University of Pittsburgh. Student-Athlete Handbook

Transcription

1 University of Pittsburgh Student-Athlete Handbook

2 Panther Student-Athletes... Competing...

3 Learning... and Volunteering

4 Contents A WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS...i A WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES...ii THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MISSION STATEMENT...III PITT DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT...Iv section 1: STUDENT-ATHLETE Responsibilities...1 section 2: NCAA and UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS FOR PRACTICE AND COMPETITION...21 section 3: ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES...29 section 4: FINANCIAL AID...41 Section 5: EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENT-ATHLETES...55 section 6: DRUG EDUCATION AND SCREENING...61 section 7: STUDENT-ATHLETE WELFARE...71 section 8: ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT...81 section 9: THE PANTHER GAME PLAN: A GAME PLAN FOR SUCCESS...85 section 10: PITT VARSITY LETTER CLUB...89 section 11: NCAA Forms...91 section 12: Calendar...119

5 University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics Jeff Long Director of Athletics A WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Dear Student-Athlete: As the Director of Athletics, I personally would like to welcome you to the start of the academic year at the University of Pittsburgh! As a student-athlete at Pitt, you have accepted the challenge of not only attending one of the finest academic institutions in the country, but also a school that has a rich athletic tradition at the highest competitive level of intercollegiate athletics. It is a special privilege to be a student-athlete and you should enjoy this opportunity and feel a sense of pride, yet realize the responsibility you have as a representative of the University of Pittsburgh, both in this community and around the country. I encourage you to take full advantage of all the services and resources that are available to you here at Pitt. To better understand the commitments, policies, obligations and regulations associated with being a student-athlete, please refer often to this Student- Athlete Handbook, using it as a helpful tool to make the year ahead a successful one. It is intended to provide you with general information regarding the Department of Athletics and NCAA guidelines. Always keep in mind, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a staff member with an issue that arises in which you need assistance. There are quality individuals on this campus and within the Department of Athletics who are here to help you and we are always mindful that your health, safety and welfare are our top priorities. I look forward to following your achievements this year, both in and out of the classroom. Best of luck, and of course, Hail to Pitt! Sincerely, Jeff Long Director of Athletics i

6 Academic Support Service for Student Athletes A WELCOME LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES University of Pittsburgh/ASSA 3073 Petersen Events Center 3719 Terrace Street Pittsburgh, PA Fax: Dear Student-Athlete: The University of Pittsburgh has taken the lead nationally in promoting the academic and personal development of its student-athlete population. While the Academic Support Services for Student Athletes (ASSSA) has maintained its position among the elite programs nationwide, we have never stopped trying to improve upon the number and types of services and support we make available to our students. ASSSA attempts to aid the academic development on an individual basis for every studentathlete at the University of Pittsburgh. Our premise has always been that the individual student-athlete brings unique qualities, experiences and preparations to the academic table. We feel our job is to complement and enhance those attributes in such a way that each student-athlete has the opportunity to grow and improve throughout their tenure at the University in every facet of their being. We have many students who have made use of the services of ASSSA and have performed academically at the top of their respective programs. We feel that all students need some basic fundamentals, information, and/or support in college academia from freshman year to graduation in order to successfully meet their goals and those of the University for its student-athletes. This handbook is intended to provide support to student-athletes by addressing every perceived situation that might impact their experience. Whether it is time management and organization skills or the how to of accessing resources of ASSSA or the general University, we feel confident that every student will be able to utilize the handbook throughout the academic year. We encourage you to keep it with you at all times and most important, use it! Whether for reference or for the benefits of the various tips and schedules provided, it will aid you in establishing some excellent work habits that can spell even greater success than what you have enjoyed to date. Sincerely, Michael Farabaugh Director Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes ii

7 THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MISSION STATEMENT The University of Pittsburgh, founded in 1787, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. As one of the nation s distinguished comprehensive universities, the resources of the University constitutes an invaluable asset for the intellectual, economic, and social enrichment of Pennsylvania, while the international prestige of the University enhances the image of Pennsylvania throughout the world. The University s mission is to: Provide high-quality undergraduate programs in the arts and sciences and professional fields, with emphasis upon those of special benefit to the citizens of Pennsylvania; Offer superior graduate programs in the arts and sciences and the professions that respond to the needs of Pennsylvania, as well as to the broader needs on the nation and the world; Engage in research, artistic, and scholarly activities that advance learning through the extension of the frontiers of knowledge and creative endeavor; Cooperate with industrial and governmental institutions to transfer knowledge in science, technology and health care; Offer continuing education programs adapted to the personal enrichment, professional upgrading, and career advancement interests and needs of adult Pennsylvanians; and Make available to local communities and public agencies the expertise of the University in ways that are consistent with the primary teaching and research functions and contribute to social, intellectual, and economic development in the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world. The trustees, faculty, staff, students, and administration of the University are dedicated to accomplishing this mission, to which they pledge their individual and collective efforts, determined that the University shall continue to be counted among the prominent institutions of higher education throughout the world. Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 16, 1995 iii

