Colorado State A.D. Joe Parker releases second statement, principles

Colorado State Athletic Director Joe Parker has been on the job now for eight months and one day, being hired on March 17, 2015.

Parker walked into a solid situation as far as CSU athletics are concerned. The football team is looking at going back to a third straight bowl game with one more win, the men’s basketball team set school records last year and is consistently competitive, the women’s basketball team has won back-to-back Mountain West titles and volleyball is consistently in the Top 25.

Parker’s initial statement as AD focused on the department’s mission, “To Educate, Engage and Excel.”

Yesterday, the eight-month anniversary of his hiring, Parker released a much longer statement, including the department’s 11 guiding principles. Here they are in full:

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. STUDENT-ATHLETES FIRST AND FOREMOST.
We strive to keep the department focused on our students and improving the unique learning experience forged by balancing academics and athletics at the highest level. The interest of our students will be the top consideration as we develop programs and strategies, craft collaborative decisions, and implement and modify plans. Our mindset must always be on their collective best interest as we place – STUDENT-ATHLETES FIRST AND FOREMOST.

2. PLAY BY THE RULES! ALWAYS.
Our absolute intent is to adhere to the letter and spirit of the rules governing fair play. As President Frank has stated publicly about intercollegiate athletics – “winning is only winning when done in the right way.” We honor the integrity of the institution when each of our students and staff members understands their responsibility to the reputation built by those before us. We have no interest in gaining an advantage by cutting a corner or overlooking our duty to do what is right, therefore we – PLAY BY THE RULES! ALWAYS.

3. COMPETE. WIN. BE A CHAMPION.
Competition is inherent in the realm of intercollegiate athletics. It is the crucible that forges greatness. As a part of Colorado State Athletics, we need to willingly embrace competition and the way it shapes our desire to prepare and perform. We want these three concepts embedded into each day. It is our conviction to – COMPETE. WIN. BE A CHAMPION.

4. BE A STALWART TEAMMATE.
Stalwart is prominently emphasized in our fight song. It communicates valuable and cherished characteristics for any teammate; it is someone who carries themselves as loyal, reliable and hardworking. It is stated to remind each of us about our responsibility to others – BE A STALWART TEAMMATE.

5. RESPECT OURSELVES. RESPECT OTHERS.
Respectful interactions are a critical building block to a successful working environment; one where individuals feel respected for their contributions and are comfortable expressing their viewpoint. We must always strive to foster an atmosphere of appreciation for varying perspectives, remembering to – RESPECT OURSELVES. RESPECT OTHERS.

6. EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITY. HONOR THE PRIVILEGE.
The good fortune of working in higher education and serving student-athletes is special and an absolute privilege. The same is true for our students who are talented enough to represent the Green and Gold. There may be certain moments when this feeling is obscured by near-term challenges, but it is incumbent on each of us to recognize the incredible gift this experience provides to us hence, we – EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITY. HONOR THE PRIVILEGE.

7. ADAPT TO CHANGE. DRIVE PROGRESS.
Everyone has heard that the one constant is change. Change is witnessed daily whether gradual or sudden. We want to be prepared to accept change; but more importantly use it as an opportunity for improvement. Whether it is forced or self-motivated we must – ADAPT TO CHANGE. DRIVE PROGRESS.

8. BUILD STRENGTH THROUGH OUR DIVERSITY.
We are committed to collaborative decision-making. When multiple perspectives are sought out, better outcomes are created. A single person can’t deliver the same level of “horsepower” as a larger group. Furthermore, a group is enhanced by a broad range of life experiences. When we consistently focus on this approach we – BUILD STRENGTH THROUGH OUR DIVERSITY.

9. SHARE OUR STORY. GROW OUR FAMILY.
Since 1893, with our first football game, thousands of stories have been propagated by the contributions of Colorado State University’s student-athletes, coaches and staff. Each successive year adds to this collective body of work, growing our overall story. We believe it is important to share the narrative of our students and teams. In doing so, we develop engagement and affinity for Colorado State Athletics and the University. Therefore, we work hard to – SHARE OUR STORY. GROW OUR FAMILY.

10. PAUSE AND CELEBRATE.
We live in a high paced and active environment where our staff and students seem to be in constant motion. It would be easy to roll into the next obligation without reflecting on the progress made. It is important to remind ourselves of the great value and renewed energy created when we recognize and acknowledge accomplishments, both big and small. When an achievement occurs, we must take a moment to – PAUSE AND CELEBRATE.

11. WE ARE GREEN AND GOLD.
Colorado State University is off-the-charts! It is a fabulous institution located in an unbelievable community with thousands of impressive alumni, students, faculty and staff. All of whom are ready to make an impact on the future and expand the University’s tradition-rich heritage. It is the collective sum of these parts that drives our pride in being a CSU Ram! In our roles, we understand our duty to represent this world-class institution, and its reputation built by those before us, with dignity and honor. We do what is right, at all times, without exception because – WE ARE GREEN AND GOLD.

For the complete statement, visit CSURams.com.