Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics are considered an integral part of Concordia's educational experience. Concordia is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and a member of the NCAA Division II.

The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and agrees to abide by the rules and policies governing the association. Eligibility rules and regulations governing students' participation in intercollegiate athletics are available through the office of the athletic director.

The compliance coordinator and faculty athletic representative are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all participants in intercollegiate competition are eligible in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NCAA prior to their representing the institution in any manner. The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Report can be found in the athletic department. The report can be requested from the athletic compliance officer.

First Time Entering Freshman must meet the following entry level requirements set forth the by NCAA:
A student-athlete who enrolls in a Division II institution as an entering freshman with no previous full-time college attendance shall meet the following academic requirements, as certified by an initial-eligibility clearinghouse approved by the Executive Committee, and any applicable institutional and conference regulations, to be considered a qualifier and thus be eligible for financial aid, practice and competition during the first academic year in residence.

Qualifier. A qualifier is defined as one who is a high-school graduate and who presented the following minimum academic qualifications:

1. A minimum grade point average of 2.00 (based on a maximum 4.00) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 14 academic courses.)
2. The record of the above courses and course grades must be certified by the initial-eligibility clearinghouse using an official high-school transcript or official correspondence forwarded directly from the high school or upon a high-school transcript forwarded by an institution's department of University Enrollment, Marketing and Enrollment, and
3. A minimum combined score on the SAT verbal and math sections of 820 or a minimum score of 19 on the ACT. The required SAT or ACT score must be achieved under national testing conditions on a national testing date.

The student-athlete must demonstrate continued academic achievement in subsequent years while participating in athletics.

* To participate the second season in a sport, the student must have accumulated 36 quarter or 24 semester institutional degree credit hours with at least a total cumulative grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.

* To participate the third season, the student must have accumulated 72 quarter or 48 semester institutional degree credit hours with at least a total cumulative grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Also, a student-athlete shall designate a program of study leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree at the certifying institution by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester or seventh quarter) and thereafter the credits used to meet the satisfactory-progress requirements must be degree credit toward the student's designated degree program. This provision shall be applicable to the eligibility not only of a continuing student, but also of a transfer student from a four-year or two-year collegiate institution who is entering his or her third year of collegiate enrollment, even if the student has not yet completed an academic year in residence or utilized a season of eligibility in a sport at the certifying institution.

* To participate the fourth season, the student must have accumulated 108 quarter or 72 semester institutional degree credit hours with at least a total cumulative grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.

Students who have attended college previously are eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics under other regulations. It is important that the prospective student-athlete determine, with the help of the compliance coordinator, which set of rules apply.

Returning student-athletes are governed by these rules:

A. A student must be enrolled, attending classes, and be a student in good standing, in a minimum of 12 credit hours at the time of participation. Courses below "100" in the number system and repeated courses do not count toward satisfying the "normal progress" rule.
B. All participants must be making normal progress toward a degree. This is defined as earning 24 semester credits in the previous two semesters before participating in the activity. A maximum of one repeat course per term previously passed with a grade of "D" (or the equivalent) may be counted toward satisfying the 12-hour current enrollment rule. Repeated courses previously passed with a grade of "C" or better cannot be applied to meet either the 12-hour enrollment rule or the 24-credit rule.
C. All athletes must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00.
D. An athlete who is eligible during the regular sports season for a particular sport and who is eligible at the end of the regular sport season shall retain eligibility in the particular sport for participation in post season approved events.
E. A student must meet the standards of the athletic conference and associations of which the university is a member.
F. A student must meet the requirements listed under medical examination in order to be eligible.
G. All athletes must be covered by health and hospitalization insurance.
H. Financial authority regarding participation rests with the director of athletics.
I. A student who officially withdraws from the university within 21 calendar days following official opening date of a class as stated in the catalog and does not transfer to another institution will not be charged with a term of attendance.
J. The director of athletics may refer hardship cases to the compliance coordinator. "Hardships" deal only with seasons or competition and must receive final approval by the conference of the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.

Competition is available for women in volleyball, basketball, soccer, golf, softball, track and field, and cross country; for men in cross country, football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Membership on the teams provides opportunity for teams and individuals to compete in conference, regional, and national competition.

The university does NOT provide special insurance coverage for athletes. Student-athletes assume the risks associated with competition and practice.

Cheer Squad and Dance Team
Members of these groups are chosen through tryouts. The groups may perform during the fall and winter seasons.

Director of Athletics

The director of athletics supervises and directs the intercollegiate program of athletics and the intramural program for men and women. The director of athletics recommends the appointment of coaches for the various teams.

Intramural Program

The university offers intramural programs that are designed to provide recreational opportunities for both male and female students. These programs are supervised and coordinated through the intramural director. Participation is voluntary. Some intramural activities are coeducational. Offerings may include basketball, billiards, table tennis, soccer, softball, volleyball, racquetball, football, and floor hockey.