The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is an integral part of Southern Methodist University's overall education mission and positively reflects the interests and values of the institution's students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. The Department fosters an environment that encourages degree completion, good citizenship, character and personal growth to help support student-athletes who will become positive role models and productive members of society. The Department is committed to fiscal responsibility, gender equity, diversity, and proper sports conduct among all of its coaches, administrative staff, and student-athletes, and to maintaining high ethical standards and compliance with all NCAA, conference, federal, state and institutional rules and regulations. The athletics program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of its student-athletes, achieving athletic success at the highest levels of intercollegiate competition, serving as a positive representative of the University and instilling a sense of pride and loyalty among its constituents.