Athletics Department Philosophy & Mission Statement

Participation as a Rider student-athlete is a privilege – not a right!

The Rider University intercollegiate athletics program strives for excellence at the NCAA Division I level while emphasizing the development of the traditional athletic qualities of sportsmanship, work ethic, dedication, integrity, and unselfishness.  These qualities will reinforce the ideals of the University.  The Department of Athletics and the student-athletes will strive to be an integral part of a healthy campus community and significant contributors to an atmosphere of learning.

The excellence of the intercollegiate athletics program will be realized by consistent success at the conference level, while striving for regional and national recognition.  It will be distinguished by the interest, good will, enthusiasm, loyalty, and pride of the campus, surrounding community and alumni.

To ensure the level of excellence described, the University will provide athletic facilities of high quality as well as scholarship, operational, personnel, and financial support as deemed necessary and appropriate.  The athletics department will strive to recruit the best student-athletes possible that possess sufficient athletic talent, academic proficiency and personal qualities to meet the demands and expectations of Rider University.

The success of the program will be reflected in the accomplishments of the student-athletes Rider produces. These student-athletes are expected to obtain the same quality of education as all students. 

As representatives of the University, Rider student-athletes will conduct themselves in a manner that brings credit to the individual, team, athletics department, and University.

Department of Athletics Mission Statement

The Department of Athletics of Rider University will provide a program of intercollegiate athletics for men and women that benefits all student-athletes and serves to enrich the quality of student life and the campus environment.  Student-athletes of diverse backgrounds and interests will be provided opportunities to realize their unique potentials in developing their athletic, leadership and interpersonal skills through their participation in extracurricular athletic activities without regard for their race, color, religion, national origin, sex or sexual orientation.  The Department of Athletics will do all that is necessary to support the University's mission and to insure that opportunities exist to participate in the total educational process and maintain the balance needed to allow students to achieve both academic and athletic excellence.