NCAA Bylaw 15.3.5.1 -- Renewal of Financial Aid

NCAA institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw 15.3.5.1, the renewal of institutional financial aid must be made on or before July 1 before the academic year in which it is to become effective. Institutions promptly must notify in writing each student-athlete who has received an award in the previous academic year, the student-athletes who have eligibility remaining in the sport in which financial aid was awarded the previous academic year and whether the grant has been renewed or not renewed for the ensuing academic year. Notification of financial aid renewals and nonrenewals must come from the institution's regular financial aid authority and not from the institution's athletics department.

In accordance with Bylaw 15.3.5.1.1, if the institution decides not to renew or decides to reduce financial aid for the ensuing academic year, the institution must inform the student-athlete that he or she, on request, must be provided with a hearing before the institution's agency making the award. During its August 25, 1995, telephone conference, the NCAA Interpretations Committee determined that when NCAA regulations require an institution to provide notice of a hearing opportunity to a student-athlete, such notice must be provided in writing to the student-athlete. Further, the institution must have established reasonable procedures for promptly hearing such a request and may not delegate the responsibility of conducting a nonrenewal hearing to the institution's athletics department or its faculty athletics committee. The decision to renew or not renew the financial aid is left to the discretion of the institution to be determined in accordance with its normal practice for students generally.

During its November 19, 1992, telephone conference, the Interpretations Committee determined that the reference to institutional aid set forth in Bylaw 15.3.5.1 refers only to institutional aid that is based in any degree on athletics ability. Thus, if a student-athlete is receiving institutional financial aid unrelated to athletics ability and such aid is reduced or not renewed for the ensuing academic year, the institution is not obligated to provide an opportunity for a hearing before the institution's agency making the award except as provided under the institution's policy applicable to all students.

Finally, pursuant to Bylaw 15.5.1.5, if an institution does not renew financial aid for a counter in the subsequent academic year and a hearing before the institution's regular financial aid authority results in a successful appeal for restoration of aid, the student-athlete must continue to be a counter if the individual continues to receive athletically related financial aid. However, the student-athlete would not be a counter if he or she receives institutionally arranged financial aid or is awarded nonathletically related financial aid available to all students, provided such financial aid was granted or arranged without regard in any degree to athletics ability. If the student-athlete participates again in intercollegiate athletics at the institution, he or she would be considered to have been a counter during each year the financial aid was received.

College Coach Donating Funds to Former High School

Division I institutions should note that during its March 27 telephone conference, the NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Legislative Review/Interpretations determined that pursuant to Bylaw 13.16.1.2.1, it is permissible for an institution's coaching staff member to make financial donations to the high school he or she formerly attended as a student (regardless of whether the donated funds are intended to benefit athletics or nonathletics programs), provided the coaching staff member acts independently of the institution, the donated funds are distributed through channels established by the high school or the organization conducting the fund-raising activity and the donated funds are not earmarked for a specific prospective student-athlete.

Bylaw 13.13.2.1.3 -- Camps and Clinics -- Employment of Student-Athletes -- Division I Football

Division I institutions should note that pursuant to Bylaw 13.13.2.1.3.1, in the sport of football, it is not permissible for an institution to employ a member of its football team with remaining eligibility as a counselor in its football camp or clinic. In football camps other than those conducted by the student-athlete's institution, not more than one football student-athlete with remaining eligibility from any one Division I institution may be employed. Further, pursuant to Bylaw 13.13.1.2.1, a senior prospect in the sport of football may not be employed or permitted to enroll or participate in any institutional camp or clinic. Finally, please note that in accordance with Bylaw 13.13.2.1.3.3, it is permissible for a football student-athlete with remaining eligibility to be employed in any diversified camp (a camp that offers a diversified experience without an emphasis on instruction, practice or competition in any particular sport), including a diversified camp conducted by the student-athlete's institution, provided not more than one football student-athlete from any one Division I institution with remaining eligibility is employed.

This material was provided by the membership services staff as an aid to member institutions. Institutions may direct questions regarding this column to Kristen Davis or Lisa Roesler at the NCAA national office. This information is available on the College Sports Network.