Athletics

Basketball, women’s bowling, tennis, cross country, golf, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and volleyball are teams sponsored by Mount Aloysius as members of the NCAA-DIII and of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. Open tryouts are available for all teams. Please contact the Athletic Director for information. Students are invited to join in the school spirit by rooting for our Mountie Athletic teams as they compete against members of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference and NCAA-DIII.

The philosophy of the Athletic Department of Mount Aloysius College is based upon the recognition of the positive benefits of competition and participation. Sportsmanship, team-work, self-discipline and self-sacrifice are primary attributes that are gained through athletic competition.

Academic achievement goes hand-in-hand with athletic achievement. Athletic Department personnel must support and promote the total growth of the student-athlete. Student-athletes are students first. Student-athletes should be encouraged to immerse themselves in all positive aspects of the college experience. Athletic participation should enrich the student-athlete’s experience, not limit it. Student-athlete well-being is a primary focus and, through athletic experience, character growth, and healthful lifestyles will be promoted.

The Mount Aloysius College Athletic Department supports gender equity and strives for equal support and success in all departmental offerings. Mount Aloysius embraces the philosophy of the NCAA-III and celebrates the efforts and growth of its student-athletes under their guidelines and regulations.

Varsity athletes are required to submit completed health forms to the Health Services Office prior to the start of the season in order to participate in any given sport. All student-athletes must carry health insurance. All injuries not covered under the primary health coverage (i.e. dental or vision) will be the responsibility of the student-athlete. If injury is considered catastrophic and the College’s insurance is used, the student athlete will be responsible for the deductible ($1500). They also must complete the physical examination requirement and have all necessary health forms completed in advance of their first participation. If all health requirements are not completed, the student-athlete will not be cleared to practice or play. A physical examination must be done at least six months prior to participation by the student-athlete in order to be acceptable, and paperwork from that physical must be forwarded to the Student Health Services Office.

Required for all student-athletes to participate in sports:

• The requirements listed for all students.

• Physical exam by your family physician.

• Health Insurance.

• Copy of insurance card.

• Athletic Pre-Participation Health Form

Immunizations

All students are required to have the following immunizations before entering college:

• Polio series.

• Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine or history of the disease.

• Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccine (Must have a TD booster within the past 10 years)

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 2 doses, or report of positive titers confirming immunity.

Being a student-athlete at Mount Aloysius College brings responsibilities as well as privileges. Student-athletes represent their team, the Athletic Department and Mount Aloysius College. Behavior - on and off-campus, and in and out of season - creates an image that is a direct reflection on them, their team and the College. It is expected that student-athletes know, understand and honor the College Code of Conduct and demonstrate good citizenship, sportsmanship and integrity during competition, on campus and in the community.

Student-athletes will adhere to local, state, and federal laws, NCAA rules, and College policies. They shall treat all members of the Mount Aloysius College community with respect and civility.

Hazing:

Mount Aloysius College has zero tolerance for hazing activities. Hazing is defined as planning, directing or committing acts which willfully or recklessly endanger the mental or physical health of a student, or subjects the person to ridicule, embarrassment, or unlawful activity for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.

Gambling:

Participation in gambling activity is prohibited.

Tobacco:

Use of tobacco is prohibited while practicing, traveling with the teams or during any College sponsored athletic event.

Alcohol:

State laws governing alcohol consumption must be obeyed.

Banned Drugs:

Use of any drugs banned by the NCAA is prohibited.

Academic Integrity:

Student-athletes must adhere to the College academic integrity policy.

In the event a student-athlete fails to meet the stated expectations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, they may be subject to the following sanctions according to the degree and number of violations:

• Suspension from practicing with their team/community service assignments;

• Suspension from playing in games/matches with their team;

• Dismissal from the team;

• College sanctions may also be imposed according to the College Conduct System practice; and

• Local, state, or federal sanctions may also be imposed as applicable by civil authorities.

The facilities and athletic fields are available to students, faculty, alumni, and staff of Mount Aloysius. The facility and athletic fields are also available for community use. For more information on use guidelines and rental fees, please see the Director of Athletic Facilities. Please also refer to the Children on Campus Policy.

The Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center (ACWC) Main Gym use is limited for teams and special events. The Auxiliary Gym can be used for recreation as long as it is available.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

• During the first two full-time semesters, all student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.5.

• Transfer students, during their first year of attendance at the conference institution, shall be held to the same standard as incoming freshmen.

• Beginning with the third full-time semester, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 shall be required to compete in a conference sponsored sport.

Normal Progress

By the start of the fifth full-time semester (or third year of athletics eligibility), the student- athlete shall be enrolled in a course of study toward fulfilling a major.

Waivers

Mount Aloysius College chooses not to grant waivers to any student. We believe that a student who is at risk academically should concentrate on their studies. The student will be eligible for athletic competition again only after their cumulative grade point average reaches 2.0 or higher.

Mid-Semester Reinstatement

It is possible for a student-athlete who is ineligible at the start of a semester to return to eligibility mid-semester in the following circumstances:

• Successful completion of an incomplete course;

• An official grade change;

• Recognition of institutional error; and/or

• Completion of a course lasting less than a full semester.

In all circumstances, the student-athlete will not be eligible until the grade change is officially recorded in the Registrar’s Office.

The purpose of the program is to provide the student-athlete with structure and guidance for improving their academic performance. The Program Coordinator will monitor the student’s progress through regular meetings with the student-athlete and through consultations with faculty and staff as necessary and appropriate.

Participation in the program is required based on the following criteria:

• Any freshman athlete earning a cumulative grade point average below 1.5;

• Any transfer student with a cumulative grade point average below 1.5 during their first semester at Mount Aloysius College; and

• After the freshman year, any athlete with a semester grade point average below 2.00.

(Note: at the start of the third semester, all athletes must maintain a cumulative grade point average of a 2.00 or better to be eligible for athletic competition.)

Requirements

The student-athlete must sign the Learning Contract and fulfill the provisions outlined. Consequences of violating the provisions of the Athletic Learning Contract:

• First offense will result in a one game suspension.

• Second offense will result in a two game suspension.

• Third offense will result in suspension from the team.