Eligibility

Amateurism

Student-athletes must maintain amateur status to be eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics.  Student-athletes may not accept payment of any kind, directly or indirectly, for participating in intercollegiate athletics.  They may, however, receive actual and necessary expenses for practice and/or competition from the University.  In many situations they may also receive money from their respective national sports governing body, or an amateur sports club, depending on the type of competition.  Student-athletes and parents should always check with the Head Coach or the Athletic Compliance Coordinator before accepting any monies.

Student-athletes must understand that they cannot be compensated for the value that they may bring to an employment opportunity as a recognizable UTPA student-athlete.  This could be during a summer job, internship, or as a camp clinician at a UTPA sports camp or any other private sports camp.  In addition, it is not permissible to make appearances that may imply endorsement of a commercial enterprise or product.  Examples would include an appearance at a Grand Opening of a sporting goods store, or referring to an advertiser during a radio or television interview.  Modeling that a student-athlete may have done prior to collegiate enrollment could be continued with certain restrictions, but must be cleared with the Athletic Compliance Coordinator.

Student-athletes will be asked periodically by the Director of Athletics and executive staff members to appear at promotional activities, which are conducted on behalf of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.  These events will not jeopardize amateur status or eligibility as they are held to publicize UTPA events or community involvement efforts, such as the Adopt-a-School Program.

It is not permissible to accept “extra benefits” from staff members, boosters or business owners.  Examples of such benefits are discounted merchandise or services that are not available to the general student body.  Benefits available exclusively to student-athletes violate NCAA rules unless they are expressly authorized by NCAA legislation.  Benefits such as the availability of tutors at no cost to the student-athlete, as well as private computer labs, are examples of benefits authorized by NCAA legislation.

Academic Eligibility/Progress

To be admitted to the University of Texas-Pan American and to its baccalaureate programs is a privilege.  Good standing at UTPA must be continually maintained through academic performance.  Representing UTPA in intercollegiate competition is also a privilege and eligibility to compete must also be earned and maintained.

Academic progress and eligibility are continually monitored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, more specifically, by the Athletic Academic Coordinator and the Athletic Compliance Coordinator.  However, it is your responsibility to ensure that applicable academic requirements are continually being met. 

In order to be eligible for intercollegiate competition, the following NCAA requirements must be met:

·     To be eligible to practice, compete and receive financial aid, all undergraduate student-athletes must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 academic hours during each semester.  If the student-athlete drops below the 12-hour minimum, he or she immediately becomes ineligible to practice, compete and receive financial aid.

·     All hours used to certify eligibility must count towards the student-athlete’s degree.  The appropriate college departments will complete routine grade audits to ensure that satisfactory progress towards the degree is being maintained.

·     All student-athletes must comply with the minimum GPA and hour requirements established by the NCAA to remain academically eligible for competition and aid.

 Academic Standing

To be eligible to represent The University of Texas-Pan American in NCAA sanctioned competition, “a student athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, be in good academic standing, and maintain satisfactory progress towards a baccalaureate or equivalent degree” (NCAA Bylaw 14.01.2).      

To be in good academic standing with the University and the NCAA you must be registered in a minimum of 12 hours during each of the fall and spring semesters as outlined in NCAA Bylaw 14.1.6.2.2.  Should you ever drop below the 12-hour minimum, for any reason, you immediately become ineligible to practice, compete, or receive financial aid.  Do not drop any classes without first receiving permission from the Athletic Academic Coordinator or the Athletic Compliance Coordinator.

Continuing Eligibility

Each student-athlete must adhere to “satisfactory progress” requirements during specific stages of class standing at the University of Texas-Pan American.  This is to ensure that the student-athlete makes continued progress towards a baccalaureate degree in an undergraduate degree curriculum program recognized by the University.  Important aspects of the NCAA legislation pertaining to continuing eligibility dictate that student-athletes must:

      1.   Successfully complete, prior to each fall term, a cumulative total of at least 24 semester hours (refer to NCAA Bylaw 14.4.3.1(a)).  This is equivalent to at least 12 semester hours during each of the previous academic terms in academic years in which the student-athlete has been enrolled in a term or terms, or satisfactory completion of the 24 semester hours of academic credit since the beginning of the previous Fall term.

      2.   Student-athletes shall earn at least 75% of the semester hours required for satisfactory progress during the regular academic year (combination of the Fall and Spring semesters) (refer to NCAA Bylaw 14.4.3.1.3).  Student-athletes may not receive eligible credit for more than 25% of the semester hours required for satisfactory progress during summer semesters (refer to NCAA Bylaw 14.4.3.1.3).

3.   Student-athletes must complete a certain percentage of degree requirements each year in order to maintain eligibility.  The following percentages need to be considered:

4.    A student-athlete enrolled at UTPA may be placed on academic probation at the end of a semester or summer session when his/her semester or cumulative grade point average falls below the standards set forth by the University as outlined in the 2000-2002 Undergraduate Catalog.

5.    As a student-athlete, you are required to choose a major prior to beginning your fifth collegiate semester (refer to NCAA Bylaw 14.4.3.1.4).  After the beginning of your junior year you may not switch from one major to another without the approval of your faculty/college advisor and the Athletic Academic Coordinator.

Class Attendance
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics desires to see each student-athlete pursue and obtain an academic degree.  Student-athletes have the responsibility to enroll in suitable classes, attend classes, complete all assignments, and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with acceptable academic performance. 

Class Absence Procedures

(a)  Team Travel: Student-athletes are expected to communicate with instructors PRIOR to departure regarding any class absences resulting from intercollegiate competition.  Travel verification slips must be presented to all of your instructors and will be available from the Athletic Academic Coordinator in the Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center and/or the academic liaison on your coaching staff.  These slips are to be presented to all of your instructors PRIOR to leaving campus for team travel.

(b) Medical: Letters for instructors verifying absence due to medical reasons can be obtained from the Athletic Sports Medicine Staff in the Department of Athletics.  Please see the Head or Assistant Athletic Trainers.

Summer School Policy
The NCAA limits the number of hours a student-athlete may take in summer school to fulfill the satisfactory progress requirement.  Student-athletes shall not earn more than 25% of those hours used to fulfill the satisfactory progress requirement during the summer.  Seventy-five percent (75%) of the hours used to satisfy the progress requirement must be earned during the regular academic year (fall & spring semesters).  If you need further clarification of this rule (NCAA Bylaw 14.5, 4.1) contact the Athletic Academic Coordinator or the Athletic Compliance Coordinator.