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ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS ______________________________________________ STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2005-06 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page WELCOME AND MISSION STATEMENT 4 ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP 5 ATHLETICS DIRECTORY 6 WHERE TO GO 6 COACHES’ DIRECTORY 7 DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS GOALS 9 ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION 10 CODE OF CONDUCT 12 ACADEMICS Academic Integrity Grades and Academic Standards NCAA Requirements – Eligibility Checklist Incomplete Grades Withdrawals Academic Awareness Academic Support Services Class Scheduling Class Attendance Undergraduate Academic Policy Statement - Attendance Summer School/Fifth Year Tutorial Services Study Hall Rules and Regulations Overseas Study Transfers 13 13 13 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 17 19 19 19 19 19 NCAA Amateurism Gambling NCAA Violations Student Host 20 Hours a Week Tobacco Use FINANCIAL AID Application Athletic Grants-in-Aid Financial Aid Renewal Hearing Opportunity 20 20 20 20 20 20 21 22 22 22 22 22 2 Employment Student-Athlete Exit Interview Tax Liability Page 23 23 23 AT ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY Complimentary Admissions Equipment Extracurricular Activities Intramural/Club Sports Participation Grievance Procedures Parking Robert Morris University Hazing Policy Travel Policy Facilities Weight Room 24 24 24 24 24 24 25 26 27 27 28 SPORTS MEDICINE The Athletic Training Room Physical Examinations-Health Information Records Medical Disqualification of the Student-Athlete Insurance Policy and Procedures Policies for Injured or Ill Players Health Services Staff Outside Medical Services and Appointments Prescription Authorization Student-Athlete Rights and Responsibilities 29 29 29 29 29 30 31 31 31 31 RMU ALCOHOL POLICY 33 RMU SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY Purpose Policy RMC Athletics Drug & Alcohol Committee Voluntary Disclosure 34 34 34 34 34 RMU DRUG TESTING PROGRAM Consent Form Reasonable Cause Testing Procedures Drug Testing Results Positive Findings NCAA Drug Testing 35 35 35 35 36 36 37 SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE 38 AWARDS Varsity Letter Awards Guidelines for a Letter Award Honoring Achievement of Student Athletes Current Programs for National Recognition Current Programs for Conference Recognition Current Programs for University Recognition 39 39 39 40 41 41 41 STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 42 3 WELCOME Dear RMU Student-Athlete, Welcome to another exciting year of RMU athletics. With the inaugural season of women’s ice hockey, and the opening of Joe Walton Stadium and the new Athletic Building, there’s a lot happening at RMU. On behalf of the University, I want to thank you for the contributions you make to RMU and to the department. Athletics is a visible and integral part of our campus community and your participation is greatly appreciated. We believe student-athletes are responsible adults. You make many choices and decisions regarding your academic, athletics, and personal lives. As you make those decisions, please keep in mind the consequences that attach. This Student-Athlete Handbook describes programs, policies and procedures you are likely to encounter as a student-athlete. It outlines your rights and responsibilities while a member of the intercollegiate athletics program at RMU. You are responsible for being familiar with the content contained within the following pages. Good luck to you this coming year. If you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact me or another member of the athletics staff. Craig S. Coleman, M.D. Director of Athletics DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT The Department of Athletics at Robert Morris University provides opportunities for our student-athletes to receive a quality experience both in the classroom and in intercollegiate athletic competition. Athletics enhances the intellectual, social and personal development of our student-athletes, helping them to grow through their experience at the University and to prepare for meaningful careers and lives. Toward this purpose, the Department of Athletics promotes academic achievement, good sporting and ethical conduct, and equitable opportunity for students and staff, including women and minorities. The guiding principle of the University is to focus on academics first; therefore, we view our successes based not only on wins and losses, but as linked to the educational mission of the University and the welfare of our student-athletes. 4 ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP The Robert Morris University Colonials are a Division I member of the NCAA. RMU teams compete in three conferences. The Northeast Conference (NEC) is home for 19 Colonial sports. The NEC includes Central Connecticut State, Fairleigh Dickinson, Long Island, Monmouth, Mount St. Mary’s, Quinnipiac, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (NY), St. Francis (PA), and Wagner. The men’s and women’s ice hockey team are members of the CHA (Collegiate Hockey America). Men’s lacrosse is now a member of the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) Women’s crew competes as an independent. 5 RMU ATHLETICS DIRECTORY Director of Athletics Asst. AD/Marketing & Sales Asst. AD/Compliance Compliance GA Asst. AD/Student Services Senior Woman Administrator NCAA Faculty Representative Director of Sports Information Asst. Sports Information Director Sports Information GA Ticket Office Head Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Asst. Athletic Trainer Athletic Trainer GA Athletic Trainer GA Head Equipment Manager Athletics Department Secretary Athletics Department Secretary Football Coordinator Dr. Craig Coleman Marty Galosi Meghan Sweeney Christie Koester Sean Simmons Addie Muti Dr. Scott Branvold Jim Duzyk Ken Baker Morgan Hawley Addie Muti Mike Vittorino Allison Karish Erin Snatchko Ashley Boggs Patrick Kistner Ray Butter Margot Turner Linda Young Ronnie Peduzzi Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Massey Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Sewall Center Athletic Bldg. Sewall Center Sewall Center Sewall Center Athletic Bldg. Sewall Center Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Sewall Center Athletic Bldg. 262-8302 269-4865 262-8431 262-8582 262-8630 262-8615 262-8495 262-8314 262-8587 262-8694 262-8449 262-8615 262-8514 262-8353 299-2449 262-8609 262-8295 262-8588 262-8296 WHERE TO GO Academic Advising Add/Drop Class Awards-Individual/Team Books Campus Ministry Class Scheduling Counseling Drug Testing Eligibility/Certification Employment/Career Services Financial Aid Housing Health Insurance Coverage Intramurals/Club Sports NCAA Rules NCAA Special Assistance Fund Parking Student Affairs Student Health Center Tickets/Player Comps. Tutoring Individual Academic Advisor Sean Simmons Athletic Bldg. Ctr. for Student Success Franklin Sean Simmons Athletic Bldg. Student Support Center Revere Center Margot Turner Athletic Bldg. Campus Bookstore Nicholson Center Pastor Roger Howard Rogal Chapel Individual Academic Advisor Ctr. for Student Success Ctr. for Student Success Mike Vittorino Sewall Center Meghan Sweeney Athletic Bldg. Career Services P. Henry L.L. Shari Payne Revere Center Melinda Risher M.Washington Allison Karish Sewall Center Jason Dix Nicholson Center Dr. Craig Coleman Athletic Bldg. Meghan Sweeney Athletic Bldg. Margot Turner Athletic Bldg. Ronnie Peduzzi Athletic Bldg. Public Safety Barry Center John Michalenko, Dean Nicholson Center Rose Bruich, R.N. Nicholson Center Jim Duzyk Athletic Bldg. Ticket Manager Sewall Center. Tracy Gorrell Hale Center 262-8630 262-8349 262-8630 262-8424 262-8295 262-8276 262-8346 262-8349 262-8349 262-8514 262-8431 262-8354 262-8401 262-8408 262-8353 262-8335 262-8302 262-8431 262-8295 262-8296 262-2424 262-8352 262-8233 262-8314 262-8449 262-8600 6 COACHES’ DIRECTORY Men's Basketball Head Coach Mark Schmidt Assistant Coach Jeff Boals Assistant Coach Jason Dowling Assistant Coach Jared Franz Women's Basketball Head Coach Sal Buscaglia Assistant Coach Charlie Buscaglia Assistant Coach Toyelle Wilson Assistant Coach Derrick Harrison Crew Head Coach Liz Jones Assistant Coach Emily Humes Women’s Field Hockey Head Coach Lisa Bray Football Head Coach Joe Walton Assistant Coach Dan Radakovich Assistant Coach Scott Farison Assistant Coach Scott Benzel Assistant Coach Bob Morris Assistant Coach John Banaszak Assistant Coach Joe Lamenza Assistant Coach Jake Nulph GA/Assistant Coach John Meerdo GA/Assistant Coach Rich Demaio GA/Assistant Coach Matt Grayson GA/Assistant Coach Frank Pilato Men’s and Women’s Golf Head Coach Jerry Stone Men’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Derek Schooley Assistant Coach Nate Handrahan Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Kevin McGonagle Assistant Coach Jody Katz Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Bear Davis Assistant Coach Bruce Phillips Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Katy Phillips Assistant Coach Lisa Vacca Men's Soccer Head Coach Bill Denniston Assistant Coach Women's Soccer Head Coach John Kowalski Assistant Coach Amanda Rambo Softball Head Coach Craig Coleman Assistant Coach Lauren Dickinson GA Jodi Stevens Men's and Women’s Tennis Head Coach Evan Schermer Sewall Center Sewall Center Sewall Center Sewall Center 262-8297 262-8582 262-8310 299-2402 Sewall Center Sewall Center Sewall Center Sewall Center 262-8419 604-2508 269-3879 299-2434 ISC ISC 269-4479 269-4474 Athletic Bldg. 262-8640 Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg 262-8296 262-8390 262-8326 269-3926 262-8666 262-8326 262-8625 262-8666 262-8666 262-8598 262-8597 262-8625 Athletic Bldg. 262-8666 ISC ISC 269-4477 269-4478 ISC ISC 269-4467 269-4467 Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. 269-3890 269-3890 Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. 