Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)

At Longwood University, the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) serves as an independent advocate for student-athletes. The FAR ensures that the athletics program upholds academic integrity, promotes student well-being, and supports a positive experience in and out of the classroom.

The FAR also acts as a confidential point of contact for student-athletes who wish to report concerns or actions inconsistent with NCAA principles of health, safety, and fair play.

The Role of the FAR

While every NCAA institution has a Faculty Athletics Representative, the specific responsibilities can differ.

The 2021 NCAA Constitution defines the FAR as:

“The principal point of contact to whom student-athletes can report any action, activity, or behavior by anyone associated with athletics programs inconsistent with this Constitution’s principle of student-athlete health and well-being.

At Longwood, the FAR’s work centers around three main priorities:

Academic Integrity — Monitoring academic performance and ensuring that student-athletes are supported in their coursework.

Student-Athlete Experience — Advocating for a healthy balance between athletics, academics, and personal growth.

Institutional Oversight — Providing independent review and guidance for the athletics program to ensure compliance and transparency.

Learn more about the national Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA): ncaafara.org

Dr. Tim Coffey

Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Longwood’s Faculty Athletics Representative

Dr. Tim Coffey has been part of the Longwood family since 2015 and serves as the university’s Faculty Athletics Representative, a role that bridges academics and athletics to support student-athletes in every aspect of their college experience.

In the classroom, Dr. Coffey teaches Biomechanics and leads the Biomechanics Lab, where students get hands-on experience exploring how the human body moves and performs. His classes are known for connecting science and sport in practical, meaningful ways. He also teaches Civitae Core courses like Civic Engagement Through Sport and Exercise and Youth Sports Specialization: The Breaking of Bodies, Bank Accounts, and Community, which challenge students to think critically about the role of sports in our lives and communities.

Before coming to Longwood, Dr. Coffey worked for more than 15 years in student affairs at universities, including Virginia Commonwealth and Texas Tech—experience that deepened his commitment to helping students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Outside of Longwood, he plays a big role in shaping college athletics on a national level through his leadership with the NCAA and Big South Conference, focusing on student-athlete health, safety, and academic success.