Some of the most visible elements of university activity are our athletic programs, which provide valuable leadership and growth experiences for students. Grounded in integrity, student-athlete academic excellence, competitive success, inclusion, and enhancement the student experience, these programs engage students, contribute to school spirit, and create lifelong connections with alumni. We often say that athletics is the “front porch” of the University — it captures the hearts and passions of people around the nation and world and encourages them to visit our beautiful campus, where they can experience the full richness that our comprehensive flagship university offers. Athletics Excellence is important to the University’s growth, visibility, ability to raise funds, and ultimately, the overall success of Ole Miss.
Transformative Initiative:
Athletics Endowment
An endowment is key to recruiting and retaining the best athletics staff to ensure student-athlete success and to field competitive athletics programs. It will also allow UM’s athletics programs to maintain solid financial footing during times of transition. As part of the university’s comprehensive capital campaign, we will create and implement a campaign to grow the athletics endowment for continuing support of our student athletes and athletics programs.
Metrics:
- Contributions to athletics endowment campaign
- Achievement of athletics endowment campaign goal
Goal:
Support the Academic Success of Student-Athletes
Promote academic excellence, student success, and student achievement for all student-athletes
Action:
Foster the academic excellence and achievement of student-athletes
Metrics:
- Student-athlete persistence and completion (number of graduates, NCAA graduation success rate)
- Student-athlete academic performance (GPA, APR)
- Student-athlete participation in academic support programming
Goal:
Maintain a Culture of Compliance
Maintain the culture of compliance in the University’s athletics program
Action:
Operate the athletics department with no NCAA Level I or Level II violations
Metrics:
- Monitoring (number and type of violations)
- Education (number of meetings and seminars)
Goal:
Build Inclusiveness and Community Involvement
Develop an inclusive environment at athletic events that provides opportunities for student and community involvement
Action:
Promote an atmosphere at athletic events that encourages sportsmanship and inclusion
Metrics:
- Level of participation and satisfaction with athletics event environment
Goal:
Compete and Inspire Success
Support competitive success of student-athletes and athletic programs
Action:
Recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes, coaches, and staff
Metrics:
- NCAA postseason appearances
- Conference and national championships
- Directors’ Cup standing
