Parent Handbook
Intercollegiate Athletics
Southwestern University competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. All members of the conference are small, independent, academically competitive liberal arts institutions that, like Southwestern, see athletics as a part of the total educational experience. As a Division III member, Southwestern does not award athletic scholarships. Members of the athletic teams participate for the love of the sport. The University offers basketball, soccer, cross country, tennis, golf, and swimming and diving for men and women as well as lacrosse and baseball for men and volleyball and softball for women. The opportunity to participate in intercollegiate athletics is open to any full-time student. Athletic Department programs place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience of each participant. The staff’s primary goal is to develop a model sport program that incorporates honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect for others, fairness and leadership opportunities with the physical challenges of excelling in the sport. Athletic Department programs and services provide fair and equitable treatment of men and women and a values-centered education of the whole person.
FAQ
Do the athletes have to pay for their own travel?
No. Southwestern pays all expenses associated with the athletic teams and their travel.
Does participating in intercollegiate athletics hurt students academically?
Rarely. The average GPA for student-athletes is usually as high or higher than overall average student GPA.
What about missing classes? Are the athletes excused?
Athletic team travel is considered a University "field trip" under the excused absence policy. Athletes must work closely with their professors and discuss missed class work in advance of the absence. Southwestern faculty are very supportive of student-athletes.
My daughter/son was not recruited, can she/he still make the team?
It is very possible. Varsity athletics are competitive at Southwestern and our coaches recruit throughout the year to fill their team rosters with qualified athletes. However, the tryout process is open to all students and those wishing to seek a position are encouraged to contact the respective coach immediately declaring their intention.
How good are the athletic programs at Southwestern?
Excellent and highly competitive. Over the last several years our teams have won multiple conference championships and a number of our programs have competed in the NCAA Regional and National Championships. Our goal is to become one of the top Division III programs in the country!
Intercollegiate Athletics Staff
Glada C. Munt, Ph.D.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Phone: 512-863-1353
Ronda Seagraves
Assistant Athletic Director, Coordinator of Robertson Center
Phone: 512-863-1384
Bill Raleigh
Assistant Director of Intercollegiate Athletics,
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Phone: 512-863-1611
Glenn Schwab
Head Athletic Trainer
Phone: 512-863-1697
Fax: 512-863-1393
