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Definition of a Student-Athlete
An enrolled student-athlete is a student who has begun his/her first day of initial full-time collegiate enrollment or who has reported for intercollegiate practice at Union University.
Academic Eligibility
You must meet certain academic requirements to be eligible to practice and compete as a Division II student-athlete at Union University.
1. Full-Time Enrollment - 12 hours
A student-athlete must be a full-time student in order to participate (practice or compete). The only exception to this rule for both competition and practice eligibility is for graduating students who don't need 12 hours to finish their final semester - they must have notification on file, with the Compliance Officer, prior to the term in which they are less than full-time. The notification includes verification from the Records Office that they are taking what they need to graduate.
2. Cumulative GPA: 2.00
A student-athlete must maintain a 2.00 cumulative GPA each semester. GPA is based on the Union University GPA used for graduation. Each student's GPA will be evaluated at the end of each semester and must be a 2.00 cumulative GPA, or better, for the student to continue to be eligible for competition. Students below 2.00 may continue to practice as long as they are enrolled full-time but may not compete.
3. Major Declaration:
Students must declare a major by the start of their 5th full-time semester to remain eligible. If you plan on switching majors please consult with the Compliance Office first, as it may impact your eligibility.
4. Annual Competition Requirement: 24/12 Rule
At the start of each academic year (fall semester), a student's continuing eligibility is determined by whether or not the student has successfully completed at least 24 hours since the start of the previous year. This includes summer school hours, however at least 75% of the hours need to be earned during the regular academic year.
5. Semester Competition Requirement: 9 hour Rule
At least 9 hours must be successfully completed each semester to remain eligible for competition the following semester. Summer school cannot be used to earn these.
Athletic Scholarships
The NCAA has strict limits on the amount of full scholarships allowed for each sport. Included in the NCAA limit are any athletics aid received by a student-athlete, known as a Grant-In-Aid, and all other aid that is considered "countable" by the NCAA. Athletic scholarships can only be offered on a one academic year basis. At the end of the academic year, the scholarship can be renewed, reduced or non-renewed at the coach's discretion. All non-renewals are appealable through Student Financial Planning and must be submitted in writing within 2 weeks of the non-renewal notice.
Outside Scholarships
All outside scholarships (e.g., booster club awards, local scholarships, etc.) received by Union University student-athletes must be submitted to the Student Financial Planning for review. Outside scholarships can impact your individual/team scholarship limits AND your eligibility, so it is important to report these awards in an accurate and timely manner to both Student Financial Services and the Compliance Office. Even if you get a check directly from the awarding agency, you still must report this aid.
Private Lessons
Division II student-athletes are allowed to conduct private lessons, however there are strict rules they must follow. As a Union University student-athlete, you are not allowed to provide lessons anywhere on campus or with Union University athletic equipment and there are restrictions on how you can advertise your lessons. Prior to any advertisement or offer of lessons, contact the Compliance Office.
Sports Wagering
NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from participating in any gambling activity that involves any sport sponsored by the NCAA at any level. Any activity that involves putting something at risk for the chance to win something in return is considered sports wagering and an NCAA violation. Risk + Reward = Violation. This includes fantasy leagues and tournament brackets that meet the above guidelines. Don't Bet On It Website
Non-Athletically Related Promotional Activities
NCAA rules prohibit DII student-athletes from allowing their name or picture to be used to advertise, promote or endorse a commercial product/service. To do so will jeopardize the student-athlete's eligibility. The NCAA has limited exceptions to this rule. For details please contact the Compliance Office.
Year-Round Drug Testing
The NCAA randomly selects institutions and student-athletes for drug testing throughout the academic year, including the summer. All student-athletes are subject to drug testing before, during or after their competitive seasons. All student-athletes need to be aware of the banned drugs list on NCAA Drug Testing Webpage and should check with the Athletic Trainers for any questions. Student-athletes who test positive are subject to at least a one-year suspension and loss of eligibility.
Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore the purity and safety of nutritional/dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive drug test. The Union University Athletics Department does not promote the use of nutritional/dietary supplements and the use of such supplements is at the student-athlete's own risk. For more information contact a Union University Certified Athletic Trainer.
Additional information may also be found through the Center for Drug Free Sport, which sponsors a confidential Resource Exchange Center (REC) for student-athletes and athletics staff with questions about nutritional supplements The REC may be contacted toll free at (877) 202-0769 or by clicking the link above. When accessing the REC via the Internet, the required password is ncaa2.
Additional Resources
Union University Student-Athlete Handbook
NCAA Eligibility Center
NCAA Policy on Sports Wagering
NCAA Health & Safety Webpage
NCAA Drug Testing Information (Resourse Center)
NCAA DII Make It Yours
Compliance Home
