I. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on being a member of an intercollegiate athletics team at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This student-athlete handbook has been developed for you to provide pertinent information about the intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. It is our hope that this information will answer many questions that you may have as a UWEC student-athlete and help ensure that you have a positive student-athlete experience. It is the responsibility of each student-athlete to read and understand all the information contained in this handbook. The Athletic Director should be contacted if assistance in interpreting this information is necessary.

II. PHILOSOPHY OF THE ATHLETICS PROGRAM

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire intercollegiate athletics program provides services in concert with the mission of the university and the underlying mission of Enrollment Management. These are best characterized by the goal of accessibility.

The athletics program mission is to be accessible to students of all skills, abilities and interests, and to provide an extra-curricular inclusive environment which will enrich learning and personal growth. In providing this learning environment, the program places emphasis on the academic success of student-athletes, the fair and equitable treatment of women and men, the principles of fair play and amateur athletics competition and the health and welfare of student-athletes.

III. INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIRE

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fields intercollegiate teams in football, women's soccer, men's soccer, baseball, women’s lacrosse, women's cross country, women's volleyball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's basketball, women's gymnastics, wrestling, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's swimming and diving, women's softball and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire athletics teams participate as a member of the NCAA Division III, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA)

The Blugold athletics teams utilize a number of on-campus and other public and private venues for practice and competition. Zorn Arena/Brewer Hall serves as the headquarters for the athletics program. McPhee/Olson is also used on campus as are the Bollinger Fields. Carson Park and the Hobbs Ice Center are two city-owned venues that also serve our teams as well the Eau Claire Country Club and Whitetail Golf Course.

IV. STUDENT-ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of an athletics team at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire you are expected to do the following:

Represent the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with exemplary behavior (See WIAC/NCAA Bylaw Article 10 Ethical Conduct/Sportsmanlike Behavior).
Maintain eligibility
1. Academic-with regard to GPA, class load, and credits earned (per WIAC Bylaw Article 13).
2. Medical-annual physical or medical screening, current medical history, and proof of insurance per NCAA requirements.
Follow policies and procedures concerning conflicts between classes and practices and contests.
Assume responsibility for assigned equipment. Lost items will be billed to the athlete.
Participate in coach and program evaluations.
Follow Athletics Department and specific team rules and policies.
Attend all informational meetings and eligibility meetings with the Athletics Director or designee.<
Follow guidelines on conditioning and injury care as recommended by the athletics training staff.

V. ELIGIBILITY

Medical: Before a student-athlete can participate in any practice or competition they must submit the following items to the athletics trainer:
- An annual pre-participation sports physical completed by a licensed physician (for freshmen and new transfers) or a medical screening completed by the training staff and cooperating physicians (sophomore year and beyond).
- A completed medical history form
- Current health insurance information indicating liability minimum of $90,000
General: To be eligible for participation in intercollegiate athletics practices and competition, a student-athlete must meet the requirements listed in each of the following areas.
1. Full-time Enrollment: Must be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours (withdrawing to below 12 credits will result in immediate ineligibility). You must see your coach or the athletics director before withdrawing from any class during the semester.
2. Good-Academic Standing: Must maintain good academic standing at UWEC which means a 2.00 resident cumulative GPA once the student-athlete has competed one season, attended two fulltime terms or accumulated 24 credits. Student-athletes may compete if placed on academic warning or probation but are leading themselves toward academic suspension which will curtail their athletics participation.
3. Satisfactory Progress: Must maintain satisfactory progress towards their degree. Satisfactory progress is maintained by being allowed to register and enroll for 12 credits in each succeeding semester.
4. Four Seasons/10 Semester Rule: A student-athlete is allowed four seasons of participation in an intercollegiate sport. A student-athlete is charged with a season of competition if he/she appears for even one second in a contest or practices with a team after its first scheduled competition of the season. Student-athletes must complete their four seasons of eligibility during the first 10 semesters in which they are enrolled on a full-time basis.
5. NCAA Student-Athlete Statement & Drug-Testing Consent Form: Each student-athlete must read and sign the NCAA Student-Athlete Statement and Drug-Testing Consent forms which will be administered by the athletics director.