269-3889 269-3889 Sewall Center 262-8446 262-8446 Sewall Center Sewall Center 262-8631 299-2435 Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. Athletic Bldg. 262-8302 262-8302 Athletic Bldg. 262-8666 7 Men's and Women's Track Head Coach Michael Smith Assistant Coach Steve Sarigiannis Volleyball Head Coach Rob Thomas Assistant Coach Sewall Center Sewall Center 262-8513 604-2562 Sewall Center Sewall Center 262-8603 8 DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS GOALS It is the goal of the Department of Athletics to provide an intercollegiate athletics program that: 1. identifies, attracts and graduates quality student-athletes; 2. shows concern for the welfare and development of the student-athlete in all areas of college life and stresses the importance of each student-athlete obtaining a degree; 3. reflects the University's commitment to a broad-based program which provides fair and equitable treatment for all student-athletes; 4. encourages good sportsmanship and decency among its student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff and throughout the University community; 5. encourages the importance of personal development of student-athletes by imparting the qualities of self-discipline, honesty, teamwork, perseverance and commitment; 6. provides an intercollegiate athletic program that maintains a high level of competitive excellence; 7. has a commitment to the rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the University, both in letter and spirit; 8. employs high-caliber coaches and administrators who are committed to the integrity and excellence of the total program; 9. assumes financial responsibility for its programs and maintains control and integrity in financial activities; 10. follows the established guidelines of the University's enrollment management process and administrative policies when recruiting prospective student-athletes; 11. works with constituencies within the University to maintain a policy of effective communication; 12. assumes a leadership role in intercollegiate athletics on both local and regional levels; 07/28/05 9 ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION There are many individuals and groups who have responsibility for RMU athletics. They include: Student and Athletic Affairs Committee/Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees’ most direct link to the Athletics Department is the Student and Athletic Affairs Committee, a working committee of the Board of Trustees. This committee is made up of five members of the Board, the student body president, the President of the University, and includes the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement and the Vice-President for Academic and Student Affairs as ex-officio members. This committee shall review all matters affecting all aspects of intercollegiate and intracollegiate athletics at the University. It will consider proposals and make reports and recommendations to the Board of Trustees as necessary. Upon their recommendation, significant athletics issues will be put before the full board for consideration and action. Chief Executive Officer The President of Robert Morris University has direct responsibility and authority over the day-to-day operations of the University. This includes all significant issues that relate to the Athletics program. Faculty Athletics Representative The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is a person with faculty rank designated by the President of Robert Morris University and responsible to the Office of the President to represent the institution and its faculty in its relationships with the NCAA and the Northeast Conference. The FAR’s primary duties include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Advise the President on athletic matters Represent Robert Morris University at NCAA Conventions Represent Robert Morris University at Northeast Conference meetings Represent Robert Morris University faculty and administration at monthly athletic staff meetings Chair the Athletics Advisory Committee Monitor the continuing eligibility of athletes (Chair of Athletic Eligibility Committee) Administer the NCAA Coaches Certification Exam Administer and compile exit interviews for seniors and graduating athletes Serve on selection committees in the hiring of Athletics Department personnel Serve on appropriate Conference committees. Athletics Advisory Committee The Athletics Advisory Committee is comprised of eight members of the RMU community who are appointed to two-year terms by the President of Robert Morris University. The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) serves as chairperson for this committee and the President, Athletics Director, and Compliance Director are ex-officio members. The committee currently includes six faculty members, the President of the Colonial Athletic Club, and the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Faculty members serve two-year terms and may be reappointed. The committee meets at least once per semester and discusses matters of relevance to the student-athlete. The committee serves in purely an advisory capacity and has no decision-making authority. Members of the committee may be asked to serve on coaching search committees and faculty members of the committee assist in the exit interviews of athletes. 10 Athletics Advisory Board, 2005-06 Dr. Scott Branvold Mr. Jason Forrest Ms. Vicki Fratto Dr. Craig Coleman Dr. Ann Jabro Dr. Dean Manna Pat McCann Ms. Cassandra Oden Dr. Dan Rota Ms. Meghan Sweeney Mr. John Turchek FAR, Professor, Sport Management President, SAAC Assistant Professor, Accounting Director of Athletics (ex-officio) Professor. Communications Dept. Head, Management & Marketing Alum Director, Center for Student Success Associate Professor, CIS Asst. AD/Compliance (ex-officio) Associate Professor, CIS Athletics Director The Athletics Director (AD) has day-to-day operational control over the activities of the Athletics Program. The AD reports directly to the President and must keep appropriate University administrators informed of any significant athletics program activities. Specific duties include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Supervise all athletic personnel Advance comprehensive athletic and academic opportunities for all students Represent the Athletics Department as its spokesperson Prepare and administer the athletic budget Insure compliance with NCAA, and conference regulations Develop and implement fund-raising strategies Interact with the media Create sound policies and procedures to manage the Athletics Department’s resources in a manner consistent with the mission and advancement of the University 9. Provide support for the professional development of the administrative and coaching staffs Senior Woman Administrator The Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) is appointed by the Athletics Director. Her duties include the following: 1. Represent Robert Morris University at Northeast Conference Meetings 2. Serve on coaching search committees 3. Coordinate various Conference tournaments held at Robert Morris University 4. Assist in developing Athletics Department policies 5. Serve on Northeast Conference committees as appropriate 6. Provide other support and advice to the Athletics Department as requested 7. Advise the Athletics Director on matters related to women’s sports 11 CODE OF CONDUCT The student-athlete represents the University, the Department of Athletics, his or her coaches and teammates. This is constantly verified by media reports and commentaries regarding public perception of athletes. All student-athletes should be mindful that their behavior reflects on others as well as on themselves. A Robert Morris University athlete's responsibility in matters of conduct is not merely to avoid unacceptable behavior. A RMU athlete is expected to behave in an exemplary manner which includes honesty in academic endeavors, courtesy to teachers and fellow students, and displaying those traits of good citizenship. Our athletes are among the best citizens in the student body and we expect them to continue to represent the Department of Athletics in noteworthy fashion. Student-athletes should be aware of the consequences of not adhering to clearly-defined NCAA regulations that could lead to serious problems. The result could be deeply embarrassing to the studentathlete, his/her family, and the school. When in doubt about any issue of action, consult the Director of Athletics, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, and/or Head Coach. Students enrolled at Robert Morris University are expected to uphold, at all times, standards of integrity and behavior that will reflect credit upon themselves, their families, and Robert Morris University. Students are also expected to behave with propriety and to respect the rights and privileges of others. They are expected to abide by the laws of the city, state, and nation, and by all rules and regulations of RMU. Any student-athlete who willingly violates University regulations, training rules of a particular sport or local or federal laws assumes the risk of immediate suspension from the athletic squad of which he/she is a member, and potential loss of scholarship/grant-in-aid. In behavioral problems that involve law enforcement agencies, the involved individual will be placed on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of his/her case in the courts. The indefinite suspension will be effective immediately following action by an individual that "misrepresents Robert Morris University and the Robert Morris University Athletic Program." Reinstatement to, or permanent removal from the athletic program will follow completion of impending court (civil, criminal, or university) action. Violations of University policies regarding conduct are, in addition, subject to the consequences as outlined in the University Judicial Handbook. 12 ACADEMICS As a Robert Morris University student-athlete, your primary objective should always be to receive a university degree. Students who maintain good study habits and work hard in classes will earn their degree. Robert Morris University and the NCAA have established several guidelines which will aid your academic progress. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY ____________________________________________________________________________________ The maintenance of academic integrity within the University is the responsibility of the faculty and each student. Dishonorable behavior may be academic or social in nature. Dishonorable academic behavior includes, but is not limited to: (1) plagiarism; (2) the use of unauthorized sources of information; (3) the theft of academic materials; (4) conspiracy of any kind to threaten or damage the integrity of the academic process; (5) cheating; (6) disruptive behavior in the classroom. Penalties for dishonorable academic behavior may range from the imposition of a failing grade in an academic assignment to immediate suspension or dismissal from the University. The imposition of such penalty may be appealed to the Dean of the academic school upon written request by the student within 48 hours, whereupon the Dean shall hear the matter and render a decision. Dishonorable social behavior includes all applicable violations identified in the Student Judiciary System Handbook of the University. When a faculty or staff member perceives or suffers from such behavior by any student or group of students while pursuing duties in their process, the faculty or staff member may request the student or students to leave the immediate environment and may report the dishonorable behavior to the department head or the dean of the school. Appropriate action for dishonorable social behavior will be taken by the academic and/or student affairs administration depending upon the circumstances. GRADES AND ACADEMIC STANDARDS ____________________________________________________________________________________ Academic standing at Robert Morris University is determined by a credit and quality-point system. Credits - The normal class schedule of full-time students is 15 credits; however, students carrying 12 or more credits are classified as full-time students. Permission to carry more than 18 credits in a regular term or 12 credits during summer terms may be sought through the dean of the school in which the student is enrolled. Grades and Quality Points - Grades are given for each course attempted, based on the following numerical value and quality-point rating: GRADE A Excellent AB+ B Good BC+ QUALITY POINTS 4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 GRADE POINTS F Failing I Incomplete P Passing--credit granted/no QPA computed W Withdrawal-no credit granted L Audit-no credit granted QUALITY 0.00 0.00 13 C Adequate D Poor 2.00 1.00 N Competency not met--no credit granted In pass-fail courses, the grade "P" is given for "average attainment" or better (A, B, or C); the grade "F" is given for "attainment below average" (D or F). NCAA REQUIREMENTS – ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST Below is a checklist that indicates what you will need to accomplish prior to the next academic year in order to be NCAA eligible for next year. Please read this carefully. Freshman (first entering college Fall 2005) - Must satisfactorily complete 24 credit hours prior to the start of next academic year - Must satisfactorily complete at least 18 of those 24 credits during the fall and spring semesters (i.e. no more than 6 during the summer term) - Must