The Great American Conference The mission of the Great American Conference is to develop student-athletes at each of its member institutions physically, academically and socially by allowing them the opportunity for a quality education, compete in athletics, and to become productive citizens within their communities. Conference member institutions strive toward this mission by following the academic guidelines set forth within their own institutions, adhering to NCAA and conference rules and regulations, embracing the NCAA Division II Strategic Positioning Platform, and by employing sound financial principles in the administration of their athletics programs. The GAC shall promote the conduct of competitive sports programs within the conference, region and nationally. Each member institution shall promote good sportsmanship, diversity and gender balance while striving to field competitive programs. NCAA Division II
NCAA Division II Philosophy Statement
Members of Division II believe that a well-conducted intercollegiate athletics program, based on sound educational principles and practices, is a proper part of the educational mission of a university or college and that the educational welfare of the
participating student-athlete is of primary concern.Members of Division II support the following principles in the belief that these objectives assist in defining the division and the possible differences between it and other divisions of the Association. This statement shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences.
A member of Division II:
Believes in promoting the academic success of its student-athletes, measured in part by an institution's student-athletes graduating at least at the same rate as the institution's student body;
Believes that participation in intercollegiate athletics benefits the educational experience of its student-athletes and the entire campus community;
Believes in offering opportunities for intercollegiate athletics participation consistent with the institution's mission and philosophy;
Believes in preparing student-athletes to be good citizens, leaders and contributors in their communities;
Believes in striving for equitable participation and competitive excellence, encouraging sportsmanship and ethical conduct, enhancing diversity and developing positive societal attitudes in all of its athletics endeavors;
Believes in scheduling the majority of its athletics competition with other members of Division II, insofar as regional qualification, geographical location and traditional or conference scheduling patterns permit;
Recognizes the need to "balance" the role of the athletics program to serve both the campus (participants, student body, faculty-staff) and the general public (community, area, state);
Believes in offering opportunity for participation in intercollegiate athletics by awarding athletically related financial aid to its student-athletes;
Believes that institutional control is a fundamental principle that supports the educational mission of a Division II institution and assumes presidential involvement and commitment.
All funds supporting athletics should be controlled by the institution. The emphasis for an athletics department should be to operate within an institutionally approved budget, and compliance with and self-enforcement of NCAA regulations is an expectation of membership;
And Believes that all members of Division II should commit themselves to this philosophy and to the regulations and programs of Division II.