8 PITT DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Department of Athletics is to sponsor broad-based athletics programs that provide educational and athletic opportunities for all students and equitable opportunities for all students and staff. The Department of Athletics will execute its mission, as directed by the University s Board of Trustees, Chancellor and Athletics Director. Furthermore, the Department of Athletics is committed to excellence, integrity, fairness, good sportsmanship, and competitiveness that are consistent with and in support of the mission of the University of Pittsburgh. The Department of Athletics is committed to assisting student-athletes in personal, academic and athletic development. The development of student-athletes is incorporated within the total educational framework philosophies and objectives of the University. The University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics seeks to be a source of pride for the University, the City of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In doing so, the Department of Athletics strives to successfully compete at the highest level of Division I-A Athletics and to be the best athletics program in the Big East Conference. The Department of Athletics is committed to ethical, honest and sportsmanlike behavior in full compliance with all federal and state laws, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Big East Conference and University rules and regulations. Embraced in the mission of the Department of Athletics are the following operating principles and objectives: To strive to improve and sustain the academic performance of our student-athletes from admissions through graduation, and to continue to take an active role in enabling student-athletes to meet academic challenges. To provide support in all areas of student-athlete welfare including academics, physical and emotional well being, social development, personal growth, wellness, career and community service. To recruit student-athletes and staff of the highest integrity who possess the skills necessary to succeed. Through the principles of Commitment, Teamwork and Pride, promote character development in student-athletes, including cooperation, leadership, group loyalty, good sportsmanship and competition and thereby contribute to the development of institutional morale, loyalty and school spirit. To encourage student-athletes, coaches and administrative staff to participate in community involvement, through the Panthers Game Plan, as allowed by NCAA, Big East and University rules. To support equitable opportunities for all student-athletes, administrators, coaches and staff, by striving to create a culturally diverse staff that reflects the student-athlete population, the University and the City of Pittsburgh. The Department of Athletics will comply with applicable non-discrimination laws and University policies and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizen status, age, disability or veteran s status in employment, education and athletic participation. The University and the Department of Athletics is committed to compliance with Title IX and to gender equity in athletics. To employ coaches and administrative staff, consistent with NCAA, University and Department high standards of integrity, moral conduct, ethical behavior and sportsmanship. To provide the best facilities, equipment, training and health care to ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity to excel. To achieve fiscal stability by developing and monitoring a sound financial base of adequate funding and appropriate management of funding. iv

9 SA Responsibilities

10 SA Responsibilities

11 STUDENT-ATHLETE Responsibilities CONDUCT AND ETHICS The University of Pittsburgh has established a tradition of ethical conduct at all levels of University life. As a student-athlete involved in the intercollegiate athletics program, you are expected to represent the University in an honorable manner at all times. You are expected to uphold the standards of ethical conduct established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Big East Conference, the Department of Athletics and the University of Pittsburgh. Personal Conduct For you, the student-athlete, participation as a member of an athletics team carries with it definite academic and athletic responsibilities. They are as follows: Academic Responsibility Student-Athletes Must: 1. Adhere to the rules outlined in the University s Guidelines on Academic Integrity. The work, which you submit, must be your own. Representing the work of others as your own constitutes academic fraud. 2. Aggressively pursue the requirements for graduation, as that is the University of Pittsburgh s number one goal for all student-athletes; 3. Attend classes regularly and complete all academic assignments; 4. Consult with academic advisors and attend tutoring sessions, as directed; 5. Maintain an academic course load of at least twelve (12) credit hours per semester and make satisfactory progress toward a degree; and 6. Accept responsibility for maintaining all academic eligibility requirements each semester (see pages of the eligibility section for more details). Athletic Responsibility Student-Athletes Must: 1. Abide by all team, Department, University, Conference and NCAA rules; 2. Maintain oneself in top physical condition, within accepted health standards; 3. Attend all assigned events and organized practices unless officially excused; 4. Take proper care of equipment and return it in good condition; 5. Treat officials and opponents with respect, and avoid undue confrontations; 6. Maintain proper standards of grooming and dress; and 7. Abstain from using tobacco, alcohol and non-therapeutic drugs. As a student-athlete, you are encouraged to obtain clarification of any Team, Department, University, Conference or NCAA rules and regulations which you do not understand from a member of the coaching staff or a member of the administrative staff. 1

