When the NCAA's $6 billion television-rights contract was signed more than three years ago, a commitment was made to ensure that student-athletes were direct beneficiaries of the agreement. That commitment led to the creation of the Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF). Now, in the first year of the new contract, it is time to put the SAOF into action.

Over the past several months, Division I membership and governance committees, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, have discussed potential uses of the fund, which will total $17 million this year and escalate to more than $50 million by the end of the contract.

Pending Management Council and Board of Directors approval in April, the only restrictions on the fund will be that it cannot be used for salaries, grants-in-aid (other than summer school), capital improvements or stipends to student-athletes. (While there has been continuing support from all groups for maximum flexibility for uses that are tied to the athletics experience and academic achievement of student-athletes, the membership hasn't reached a comfort level with the SAOF being used for unitemized cash awards.)

The SAOF provides a tremendous opportunity for NCAA institutions and athletics administrators to provide direct benefits and services to student-athletes and to do so in ways that will support the educational mission of intercollegiate athletics. Given that the basic purpose of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program, I strongly advocate that a significant portion of the SAOF should be used for educational expenses and academic enhancement.

This isn't to say that other pressing student-athlete needs -- such as insurance and medical care, personal expenses and emergencies -- should not be addressed or supported. Indeed, funds for those kinds of expenses also should be included in institutional usage plans. But I hope that a priority for the SAOF will be placed on educational programs and benefits currently not provided that will help student-athletes meet their academic and educational goals.

Some examples of educational expenses that have been proposed are financial aid for summer school or degree-completion programs after eligibility has been exhausted. Other proposed uses include educational supplies that currently are not covered by a full grant-in-aid, fees for graduate school and professional program exams, and postgraduate scholarships. Also proposed are costs for tutors and academic services, programs and testing for learning-disabled students, and professional development and internship programs.

All of those uses and programs provide a direct benefit to the student-athlete and are intended to maximize the student-athlete's academic achievement and success.

Assuming that emergency legislation is approved in April, any funds provided to student-athletes for those kinds of programs and benefits will not be considered countable aid. This is appropriate and necessary legislation given that a full grant-in-aid does not cover the full cost of attendance.

Additionally, all student-athletes will be eligible to access the SAOF, as opposed to the Special Assistance Fund that is available only to student-athletes who are eligible for Pell Grants.

At a time when the NCAA membership is focused on putting some teeth into academic reform, what better message to send to our student-athletes than to use the SAOF first and foremost for the achievement of educational goals? It will serve to reinforce to our student-athletes the importance of academic performance. It also will emphasize our individual and collective commitment to their academic success.

I believe this is a unique opportunity. It is our obligation as administrators and educators to put this plan into action in a way that makes a positive difference for Division I student-athletes.

Carolyn Schlie Femovich is the executive director of the Patriot League.