Athletic Operations

EIU ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Eastern Illinois University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is to provide an environment in which student-athletes complete their undergraduate college education and achieve athletics success at the highest possible level. The Department is committed to offering a first-class competitive athletics program at the NCAA Division I (FCS) level that promotes the values of Eastern Illinois University mission.


CORE VALUES

Eastern Illinois University considers intercollegiate athletics to be an integral part of the University, providing students, faculty, alumni, and friends with an opportunity to share in the life of the collegiate community. The Department has a responsibility to advance the University’s role, ensuring athletics will be conducted in accordance with Eastern Illinois University educational mission while maintaining and building Panther Athletics.

• Maintain a proper balance between academics and athletics.

• Support the student-athletes as a whole person, academically and athletically, in career development, community service, and related to personal well being.

• Develop discipline, character, and teamwork….all necessary ingredients for individual leadership and achievement.

• Student-athletes, coaches, and staff must uphold a sense of character, honesty, and integrity as they serve Eastern Illinois University.

• Long term success increases exposure for Eastern Illinois University and provides regional and national exposure.

• Achieve athletic success on a regional and national level, without compromising any core values.

• Operate in a fiscally sound manner, balancing state, university and self generated resources to create a competitive and appropriate budget.

• Build, renovate and maintain facilities to provide a first class environment to allow competition at the highest level of success.

• Recruit Illinois students who are prepared for NCAA Division I competition.

• Be a campus partner by strengthening and building relationships with students, faculty, administrators, and staff from other areas of campus community.

• Be a positive city, county, and state partner by strengthening and building relationships with Charleston and Mattoon City Councils, operating departments, and county government officials.

• Empower individuals (student-athletes, coaches and staff) to make decisions in a responsible and accountable manner that will lead to their success.

• Provide excellence in customer service by communicating openly and honestly with constituents, treating every EIU alumnus, ticket holder, fan, or contributor with the utmost respect.

• Promote good sportsmanship in all athletic endeavors.

• Maintain an environment that promotes gender equity and embraces diversity, providing fair and equitable treatment of all student-athletes and staff.

• Maintain a positive, enjoyable, and family friendly work environment.
 

VARSITY SPORT GUIDELINES
Eastern Illinois University is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, and is an NCAA Division I athletic program (NCAA FCS Division I in football). The men's soccer and men's & women's swimming programs are members of The Summit League (formerly Mid-Continent Conference). 

Intercollegiate athletics usually requires athletes to devote 20 hours of practice each week during the season. The athlete is expected to follow an individual regimen of training during the off-season. Many intercollegiate athletes receive financial awards that cover all or some school expenses (tuition, fees, room and board). Athletes are required to travel and occasionally miss classes. They are given access to academic support services, including tutoring, counseling, and study tables. Student-athletes are required to meet initial eligibility and continuing eligibility standards as members of a varsity team.

To inquire about the possibility of forming an intercollegiate team not currently offered at Eastern, contact the school's senior woman administrator found on the EIU staff list. . The University regularly assesses if there is sufficient interest and ability to field other athletics teams.

TITLE IX HIGHER EDUCATION ACT
All coeducational institutions of higher education that participate in any Title IX Higher Education Act (HEA) programs are required to prepare a report according to the Guidelines of the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA). This report is an annual requirement, and is available to the public by October 15 each year. Contact the EIU Athletic Department in 2018 Lantz Arena for a copy of the report.