Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Athletics is to support the overall mission of the University by providing a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that attracts, nurtures and graduates student-athletes who, under the guidance of a quality staff, represent the University of New Haven with character and integrity while pursuing excellence in their respective sports.

Philosophy

Intercollegiate athletics plays an important role in the overall mission of the University of New Haven. It provides the University with a valuable and extensive outreach program. Through intercollegiate athletics, UNH is able to publicize and promote its ideals and academic programs to the outside world. By competing successfully, and doing so with character and integrity, UNH’s athletics teams serve to enhance the University’s visibility and public image.

The University of New Haven seeks to provide the world with leaders who can make a positive difference in a global society. Student-athletes are afforded unique opportunities for leadership because of the visibility provided through athletics competition. UNH’s intercollegiate program provides opportunities for its student-athletes to develop moral virtues, such as courage, self-confidence, and integrity and to learn communication and teamwork skills associated with outstanding leadership. Thus the Department of Athletics helps the University satisfy its primary aspiration, which is to prepare students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society through experiential, collaborative, and discovery-based learning.

The Department of Athletics is committed to delivering intercollegiate athletics programs that are consistent with the University’s mission and generates the trust and support of its various constituencies. The goal of the department is to field sports teams that compete successfully against other NCAA Division II teams while upholding the academic standards of the University of New Haven. The department is also committed to conducting its programs in strict adherence to the policies, rules and regulations set by the University’s administration, Board of Governors, the NCAA and the East Coast Conference.

Through its programs, the department gives its student-athletes of different genders, races, religions, national origins and sexual orientation opportunities to participate in intercollegiate competition. The intercollegiate program will function free of discrimination with a University commitment to the adherence to Title IX and the Office of Civil Rights guidelines. A major goal of the Department of Athletics is to help student-athletes realize the full potential of their athletic abilities while also increasing their intellectual capabilities and providing them a meaningful opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree. The department will not compromise its commitment to educate and graduate its student-athletes.

Department of Athletics personnel are expected to represent the University in a manner consistent with UNH’s principles and values. All personnel are expected to perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity, ethical behavior and sportsmanship at all times. Coaches and staff are expected to treat student-athletes fairly and with respect and to facilitate leadership that helps them mature physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.