2001 Telephone Conference No. 3 Ñ February 14, 2001

Acting for the Division I Management Council, the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Legislative Review/Interpretations issued the following interpretation:

Extra Benefits/Off-Campus Housing

1. Off-Campus Housing Rental Costs. The subcommittee reviewed a previous minute related to off-campus housing at the home of an athletics representative and clarified that an assessment to determine rental costs for similar housing in the institution's locale must be based on the fair-market rental value for the particular residence or housing. It noted that such an assessment may include the actual housing costs for students residing in similar housing arrangements within the community. However, the subcommittee noted that it is not permissible to assign an under-market value for student-athletes based only on the rental costs for all students in that locale who are provided housing at a reduced rate. Further, the subcommittee noted that it remains permissible to obtain housing through the institution's housing office pursuant to policies applicable to the entire student body. [References: Bylaws 15.2.2.1.5 (cost-free apartment), 16.12.2.1 (general rule) and 16.12.2.4 (preferential treatment); 03/19/87 official interpretation, Item No.5 and 09/06/91 staff interpretation, item b.]