12 THE PITT PROMISE: A COMMITMENT TO CIVILITY All student-athletes will support the Pitt Promise, which is detailed below. The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the advancement of learning and service to the society. This is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility, self-restraint, concern for others, and academic integrity. By choosing to join this community, I accept the obligation to live by these common values and commit myself to the following principles. As a Pitt Student and a member of the University community: I will embrace the concept of a civil community which abhors violence, theft, and exploitation of others, I will commit myself to the pursuit of knowledge with personal integrity and academic honesty, I will respect the sanctity of the learning environment and avoid disruptive and deceitful behavior toward other members of the campus community, I will support a culture of diversity by respecting the rights of those who differ from myself, I will contribute to the development of a caring community where compassion for others and freedom of thought and expression are valued, I will honor, challenge and contribute to the scholarly heritage left by those who preceded me and work to leave this a better place for those who follow. By endorsing these common principles, I accept a moral obligation to behave in ways that contribute to a civil campus environment and resolve to support this behavior in others. This commitment to civility is my promise to the University of Pittsburgh and its community of scholars. Community Service Pledge The student-athlete experience at the University of Pittsburgh encompasses more than what is learned in the classroom and achieved on the playing field. The Department of Athletics has a longstanding commitment toward furthering its student-athletes relationship with the community. Each varsity athletic team is required to be involved in two (2) community service programs during the academic year (one each in the fall and spring semesters). Teams seeking assistance to coordinate these efforts should contact Charles Small, the Department s Student Life and Compliance Assistant, at (412) , csmall@athletics.pitt.edu. Sportsmanlike Conduct Sportsmanlike conduct means more than the absence of negative actions made in public. It includes proper behavior both on and off the playing field. Coaches will expect from student-athletes appropriate and sportsmanlike behavior at all times. Examples of unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to: 1. Physical and verbal abuse towards officials, coaches, opponents or spectators; 2

13 Throwing of objects; Unauthorized seizure of equipment from officials or news media; Inciting players or spectators to negative actions or to any behavior which insults or defiles an opponent s traditions; Use of obscene or otherwise inappropriate language or gestures; Making public statements which are negative, controversial or outside the parameters of the Department of Athletics media policy; or Participating in any action that violates generally recognized ethical standards of intercollegiate athletics participation. Sports Wagering Activities In NCAA Bylaw , Sports Wagering is defined as placing, accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member s or student-athlete s own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of prohibited sports wagering activities include (but are not limited to): 1. Use of a bookmaker or parlay card; 2. Internet sports wagering; 3. Auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and 4. Pools (e.g., March Madness bracket sheets) or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize. As per NCAA Bylaw 10.3, student-athletes should not knowingly: 1. Provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition; 2. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; 3. Accept a bet on any team representing the institution; 4. Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner); or 5. Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling. In addition, the following interpretations apply: Soliciting or accepting a wager for a material item: The provisions of NCAA bylaw 10.3 do not permit a student-athlete from soliciting or accepting a wager for a non-monetary material item (e.g., shirt, jersey, meal) that has tangible value in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value. It should be noted, however, that institutions that compete 3

14 against each other may agree to participate for a tangible item (e.g., governor s cup), provided no student-athletes receive any tangible item. Wagering on professional sports contests: The prohibition against student-athletes from participating in gambling activities associated with professional sports events is applicable only to those sports in which the Association conducts championship competition, bowl subdivision football and emerging women s sports. As a student-athlete, you are responsible for the following as it relates to sports wagering activities: 1. Reporting any offers of gifts, money or favors in exchange for supplying team information or for attempting to alter the outcome of any contest to the appropriate staff member (i.e., Coach, Administrative Staff); 2. Maintaining a clear understanding of what constitutes sports wagering, gambling and bribery activities and reporting any suspected infractions; 3. Contacting a coach or other Departmental personnel (i.e., Media Relations Staff) when questions concerning appropriate release of team information occur; and 4. Increasing your awareness that participation in sports wagering or bribery activities can result in disciplinary actions by the University and the NCAA, as well as local, state and/or federal prosecution of the involved individuals. Enforcement If student-athletes are found to be in violation of the University of Pittsburgh s Department of Athletics policies, the penalty that will be imposed depends upon the severity of the offense, and may include the following: 1. Probation from participation as a student-athlete; 2. Dismissal from the team; 3. Cancellation of financial aid; and/or 4. Dismissal from the University. ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES The Pitt Athletics Department is committed to the best interest of our student-athletes and your welfare is very important to us. As noted in this edition of the Student-Athlete Handbook, there are many services available to you and we hope you will take advantage of these opportunities through the Department of Athletics and other University resources. If you experience any problems, concerns or questions that you can not resolve utilizing the information provided to you, we encourage you to seek assistance from your head coach first. Your head coach should be able to help you with most issues, or to direct you to the appropriate resources. However, if you have an issue that your coach can not address, will not address or that involves your coach, you should speak directly to your sport s designated administrator: 4