VI. TRANSFER STUDENTS

There may be a situation or circumstance for which a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire student-athlete would consider transferring to another institution. In such an instance, the student-athlete should discuss a transfer with his/her head coach before contacting or being contacted by another institution. NCAA rules require that another institution must request permission from UW-Eau Claire before being able to contact a current UW-Eau Claire student-athlete unless the UW-Eau Claire student-athlete completes and sends a self-release form which is available from www.NCAA.org.

NCAA rules in some circumstances require a one year residency at the new institution before an athlete is eligible to participate in athletics. In transfers from one Division III school to another Division III school, the residency requirement may be waived if the student-athlete would have been eligible to participate at the institution from which he/she was transferring. WIAC rules also require a one-year residency if the student-athlete has used two seasons of eligibility at the same WIAC institution.

VII. ACADEMIC PRIORITY

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire believes that our student-athletes are students first and that academic commitments will in most cases have priority over athletic activities. Student-athletes are expected to attend classes and adhere to the attendance policy outlined by their professors.

Practices: Classes always have priority over any practice session. In cases when a practice is scheduled at the same time that a class is scheduled, the student-athlete must attend class.

Contests: When a student-athlete is required to miss a class to attend an athletics contest, he/she should not be penalized for this absence. However, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to notify each instructor in advance of the absence, to make necessary arrangements for missed assignments, quizzes and exams and to seek ways to compensate for the missed class content. There will be some instances (e.g. guest lectures, field trips, etc.) where it will be imperative that the student-athlete attend the class rather than attend the athletics contest. Returning home late after an away contest is not an acceptable excuse for missing a class the following morning.

Academic Monitoring: One of the most important goals of the athletics staff at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is to see every student-athlete graduate. In order to assist in the transition from high school to college, the athletics staff, in partnership with the faculty, will be monitoring the academic status of each student-athlete regularly during the year. Both formal (mid-semester progress reports) and informal (e-mail, phone calls) means will be used. All information gathered by the Athletics Department regarding a student-athlete's academic progress will be kept strictly confidential.

VIII. PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Times: The coaching staff will make every effort to schedule practices at times that will allow the most team members to attend and this may result in different practice times on different days of the week. When necessary practices may be scheduled early mornings or late evenings. By NCAA rule, athletes cannot skip class to attend a practice if there is a time conflict. Athletes must attend class in such a situation. When classes are in session, teams may not practice more than 6 days in a one-week cycle. The off-day may be at the beginning, the end, or any time during the week in question.

Pre-Season/Early Returns: In order to provide the proper time to condition and prepare for contests, it is often necessary for our student-athletes to return to campus prior to the return times for the general student population. In such cases, the coaches will work with the housing office and food service relative to dorm and meal accommodations.

IX. TRAVEL

The university's athletics teams typically travel to and from intercollegiate contests in charter buses or the school's fleet vehicles. Only 25-year-old, college-approved drivers will be allowed to drive a school van. All drivers are responsible for any traffic infractions they may commit. Should a situation arise that requires a student-athlete to drive their own vehicle, the student-athlete's parent(s) must advise the Athletics Director that they are aware of the situation and approve of the student-athlete driving on their own.

Dress Code: All University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire athletes and members of the travel party are expected to dress in a manner that represents the university in a positive way. Coaches may have specific dress requirements for their team members.

Meals: The university provides a meal allowance for all members of the team when the trip distance results in a missed meal. The coach is responsible for securing receipts for all meal expenses and for staying within budget limitations. When possible, coaches will arrange to have meals provided from the food service.

Conduct: All members of the travel party are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner during travel and at the site of the contest. The supervising athletics staff member is responsible for enforcing appropriate conduct.

Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs: No alcohol, tobacco (including chew), or illegal drugs are permitted by student-athletes, coaches, or any other member of the travel party throughout the duration of any athletic trip per NCAA and WIAC policy.

Safety: Coaches and other approved drivers must follow safe driving practices at all times while transporting student-athletes. When more than one vehicle is required, the vehicles should remain in sight of each other throughout the trip.