satisfactorily complete 6 non-remedial credit hours every semester - Minimum 1.8 GPA prior to the start of next academic year Sophomore (first entering college Fall 2004) - Must complete 40% of the credits applied to your degree (i.e. 50 credits) prior to the start of next academic year - Must satisfactorily complete 6 non-remedial credit hours every semester - Must satisfactorily complete 18 credits during the fall and spring semesters - Cumulative GPA must be at least 1.9 at the start of this fall semester and prior to next year’s fall semester Junior (first entering college Fall 2003) - Must complete 60% of the credits applied to your degree (i.e. 76 credits) prior to the start of next academic year - Must satisfactorily complete 6 non-remedial credit hours every semester - Must satisfactorily complete 18 credits during the fall and spring semesters - Cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0 at the start of this fall semester and prior to next year’s fall semester Senior, (first entering college Fall 2002) - Must satisfactorily complete 24 credit hours during the fall and spring semester - Must satisfactorily complete at least 18 of those 24 credits during the fall and spring semesters (i.e. no more than 6 during the summer term) - Must satisfactorily complete 6 non-remedial credit hours every semester - Must complete 75% of the credits applied to your degree (i.e. 95 credits) prior to the start of next academic year; however, if you initially enrolled as a “nonqualifier”, you must complete 80% (i.e. 101 credits) - Cumulative GPA must be at least 1.9 at the end of the academic year for NCAA eligibility, and 2.0 at the end of the academic year for RMU eligibility 14 INCOMPLETE GRADES ____________________________________________________________________________________ The grade "I" may be given at the option of the faculty member when, because of extenuating circumstances, the student is unable to complete the work of a course at the required time. An "I" grade may be removed by satisfactorily completing the deficiency by an agreed-upon date with the faculty member. An "I" grade not removed will be changed to an "F" grade and the student's QPA will be recomputed to adjust for the grade change. A fee of $10.00 is charged for the removal of each incomplete grade. WITHDRAWALS ____________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: All student-athletes must obtain the written permission of the AADSS before they will be permitted to withdraw from a course. Specific withdrawal dates are listed in course registration booklets. Once permission has been received, the student must complete the process by taking the permission form to the Student Support Center. The day on which the Student Support Center is notified in writing becomes the official day of withdrawal. Notice to the faculty member of intention to withdraw is not sufficient. Any student who does not officially withdraw and who does not fulfill the requirements of a course will receive a grade of "F". Withdrawal is not permitted after 80% of the course has expired. Exceptions to the stated policy may be made only by the dean in cases involving serious extenuating non-academic circumstances. ACADEMIC AWARENESS ____________________________________________________________________________________ The student-athlete is responsible for being aware of his/her academic status. Advisors from the University and athletic support systems and coaches can inform the student-athlete of the progress made toward meeting the requirements for eligibility and graduation. Given the range and exactness of the academic information available, a student-athlete has no excuse for not being aware of his/her academic status. While Robert Morris University and the Department of Athletics provide academic support for student-athletes, student-athletes ultimately determine the course of their academic careers. They must accept responsibility and should be aware of their responsibilities to the Department of Athletics and RMU. For the most part, student-athletes' eligibility and graduation depend simply on assuming the responsibilities of a conscientious student. Specifically, student-athletes are responsible for selecting their courses and registering, for meeting their academic obligations, and for being aware of their academic situation as it relates to eligibility and graduation. ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES ____________________________________________________________________________________ Because of the time and energy given to athletic practice and competition and meeting various requirements for eligibility, the Department of Athletics provides student-athletes with academic support services in addition to that which students receive from other sectors of the University. The Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance (AADC) and Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services (AADSS) work closely with other offices of the University to help provide student-athletes with advice and information with any academic and personal matters. 15 The Center for Student Success provides student-athletes with helpful advice and information relative to class scheduling, registration, course add/drops, declaration and selection of a major, degree requirements, eligibility requirements, academic advising, personal guidance and counseling, career counseling, tutorial services, financial aid, grant-in-aid, and overall academic services and procedures. CLASS SCHEDULING ___________________________________________________________________________________ Student-athletes are given priority registration for their competition semester. The AADSS will notify coaches when the early registration will occur and coaches will tell the members of their team. Studentathletes MUST meet with their advisor prior to priority registration, and if they fail to do so they will not be permitted to participate in priority registration. If a student-athlete does not register during this period, any problems with the schedule are the responsibility of the student-athlete. CLASS ATTENDANCE ____________________________________________________________________________________ Student-athletes are expected to attend all classes. It is your responsibility to obtain and understand each instructor's policy regarding attendance. The only times that a student-athlete should miss class are: (1) absence due to an athletic contest or travel to an athletic contest; (2) illness or injury verified by the doctor or the training room staff, and (3) personal reasons with prior approval of the instructor and the AADSS. Remember: good communication between you and your academic instructors will alleviate many problems before they arise. Classroom attendance and academic progress of student-athletes is monitored through written inquiries submitted to the faculty and occasional, random in-person class checks. Each coach is made aware of class cuts and academic performance; he/she will discuss this with the student-athlete and AADSS. 16 RMU UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC POLICY STATEMENT Attendance ____________________________________________________________________________________ Policy: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Specific absence policies are determined by each academic department, announced at the beginning of each course, and presented in the course syllabus. Students whose absence exceeds the announced departmental policy may receive a course grade of "F." Such students are permitted to attend the remaining classes but are not permitted to take any examinations. Participation as a team member, attendance at a conference, or other official function: If a student misses a class due to participation as a team member, attendance at a conference, or other official function in which the student represents the University, this may still be considered an absence under the course instructor's attendance policy. A student who is absent due to representing the University for an official function is, however, entitled to makeup work missed if the faculty member can reasonably do so and if the student fulfills the instructor notification requirements of the policy. Students are not to be penalized for any missed assignments, projects, examinations, tests, etc., when covered by this policy. Furthermore, the faculty must allow the student to "make up"1 or complete any assignments, etc., that were missed due to officially sanctioned obligations. Faculty are under no obligation to tutor or otherwise provide missed instruction. Faculty will determine when make-up exams are scheduled and when missed assignments are due. The following situations are not covered by this policy: Conflicts between work schedules and class Conflicts between practice and class Conflicts between preparation for academic or student life events and class Non-emergency training room and medical appointments Requests not appropriately documented and submitted to the faculty member End-of-season tournaments, academic conferences, or student life (e.g., student government) conferences may require less that one week's notification. Procedure: Notification Requirements Athletic Competition (events only, not practice or preparation.) The Department of Athletics must provide each student-athlete with a detailed schedule of competitive events including pre- and post-game obligations. The student-athlete must deliver this schedule to the affected professor at least one week 1 In production and performance-based courses, the student must realize that there are learning activities and experiences which cannot be made up outside class. Therefore, students needing to schedule a performance or production-based course that may conflict with outside obligations must consult with the academic department head to avoid registration of such course during a semester when the students are likely to experience conflicts between classes and obligatory events. 17 before a conflict arises in obligations. Academic and Student Life College-Sanctioned Events. The appropriate head or faculty/staff advisor must provide each student-athlete who is officially representing the University at an event with a detailed schedule of competitive events including pre- and post-event obligations (e.g., model UN, AMA meetings, student government conferences.) The schedule must be delivered to the affected professor at least one week before a conflict arises in obligations. Appeals dealing with this policy by faculty or students are to be considered first by the respective faculty member's department head. If the appeal is not resolved at this level, the respective dean of the faculty member will render a decision. The dean's decision is final and is not appealable. ADOPTED April 2001 18 SUMMER SCHOOL/FIFTH YEAR ____________________________________________________________________________________ There is limited money available for summer school and fifth year (eligibility exhausted but not yet graduated) assistance. No student-athlete is guaranteed money. During the spring term, the AADC will notify coaches to determine eligibility and interest. Students in the integrated IS or ISO accounting programs are not eligible for fifth-year money. Student-athletes who receive fifth-year money are expected to assist in the athletics department. TUTORIAL SERVICES ____________________________________________________________________________________ Tutoring services are free to student-athletes. The tutors are Robert Morris University students who have been specially selected and trained. Student-athletes should discuss their tutor needs with their respective instructor. The student-athlete may then request a tutor by filling out the appropriate form at the Center for Student Success. STUDY HALL RULES AND REGULATIONS __________________________________________________________________________________ 1. You must sign in and out of study hall. If you do not sign in and out, those hours will not count toward your requirements. 