-time Student:

 

       Full-time status at Neumann College is defined as being enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. However, seniors enrolled in their last semester may take less then 12 credits, provided the FAR has certified they need less than 12 credits to graduate.

 

 

In order to receive financial aid or work study, student athletes must visit the financial aid office and fill out the proper paperwork. Failure to do so will result in loss of financial aid and work-study. These forms must be processed EVERY Spring. In order to receive financial aid, students must be full time students (12 credit minimum), making satisfactory progress (as described under Academic Eligibility) and maintaining cumulative GPA, 2.0.

Because Neumann College is a NCAA Division III institution, athletic scholarships cannot be offered. All financial aid awards must be secured through the financial aid office.