Introduction
UWF Student Athlete Handbook introduction.
Table of Contents
Mission, Vision & Values
University of West Florida
UWF's mission, vision, and values drive learner-focused education, innovation, integrity, and community engagement to foster growth and impact.
UWF Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
Vision
Aspires to be a highly successful academic and athletic program competing for national championships and committed to “Building Champions for Life”.
Mission
Intercollegiate Athletics' role is to advance UWF's mission, vision and priorities by providing student-athletes with the opportunities and appropriate resources to achieve academic success, compete at the championship level, and enhance their personal development through community engagement
Philosophy
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of West Florida provides student- athletes the opportunity to pursue academic and athletic goals in a quality educational setting. The University participates within the scope of the NCAA Division I philosophy. The Athletic Department adheres to the guidelines of the University of West Florida, the NCAA, the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic Conferences, and Title IX.
Core Values
- Academic Success
- Nationally Competitive Facilities
- Championship Programs
- Health and Student Welfare
- Opportunities for Community Engagement
- Resources to Achieve Excellence
The West Florida Way
The West Florida Way is the standard by which our student-athletes, coaches, and staff conduct themselves every day. More than a philosophy, it is a commitment to excellence, integrity, accountability, and respect in everything we do. It defines our culture, shapes our decisions, and reflects who we are as Argonauts.
In Competition
We compete with passion, discipline, and sportsmanship. We pursue excellence while respecting our opponents, officials, teammates, and the game itself. We prepare relentlessly, compete with character, win with humility, lose with dignity, and represent the University of West Florida with pride regardless of the outcome.
As Student-Athletes
Our student-athletes embrace the opportunity and responsibility of representing West Florida Athletics in competition, in the classroom, and throughout the community. They pursue excellence with discipline, resilience, and humility while demonstrating integrity, accountability, and respect in every aspect of their lives. They are committed to continuous growth, serve as positive role models, support their teammates, and understand that the habits they build today prepare them to become leaders and champions for life.
As Coaches
Our coaches are committed to developing the whole person—not just the athlete. They lead with integrity, teach with purpose, and cultivate a culture of trust, accountability, and mutual respect. They challenge student-athletes to reach their highest potential. West Florida coaches model the behaviors they expect from others, communicate with honesty and professionalism, and invest in the long-term success of every student-athlete—in competition, in the classroom, and in life.
In The Game Environment
Every West Florida Athletics event reflects our commitment to excellence. We create an environment that is welcoming, energetic, organized, safe, and respectful for student-athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and guests. Through thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and exceptional hospitality, we foster an atmosphere that enhances competition, celebrates sportsmanship, and provides a first-class experience for everyone. Every interaction and every event should reflect the pride, professionalism, and championship culture of West Florida Athletics.
In Our Daily Lives
Being part of West Florida Athletics is a responsibility that extends beyond competition. On campus, in the community, and wherever we go, our words, actions, and decisions represent our university and our department. We choose to lead with honesty, humility, respect, accountability, and compassion, serving as positive role models and engaged members of our community.
Living The West Florida Way
Living the West Florida Way means making choices that honor our teammates, our university, and ourselves. It means doing the right thing when no one is watching, embracing continuous improvement, serving others with humility, and leaving every person, every team, and every place better than we found it.
The West Florida Way is more than how we compete—it is how we lead, how we serve, and who we choose to be every day!
Rights and Responsibilities of the Student-Athlete
All University of West Florida student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the highest standards of sportsmanship and integrity of the University of West Florida. Failure to do so may affect your financial aid, playing status, and ultimately, your privilege to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Specifically, these expectations and standards include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Adhering to all University policies and procedures as outlined in the University of West Florida Student Handbook.
- Maintaining athletic eligibility by meeting all academic eligibility requirements as outlined by the University of West Florida, the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic Conferences, and the NCAA and to do so in accordance with the University of West Florida Honor Code and reviewing the Student Academic Degree audit to ensure courses are applicable to degree programs.
- Conducting themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times including athletic competition, personal life, and in the community.
- Abiding by the University of West Florida, the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic Conferences, and NCAA rules and regulations including, but not limited to: gambling and bribery; the principles of amateurism; involvement with agents; hazing; and awards and extra benefits.
- Student-athletes are expected to follow coaches’ policies regarding discipline and all team matters.
- Attending classes, practices, contests, appointments, and meetings as determined by the University, the coach, or athletic program and do so in a prompt manner.