When overnight lodging is involved, student-athletes are not permitted to leave the hotel unless they are with a member of the coaching staff or have received permission from the coaching staff to do so.

All student-athletes are required to travel with the team to and from all athletics contests. Permission may be granted by the head coach to allow a student-athlete to travel to or from a contest with a family member. If a student-athlete will be driving his or her own car to or from an athletics contest, the student-athlete must obtain and sign the proper waiver form and a parent must contact the athletics director (by phone or e-mail) indicating knowledge of and consent for the student-athlete to drive his or her own vehicle. Parental consent is also necessary if a student-athlete will be a passenger in a vehicle other than a family member. This waiver form may be obtained from the athletics office.

X. ATHLETIC TRAINING

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has a full time certified athletic trainer on staff. A certified athletic trainer is a well-trained professional who specializes in athletic health care. Specifically the certified athletic trainer is responsible for prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has a training room fully equipped with the necessary modalities and equipment used for the treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. These modalities include a whirlpool, hydrocollator, and muscle stimulator/ultrasound units.

The athletic trainer maintains a current medical file on all student-athletes. Student-athletes are not allowed to participate in any sports until this file includes an annual pre-participation medical exam from a licensed physician, a complete medical history, and medical insurance coverage information.

Preventative Treatments:
If a student-athlete requires taping or other treatment before practices or contests,
he/she should report to the athletic trainer's office early enough to allow for this treatment prior to the start of practice. Some treatments may require a special appointment with the trainer.

Intercollegiate Athletics Injury:

In the event that an athlete should be injured, the following steps should be followed:

The athlete must notify both the coach and the athletic trainer when an injury occurs. If the injury occurs away from campus the athlete should report it to the athletic trainer as soon as possible.
After the athletic trainer assesses the injury, the athlete will be released for participation, prescribed a treatment/rehab program, or referred for further medical care.
An athlete cannot return to practice or competition until they have been released by the athletic trainer or if appropriate, the attending physician.
If further medical care is required, the athletic trainer will make all referrals. The UWEC athletics program does not have health insurance coverage for its student-athletes. The student-athletes must have their own or be covered through their parent(s)'s policy.
A claim for coverage of medical treatment must be submitted to the athletic trainer and they will facilitate submitting the claim (see insurance section below).
Athletes must follow the athletic trainer's directions for athletic injuries including any prescribed treatment/rehab program.

XI. INSURANCE

All student-athletes must have medical insurance coverage. A student health insurance plan with the athletics rider is available through UWEC and provides coverage for athletics injuries. It is important that the athletics rider is purchased to supplement the basic policy.

If a student-athlete has no primary coverage, he/she will be required to sign up for the student policy. You must have some type of medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $90,000 before you will be allowed to practice with a team.

Claims: The following steps should be taken to insure claims are processed expediently:

After being referred by the athletic trainer, the student-athlete should seek medical treatment as soon as possible in accordance with procedures defined by their primary insurance coverage.
The student-athlete should submit the cost of this treatment to their insurance provider.

XII. STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, also known as SAAC, is comprised of two members from each of the 25 intercollegiate varsity teams plus the athletic training students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The committee members discuss the concerns and ideas that the student-athletes have about the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire athletics program and work to make improvements. The group also coordinates a variety of community service projects in which all teams participate.

XII. GENERAL ATHLETICS PROGRAM INFORMATION

Multi-Sport Athletes: The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages multi-sport participation by student-athletes who have the skills and desire to play more than one intercollegiate sport. Multi-sport athletes are required to follow these guidelines:

An athlete participating during the regular season of a sport will not be required to participate in pre-season activities of the next sport if their time frame should overlap. Athletes wishing to participate in these pre-season activities may do so only after receiving permission from their current season coach.
Traditional seasons of a sport always take priority over any non-traditional season of another sport.

Equipment: Student-athletes have access to a variety of training and athletics equipment and are asked to see a member of the athletics staff about equipment check-out procedures. Student-athletes are responsible for any equipment that they check out.

Sportsmanship-like Conduct: The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire expects sportsman-like conduct of all our student-athletes at all practices and athletic contests. Unsportsman-like behavior will not be tolerated in any form and will result in disciplinary action.