15 Women s basketball, women s gymnastics, wrestling and women s volleyball Carol Sprague ( ; csprague@athletics.pitt.edu); Men s basketball Derek Morel ( ; dmorel@athletics.pitt.edu); Football Chris LaSala ( ; clasala@athletics.pitt.edu); Men s/women s swimming and diving, men s/women s soccer, women s tennis, men s/women s cross country, men s/women s track & field and softball Kirk Bruce ( ; kbruce@athletics.pitt.edu); Baseball Paul Klaczak ( ; pklaczak@athletics.pitt.edu). You may also feel free to contact Donna Sanft ( ; dsanft@athletics.pitt.edu) in the Office of Student Life and Compliance at any time. Regardless of the circumstances or the individual that you make initial contact with, it is vitally important that any problems that you may have are brought to our attention to help us in our efforts to operate our program in a sound and ethical manner. AMATEUR STATUS Only an amateur student-athlete, as defined by NCAA regulations, is eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport. An individual loses amateur status and thus shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if the individual: 1. Uses his or her athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in that sport; 2. Accepts a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received following completion of intercollegiate athletics participation; 3. Signs a contract or verbally gives a commitment of any kind to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability of any consideration received; 4. Receives, directly or indirectly, a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization based upon athletics skill or participation, except as permitted by NCAA rules and regulations; 5. Competes on any professional athletics team and knows (or had reason to know) that the team is a professional athletics team, even if no pay or remuneration for expenses was received; or 6. Enters into a professional draft or an agreement (either written or oral) with an agent or other entity to negotiate a professional contract. Agents A student-athlete will be considered ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has ever agreed (orally or in writing ) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletic ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports would be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual would be considered ineligible to participate in any sport. 5

16 A student-athlete is not permitted to sign an agreement with an attorney or financial advisor for the purpose of representation during the screening process of inquiries and offers from agents. The student-athlete (and his or her relatives and friends) is not permitted to accept any tangible benefits (e.g., gifts, money, etc.) from an agent and/or the representative of an agent, nor are they permitted to enter into a written or verbal agreement for future representation by an agent after the student-athlete s eligibility has been expired. In addition, student-athletes who have any questions about professional sports agents, accepting prize money for athletics contests, receiving payment of expenses or gifts of any kind, endorsing or advertising products or activities, owning their own businesses, or working as a model or performer should consult with the Office of Student Life and Compliance immediately. Violations of the amateur status regulations are possible in all of these areas. Promotional Activities The NCAA has strict guidelines regarding the use of a student-athlete s name, picture or likeness to promote any commercial entity or product. A student-athlete s involvement in any promotional event must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Life and Compliance, even if the activity is conducted by an institutional, educational, charitable or non-profit organization. Student-Athletes at the University of Pittsburgh are recognized as representatives of the University of Pittsburgh, both on and off campus. During your athletic careers at Pitt, you may be asked to participate in a variety of promotional activities (if deemed permissible) on behalf of: Pitt Athletics; Other entities of the University community, such as fraternities, sororities and various campus groups and/or Departments; Nonprofit and charitable organizations; Local schools and educational centers; and City of Pittsburgh community service initiatives. It is important to note that Pitt student-athletes may NOT endorse or promote in any manner (explicitly or implicitly) any commercial product or service. Doing so will immediately jeopardize your eligibility. The following policy is in place to review/monitor promotional activities for nonprofit, charitable and University of Pittsburgh entities that student-athletes may be involved in: 1. Written Permission: The student-athlete must get written permission to participate from the Office of Student Life and Compliance, using the Promotional Activities Approval Form. 2. Written Release: The student-athlete and an authorized representative of the charitable or educational agency must sign a release statement, included on the approval form, ensuring that the student-athlete s name, image or appearance is used in a manner consistent with NCAA rules. 6