2. Since space is limited, seats will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. 3. You must come prepared with a plan of what you want to accomplish during your time in study hall. 4. Food and drink will be allowed in the study hall room as long as trash is disposed of properly. 5. You must do academic work while in study hall. If you are not doing academic work in study hall, those hours will not count toward your weekly limit. 6. Laptops are allowed in study hall. Playing games or watching movies on your laptop while in study hall is not allowed. 7. Headphones are allowed as long as others cannot hear your music. 8. No sleeping allowed in study hall. 9. No magazines allowed in study hall. 10. Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off during study hall. 11. Any person who fails to follow these rules and regulations will be reported to the head coach and the Director of Athletics. OVERSEAS STUDY ___________________________________________________________________________________ RMU student-athletes have the opportunity to study overseas at several sites. Athletic grant money may be received during the semester abroad but athletic room allowance grants may not be used. To ensure continuing eligibility, any student-athlete interested in studying overseas must consult with their coach and the AADSS. TRANSFERS ___________________________________________________________________________________ A student-athlete may decide to transfer to another institution. If the student wants to participate in athletics, NCAA regulations require the other school to obtain permission from RMU before talking to him/her. Contact the AADC to get permission. If the student-athlete hasn't already done so, the head coach will be notified. Even though a student-athlete is planning on transferring, he/she is still subject to all NCAA, NEC and RMU rules including, but not limited to, drug testing. Transfers within a conference are subject to the conference’s rules. 19 NCAA AMATEURISM ____________________________________________________________________________________ Only an amateur student-athlete is eligible for intercollegiate athletic participation in a particular sport. A student-athlete loses amateur status and shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if he or she: Is paid (in any form) or accepts the promise of pay for participation in an athletic contest Signs a contract or verbally commits with an agent or a professional sports organization Requests that his or her name be placed on a draft list Uses his or her athletic skill directly or indirectly for pay in any form (TV commercials, skills demonstrations) Plays on a professional athletic team Participates on an amateur sports team and receives any salary, incentive payment, award, gratuity, educational expenses or expense allowances (other than playing apparel, equipment, actual and necessary travel, and room and board expenses for practice and games) GAMBLING ____________________________________________________________________________________ In accordance with NCAA rules, RMU student-athletes and athletic department staff member may not participate in gambling activities of any kind. Specifically, a student-athlete or athletic staff member shall not knowingly: Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning any intercollegiate athletic competition Solicit any bet on any intercollegiate team Accept a bet on any team representing RMU Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics through a bookmaker, the use of an on-line gambling service, a parlay card, or any other method employed by organized gambling. NCAA VIOLATIONS ___________________________________________________________________________________ It is the responsibility of everyone associated with RMU Athletics to ensure NCAA rules and regulations are followed. If you believe you may have violated a rule or know or suspect that someone else has violated a rule, you must report it to the AADC, the FAR, or the AD. STUDENT HOST ___________________________________________________________________________________ RMU coaches rely on their current student-athletes to serve as “student hosts” to prospective studentathletes who visit campus. The NCAA has a number of rules regarding the permissible behavior when acting as a student host. The student host will be required to sign a Student Host Instruction Sheet prior to the prospect’s arrival. 20 HOURS A WEEK ___________________________________________________________________________________ During the playing season, a student-athlete’s participation is limited to a maximum of four hours per day (exception for a golf practice round), for a total of 20 hours per week. One day off must be provided within every seven-day period. A day of competition is equivalent to a three-hour block of time, no matter how long or how short the actual competition is. A student-athlete representative will be asked to sign a practice log weekly for all required countable athletically-related activities that take place for the team. 20 For more details on what is countable, athletically-related activity, there are signs posted in the athletic training rooms and weight room or student-athletes can contact the AADC. TOBACCO USE ___________________________________________________________________________________ The NCAA prohibits tobacco use during practice and competition. 21 FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION ____________________________________________________________________________________ All student-athletes are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Application each year, plus any applicable state financial aid application no later than May 1st. Forms are available at the Student Financial Services Office and any questions relative to the application process should be directed to the Financial Aid Office. NCAA rules define the general principles of financial aid received by any student-athlete. Questions relative to the interpretation and clarification of these rules can be addressed to the Director of Student Financial Services and/or the Department of Athletics. ATHLETIC GRANTS-IN-AID ____________________________________________________________________________________ Athletic grants-in-aid are awarded within the guidelines established by the NCAA. Grants-in-aid may be full or partial and are awarded for a period not exceeding one academic year. Some of these grants are made on a yearly basis while others may be given semester by semester. Questions regarding need-based financial aid should be addressed to the Student Financial Services Office. ATHLETIC GRANTS-IN-AID DO NOT COVER: The cost of educational supplies other than books, i.e., art supplies, computer disks, supplies used in producing class projects Dorm damage fines Extra costs for single rooms or apartments Health center fees except for injuries suffered as a result of competition Traffic citation charges Parking registration charges Housing contract deposits Application fee FINANCIAL AID RENEWAL ____________________________________________________________________________________ Institutional Obligation Institutional athletic financial aid (grants-in-aid) for currently enrolled student-athletes will be determined on or before July 1 prior to the academic year in which the award is to be effective. Robert Morris University will promptly notify in writing each student-athlete who has received the award the previous academic year, and who has eligibility remaining for the ensuing academic year, as to whether the grant has been renewed or not renewed. Official notification of financial aid renewals and nonrenewals will be sent by the Director of Student Financial Services. The head coach and Director of Athletics will approve all awards. However, all students who receive financial aid based on athletics ability must sign the appropriate scholarship/grant-in-aid papers in order to receive such aid. HEARING OPPORTUNITY ____________________________________________________________________________________ If RMU decides not to renew or reduces athletic financial aid for a student-athlete for the ensuing academic year, the student-athlete can request a hearing of the Appeals Committee. The decision to renew or not to renew an athletic grant-in-aid is left to the discretion of the institution and is determined in accordance with normal practices for all student-athletes. 22 EMPLOYMENT ____________________________________________________________________________________ NCAA rules govern employment of student-athletes. Both scholarship and non-scholarship studentathletes may work during the academic year as long as they adhere to NCAA regulations. Studentathletes may seek employment on campus through the Office of Career Services or they may find work off campus. For employment during the academic year, student-athletes must check with the AADC regarding regulations and paperwork required. STUDENT-ATHLETE EXIT INTERVIEW ____________________________________________________________________________________ The NCAA requires Division I institutions to conduct exit interviews with student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. Faculty members of the Athletics Advisory Committee conduct exit interviews in each sport with a sample of student-athletes whose eligibility has expired. Interviews shall include questions regarding the value of the students' athletics experiences, the extent of the athletics time demands encountered by the studentathletes, proposed changes in intercollegiate athletics and concerns related to the administration of the student-athletes' specific sports. TAX LIABILITY ____________________________________________________________________________________ The Internal Revenue Service of the U.S. Government has determined that the portion of an athletic scholarship that exceeds tuition, fees, and books is taxable. U.S. residents are responsible for declaring this income, filing the appropriate forms and paying any requested tax. Non-resident alien international students will have the appropriate amount withheld from their scholarship at the beginning of each semester. They may be able to recover part or all of the withholding by filing a tax return. For further information on non-resident alien tax, please contact the Student Accounts Department. 23 AT ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSIONS ____________________________________________________________________________________ For contests for which there is an admission charge, complimentary admissions are provided only through a pass list for individuals designated by the student-athlete. Each RMU student-athlete is entitled to a maximum of 4 complimentary admissions per home game for the sport in which they participate. Complimentary admissions are for use by members of the student-athlete's family, relatives, or friends. Away games may have different restrictions. Hard tickets will not be issued and the student-athlete is not permitted to sell these admissions for other items of value. The student-athlete must arrange for complimentary admissions prior to the athletic contest. Forms will be provided for this purpose the day before the actual contest is played. EQUIPMENT ____________________________________________________________________________________ At the beginning of each season, athletes are issued equipment and uniforms for each sport. These remain the property of RMU and you are responsible for keeping them in good shape. At the conclusion of the season, the uniforms and equipment must be returned. Any items that are missing or show excessive wear and tear will be charged to the student-athlete. Any athlete who does not return issued equipment to the Athletic Department will have his/her record tagged, and will be charged for the missing equipment. If the bill is not paid, it may result in a hold on registration for classes at Robert Morris University or transfer of records to another college. