As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Clarke University participates in the Association's Champions of Character program.

The program is built upon five core values, which are: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Sportsmanship.

The NAIA clearly defines each of these values with respect to sport:
(From the NAIA Champions of Character website)

Respect
Those associated with sport show respect by treating themselves, other persons, institutions and their sport according to the highest standards of conduct. It implies civilized and gracious behavior to players, coaches, fans and parents.

Responsibility
Athletes show responsibility by making academic progress toward graduation their top priority. They solve problems rather than make excuses, and are reliable team players. Students should be accountable for their actions and decisions, and coaches and administrators should maintain high standards of competence and conduct.

Integrity
For student competitors and their coaches, integrity means keeping commitments and conducting honest behavior. Coaches must subscribe to and practice the Coaches Code and Code of Ethics, and student-athletes must know and understand the Champions of Character Student-Athlete Pledge.

Servant Leadership
This core value refers to putting the group first and becoming responsible for personal and group roles while performing at your best. Students demonstrating servant leadership have a primary purpose of serving others while striving to become a personal and team leader. The servant-leader provides a critical service to society and the great gift of good example.

Sportsmanship
The conduct of educational sports according to the highest standards is our expectation for sportsmanship. Administrators, coaches, students, parents, and fans are expected to act correctly even when others do not, and demonstrate fairness and equity in all contests and relationships.

Clarke University athletic teams demonstrate each of these values during the season, including performing at least one community service project per team each school year.

For more information on the NAIA's Champions of Character program, click here