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Mississippi State University FAR Job Description

Mississippi State University

                                                     Faculty Athletics Representative

                                                    Major Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Integrity of the Athletics Program

The Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) is involved in the assurance of the academic integrity of the athletics program and in the maintenance of the welfare of the student-athlete. Parts of the responsibilities in the role are:

  • ¨      Review academic credentials of student athletes, monitor continuing eligibility of athletes, and the rate at which athletes graduate.    
  • ¨      Meet regularly with the Associate Athletic Director for Student Services (AADSS) to review academic issues.
  • ¨      Review the operations of the academic support staff to determine academic well being of athletes.
  • ¨      Participate in any special or unusual deliberations of academic performance of athletes.
  • ¨      Report to the Faculty Council - one report includes information on the academic well being of athletes as well as other matters concerning the operation of the athletics program, and is given on an annual basis.  The other reports are given as updates on a monthly basis.
  • ¨      Work with the AADSS on the nomination process for academic awards and scholarships for MSU, the SEC and the NCAA.  These include the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships, Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarships, H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar Athlete Awards, and Academic All-SEC Honor Roll.
  • ¨      Review the mid term and final grades of all student athletes, and with the AADSS, counsel the academic at risk students.
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  • ¨      Ensure those academic services such as tutorials, study halls, academic advising and other services are available to student-athletes.

Chairs the University Athletic Council

This committee includes members from outside of the University as well as administrators, faculty and staff of the University community. The Council meets on a monthly basis during the academic year and advises the President and Athletics Director on athletics matters.

Senior Faculty Advisor on Athletics to the Chief Executive Officer

Meets with the chief executive officer to provide advice that reflects the traditional values of the faculty and which is rooted in the academic ethic of the institution.  This is accomplished through:

  • ¨      Study and knowledge of the athletics program.
  • ¨      Review of all published materials of the NCAA and SEC concerning structure, rules and regulations and program philosophy and practices.
  • ¨      Maintenance of current files pertaining to all aspects of the athletics program.
  • ¨      Available for consultation on personnel decisions and budget matters of the Athletics Department.
  • ¨      Other duties that may be assigned by the President or Athletics Director.

Meets with the Director of Athletics

The working relationship between the Faculty Athletics Representative and Director of Athletics is extremely important.  Regular interaction is necessary, through wide-ranging discussions of all aspects of the athletics program.

  • ¨      Scheduled meetings are conducted to assure communication between the FAR and Athletics Director.
  • ¨      Regular telephone conversation allows for advice and information to be shared concerning any issue related to the program and/or matters pertaining to athletes.
  • ¨      At the request of the Athletics Director, the FAR serves on ad hoc committees.
  • ¨      Personnel matters and other confidential matters pertaining to athletes are discussed between the Athletics Director, FAR, and President.

Delegate to the SEC Meeting and Mississippi State University Athletics Meetings.

Represents the institution as a faculty delegate to MSU Meetings, SEC meetings, and any special meetings of the NCAA.

Preparation for these events include:

  • ¨      Meetings with Athletics Director, President, and Senior Women Administrator to discuss proposed legislation and the institution’s position on the legislation.
  • ¨      Meetings with other units such as registrar, financial aid, and admissions for the same purpose.
  • ¨      Meetings of all FAR’s of SEC schools in November, March, and May.
  • ¨      Meeting of all NCAA FAR’s in November to participate in a comprehensive review of all proposed legislation with special emphasis on legislation concerning academics and student-welfare issues.
  • ¨      Annual NCAA Regional training seminars.

              There are 5-7 SEC/NCAA meetings per year.

Student Athlete Welfare, Access, and Equity

Monitoring and maintenance of the welfare of the student athlete:

  • ¨      Regularly meet with the Senior Women’s Administrator to discuss any special concerns related to women’s athletics.
  • ¨      Select faculty members and participate with them in a comprehensive review of the Academic Student Services Office on an annual basis.
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  • ¨      Assure a process whereby athletes can evaluate their athletic, academic and social opportunities at Mississippi State University
  • ¨      Review and analyze the exit interviews submitted by student athletes.  Summarize and reports this information to University Athletic Council and Faculty Council.
  • ¨      Monitor the activity of the student-athletes advisory committee and assures a process whereby the athlete may voice concerns and raise welfare issues.
  • ¨      Monitor Title IX and Gender Equity issues.
  • ¨      Attend intercollegiate athletics events.

Institutional Compliance with NCAA Regulations

Exercise meaningful oversight of those aspects of the athletics program that interact with other offices and departments on the campus (e.g., admissions, registrar, financial aid, info systems).

  • ¨      Monitor the effectiveness of the compliance practices of the Athletics Department.
  • ¨      Participate on the program at the Athletics Department annual meeting of all student athletes, coaches, and staff to discuss compliance and the student athlete handbook.
  • ¨      Active in rule-education efforts and aware of all rules violations that are detected and reported.
  • ¨      Monitor the process of certifying the Athletics Department personnel required by NCAA each September.
  • ¨      Monitor the process and procedure utilized in certifying the student-athletes as eligible for practice and completion.
  • ¨      Present a list of eligible participants to appropriate head coaches before game and/or season.
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  • ¨      Review supporting documentation for the Squad list and participate in the eligibility determination for continuing athletes with representatives of the Registrar and Athletics department.
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  • ¨       Serve on a committee with the Compliance Director and Financial Aid Officer to distribute the special assistance fund to student athletes.

 
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