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ____________________________________________________________________________________ Robert Morris students may participate in a varied program of educational, recreational and religious activities. You are encouraged to participate in the activities of your choice as it provides the opportunity to develop leadership characteristics and experiences as well as life-long leisure interests. INTRAMURAL/CLUB SPORTS PARTICIPATION ____________________________________________________________________________________ NO varsity athlete is to compete in ANY intramural sporting contest or sports club activity without first securing permission from his/her coach. Any athlete injured in any intramural or club sport contest is responsible for his/her medical expenses. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES ____________________________________________________________________________________ RMU Athletics strives to provide fair and equitable treatment in all areas related to student-athlete welfare. Student-athletes who have a complaint about their treatment have the right to a fair and expedient response to their complaint. Such complaints may include, but are not limited to, harassment or hazing, NCAA rule violations, or financial aid issues. Grievance procedures regarding specific complaints may be found in several places. The following are university-wide procedures. Academic issues (e.g., grades, missed classes and assignments Generally, the first step should be to talk to the instructor. If not resolved, procedures can be found on the RMU website (Students…Academic Policies…Undergraduate Policies…). 24 RMU student grievances (e.g, sexual or other forms of harassment), alcohol and drug issues Reduction or cancellation of financial aid, including athletics aid Located on the RMU website (Students…Dean of Students…). Specific Athletics Department drug and alcohol policies are located in the StudentAthlete Handbook on the RMU website. Generally, the first step should be to talk with the head coach. If not resolved, procedures are located on the RMU website (Students…Student Financial Services…Financial Information and Policies…). Start with a written letter of appeal to Dir. of Student Financial Aid. Some issues are specific to Athletics. If possible, the student-athlete should first speak with the sport coach. The following procedures apply. Withholding of transfer release or Permission to speak to another Institution Potential violation of NCAA rules Issues related to sport program environment (e.g., travel arrangements, suspension from competition, coaches behavior, medical treatment Issues related to sport operation (e.g., starting status, playing time, position/event) Written letter of appeal to DA, who will respond in writing, within ten working days. If not satisfied, the student-athlete may then send a written appeal to the Appeals Subcommittee of the Athletics Advisory Board. Their decision is final. You may lodge a complaint with either the AD, AADC, or FAR. After preliminary discussion with the student-athlete, the administrator will determine if the complaint merits further investigation and report the decision to the student-athlete. If the student-athlete is not satisfied with the reponse, he/she may provide a written complaint to the Director of Athletics, who will respond within ten working days. You must provide a written letter of complaint to either the AADSS or the DA. After preliminary discussion with the studentathlete, the administrator will determine if the complaint merits further investigation and report the decision to the student-athlete. If the student-athlete is not satisfied with the response he/she may make a written appeal to the Appeals Subcommittee of the Athletics Advisory Board, who will schedule a hearing. Their decision is final. No appeal. Coaches’ decisions are final. Retaliation against an individual seeking advice on, reporting, or participating in an investigation of a grievance matter or harassment claim, is prohibited. PARKING ____________________________________________________________________________________ Students must park in the spaces for which they are registered. For overnight travel, commuter studentathletes may need to park on campus. They should go to Barry Center to the Public Safety Office and get a visitor’s pass which will allow them to park overnight in the free lot at lower Sewall. 25 ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY HAZING POLICY ____________________________________________________________________________________ The Robert Morris University Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has developed the following policy and surrounding information to address issues of hazing. The SAAC defines hazing as: Voluntary or involuntary activities or created situations that encourage, force, or compel an individual or group to engage in or be the focus of subjective physical, mental, emotional, or psychological "preinitiation," "initiation," or "rituals" that humiliate, threaten, intimidate, alienate, demean, abuse, mistreat, degrade, harass, or compromise a person's worth as a human being as a condition of joining a group or team. Prohibited activities or situations include, but are not limited to: Alcohol consumption or binging Drug experimentation, abuse or distribution Paddling Creation of excessive fatigue Sleep deprivation Compulsory servitude Tattooing or branding Kidnapping Any requirement or pressure put on an individual to participate in any activity which is illegal, perverse, publicly indecent, contrary to his or her genuine morals and/or beliefs, e.g., indecent or lewd conduct, or sexual gestures in public Forcing, encouraging, or pressuring someone to wear, in public, apparel which is conspicuous and not within the norm of what is considered to be in good taste Nudity Having substances such as eggs, mud, or paint thrown Awakening or disturbing individuals during "normal" sleeping hours Forceful eating or starvation THE LEVELS OF ACTION FOR HAZING OFFENSES All of the listed offenses declared in each degree would include the following but not be limited to: I. First-degree Awakening or disturbing individuals during “normal” sleeping hours Sleep deprivation Compulsory servitude Penalties of first-degree offense: Apology to team members and coaching staff II. Second-degree Paddling Having substance such as egg, mud, or paint thrown at individuals Forceful eating or starvation Forced alcohol consumption 26 Penalties of second-degree offense Apology to team members and coaching staff Community service Suspension from athletic contest (the next athletic contest) III. Third-degree Drug experimentation, abuse, or distribution Tattooing or branding Kidnapping Any requirement or pressure put on an individual to participate in any activity, which is illegal, perverse, publicly indecent, contrary to his or her beliefs, e.g., indecent or lewd conduct, or sexual gestures in public. Penalties of third-degree offense: Apology to team members and coaching staff Community service Suspension from athletic contest Loss of scholarship, or percentage of scholarship Public apology to Athletic Board of Directors Suspension from team for a period of time specified by a mutual agreement between Head Coach and Athletic Director TRAVEL POLICY ____________________________________________________________________________________ All student-athletes must travel to and from ALL away contests with the official travel party. Studentathletes may be released to their parents only if twenty-four (24) hour notice is given. Permission to travel with parents is left to the discretion of coaches and/or Director of Athletics. No one, other than members of the travel party, is allowed to stay in rooms while teams are on the road. No family members or other guests are allowed to stay in the room. RMU is not responsible for any personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged while traveling for intercollegiate events. Losses of personal goods and personal deductibles are the sole responsibility of the student-athlete and his/her insurer. All students using their vehicle to transport themselves or other student-athletes are required to carry liability insurance. FACILITIES ____________________________________________________________________________________ Policies regarding the use of facilities of the Department of Athletics are developed by the Director of Athletics. Athletes will be advised as to the proper use of these facilities by the Head Coach. All student-athletes are responsible for leaving areas in the same quality condition in which they found them. Staff offices are public areas and athletes are expected to dress appropriately in these areas. (Shirt and shoes required) Students are not allowed in coach's offices without permission. Athletic Training Room equipment is to be operated by athletic training staff only. Locker rooms are multi-sport and multi-use. That means the rooms may be used by other groups (visiting 27 teams or other sports) during the course of the year. Just because the room has your sports name on the door does not mean it is only going to be used by that sport. Use of University phones by student-athletes for long distance is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. No cleats are allowed inside the buildings. WEIGHT ROOM ____________________________________________________________________________________ The Department of Athletics weight room is located in the Athletic Building. You must follow the posted rules. Should any rules be abused, the student-athlete will lose the privilege of using the strength facility. 28 SPORTS MEDICINE THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM ____________________________________________________________________________________ The Robert Morris University athletic training rooms are is available to all athletes for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. It is staffed by certified athletic trainers who work under the supervision of the team physician. RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Athletes are not permitted to tape or treat themselves. Treatment of athletic injuries is the responsibility of the staff athletic trainers. Under no circumstances is the athletic training room to be used as a self-help medical center. 2. If you do not need to be taped or receive treatment, you should not be in the athletic training room. 3. Please wait your turn. You will be taken care of as quickly and efficiently as possible. 4. Nothing should be taken from the athletic training room without permission from a staff athletic trainer. 5. All crutches, braces, elastic wraps, etc. are the property of the athletic training room and must be returned after use. If not, you will be held financially responsible. 6. No muddy or cleated shoes of any kind are permitted in the athletic training room or in any athletic indoor facility. 7. The athletic trainer's office and telephone are private. No athlete is permitted in the office unless given permission from a member of the athletic training staff. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS - HEALTH INFORMATION RECORDS ____________________________________________________________________________________ ALL Freshmen and transfer students who participate in varsity athletics must have a complete physical examination prior to beginning their first semester at the University. The health form provided in the University's admissions packet (which is also available on line) MUST be completed by the prospective athlete's home physician and forwarded to Health Services before beginning sports participation. Complete immunization records must be included. All athletes are required to complete a Health Information Record for the Athletic Training Department for each year they compete. All incoming athletes, as well as selected returning athletes, will be examined by Robert Morris University's team physician during a pre-participation screening prior to beginning sport activities. This will be arranged by the athletic training staff. All student-athletes MUST have proof of valid and collectible personal insurance coverage. MEDICAL DISQUALIFICATION OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE ___________________________________________________________________________________ The team physician has the final responsibility to determine when a student-athlete is removed or withheld from participation due to an injury, an illness or pregnancy. In addition, clearance for that individual to return to activity is solely the responsibility of the team physician or that physician’s designated representative. INSURANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES Policy: Student athletes at RMU are REQUIRED to be covered by personal or family health and accident insurance to participate in athletics. This insurance needs to be comparable to the insurance offered by Robert Morris University to the students. The university carries a secondary or excess health care policy for its student-athletes. The 29 university policy is considered the secondary payer to all other valid and collectible medical plans. This excess coverage plan covers athletic injuries only during the sport season as specified by the NCAA and Robert Morris University. Under NO Circumstances is an athlete permitted to go to a doctor, dentist, hospital or any other medical facility with out first securing permission from the athletic training staff. The Department of Athletics WILL NOT be held responsible for any medical fees incurred without permission from the athletic training staff. Procedure: 1. Claim by provider is filed to personal or family insurance. The athletic Training Department will send accident claim forms to Administrators Concepts Incorporated (ACI). 2. You will receive bills from the provider and explanation of benefits (EOBs) from your own insurance from each service your son/daughter received. DO NOT ignore them. 3. In order for ACI to make payment, they need BOTH a bill from the provider AND an EOB from the primary insurance company for each date of service. Both need to be sent to: Administrative Concepts, Inc 997 Old Eagle School Rd Suite 215 Wayne, PA 19087 *Make sure that you keep a copy for yourself in the event that ACI does not receive it. Also, you may fax (412-262-8557) or send a copy to Allison Karish. 4. If ACI needs more information they will contact you. 5. Our excess coverage does have a $100.00 deductible for football only. This must be paid either by the student-athlete’s insurance or through self-pay before we can file the claim with the RMU excess insurance. Any questions regarding this policy and procedure should be directed to the athletic training staff: Addie Muti, ATC (412) 262-8615 Mike Vittorino, ATC (412) 262-8514 Allison Karish, ATC (412) 262-8353 POLICIES FOR INJURED OR ILL PLAYERS ________________________________________________________________________ 1. Athletes who are injured but are still able to participate must report to the athletic training room before AND after practice for treatment. 2. Athletes who are injured or ill and unable to participate must report to the athletic training room BEFORE the regularly scheduled practice time for treatment. After treatment is completed, the athlete must then report to practice and follow the instructions of the coaching staff. 3. If an athlete does not comply, his/her coach will be notified. 4. An athlete must report an injury within 48 hours so that treatment can be initiated. An athlete who cannot perform to full capacity will only hinder his/her team's performance. 5. An athlete must shower before receiving treatment for post-practice cuts, blisters and minor wounds. 6. If an athlete is injured or becomes ill after the staff athletic trainers and Health Services staff have gone home for the evening, he/she should first try to contact the athletic trainers at home at the following numbers: 30 Addie Muti - (412) 716-4177 Mike Vittorino - (412) 716-7278 Allison Karish – (412) 901-2977 If the athletic trainers cannot be reached at home, the athlete should then contact the Area Coordinator or the Resident Assistant at their residence hall who will give appropriate instructions regarding emergency procedure. In the event of an emergency, the athlete should contact RMU Police at (412) 397-2424 who will summon an ambulance for transportation to Sewickley Valley Hospital. Those athletes who live off campus should use their own discretion concerning emergency health care. HEALTH SERVICES STAFF ____________________________________________________________________________________ Health Services is located in Nicholson Center and can be reached at (412) 262-8233 from 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Fridays. OUTSIDE MEDICAL SERVICES AND APPOINTMENTS ____________________________________________________________________________________ 1. Under no circumstances is an athlete permitted to go to a doctor, dentist, hospital or any other medical facility without first securing permission from a staff athletic trainer. If an athlete fails to comply, any expenses incurred are the responsibility of the student-athlete, not the University. 2. The Department of Athletics will not be held responsible for any medical fees incurred without permission from the athletic trainer. 3. An athlete who requires outside medical service will submit a copy of their class schedule to a staff athletic trainer. All appointments will be scheduled during the athlete's free time so as not to conflict with class and/or sport participation. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to call an athletic trainer (at home if necessary) if he/she is unable to keep an appointment with a doctor or an athletic trainer. If an athlete is unable to keep an appointment, he/she is financially responsible for that office visit fee unless approved by the athletic trainer. Individual cases will be considered by the athletic trainer or Director of Athletics. PRESCRIPTION AUTHORIZATION ____________________________________________________________________________________ 1. The Department of Athletics will pay for prescriptions ONLY when an athlete is in season. All prescriptions must be filed with the student athlete’s primary insurance carrier for payment; the Department will cover the unpaid balance. 2. The prescription must be brought to an athletic trainer for authorization to have it filled. 3. If authorization is not received, the Department of Athletics will not be held financially responsible for payment of the bill. 4. An athlete should never take medication that has been prescribed for someone else. STUDENT-ATHLETE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ___________________________________________________________________________________ As health care providers, the RMU Athletic Training Staff is dedicated to providing quality health care to the student-athlete. When seeking medical care, there are certain rights and responsibilities that you have: Your rights include: 1. The right to humane care and treatment. 2. The right to accurate information, to the extent known, concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of an illness or health-related condition. 3. The right to information regarding fees for service, particularly notification as to what services may be your financial responsibility. 31 4. 5. 6. The right to participate in decisions which are made regarding your health care and treatment. The right to confidentiality of your medical records - Release Forms. The right to know who is counseling, caring for, or treating you - credentials. Your responsibilities include: 1. Providing full and truthful information about your injury or illness to allow proper evaluation and treatment. 2. Asking sufficient questions to ensure appropriate comprehension of your illness/injury and recommendations for continued care. 3. Communicating with your health care provider if your condition worsens or does not follow the expected course. 4. Showing courtesy and respect to health care personnel. 5. Not giving medication prescribed for you to others. 6. If you are unable to keep an appointment, canceling or rescheduling as far in advance as possible, so that the time may be devoted to someone else. 32 RMU ALCOHOL POLICY The Department of Athletics at Robert Morris University prohibits the consumption of alcohol by studentathletes at any official intercollegiate team function. An official team function, for purposes of definition with regard to this policy, is defined as any activity which is held at the direction of or under the supervision of the team's coaching staff. Further, a Robert Morris student-athlete who consumes alcohol will be accountable for any alcohol-related incident in which he or she is involved on or off campus. In such cases, the student-athlete is subject to the Department of Athletics and/or team disciplinary action. If an RMU student-athlete is found guilty of an incident involving alcohol-related charges (either local, state, federal or University charges), the individual may be suspended from practice and competition according to that athletic team's disciplinary policy on file with the Director of Athletics. RMU student-athletes are subject to University sanctions for conduct associated with the illegal and irresponsible possession and use of alcohol. In the event that the Office of Student Affairs imposes disciplinary sanctions against the student-athlete, the Director of Athletics and the head coach for that sport will review the finding and recommend what action is warranted by the Department of Athletics. The Department of Athletics prohibits the purchase of alcoholic beverages to be used by any departmentaffiliated person who is under legal drinking age. This policy applies to prospective student-athletes visiting the University and their student host. Regardless of whether a student-athlete or a student host has reached the drinking age, purchasing alcohol for consumption by a person under the legal drinking age (a teammate or in most cases, a prospective student-athlete) is a violation of state law. Minimum standards for discipline following final disposition of charge against a student athlete: 1. first offense meeting with head coach and Director of Athletics written warning in student-athlete's file community service 2. second offense meeting with head coach and Director of Athletics suspension from competition and practice as directed by sport guidelines community service 3. third offense treated as a positive drug test (please see substance abuse policy) NOTES: 1) if violations occur during an out-of-season period, penalties carry over into following season. 2) all violations are cumulative throughout the student-athlete's tenure at RMU. 3) sanctions above are in addition to any University Judicial Board sanctions that may apply. 