The Faculty Athletics Representative (“FAR”) position is required of all institutions by the NCAA. The NCAA requires that the FAR be a member of the faculty or an administrator who holds faculty rank and who does not hold an administrative or coaching position in the athletics department. Individual institutions are free to define the role and other terms of appointment.

The role at Stanford centers on academic integrity in the athletics program; academic opportunities for student-athletes; student-athlete academic performance and experience; institutional control over athletics; and NCAA compliance. A document approved by the Provost describes the role and related administrative matters.

The FAR:

• Carries our reviews and approves actions as required under NCAA and conference rules
• Serves as an advisor to the Board to Trustees, President, Provost, and Stanford Athletics
• Serves as a resource for student-athletes outside of Stanford Athletics and as a contact for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
• Engages with the Faculty Senate and Academic Council committees
• Chairs the Committee on Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation, a committee focused on athletics and composed of faculty members, student-athletes, a student from the general student community, representatives from academic advising and student affairs, and the Director of Athletics
• Administers appeals by student-athletes of decisions by Stanford to reduce, cancel, or not renew athletic scholarships
• Chairs or serves on task forces, committees or other groups as directed by the President or Provost

The FAR also participates in Atlantic Coast Conference meetings including regular meetings with counterparts at other ACC schools. A “FAR Committee” consisting of the FARs from all conference institutions has certain responsibilities as set out in the ACC bylaws.

The FAR reports to the Provost and is appointed by the Provost to a five-year term subject to renewal. The Provost may terminate the appointment at any time.

The current FAR is Jay A. Mitchell, Professor of Law, Emeritus, at Stanford Law School. His email address is jmitchell@law.stanford.edu.