XIII. ALCOHOL/TOBACCO/DRUGS POLICY

ALCOHOL:
The State of Wisconsin requires that persons be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. The athletics program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has a responsibility to promote the health and well-being of our student-athletes. In view of the fact that alcohol consumption has been proven to be detrimental to general health, academic and athletic performance, we encourage student-athletes to exercise self-discipline and self-awareness in their alcohol consumption. We strongly recommend that student-athletes of legal age (21 in Wisconsin) refrain from alcohol consumption during their season. Underage drinking is against the law. All student-athletes are subject to State of Wisconsin legal sanctions as well as standards of conduct and University sanctions concerning illicit drugs and alcohol as outlined in the UWEC Student Services and Standards Handbook. Coaches in consultation with athletics administration may have more restrictive team policies ranging from community service to dismissal from the team.

TOBACCO:
The athletics program prohibits the use of any tobacco product by student-athletes during any team function (practice, game, trips), and by all student-athletes in the McPhee Phy Ed Center and at the athletic fields. The use of chewing tobacco is a violation of NCAA and WIAC policy and will result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from the team.

ILLEGAL DRUGS:
Possession or use of any illegal drug by any student-athletes is strictly prohibited.
For further information about the university's Alcohol and Drug policy, please refer to the Student Handbook.

The Wisconsin Statute on Hazing, 948.51, is available at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/stats.html, the University Library and the Student Development and Diversity Office.

I. Policy Statement on Bias Incidents, Hate Acts, Hate Crimes, Discrimination, Harassment and Hazing

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Athletics is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere where all members of the community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—are treated with respect and dignity.

It is the policy of The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Athletics to provide equal educational opportunities and athletic opportunities to all student-athletes and prospective student-athletes.

The University does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of, or a person’s association with, a person(s), age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law. This commitment includes the provision of a campus environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Athletics will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment and will not condone any actions or words that constitute such.

All conduct consequences, including suspension or dismissal, from a team, is at the discretion of the Head Coach and Director of Athletics.

This policy describes prohibited bias incidents, hate acts, hate crimes, discrimination, and harassment, identifies resources and support provided to individuals who may have experienced such conduct, and establishes procedures for reporting and adjudicating incidents. This policy is an elaboration of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Code of Conduct. A bias incident, hate act, hate crime, discrimination, or harassment is violation of the University Code of Conduct and is subject to the same jurisdiction, regulations, conduct procedures, and sanctions as defined in the Code of Conduct.

All members of the Athletic Department community are accountable for compliance with this policy. The University is committed to eliminating bias incidents, hate acts, hate crimes, discrimination, and harassment, wherever they occur in the college community, by taking corrective action as a result of violations of this policy.

Violations may lead to disciplinary action up to and including separation from the University and State University system.

Violations of this policy may impact an individual(s) and/or the University community. After receiving a report of an alleged violation of the Bias Incident, Hate Act, Hate Crime, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy, the University will determine the appropriate next steps in accordance with our policy. In most cases the Athletic Department and the Deans Office will allow the complainant to determine if and when to initiate the student conduct process or other relevant process. However, in instances where extensive harm has occurred or there is risk to an individual(s) or the campus community, the University may proceed with the student conduct process with the University serving as the complainant.

Acts of harassment that are not discriminatory or motivated by bias are not covered by this policy, but instead fall under the University Student Code of Conduct.

II. Definitions

Bias Incident
A bias incident is a verbal, written, or physical behavior that threatens, intimidates, or marginalizes individuals or groups motivated by bias against a protected class and lacks a reasonable relationship to an educational, political, and/or artistic end. A bias incident can occur whether the behavior is intentional or unintentional and may or may not be an illegal act. In identifying a bias incident, the focus is on behavior that impacts an individual (or individuals) or the University community. Not every behavior rises to the level of a policy violation and yet should be addressed as the behavior is inconsistent with our values. The determination whether an incident rises to a policy violation is dependent upon the behavior and context in which it occurred.

Hate Act
A hate act involves (1) violence, threat of violence, or actions that are likely to incite violence, or other serious violations of college policy that are (2) motivated by bias against a protected class, and (3) have the purpose or reasonably foreseeable effect of harassing, dehumanizing, or intimidating those persons or groups.

Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are defined and adjudicated by federal, state, and local governments. The U.S. Federal and State of Wisconsin have Codes related to this. The department of Athletics encourages complainants to file reports to proper authorities.

Discrimination
Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated adversely because of membership in one of the legally protected groups under federal, state, or local law. Discriminatory practices based on bias against a person’s age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status are prohibited.

Harassment
Harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s membership in a protected group unreasonably interferes with the individual’s work or educational environment. It includes verbal, visual, or physical conduct that has become so severe and pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. A determination as to whether harassment has occurred depends on the totality of the circumstances, such as the severity of a particular incident, the context in which it occurred, whether the conduct was repeated, whether the conduct was verbal or physical, and whether it was threatening or merely annoying.

Hazing

Hazing is any action taken or any situation created intentionally that causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule and risks emotional and/or physical harm to members of a group or team, whether new or not, regardless of the person's willingness to participate. The Wisconsin Statute on Hazing, 948.51, is available at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/stats.html, the University Library and the Student Development and Diversity Office.

Examples of activities or situations that could meet the definition of hazing include, but are not limited to, the following:

Keeping the date of initiation/induction a secret; requiring signatures for initiation
"Kidnapping" any member, leaving members stranded in a remote location to find their way home, or scavenger/treasure hunts
Any form of forced physical activity and/or exercise, whether extreme or not (i.e. push-ups, sit-ups, or other calisthenics, runs, walks, etc.)
Physical harassment such as paddling, hitting, beating, slapping, pushing, or striking
Marking or branding
Personal servitude of any kind (i.e. phone duty, cleaning, yard work, doing errands, etc.)
Forcing or encouraging ingesting of any type of liquid or solid matter, edible or non-edible (i.e. alcohol, chewing tobacco, goldfish, raw onions, spoiled food, dirt, etc.)
Requiring the carrying of any item around campus such as paddles, rocks, books, shields, etc.
Requiring the wearing of unusual, embarrassing or uncomfortable clothing
Sleep deprivation or requiring/encouraging anyone to sleep anywhere other than their own residence or bed
Preventing personal hygiene, communication with certain groups, and/or restricting places that new members can go on campus or in the community
Verbal abuse such as yelling or screaming or labeling with silly or embarrassing nicknames
Any activity that interferes with a student's academic pursuits (class attendance, studying, etc.)
Requiring or suggesting that members vandalize, destroy or steal property or commit crimes
Requiring anything of one group of members that is not required of another

Examples of prohibited conduct:

Prohibited conduct may include, among other things, making offensive or derogatory remarks, telling racist or sexist jokes about another person’s age, color, creed, disability, gender identity/expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status, or membership in another protected class.

All conduct consequences, including suspension or dismissal, from a team, is at the discretion of the Head Coach and Director of Athletics.

Prohibited conduct may occur through:

Direct oral expression and/or physical gestures or actions;

Notes, letters, and other forms of written communication distributed via U.S. mail, campus mail, or otherwise made visible to the public;

Phone calls, phone messages, or other forms of electronic verbal communication;

Email, text messages, instant messaging, social networks, or other means of electronic communication.

Retaliation

Students have the right to report violations of this policy and participate as a witness in an investigation or hearing without fear of retaliation.

Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, or reprisals. For example, it would be retaliatory to intimidate a witness or to shun a person from a student organization in retribution for the person having made complaints. It would also be retaliatory to use social media as a means to negatively influence the reporting student or witnesses.

The University strictly prohibits retaliation by any student, staff, or faculty member against a person who makes a report, assists someone with a report, or participates in any aspect of the investigation or resolution of a report.

Acts of retaliation by students are subject to the standard disciplinary procedure set forth in the Code of Conduct and, in certain cases, may result in suspension. Acts of retaliation by other members of the community, such as faculty or staff, are subject to sanction as set forth in the respective Faculty or Staff Handbooks.