33 RMU SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY PURPOSE ____________________________________________________________________________________ The Department of Athletics at RMU recognizes substance and chemical abuse as one of the major problems facing student-athletes today. The Department also recognizes that participation in athletics may make student-athletes particularly vulnerable to substance and chemical abuse. Consequently, the University and the Department of Athletics follows NCAA Guidelines with reference to substance abuse. RMU is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that encourages student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate athletics to avoid the abuse of alcohol and illicit substances. The implementation of a random, unannounced, mandatory drug testing program will serve to benefit everyone connected with intercollegiate athletics at RMU. This program will help the men and women who participate in intercollegiate athletics to become better students and athletes. Accurate and reliable testing for drug use will act not only as a screen to detect illicit drug usage, but also as a deterrent to such use. POLICY ____________________________________________________________________________________ The unauthorized use of any substance proscribed by federal or state law or by the NCAA or the abuse of alcohol, by any member of an intercollegiate athletic team at RMU, is expressly prohibited. This policy is in effect regardless of whether such use or abuse occurs before, during, or after the teams' competitive season. "Proscribed substances", as that phrase appears in this Policy, includes those drugs on the current NCAA list of banned substances. Robert Morris University and the Department of Athletics follow the NCAA guidelines with reference to the banned substance list. Be aware that both RMU and the NCAA conduct substance abuse testing and sanctions for positive test may vary. RMU ATHLETICS DRUG & ALCOHOL COMMITTEE ___________________________________________________________________________________ This committee is appointed to deal with all issues surrounding drug and alcohol use by student-athletes including the drug testing program. This committee is comprised of the following individuals: 1. Director of Athletics 2. Dean of Students 3. Senior Woman Administrator 4. Team Physician 5. Athletic Training Staff member in charge of testing 6. Head Coach named by Director of Athletics VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE ___________________________________________________________________________________ A student-athlete with a drug or alcohol problem may voluntarily notify a member of the RMU Athletics Drug and Alcohol Committee of a problem and he/she will be referred to the team physician for the development of a Plan of Care. The voluntary notification of a drug problem must occur prior to the University's request for testing. The committee member will notify the Director of Athletics regarding the disclosure. Provided the student-athlete follows the Plan of Care as outlined, participation and athletic financial aid will continue. If, however, the student-athlete does not follow the Plan of Care for drug rehabilitation, the drug testing policy will be in effect. 34 RMU DRUG TESTING PROGRAM Robert Morris University and the Department of Athletics follow the NCAA guidelines with reference to banned substances. The NCAA further recommends that member institutions should develop a specific written policy that is to be distributed and publicized. What follows is the Robert Morris University Department of Athletics program designed to meet the needs of the institution with regard to substance abuse. CONSENT FORM ___________________________________________________________________________________ As a condition of participation and/or receiving athletic financial aid in any intercollegiate sport, each student-athlete must sign a consent form which states that he/she is informed of the Robert Morris University athletics drug testing program (Appendix A). Failure to sign the consent form results in the student-athlete being ineligible for participation and receipt of athletic financial aid. RANDOM TESTING / REASONABLE CAUSE TESTING ___________________________________________________________________________________ All student-athletes will be subjected to random drug testing throughout the academic year. In addition, reasonable cause testing will be used in cases where there is a suspicion on the part of the Department of Athletics that a student-athlete(s) is under the influence of a controlled, banned, or illegal substance. This could include, but is not limited to: erratic behavior, involvement in an altercation on or off campus, or incidents where there is reason to believe that alcohol or other drugs could have been involved. Initial determinations of reasonable suspicion by a Department of Athletics or Student Affairs staff member will be referred to the RMU Athletics Drug and Alcohol Committee. The Director of Athletics, in consultation with members of the Committee, will determine what action, if any action will be taken regarding the student-athlete. Failure to cooperate in a reasonable cause investigation and urine testing will be viewed as a positive test. PROCEDURES ___________________________________________________________________________________ Notification The RMU drug testing program is designed to protect the confidentiality of an individual and to assure that information regarding individual student-athletes will not be transmitted to individuals who have neither the right nor the need to know. Urine testing will be done in a mandatory and unannounced manner. Any student-athlete who is currently enrolled at Robert Morris University may be selected. The drug test will be administered by the Department of Athletics in conjunction with the University Health Service. Student-athletes will be notified either in person or by telephone by a member of the athletic department to proceed directly to the University Health Service located in Ross Hall. Specimen Collection When providing a specimen, the student-athlete must observe the following guidelines: 1. 2. 3. 4. The student-athlete must present photo identification at the testing site. The student-athlete will provide information regarding any current medications and nutritional supplements. The student-athlete will then follow all instructions for the collection procedure from the University Health Service staff member. At least two ounces of urine must be provided. The student-athlete must remain at the testing site 35 5. 6. 7. until sample is provided. The collection process will be witnessed by a member of the medical or athletic staff. University Health Service staff will then follow the proper procedure for a screening test of the urine. If the screening yields a positive result, University Health Service staff member will then package the specimen for transport to the lab while the student-athlete observes. Noncompliance Not submitting a urine specimen at the specific time requested by RMU will be considered the same as a positive test. DRUG TESTING RESULTS ____________________________________________________________________________________ The results of the confirmatory testing will be reported directly to the Director of Athletics. An apparent positive test will be reviewed for validity by the team physician and head athletic trainer. When a positive test is confirmed, the head coach will be notified of the positive test result by the Director of Athletics. Other University officials and the parent/guardian of the student-athlete may be notified of the test results if the Director of Athletics deems it appropriate. POSITIVE FINDINGS ____________________________________________________________________________________ Upon notification of a confirmed positive test the student-athlete will be immediately suspended from all team activities and will be given a Plan of Care and referred for appropriate assistance to an outside agency as outlined below: First Positive Test 1. Immediate suspension from all intercollegiate competition for a minimum of 7 days, or longer based upon individual team guidelines. 2. Student-athlete will meet with the team physician, and head athletic trainer to outline Plan of Care. 3. The Director of Athletics and head coach may be involved in the Plan of Care. 4. The parent/guardian of the student-athlete may be involved in the Plan of Care. 5. The Plan of Care will include, but is not limited to, mandatory counseling and periodic, unannounced testing. 6. The student-athlete must comply with the Plan of Care before he/she returns to athletic participation. 7. Any student-athlete who is reinstated after first positive test is subject to additional testing throughout the remainder of athletic career at RMU. Second Positive Test 1. Suspension from all participation for one calendar year from date of positive test results. 2. During the suspension period, the student-athlete's grant-in-aid will be withdrawn. 3. Student-athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics, team physician, head coach, and head athletic trainer to outline Plan of Care. 4. The parent/guardian of the student-athlete may be involved in the Plan of Care. 5. The Plan of Care will include, but is not limited to: mandatory counseling and periodic, unannounced testing. 6. The student-athlete must complete the Plan of Care before he/she returns to athletic participation. 7. Any student-athlete who is reinstated after second positive test is subject to additional testing at any time. Third Positive Test 1. Third offense will result in immediate and permanent ineligibility from all RMU athletics without any opportunity for future participation. 2. Athletic grant-in-aid is withdrawn. Plan of Care Any costs incurred during the implementation of the Plan of Care will be the responsibility of the student- 36 athlete. The costs will not be the responsibility of the University. Note: The above sanctions are in addition to any sanctions applied by the University Judicial Board. NCAA DRUG TESTING ____________________________________________________________________________________ In addition to the RMU Drug Testing program, a separate drug testing program administered by the NCAA is also in place. You will be given information about this program during meetings with individual teams. 