(101) Mission and Philosophy - Table of Contents

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Updated 10/14

MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

The Mission of the University of Kansas

To develop student-athletes to their fullest potential through intercollegiate athletics.

Lawrence Campus

Instruction. The university is committed to offering the highest quality undergraduate, professional, and graduate programs, comparable to the best obtainable anywhere in the nation. As the AAU research university of the state, KU offers an array of advanced graduate programs and fulfills its mission through faculty, academic, and research programs of international distinction and outstanding libraries, teaching museums, and information technology. These resources enrich the undergraduate experience and are essential for graduate-level education and for research.

Research. The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. Research and teaching, as practiced at the University of Kansas, are mutually reinforcing with scholarly inquiry underlying and informing the educational experience at undergraduate, professional, and graduate levels.

Service. The university first serves Kansas, then the nation and the world through research, teaching, and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU provides service to the state of Kansas through its state- and federally-funded research centers. KU’s academic programs, arts facilities, and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. Educational, research, and service programs are offered throughout the state, including the main campus in Lawrence; the health-related degree programs and services in Kansas City and Wichita, and Salina; the Edwards Campus in Overland Park; and other sites in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Topeka, Parsons, and Hutchinson.

International Dimension. The university is dedicated to preparing its students for lives of learning and for the challenges educated citizens will encounter in an increasingly complex and diverse global community. More than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research are available for students and faculty at sites throughout the world. KU teaching and research draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and the world. At the same time, KU’s extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.

Values. The university is committed to excellence. It fosters a multicultural environment in which the dignity and rights of the individual are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity, and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.

The Mission of Kansas Athletics
Kansas Athletics is committed to promoting athletic competition and leadership at the highest level.

Kansas Athletics’ vision is to be a conference leader through competitiveness, donor support, and leadership at the highest level.

Kansas Athletics subscribes to and endorses the Kansas Way—Kansas Athletics employees and student-athletes shall be humble, work hard, under sell and over produce and value substance over image.

CORE VALUES
The University of Kansas considers intercollegiate athletics to be an integral part of the University, as its existence provides students, faculty, alumni and friends an opportunity to share in the life of the collegiate community.

As part of our mission, we will advance the University’s role, ensuring athletics will be conducted in harmony and conformity with the University’s educational mission, while continuing the proud heritage of athletic success that stimulates pride among our constituents and supporters.

These are the core values of Kansas Athletics. They guide our conduct today and ingrain in us the values of Kansas Jayhawks for tomorrow.

Accountability—We stand behind our decisions and actions.
Authenticity—We will be genuine in our actions.
Competitiveness—We will work to be the best on the field of play, in the classroom and in our everyday lives.
Diversity—We are one team and we value each other’s differences.
Hard Work—We will give our best effort and energy with every endeavor.
Integrity—We are honest and true in our decisions and actions.
Respect—We will treat each other with dignity.

Objectives
Integrating the guidelines and regulations established by the University of Kansas, the Big Twelve Conference and the NCAA, Kansas Athletics is guided by the following strategic objectives:

To improve competitiveness and the student-athlete experience.
To develop and maintain competitive facilities.
To strengthen the KU brand and reputation through effective communication.
To ensure financial stability and growth.
To enhance donor support and fan experience.

A Code of Ethical Conduct for Coaches, Support Staff and Administrators
The Code of Ethics adopted by Kansas Athletics represents the principles and standards which should guide coaches, support staff and administrators in maintaining the highest professional level of ethical conduct. Each employee will sign a statement acknowledging having read the Code and subscribing to the Code prior to Sept. 1 of each year. Coaches, support staff members and administrators of Kansas Athletics will:

Be accountable to the highest standard of honesty and integrity. All activities should be consistent with the educational purpose of the University and within set rules of Kansas Athletics.
Embrace a primary concern for the health, safety and personal welfare of each student-athlete.
Support and encourage the student-athlete in academic studies and in meeting educational goals.
Treat student-athletes and fellow staff members as individuals who possess dignity and worth, and the ability to be self-directed.
Accept responsibility for assisting student-athletes in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills for success.
Lead by example by following the rules; counsel student-athletes to do the same.
Adhere to the rules and regulations of the University of Kansas, Kansas Athletics, the Big 12 Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); avoid actions that violate the legal and/or civil rights of others.
Inform prospective student-athletes of all program expectations and University requirements.
Take an active role in the prevention of and treatment for drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
Perform their duties on the basis of careful preparation, ensuring information disseminated is current and accurate.
Adopt a professional lifestyle characterized by a strong personal value system consistent with the mission of Kansas Athletics.
Inform the student-athlete of the nature and/or limits of confidentiality; share information about the student-athlete only in accordance with Athletics and University policies and appropriate laws, when given permission, or when requested to prevent personal harm to themselves or others.
Accurately represent the competence, training, and experience of themselves and their colleagues.
Honor all professional relationships with student-athletes, colleagues, officials, media, and the public, and avoid conflicts of interest and exploitation of those relationships, especially by outside parties.
Ensure that employee complimentary ticket use meets policy requirements as provided in Kansas Athletics Complimentary Ticket policy (407C).