Participation in sports is an integral part of the student's educational experience and Old Dominion University is committed to providing sports participation opportunities for student-athletes at the Division I intercollegiate level.

Specific goals in the intercollegiate athletic program include:

1. To provide opportunities for students with superior athletic ability to develop and utilize this talent through organized competition with students from other universities.

2. To provide a continuous program of University/community relations designed to emphasize the educational values of competitive sports as integral parts of the education curriculum.

3. To assist in publicizing the University and developing alumni relations.

4. To assist in developing student body spirit and in the recruiting and retention of students.

5. To assist individuals to adhere to the fundamental values of sportsmanship, such as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility.

The following principles and assumptions have been utilized in planning and administering the athletic program:

1. The principle of academic integrity will continue to be applied to athletic programming decisions in order to ensure that the educational values, practices and mission of Old Dominion University determine the standards by which the intercollegiate athletic program is conducted.

2. Old Dominion University will comply with gender equity regulations, and affirmative action goals in such areas as hiring, promotion, training, and general work environment.

3. The principles of sportsmanship and ethical conduct will continue to be applied to all programs.

4. The Old Dominion University Intercollegiate Foundation will continue to pursue its goal of funding scholarships for all intercollegiate sports at the NCAA limit.