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Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)

Appointed by: President of the College, with advice and consultation provided by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Students

Reports to: Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Students

Term: One year, renewable at the discretion of the President

Course release/teaching load: One course release or equivalent stipend per semester; if course release, 18 credits regular load per academic year (fall and spring semesters). Unless negotiated otherwise, the regular load is spread equally over both semesters (e.g., 3 courses per semester).

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) defines the “Faculty Athletics Representative” as a member of the institution’s faculty or administrative staff (who holds faculty rank) who is designated by the institution’s chief executive officer to represent the Athletics Department, the College, and its faculty in the institution’s relationship with the NCAA and Mount Saint Mary College’s conference affiliations.

The duties of the Mount Saint Mary College FAR are divided into three categories – General, Academic, and Athletic. These categories reflect the nature of the FAR’s position with the College. The FAR’s duties will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

General

  • Meets (at least) annually with the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).
  • Annually attends the Faculty Athletics Representative Association (FARA) Conference, and attends the NCAA Convention when possible.
  • Serves as an advisor and source of support for student athletes who may be experiencing problems (academic or other) or have any concerns.
  • Informs the President, VPAA, and Athletic administration/staff about issues related to academics and athletics from conference and national FAR meetings.
  • Participates in key discussions related to the ongoing success of the Athletics Program (including recruiting, issues in Division III Athletics, student-athlete welfare issues, etc.).
  • Serves as an intermediary to resolve conflicts between faculty members and student athletes.
  • Assists with the communication of athletic events that may interfere with the regularly scheduled class session of student-athletes (e.g. end-of-season Conference and NCAA Tournament games which are, by their nature, scheduled on short notice).

Academic

  • Monitors student athlete academic performance and ensures that academic services are available to student athletes.
  • Represents the MSMC Athletics Department at faculty meetings and communicates athletics-related activities and concerns at General Faculty Meetings.
  • Nominates student athletes for the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships and Internships, and ensures that all parties submit necessary documentation before the deadline.
  • Conducts a workshop on the role of athletics during new faculty orientation.
  • Provides orientation sessions to all sports teams at the beginning of their respective seasons.

Athletic

  • Works with the Director of Athletics, and members of the Athletics administration.
  • Makes inquiries into alleged or suspected rules violations.
  • Updates the Athletics staff on issues/agendas of the academic community.
  • Participates in Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) meetings.
  • Meets monthly with the Director of Athletics, and is available to meet with other Athletics staff members as needed.
  • Attends Intercollegiate Athletics staff meetings on a regular basis.
  • Serves on Athletics Department search committees, when appropriate (e.g. – Head Coaching and Senior Administration positions).
  • Assists the coaches in recruiting by meeting with recruits and their families.
  • Supports the student athletes by attending their sports contests.
  • Has access to the admissions, academic, and financial aid records for all student-athletes.