Athletics Advisory Board

What is a FAR?

A NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative or FAR is a member of the faculty. He/she is a faculty voice ensuring balance between academics and athletics for the benefit of the student–athlete.

The Three Prongs of an effective FAR:

• Student-Athlete Well–Being
• Academic Integrity [within the athletics program]
• Institutional Control [of the athletics program]

FAR have a professional organization called the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA). The FARA has a website you are welcome to view. That site’s address is http://www.farawebsite.org/

Faculty Athletics Representative Job Description

The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is appointed by the President of the University with advice and consultation provided by the Vice President for Student Affairs. The position is a two–year renewable term beginning with the start of each fall semester.

West Chester University is committed to a philosophy of firm institutional control, the unquestioned academic and financial integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, and the personal well being of student athletes. The University is committed to the philosophy of NCAA Division II athletics and the strict compliance with institutional, PSAC Conference, and NCAA policies and rules, including Title IX and Affirmative Action (Equal Opportunity Guidelines.) The educational values, practices and mission of West Chester University determine the standards by which the intercollegiate athletics program will be conducted.

Statement of the Role of the Faculty Athletics Representative

The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) primary purposes are to promote academic integrity, to promote institutional control of intercollegiate athletics, to facilitate the integration of the athletics and academic components of the collegiate community, and to enhance the student-athlete experience. The Faculty Athletics Representative works collaboratively with the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Athletics, the Athletic Administrative Staff, Coaches, and ultimately the University President to provide significant leadership in the governance of the intercollegiate athletics program.

The FAR will be broadly aware of institutional, PSAC, and NCAA issues as they relate to compliance with rules and regulations, the promotion of a balance between academics, athletics, and the social lives of student-athletes, and the necessity to play a central role in communicating matters related to athletics to constituents and/or governance groups across the University. Faculty and other members of the institutional community should have an opportunity to learn about the work of the FAR and to channel relevant questions or concerns about the administration or direction of the intercollegiate athletics program through the FAR.

The University will provide appropriate resources to the FAR consistent with the responsibilities listed below, and will pledge institutional recognition of the time and energy required for these duties to be effectively discharged. Resources provided to the FAR will be subject to annual approval by the University President and expenses associated with the performance of these responsibilities will be paid through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or Office of the President.

Specific Duties

1. The FAR will be aware of programs and strategic plans within the Department of Athletics designed to assure the academic integrity of the athletics program and the practices to promote the welfare of student-athletes. The FAR will be knowledgeable of institutional, PSAC, and NCAA requirements for academic eligibility for competition/practice, financial aid, and intercollegiate competition.
2. The FAR will be aware of the academic credentials of entering student-athletes, (NCAA Clearinghouse) the academic progress of continuing students, and the rates at which student-athletes graduate from the institution. The FAR will review periodic reports on the academic preparation and performance of student-athletes for each sports team.
3. The FAR will review and monitor the variety of academic services available to student-athletes. The FAR will bring his/her experience as an educator and an understanding of faculty values to influence the delivery and effectiveness of services such as tutoring, study skill development, academic advising, the Athletic Mentoring Program and other services designed to promote the academic achievement of student-athletes.
4. The FAR will be aware of institutional compliance activities or responsibilities which involve campus entities outside of the Athletics Department to help ensure compliance related to academic eligibility, transfer requirements and restrictions, and enforcement procedures. The FAR will be knowledgeable about all institutional investigations/appeal cases and have access to all reports of infractions before they are submitted. The FAR each semester will review with the Athletic Department Compliance Officer and the Registrar’s Office the academic eligibility of all athletes.
5. The FAR should have direct contact with student-athletes on a systematic and periodic basis. Student-athletes should recognize the FAR as a source of information, support, and referral, which is accessible to them yet located administratively outside the Athletics Department. The FAR will be invited to attend Student Athletic Advisory Board Meetings, and encouraged to attend at least one per semester.
6. The FAR will serve as Chair of the Athletics Advisory Board (UAB) and in this capacity will contribute to the continuing education of faculty and other members of the AAB by providing information and insight about PSAC and NCAA processes, pending legislation or other important issues. The FAR will provide faculty with accurate and timely information regarding the athletics program, including issues brought before the AAB.
7. The FAR will represent the institution as a delegate to the annual NCAA Convention as well as the bi-annual Conference meetings, etc., as needed. He/she will be involved in discussions with the Director of Athletics, Vice President for Student Affairs, and the President regarding the University’s position on pending PSAC or NCAA legislation.
8. The FAR will play a formal role in any NCAA self-study or certification program review and will be available for other appropriate tasks such as administering the Coaches Certification Program Recruiting Examination.
9. The FAR will participate in PSAC meetings of fellow FARs and provide input on decisions of policy and/or regulations to come before the Executive Committee.

Fall 2006