Title IX provides that: “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Although Title IX prohibits sex discrimination campus-wide, it has been defined to apply to intercollegiate athletics in three specific areas: participation, scholarships and treatment of existing athletes and programs. Title IX compliance requires equity as that term has been defined under the law in each of these three areas. Pacific University believes that all student-athletes have a right to participate in an athletic program free of discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation. Pacific University believes in the educational value of intercollegiate athletics and as such offers a competitive NCAA Division III varsity athletics program and is a member of the Northwest Conference.
Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege and as such, those who participate agree to abide by the rule and regulations set forth by the NCAA, Northwest Conference and Pacific University. These rules are comprehensive and anticipate that those who participate in athletics will demonstrate a serious commitment to their teams. Pacific University offers athletics participation opportunities at the intramural, club and intercollegiate levels.
PARTICIPATION: Title IX provides three separate avenues for a school to demonstrate equity. Those who wish to compete in a sport that is not currently offered at Pacific University may file a request to gain club sport status. Successful club sport programs may be elevated to the intercollegiate level. Factors considered in evaluating elevation of club sport programs to intercollegiate status shall include gender equity, interest and ability, intercollegiate competitive opportunities and budgetary impact, among others.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Consistent with the Division III philosophy, Pacific University does not provide scholarships based on athletic ability for student-athletes of either gender.
TREATMENT: Title IX expects athletics programs to treat its male and female student-athletes equally with regard to the following areas:
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The provision of equipment and supplies
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Scheduling of games and practice times
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Travel and per diem allowance
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Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring
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Assignment and compensation of coaches
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Provision of locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities
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Provision of medical and training facilities and services
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Provision of housing and dining facilities and services
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Publicity
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Recruitment
Equity in this area means that there is equality when assessing how men as compared to women are treated in the aggregate in these areas. For example, men and women that play the same sport would not necessarily receive the same benefits but that an equitable number of men and women are treated alike. Also, because sports differ, they require different gear, medical attention and numbers of coaches, among other things. Accordingly, Pacific University believes that student-athletes will be treated equally given the unique features of their sports.