37 THE SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE The RMU Sports Information Office serves the Department of Athletics in many ways. Those include the dissemination of information about the programs, student-athletes and coaches at RMU, the preparation and distribution of all news releases, the production of all printed materials about the programs, the promotion and marketing of each of the Colonial sports teams and the role of liaison between the department and the news media. In order for us to disseminate information about you, you must consent to its release. You do not have to consent; if you don't, you will not appear in media guides, programs, or press releases. Although the Sports Information Office exists to make it easier for sportswriters and sportscasters to do their jobs, its primary obligation is to the University, and to its athletics personnel. Establishing good relations with the media is important, because the athletics program is one of the University's primary publicity vehicles. How the public perceives Robert Morris is generally how the writers and broadcasters present their articles and segments. Always remember that the Sports Information Director is available to help you in your dealings with the media. In fact, the SID should serve as the "contact person" for every interview you do. No studentathlete should grant an interview. A few moments of patience now can save an hour of inconvenience later. This holds true for the questionnaires you'll be asked to complete, and the photo sessions in which you'll be asked to participate at the request of the SID. You may be asked to complete these tasks as many as four times during your college career, but by being cooperative you contribute to the University's overall image and perception by the public. Be forthcoming. Don't hesitate to ask the Sports Information Director questions. Let the SID work for you, especially when you're going to be dealing with the media. Be reliable. Be punctual. Be on time for interviews and/or appointments. If you're running a little late, call ahead to let the person know. Be courteous. In most cases, a sportswriter or sportscaster will form a character evaluation of a student-athlete merely from how cooperative his or her subject was, and is. And if it's negative, they'll probably write about it. Be cautious. Don't agree to do an interview over the telephone if it's someone with whom you are unfamiliar. Refer him or her to the Sports Information Director. Indeed, all interview requests should go through the SID. Often times, the interviewer will call the SID first, so please clear this with the interviewer prior to the interview. Be firm. If you feel uncomfortable with a particular line of questioning, simply say: "I would rather not answer that. Next question, please." If the person persists, repeat your answer. Be firm, but don't be rude. Be smart. Never give anyone information about injuries. This is the type of material for which gamblers are looking. Be familiar. Read the sports pages. Listen to a sports talk show on the radio every so often. Watch the sports reports at six and eleven. Look up sports-related web sites on the internet. Get to know who the local sports media personalities are, and what their attitudes are. If any of them ever call on you, tell him how much you enjoyed his article about baseball during the Depression, or the television feature about improved training techniques for football, basketball, etc... Be understanding. It's easy to talk to the press after an exciting victory. But the true test of a person's character is how he or she reacts to difficult times and situations. Following a tough loss, the most common urge is to take a quick shower and make a fast exit. But the sportswriter still has a story to write and a job to do. Try to understand that, and be as gracious as possible. Again, your cooperation with the SID is of the utmost importance in this regard. 38 AWARDS VARSITY LETTER AWARDS ____________________________________________________________________________________ Varsity letter awards will be presented to the recipients at the end of the season or at the Annual Sports Banquet. The Director of Athletics and the head coach shall approve all award nominations. The awards are: 1st year of participation: certificate 2nd year of participation: certificate 3rd year of participation: jacket 4th year of participation: watch The initial recommendation for varsity letter awards shall be made by the head coach of the given sport in which the student has participated. The coach may recommend an award to be granted to an athlete whose potential performance has been interrupted by injury or illness. Since it is possible to letter in more than one sport in any year, the Department of Athletics will award only one varsity letter (jacket or watch) per year to an individual. Certificates may be duplicated. GUIDELINES FOR A LETTER AWARD ____________________________________________________________________________________ The student-athlete must meet the following minimal standards to receive a Letter Award: BASKETBALL 1. Attend practice regularly. 2. Play in one half of the total number of halves of scheduled games. CHEERLEADING 1. Attend practice regularly. 2. Participate in 75% of events in a season. CREW 1. Competing in 60% or more of competitions in season. CROSS COUNTRY 1. Must attend practice regularly. 2. Must beat the fifth man in one half of the teams competed against or represent Robert Morris at the Northeast Conference Meet and beat the fifth man in one half of the teams in the race or coach's recommendation. FIELD HOCKEY 1. Must attend practice regularly. 2. Must compete in half of the total number of matches during the course of the regular season, or coach’s recommendation. FOOTBALL To earn a letter in football, your performance grade sheet is reviewed by the staff after the season. If you have met any of the following qualifications, you will be awarded a letter: 1. 2. 3. Be a senior and have never lettered. Be a participant in at least five games (15 play minimum). Be a starter on a special team and participate in at least five games. 39 4. Letter to acclamation. There may be unusual circumstances, injuries or otherwise, that prevent a deserving athlete to earn a letter as stated above. If this occurs, he will letter if nominated and unanimously approved by the coaching staff. GOLF 1. Must attend practice regularly. 2. Must participate in at least two events or participate in the Northeast Conference Meet. MEN’S ICE HOCKEY 1. Skaters must play in 20% of team’s games. 2. Goalies must play in 10% of team’s games. 3. Coach’s recommendation for unusual circumstances (injury). MEN’S LACROSSE 1. Must attend practice regularly 2. Play in 60% of the games WOMEN’S LACROSSE 1. Must attend all scheduled practices regularly. 2. Must play in half of the total number of games during the course of the championship season. 3. Coach’s recommendation. SOCCER 1. Must attend practice regularly. 2. Must participate in one half of all scheduled matches played. SOFTBALL 1. Position players must play in 20% of the total games played. 2. Pitchers must pitch in at least 10% of the total games played. TENNIS 1. Must attend practice regularly and must complete the season as an eligible member of the team in good standing. 2. Must compete in one half of the scheduled dual meets or represent RMU in the Northeast Conference Championship Tournament. TRACK-INDOOR AND OUTDOOR 1. Must attend practice regularly. 2. Must score twenty or more points in scored meets or achieve all-conference at the Northeast Conference Championship either in the indoor or outdoor meet. VOLLEYBALL 1. Must attend practice regularly. 2. Must play in half of the total number of matches during the course of the season or coach's recommendation. For all sports, student-athletes who do not meet the criteria may receive an award based on the coach’s recommendation. HONORING ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENT ATHLETES ____________________________________________________________________________________ The Department of Athletics is proud of its student-athletes' academic and athletic accomplishments and wants to encourage athletes to reach even higher goals in the future. It should be the goal of every student-athlete to attain maximum success both in athletics and academics. Review the programs listed below and set your goals for the future. 40 CURRENT PROGRAMS FOR NATIONAL RECOGNITION ____________________________________________________________________________________ COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN - This award is given nationally to selected students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 who have also made significant contributions to athletic programs. This is a highly competitive national program. NCAA POST GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS - Offered nationally to student-athletes who have been accepted to graduate programs and who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.20 and have contributed significantly to the success of their program. CURRENT PROGRAMS FOR CONFERENCE RECOGNITION ____________________________________________________________________________________ NORTHEAST CONFERENCE ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL - Each semester the NEC honors all studentathletes who have earned a 3.25 GPA and a varsity letter during the previous semester. NORTHEAST CONFERENCE SCHOLAR ATHLETE - Each year the NEC honors the top student-athlete in each sport based upon academic and athletic achievement. CURRENT PROGRAMS FOR UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION ____________________________________________________________________________________ DEAN'S LIST - List of students who earn a 3.50 average with no grade below a C and no incomplete grades during the semester. ATHLETIC ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL - A t-shirt will be awarded to those student-athletes who earn a QPA of at least 3.00 during the fall or spring semester. Only one t-shirt will be given per student-athlete during each academic year. OUTSTANDING RMU SENIOR AWARD - Given to one female and one male RMU senior student-athlete. Nominations are submitted by the individual coaches. The award is designed to honor members of a varsity team and the criteria are based on athletic achievement, academic performance, and service to the institution. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD - Recognizes the Colonial senior student-athlete who best combines outstanding academic achievement with athletic performance. It is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative (through the previous fall semester) grade point average and who has made a substantial contribution to his/her team. TEAM QUALITY POINT AVERAGE AWARD - Goes to the RMU intercollegiate athletic squad with the highest QPA among the department's 17 teams during the preceding academic year. MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD - Goes to an outstanding performer on each of the 17 RMU athletics teams, cheerleading squad and band. 41 STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is comprised of two members from each intercollegiate team. The SAAC acts in an advisory capacity for the Department of Athletics, representing the voice of student-athletes. The SAAC meets monthly to discuss programs and services for student-athletes, pending and adopted NCAA legislation, and community service opportunities. MISSION: The Robert Morris University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee consisting of student-athlete representatives from each Robert Morris varsity athletics team whose mission is to promote communication between student-athletes and the athletics and University administration, and to promote student-athlete involvement in the community by generating student-athlete interest in participating in special events, activities, and community projects. The primary goals of the committee are: Serve as a liaison between the athletic teams and the Department of Athletics in the development of support services and enrichment programs for student-athletes. Develop leadership skills by implementing programs that will promote a positive image for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete. Generate student-athlete awareness and involvement in campus issues by which they are affected. Generate communication and support among members of various athletic teams on campus. Promote elementary school students' interest in continuing their education and participating in athletics. Promote the local community's interest in Robert Morris University athletics by participating in community activities and events. Promote positive relationships between student-athletes and the student body at large, the staff and faculty of the university and residents of the community. STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES FROM: Basketball (Men, Women) Cheerleaders Cross Country (Men, Women) Crew Field Hockey Football 2005-2006 Officers: President Vice President Secretary Golf (Men, Women) Ice Hockey (Men, Women) Lacrosse (Men, Women) Soccer (Men, Women) Softball Track & Field (Men, Women) Jason Forrest Lisa Jaszka Rachel Cibulas Tennis (Men, Women) Volleyball Football Volleyball Women’s Lacrosse 42
