A Tradition of Excellence in Academics and Athletics.

The University of Notre Dame’s proud tradition of excellence in academics and intercollegiate athletics reflects a core commitment to developing its students in mind, body, and spirit. In the words of the University's Statement of Principles for Intercollegiate Athletics, a “well-rounded intercollegiate athletics program forms an integral part of Notre Dame’s educational mission.” In the complex and dynamic intercollegiate athletics environment, Notre Dame’s core principles—including presidential control, academic excellence, student well-being, and the integration of student-athletes into the full student body—remain at the forefront of every decision.

The Faculty Board on Athletics.

The Faculty Board on Athletics (FBA) plays a critical role in ensuring that the goal of maintaining a highly competitive athletics program never compromises the University’s mission of supporting and developing students. The FBA itself dates to 1898, with significant reorganizations in 1924 and 2000. Its objective has always remained the same: to maintain the delicate but critical balance between academics and athletics at an institution that aspires to excellence in both.

The FBA consists of fifteen members. Its voting membership includes ten tenured or tenure-track faculty members representing colleges, schools, or the faculty at-large; a graduate student (chosen for his or her past intercollegiate athletics experience); and the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs. The remaining members include the Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President, the Director of the Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes (ASSA), and the Director of Athletics. The Chair of the FBA also serves as the University’s Faculty Athletics Representative to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Resources for Faculty.

This website contains the FBA’s governing documents, key resources for faculty teaching student-athletes in their courses, and general information on Notre Dame’s athletics program and ongoing changes in intercollegiate athletics. Instructors may also wish to consult the ASSA website. ASSA operates under the auspices of the Office of the Provost and provides resources and support to ensure that student-athletes receive the full promise of a Notre Dame education.