17 3. No commercial involvement: The specific activity or project in which the studentathlete participates must not have any commercial involvement other than a logo appearing on material, such as pictures, posters or calendars. For example, you could not wear any apparel (e.g., t-shirt) with a corporation s logo, which would imply your endorsement of that entity/product. 4. No payment to student-athlete except for normal expenses: All monies derived from the activity or project goes directly to the member institution or the charitable/ educational agency. The student-athlete may accept legitimate or normal expenses, such as a meal, mileage and/or parking, as long as the benefit is approved in advance by the Office of Student Life and Compliance. 5. Classes: The student-athlete must not miss any classes to participate in the activity. In addition, participation by a student-athlete in any outside activities/competitions that are related to your sport (e.g., charity basketball tournament, softball games, etc.), both during the academic year and vacation periods (e.g., summer, holidays), must first be reviewed and approved by the Pitt Department of Athletics. In an effort to ensure that your eligibility will not be affected by participating in these types of events, please contact Charles Small ; csmall@athletics.pitt.edu) and Rick Christensen ( ; rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu) in the Office of Student Life and Compliance. Extra Benefits An extra benefit is considered to be any special arrangement or preferential treatment given to prospective student-athletes or enrolled student-athletes, their families/relatives, and/ or their friends that is not expressly authorized by NCAA regulations. Receipt by a studentathlete of an impermissible award, benefit or expense allowance can render the individual ineligible. Some examples of extra benefits that are not allowed are: Entertainment (such as tickets to sporting events, concerts, movies, meals at a restaurant, etc.) paid for by Panther Club donors, alumni, fans or others not related to you Money, loans or transportation services not available to all other University of Pittsburgh students Discounts on tickets, services, products or rent not available to all other Pitt students Use of an automobile (except owned by you or your family) Meals at a restaurant provided by athletic boosters, alumni, fans, or others not related to you Free or discounted typing services Use of telephone or telephone credit card at no charge Use of copy/fax machine at no charge or reduced rate Co-signing of loans (except by family members) You may receive up to four (4) complimentary admissions to each home and away contest in your sport for use by your family or friends. Please refer to the section on Complimentary Tickets for details. 7

18 NCAA regulations limit the number and type of awards banquets you may attend. If you are recognized by any additional University or outside group, you must check with your head coach and the Office of Student Life and Compliance before attending an event or accepting any awards. Student-Athlete Complimentary Admissions NCAA rules and regulations permit you to assign up to four (4) complimentary admissions to regular season athletic events in which you participate to certain individuals. As a studentathlete, you should be aware that your involvement in any action contrary to those rules can affect your eligibility. The rules that you should be aware of are summarized as follows: 1. Complimentary admissions may be provided only through a pass list for individuals designated by the student-athlete. No actual tickets can be given to your family or friends unless they pay the face value for them. 2. An institution may provide four (4) complimentary admissions per home or away contests in the sport in which the student-athlete participates for the designated individual, in accordance with NCAA regulations. 3. You may not sell or exchange a complimentary admission for any item of value. 4. An institution may provide six (6) complimentary admissions to student-athletes whose team is participating in a conference championship. The complimentary admissions card will be used in football and basketball to designate persons to receive these admissions. Prior to each event, home and away, each studentathlete requesting complimentary admissions will be required to complete and sign the complimentary admissions card. Information required from each student is: 1) the name of the recipient; and 2) the athletics event. Those individuals receiving complimentary admissions will be required to sign the card and show identification prior to admittance. In other sports, the coach will send a pass list to the ticket office after verifying that the list is in compliance with NCAA complimentary ticket policies. Violations of this policy may result in the loss of complimentary admissions privileges and/or loss of eligibility. TEAM TRAVEL Team Conduct Student-Athletes are expected to abide by the regulations for team travel as established by the head coach. Additionally, student-athletes will be expected to adhere to appropriate dress codes during travel and will be expected to follow all curfews established for the team. Standards of conduct will usually be included in the written team rules that your coach distributes at the beginning of the season. Academics Prior to travel, it is your responsibility to let your professors know that you will be absent. At the beginning of each semester, your head coach will provide you with a letter that lists 8

19 class days that will be missed due to travel/competition. You must meet with each of your professors at the beginning of the semester before the end of the add/drop period to discuss the travel schedule and to make arrangements to make-up work. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to make-up missed course work or exams that may be missed due to traveling with your team. In all cases, the professor has the final decision regarding missed class. If a conflict develops between class attendance, assignments or exams and obligations to your team schedule, you should inform your coach and the staff from Academic Support Service for Student-Athletes immediately. Under no circumstances are you permitted to miss a class in order to attend a team practice. If you find yourself in a class where you feel there will be conflicts with the schedule, you should meet with your assigned advisor from Academic Support Services for Student- Athletes and he/she will assist you in identifying solutions. NCAA Regulations NCAA and department policy rules permit the Athletics Department to pay only for your transportation, room and meals. All other charges (e.g., room service, pay TV, telephone calls or personal laundry service, etc.) are your personal financial responsibility. You must pay for these types of services before your team checks out of the hotel. Failure to abide by these travel restrictions can result in being declared ineligible by the NCAA or the University. Release from Team Travel All team members and Departmental staff members traveling with the team must travel to and from the away event with the official travel party and must stay at the team s assigned lodgings. Exceptions to this rule are rare. At the discretion of the Director of Athletics, or appropriate head coach, the student-athlete may be released to his parent(s), guardian(s) or appropriate family member in special circumstances. If approval is granted to a team member to travel separately, the student-athlete must sign a letter of release which is co-signed by the Head Coach or Director of Athletics. The letter should release the Department of Athletics, the University, its officers, trustees, agents and employees from any liability or risk involved in alternate travel plans. RECRUITING A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETE Prospective student-athletes (recruits) will be visiting the University throughout the year. When prospective student-athletes visit at their own expense, it is called an Unofficial Visit. When prospective student-athletes visit our campus and the Athletics Department covers any meals, housing or transportation costs, it is called an Official Visit. There are NCAA regulations governing your activities as well as the actions of the University staff and coaches anytime any of us are in contact with recruits. The following are the basic regulations you need to know. 9

