Colgate University Athletics

This vision is grounded in the belief that sport and holistic wellness brings out the highest potential in each person. That is, when administered well on a college campus, sport acts as an extension of the university mission, contributing to an expansive educational experience, while developing community and inspiring the pursuit of excellence. We aim to win in every field and every arena. This vision aims to generate the greatest positive impact for Colgate University through all varsity sports, recreational, intramural, and club programs, and is guided by shared goals, priorities, and planning strategies. 

In order to work towards a future that supports the pursuit of championships and one that strengthens the greater Colgate Community, all members of the PERA Division must actively commit to, find ownership in, and engage in practices to support this vision. We do so through the following core strategies:

1. RECRUIT. Attract, develop, and retain exceptionally talented and motivated individuals who are committed to excel in academics, athletics, and in all aspects of their career and personal development.
   • Student-Athletes: We recruit talented and motivated student-athletes who are committed to their holistic development and aspire to find success in all aspects of their Colgate experience. 
   • Staff: We recruit talented and determined individuals who are committed to the holistic success of the University and Division, who will contribute fully to achieving our vision, and who honor our tradition while celebrating and inspiring our evolution. 
      
2. SUPPORT. Provide - and strive to enhance - the support resources and personnel available to PERA programs to promote the optimal development, performance, and experience of Colgate student-athletes, students and staff.
   • Student-Athletes: We support students in their pursuit of excellence by providing the resources that enable them to thrive. We commit to this throughout their Colgate journey and into alumnihood, understanding that “support” extends beyond the tangible, focusing on practices to maximize effort in order to reach their highest potential. 
     Staff: We support the coaches and professionals who surround our students by providing opportunities for continued growth, encouraging the optimization of current resources, and enhancing those offerings in order to better engage with, and inspire the development of, students through their participation in PERA programming. 
      
3. BUILD. The strategy of “build” remains two-fold: (1) Build and maintain physical spaces on the Colgate campus that support the pursuit of excellence among our varsity student-athletes, and that set the stage for the vigorous pursuit of health, wellness, and connection among all our students. And, (2) An unwavering commitment to the transformational experience that Colgate Athletics and PERA provides, marked by continuous effort, growth, and evolutionary thinking to build towards the future.
   • Physical: We build physical spaces where student-athletes can pursue excellence, chase championships, and perform at their best, grounded in the expectation to take care of spaces in respect of those who have come before, to better position those here, and to prepare for those who will join us.
   • Transformational: We build an environment marked by innovation and growth that does not compromise our department vision or University mission. We do so through professional development, networking opportunities, and continuous collaboration amongst coaches, students, professional staff, and the greater Colgate community.   
      

1. Academic Achievement: Students who engage deeply in University activities graduate at higher levels, and PERA embraces its role in attracting highly qualified students through the caliber of its programming, as well as in the student experience to facilitate retention and graduation. We promote and support the full academic engagement and commitment of all varsity student-athletes. 
    
2. Athletics Success: We recruit, develop, and support students physically, mentally, and emotionally in the pursuit of personal bests, improved conference standings, league championships, and national tournament appearances. Athletics success will not be measured merely by the “numbers,” but by the collective effort and a commitment to the process. 
    
3. The Holistic Model: Colgate University embraces the holistic student model and aims to be a national leader in our approach. We holistically develop wise, thoughtful, critical thinkers and perceptive leaders prepared for lives and careers of impact and integrity. We function as one institution, celebrating our diversity, and offering a demanding and expansive co-curricular experience.
    
4. Community Engagement: We serve the greater community by offering vast and varied opportunities to those who work at and attend Colgate, as well as community members, alumni, fans and friends. We encourage participation as a means of fostering belonging, engendering engagement and furthering shared traditions.
    
5. Institutional Excellence: Colgate strives for excellence in aspects of University life, whereas Colgate teams and student-athletes have the ability to amplify the reach and reputation of the University by representing the brand and sharing stories on a national level. PERA remains a trustworthy partner in advancing the University's mission and goals.