Gannon University FAR Job Description

Gannon University

Faculty Athletics Representative

Position Description

The fundamental responsibilities of the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) at Gannon University are to evaluate and ensure the academic integrity of the intercollegiate athletics program, to facilitate institutional control of athletics, and to enhance the student-athlete experience. The specific responsibilities of the FAR fall into four major areas.

Academic Integrity.

• The FAR should ensure that the institution has in place effective mechanisms (i.e., policies and procedures) to determine the academic eligibility of student-athletes.
• The FAR, with the Athletic Director, reviews the academic performance of student-athletes at the end of each semester and the FAR facilitates appeals for students on academic probation who seek to have their eligibility restored.
• The FAR periodically reviews appropriate records, policies, and procedures to ensure that student-athletes are treated in a manner consistent with the academic mission and standards of the university.

Compliance.

• The FAR should be familiar with and periodically review the compliance-related activities and processes of the institution.  The FAR’s special area of interest is academic compliance.
• The FAR should be knowledgeable about all institutional investigations and should play a role in any major institutional inquiry into alleged or suspected rules violations.
• The FAR receives results of any periodic audits of the athletics department.
• The FAR should play a role in any self-study and review of the athletic department as part of the NCAA Athletics Certification Program.

Student-Athlete Experience.

• The FAR should be visible to student-athletes. The FAR should address student-athletes as a group to emphasize the primacy of the academic mission of Gannon University and to inform student-athletes about the FAR role as an independent source of counsel, assistance, and information.
• The FAR should review travel and competition schedules to ensure that missed class time is held to a minimum.

Communication/Liaison

• The FAR plays a role in shaping the institution’s voting decisions on conference and NCAA legislation.
• The FAR should participate in NCAA, FARA, and conference meetings and activities as deemed necessary.
• The FAR is an ex-officio member of the Athletic Committee.
• The FAR should have access to budgetary information about the athletics department.
• The FAR should act as a liaison to faculty, periodically communicating with faculty both formally via the Faculty Senate and informally.

Terms and Conditions

• As compensation for these activities, each semester the FAR receives either ¼ released time or a stipend equal to compensation for teaching an extra course.
• The FAR reports to the President and provides an annual report of activities to the President and the Athletic Committee