20 Official Visit You may, at some time, be asked to serve as a host to a prospective student-athlete during his/her visit to the University of Pittsburgh. Acting as a student host is an important service to the institution and the Athletic Department. Appropriate conduct is required of you by institutional, conference and NCAA standards. There are strict NCAA rules and regulations that must be followed during this visit. Your coach will review these rules with you before you serve as a host. You will also be asked to read and sign a Student Host Instruction document before the visit. The following is a summary of standards you must meet and follow to be a Student Host for a prospect on an Official Visit to campus: 1. You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the University to serve as a student host and only student-athletes who are eligible to practice with the team are permitted to serve as hosts. If you are a freshman, you must have been a high school qualifier or partial qualifier. 2. Only you can be provided money with which to entertain yourself, the prospect, the prospect s parents (legal guardians), spouse and/or child(ren). This should not include any other individuals or relatives that are accompanying the prospect, such as brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends. Other students may assist with hosting the prospect but must pay for their own entertainment. 3. A maximum of $30 per day may be provided to cover the entertainment expenses of both yourself and the prospect. You may be provided with an additional $15 per day for each additional prospect you entertained by yourself. 4. No cash, including any portion of the recruiting money provided to you, may be given to the visiting prospect or anyone else. 5. You are not permitted to use entertainment funds to purchase, or otherwise provide the prospect with, gifts of value (e.g., souvenirs or clothing). 6. You are not permitted to use vehicles provided or arranged for by any University staff member or booster. 7. You are not permitted to transport the prospect, or anyone accompanying the prospect, more than 30 miles from the campus. 8. You must not allow recruiting conversations to occur, on or off campus, between the prospect and boosters, alumni, or former athletes from the University. (If an unplanned meeting occurs, only an exchange of greetings is permissible). 9. The prospect shall not be allowed to participate in any athletics activity involving or related to the sport for which the prospect is being recruited if it is arranged or observed by coaches or designed to test the athletics ability of the prospect. 10. You may receive a complimentary admission (no hard tickets), through a pass list, when accompanying a prospect to a campus athletics event. You may also receive complimentary admission to a campus athletics event if you are accompanying a prospect during an official visit. 10

21 Reminder: It is against the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a person to intentionally and knowingly furnish alcohol to a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age. UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS PROSPECT AND STUDENT HOST OFFICIAL VISIT RECRUITING POLICY The University of Pittsburgh is committed to operating the Athletics program with the highest standards of behavior and practices in all areas, including recruiting. The University will conduct all recruiting activities in accordance with this commitment and in compliance with all applicable NCAA regulations. In order to provide guidance to recruits, their parents/legal guardians and our student hosts, the following is a summary of the University s athletics official visit policy. 1. The purpose of the official visit is to give the recruit the opportunity to learn about the academic, social, and educational opportunities available at the University. Our student-athletes are held to very high standards in terms of our expectations of their behavior and attitude, and our recruits are expected to adhere to the same high standards of behavior during their visit. 2. Coaches will communicate to recruits their expectations in terms of behavior and attitude prior to the official visit. The recruit is expected to follow the instructions provided by the coach and found in this policy. 3. Student hosts are expected to follow the coaches instructions and avoid inappropriate behaviors as outlined in this policy. 4. Coaches will instruct the student hosts and recruits about what types of behavior and activities are appropriate and inappropriate. While good judgment is expected of student hosts and recruits, and all possible activities cannot be listed, the following are some examples of inappropriate activities which must be avoided: a. Attendance at adult entertainment facilities b. Excessive meals and transportation c. Provision of alcohol to underage recruits d. Provision of excessive transportation, such as limousines e. Use of escort services, exotic dancers, or any other similar services f. Use of drugs or sex as recruiting devices g. Participation in any unethical or illegal activity that violates criminal law or NCAA rules, such as provision of drugs, or participation in gambling activities h. Activities at any location that may cause a perception of impropriety 5. Providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited by Pennsylvania law and will not be tolerated. 6. For on campus transportation, student hosts may use their own personal vehicles, but may not use vehicles provided by coaches, boosters, or anyone else. 11

