University of Illinois Springfield Athletics

ACADEMICS
Along with departmental expectations, there are NCAA and GLVC (conference) requirements that will determine your athletics eligibility. Here are a few important pieces of information to keep in mind:

• Good Academic Standing: You must be considered to be in Good Academic Standing by UIS standards to be considered eligible for collegiate competition.
• 9 hour rule: You must earn a minimum of nine degree-applicable credit hours during your previous full-time term.
• 24 hour rule: You must complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in the two preceding semesters. Only a maximum of 6 may be earned during summer quarter.
• GPA requirement: You must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at all times
• Designation of Degree: Starting your fifth semester, you must declare an area of study. From this point on, all units earned toward the 9 and 24 unit rules must be degree applicable.

COMPLIANCE
There are rules outside academia that may impact your eligibility. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• Sports Wagering: You are prohibited by NCAA legislation to participate in gambling activity that involves any sport sponsored by the NCAA at any level. This means no wagering on NFL games or Pop Warner games. If you put something of value in with the possibility of getting something in return, that would be considered a wager.
• Drug Testing: As an NCAA student-athlete you are subject to random drug testing at any time throughout the year, including the summer. You may be selected during your competitive season or during the off-season. The penalty for student-athletes who test positive is at least a one-year suspension and a loss of eligibility. Contact the athletic training office for more information on banned substances.
• Extra Benefits: Any special arrangement in which you are provided any benefit not expressly authorized by the NCAA. Some examples of extra benefits include but are not limited to:
  • Cash or loan in any amount
  • Gift, clothing or equipment (i.e. holiday gift, birthday present, gift certificate)
  • Special discount, payment arrangements or free or reduced cost services
  • The purchase of a meal or service at a commercial establishment
  • Free or reduced cost rent or housing
  • Use of a car or other personal property (i.e. house)
  • Promise of employment after graduation
  • Employment for a prospect's friends or relatives
  • Payment of registration fees for athletic camps. There are exceptions to the extra benefits legislation, contact the Compliance Office with any questions or concerns.

UIS STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
The compliance office has created a student-athlete handbook to assist Pioneer student-athletes in the process of becoming and continuing to be members of the Cal State East Bay Athletic Department. There are numerous policies and procedures that must be followed within the NCAA, CCAA, the University, and the Athletics Department. This guide will help student-athletes with information on registration, financial aid, housing, athletic training, eligibility and more. All current and prospective student-athletes are encouraged to download and utilize the handbook as a resource for answering questions regarding all aspects of the collegiate experience: PDF


HAZING INFORMATION
The NCAA and its member institutions are responsible for the health and safety of all student-athletes and take an active role in hazing prevention on their campuses. UIS Athletics does not tolerate any form of hazing or any actions that produce public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort for student-athletes. Any situation thought to be hazing will be fully investigated and if found to be a team activity, teams will face disciplinary action.