Grace College is a proud member of the NAIA and its mission to train "Champions of Character." The Champions of Character initiative is rooted in the Live 5 character education program for collegiate student-athletes, promoting the following: 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, fans and parents are expected to act correctly even when others do not, and demonstrate fairness and equity in all contests and relationships. NAIA CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER WEBSITEGrace College's Athletic Department has been tabbed as a Five-Star Institution by the NAIA for its adherence to and support of the Champions of Character program. Led by the vision of Athletic Director Chad Briscoe, Grace has held numerous Sportsmanship Summits to promote character education through athletics, including summits for local high school conferences and the Crossroads League. Lancer coaches and student-athletes take interactive courses to learn and apply the Champions of Character core values to life both inside and outside the realm of competition.