22 7. All recruits and their parents/guardians will be housed in standard lodging available to all guests at that hotel. 8. All meals provided to recruits and their parents/guardians will be comparable to meals provided to student athletes during the academic year. 9. The NCAA rules which apply to the duties and responsibilities of the student host are summarized in the Student Host Instructions/Receipt Form. Student hosts are required to read and sign a Student Host Instructions/Receipt Form prior to receiving host money. 10. The student host money is to be used to entertain the prospect with the appropriate forms of entertainment as outlined in these policies. 11. Following entertainment activities, the student host is to escort the prospect to their place of lodging within a reasonable hour or by the curfew, if established by the coach. 12. The student host will return any unused host monies to the head or assistant coach. 13. The student host will inform the head or assistant coach of the entertainment activities that occurred during the visit. 14. The recruit is asked to read and sign a Prospect Declaration Form. Any concerns about the recruiting process should be reported to the Office of Student Life and Compliance, who will in turn inform the Director of Athletics, so that appropriate action can be taken. Staff, coaches or student-athletes found to be in violation of these policies will face disciplinary action which may include termination of employment or cancellation of athletics aid. Recruits found to be in violation of this policy will have the remainder of their visit terminated and will return home immediately. Phone Calls Enrolled student-athletes or other enrolled students should not make or participate in recruiting telephone calls at the direction of a coaching staff member or financed by the institution or a representative of its athletic interest. Also, enrolled student-athletes are not permitted to participate in recruiting phone calls for any programs, even those unrelated to athletics, such as the Honors College. Unofficial Visit An unofficial visit by a prospect is when the prospect visits the campus at his/her own expense. When a prospective student-athlete visits the University of Pittsburgh on an unofficial visit, he or she cannot be entertained and/or stay overnight with an enrolled student-athlete. The provision of any type of material assistance (i.e., place to stay, meals, transportation, and entertainment) can negatively affect the eligibility of both you and the prospect. It is very important that we stay within the guidelines set forth by both the University of Pittsburgh and the NCAA. Before a question or doubt arises, ASK! Your Head Coach and the Office of Student Life and Compliance are willing to answer any questions you may have about your role in the recruitment of prospects. 12

23 Equipment Student-Athletes receive equipment and apparel for use during practice and competition. In order to continue to provide you with the best equipment possible, it is essential that equipment is not lost or destroyed. The equipment issued to you for your use is the property of the University of Pittsburgh and must be returned at the end of the season or upon termination of participation with the team. Student-Athletes have a special obligation to take good care of equipment and to see that it is returned in accordance with team policy. To ensure that each student-athlete will make every attempt to protect his or her equipment, the following policies are in effect. 1. The individual student-athlete is responsible for each piece of equipment issued to him or her. He/she will be expected to return the equipment at the end of the season or upon termination of his/her participation in that sport. 2. If a piece of equipment is missing, the individual will be issued another. In this manner, no one will be forced to be late or miss practice. If the missing piece of equipment is not returned, the student-athlete will be billed for it. 3. The student-athlete must return each and every piece of equipment he/she has been issued. The student-athlete will be billed for any equipment not returned unless determined unusable by the department. 4. An individual with an unpaid bill will be reported to the University accounting system. If the bill is not paid, he/she will eventually have a hold placed on the account, resulting in a lack of services such as registration, add/drop, etc. 5. It is expected that equipment will break down and/or wear out. When this happens, simply return the items in question and the equipment manager will issue a replacement. 6. This policy is intended to ensure that every student-athlete will have the best equipment possible at all times. Student-Athletes will have this policy explained to them at the time that they are issued equipment. OUTSIDE COMPETITION Competition and practice on outside teams during the academic year and in the summer are restricted in different ways for different sports. You can jeopardize your eligibility by participating on an outside team in some cases and NCAA rules are specific pertaining to the number of teammates from each institution that can be on the same team. Please note that prior to involvement in any type of organized competition or practice with a non-pitt amateur team, you must receive approval from your head coach, the Office of Student Life and Compliance, and the Director of Athletics. 13

