MISSION STATEMENT
The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) has a proud history and record of success as one of the oldest conferences in NCAA Division II. Six charter members from three Midwest states came together in 1978 to form the GLVC as a men’s basketball conference.
Now in its 41st year, the GLVC has developed into one of the largest and most prolific athletic conferences in the country. The GLVC boasts 16 member institutions from four Midwest states, crowning Conference champions for 24 sports and featuring over 7,000 student-athletes. The Conference’s governance structure of "one institutional vote vested with the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)" is unique among the 23 member conferences in NCAA Division II.
Established in 1978 with a commitment to the purposes, fundamental policies and basic principles of the NCAA, the GLVC has grown to embody the vision established by the founders of the organization and has achieved athletic and academic excellence for more than 40 years.
The mission of the GLVC is to govern and support fair competition and to promote opportunities for student-athlete development and well-being as well as success among its member institutions. In pursuing this mission, the GLVC and its member institutions practice collaborative leadership and embrace five core values, which serve as the foundational pillars for the Conference and guide the Conference's decision-making and key actions.
CORE VALUES
Athletic Excellence – We are committed to offering a competitive environment, which features the best athletic performances in NCAA Division II. Full-time coaches with a passion to teach their sport, quality athletic facilities and training equipment, health and safety support, top-notch competition, and disciplined effort/work ethic offer GLVC student-athletes the fullest potential for competitive excellence through the mastery of their athletic skills.
Academic Excellence – We are committed to academic excellence and we prioritize the "student" in student-athlete. The goal for every student-athlete at a GLVC member institution is graduation. Classroom instruction, applied learning opportunities, life skills development through sports participation and commitment to community service and engagement offer GLVC student-athletes a comprehensive educational experience, with knowledge and skill training for lifelong success.
Diversity and Inclusion – We are committed to a diverse and inclusive environment for our student-athletes, coaches and administrators. As a conference, we seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for officials, coaches and administrators from diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Integrity and Civility – We are committed to social responsibility, fair play and sportsmanship in our educational and athletic endeavors, and we respect our co-workers, colleagues, teammates and opponents. We expect to compete in front of passionate, well-behaved fans, and we value positive game environments. We will conduct GLVC business and operate our athletics programs with the highest ethical standards and we will foster a culture of compliance and rules education.
Balance – We are committed to the well-being of the student-athlete and the development of the "whole-person.” The health and safety of the student-athlete is paramount in the GLVC. We are committed to providing a balanced collegiate experience through opportunities for the student-athlete to excel in the classroom, enjoy an active social life and benefit from a competitive athletic experience. The GLVC believes that a balanced Division II student-athlete experience involves comprehensive learning and academic development, high-level athletics competition, and meaningful community engagement.