Interim Actions

As appropriate, the University will implement initial remedial and responsive actions upon notice of alleged violation of this policy. Such actions are determined by the context of the situation and will be based upon ensuring the student who filed the complaint has full access to their educational resources. A complainant need not necessarily pursue disciplinary or other action against the perpetrator in order to have access to remedial measures.

A member of the Dean of Students office, in consultation with the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, shall determine any interim measures. The Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion may also determine and implement interim measures.

III. Resources and Support Services/How to Report Bias Incidents, Hate Acts, Hate Crimes, Discrimination, Harassment or Hazing

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Department of Athletics will make every effort to safeguard the identities of students and University community members who seek help and/or report complaints of bias incidents, hate acts, hate crimes, discrimination, harassment or hazing. Files related to complaints of bias incidents, hate acts, hate crimes, discrimination, or harassment will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need for a thorough investigation.

On-Campus Confidential Resources.

Student-athletes and campus community members who feel they may have been the victim of any form of bias incident, hate act, hate crime, discrimination, harassment or hazing may wish to seek confidential counseling or support. The following individuals are designated as confidential resources; they will seek to maintain information received as private and will not share confidential information with college officials or others, unless required to do so by law:

On-Campus Reporting Resources. The privacy of all parties will be honored to the extent allowed and which provides for an appropriate investigation. The following individuals and offices are specially equipped to follow up on allegations of bias incidents, hate acts, hate crimes, discrimination, or harassment. These individuals and offices will receive reports with respect for the privacy of those allegedly involved in the incident:

Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Student Success, Deans Office, Schofield Hall, (715) 836-5626
Dean of Students, Schofield Hall, (715) 836-5992
Director of Athletics, Brewer Hall, (715) 836-5858
Student Life Office, (715) 836-4636
Counseling Office, Old Library 2122, (715)836-5521
University Police, Crest Wellness Center (upper campus), Room 119 (715)-836-4972
Title IX Coordinator, Schofield Hall 312, (715) 836-2222

Bias Incident Report Form
Concerned individuals may report an incident via the online Bias Incident Report Form ( https://www.uwec.edu/diversity/bias-incident-response/ ) anonymous reports are permitted. If a reporter identifies an affected individual(s), a member of the Bias Incident Response Team will meet with the individual(s) to gather more information and discuss options to aid them in moving forward. Though the College may elect to pursue a complaint, deference is usually given to the complainant’s decision when they do not wish to proceed with a formal complaint.

Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT)
The Bias Incident Response Team reviews and provides response options and referrals to support resources when a bias incident, hate act, or hate crime has occurred on campus. The team meets monthly to review reports and actions as well as when needed. An individual (or individuals) who report an incident shall receive an initial response from a college official. The team members include:

On a case-by-case basis, the BIRT team also consults with students, faculty and staff from other UW-Eau Claire departments, programs and organizations who can help the team make the most informed response possible to a report of a bias/hate incident.

In its role, the Bias Incident Response Team reviews reports and makes determinations for immediate response(s) and referrals to the appropriate college officials and processes. The team does not investigate incidents or make findings of fact regarding an incident, nor does the team have authority to apply disciplinary sanctions. Members of the team shall consult with respective team members and/or other college officials about coordinating and documenting responses. Each semester the team shall provide a report to the community regarding reported incidents that occurred during the previous semester. The team additionally shall recommend educational and other initiatives that positively foster an open, inclusive campus climate.

XIII. TEAM (individual) GUIDELINES

In addition to the rules and policies outlined in this handbook, each team may have specific rules that pertain to its members. These rules may include required dress codes, stricter alcohol policies, mandatory team study sessions, and curfews.

"The UWEC Athletics Program is committed to the core values of Diversity and Inclusivity where an inclusive culture of respect is the norm. This culture is expected in the actions of everyone (staff and student-athletes) involved with the program ensuring that safe, respectful and equitable participation is fostered for our student-athletes."

Jason Verdugo, Director of Athletics

*While every effort is made to provide accurate and current information, the university reserves the right to change, without notice, statements in this Student-Athlete Handbook, the Student Handbook, University Catalogue and other publications concerning rules, policies, fees and other matters. In cases where a discrepancy in information exists between various university publications, the information contained in the Student Handbook or College Catalogue will prevail.