The mission of the University athletics program is to provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to compete at the Division I level of competition while receiving a quality education consistent with the mission of the University. The athletics experience is an extension of the educational process whereby student-athletes acquire the skill, characteristics and self-confidence that will enable them to reach their full potential. The athletics program is committed to assisting student-athletes achieve their academic and physical potential by learning to develop worthy goals for a meaningful life. It is the goal of the athletics program to provide the student-athlete with the means to perform with distinction.

To achieve this mission, the University:

1. Has a goal of maintaining a graduation rate for all student-athletes that is equal or higher than that of the general student body.
2. Has a long-range planning process for athletics.
3. Has developed a master plan to update facilities to Division I standards.
4. Has adopted the Knight Commission's "one-plus-three" model, a structure of reform in which the "one" (presidential control) is directed toward the "three" (academic integrity, financial integrity, and independent certification).
5. Has joined the Missouri Valley Conference, which provides the opportunity for our priority sports to compete at the highest level and at the same time affords a quality athletics experience for all our student-athletes.
6. Has expanded the student support services to include an academic monitoring system that tracks the progress of all student-athletes and provides tutoring for all those in need.
7. Has a compliance program in place to effectively safeguard the overall welfare of the student-athlete and minimize the likelihood of violations of NCAA rules.
8. Has organized a student-athlete advisory committee for input and constructive feedback regarding the athletics program.
9. Has annual meetings between athletics administration and all student-athletes for the purpose of evaluating the coaches and the programs.
10. Supports attendance of all coaches at workshops and clinics to expand their knowledge and hone expertise in their respective sport.
11. Has an on-going process to evaluate and comply with equal opportunity for all student-athletes regardless of gender, ethnicity, creed or religion.
12. Has a goal to raise athletics income to support the additional expenses that will be necessary to fund gender equity, conference requirements and to maintain competitive programs. Any increases in resources provided to areas within the program will normally come from reallocation of revenue.