24 SPECIAL NOTES FOR FRESHMEN AND FIRST TERM TRANSFERS The following is some general information that will be helpful to you as a student who is new to the University of Pittsburgh. The Office of Student Life and Compliance is the liaison for the Athletic Department with many departments in the University including Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Housing, Book Center, and Registration. We also process off-campus housing allowances, monitor eligibility, process athletic grant-in-aids, coordinate the Life Skills program and provide other related services to the Athletics Department and to student-athletes. The most common problems student-athletes bring to our office are related to systems problems incomplete or inaccurate registrations, inaccurate financial aid appearing on an account, etc. Sometimes these system problems can affect your athletics eligibility. To avoid problems of this nature, please follow these directions: Always register for a minimum of 12 credits If you must add/drop, be sure your total is always at least 12 credits. Please note, the selfpaced courses (previously known as external study courses) that are offered through the PittOnline program do not count toward the 12 credit minimum. In case a course is closed, have alternate courses selected so you can register for 12 credits. Most forms of financial aid, athletics or non-athletics, require you to be a full-time student and will not cross over to your account unless you are registered for 12 or more credits. You must carry a minimum of 12 credits to be eligible to practice and play! If you register late, you will be assessed a $25 late fee. Read your invoice and take action on it Your invoice/bill for tuition, fees, room and board is always available for you to access online at Even if you are a full grant-in-aid student-athlete, if one thing is not correct, do not assume that everything will be taken care of and discard the invoice. If your athletics financial aid is not appearing or is incorrect, bring it to us and we will help you. If you are having problems with other types of financial aid, call (412) and make an appointment to see Cynthia Henderson in the Office of Financial Aid at Alumni Hall. Students may be charged up to three late payment fees per term Late payment fees will be automatically charged to your account the day after each due date appearing on your statement. When the first late payment fee has been charged you will receive a bill reflecting your past due account balance and a $50 late payment fee. If you fail to pay your account balance by the bill s due date, you will be charged a $50 late payment fee and a hold will be placed on your account. You will receive another bill reflecting your past due account balance and the second late fee. Failure to pay your account balance by the bill s due date will result in a third late payment fee of $50. You will receive another bill reflecting your past due account and the third late payment fee. After three late payment fees are charged, if your account remains unpaid by the bill s due date you will not receive subsequent bills and will not be charged additional late payment fees. Your account, however, will be referred for collection. 14

25 Charges you owe can result in a hold on your account When a hold is placed on your account, you will be prevented from registering for future terms or processing add/drops as well as receiving grades, transcripts, refunds or offcampus housing checks. When you are notified that you have a hold on your account, follow the directions on the letter you receive. Examples of charges you might owe are late add/ drop fees, overdue telephone charges, dorm room damages, lost equipment, library fines, and/or late payment of tuition. Freshmen are required to verify immunizations The University has a policy regarding measles immunizations based on new recommendations issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pennsylvania State Health Department. All incoming freshmen will be required to have two measles vaccinations, both after 12 months of age, at least one month apart. An MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) injection can be substituted for a measles injection. When checking your health records, be aware that other names for measles are rubella, 9-day measles or hard red measles. If the Student Health Service does not receive documentation of these immunizations, a freshman s registration for the Spring Term will be blocked. Freshmen are required to submit final high school transcripts verifying high school graduation Before being permitted to register for the Spring Term, freshmen must have a final high school transcript on file with the University. If your final high school transcript is not on file, you will not be permitted to register for Spring Term. HAZING Hazing at the University of Pittsburgh is considered a violation of the University s Anti-Hazing Policy and Student Code of Conduct & Judicial Procedures, and is absolutely prohibited. Hazing may also be considered a criminal act in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania law and the University policy define hazing as follows: Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanction of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education. The term shall include, but is not limited to: Any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual 15

26 Any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment Any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual Any willful destruction or removal of public or private property Any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a forced activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding. Therefore, any student who causes or participates in hazing may be subject to appropriated University discipline and/or may be subject to criminal prosecution. Students and others are encouraged to report incidents, and suspected incidents, of hazing to any University of Pittsburgh varsity intercollegiate athletics team, to Athletic Director, Jeff Long ( ) or Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Student Life & Compliance, Donna Sanft ( ). Students and others may also contact the University of Pittsburgh Police (811) or the Office of the Director of the University Student Judicial System ( ). INTERNET-BASED FORMS OF COMMUNICATION SOCIAL NETWORKING RESOURCES Information that is posted on a web site, or social networking resources such as MySpace. com and Facebook.com, are regularly available for the general public to obtain and view, usually with minimal effort. In addition to being protective with private records (e.g., financial) when using the internet, students should consider the potential pitfalls and consequences associated with posting behavior that is not consistent with the University s code of conduct. You should be aware that the release and viewing of personal information, which may or may not be unacceptable and improper in nature, could have adverse affects on your life in various ways: Damage or embarrassment inflicted on relationships with family, friends, and/or colleagues Career development maintaining employment; securing potential job opportunities; fostering a hostile work environment Legal issues that transpire from demonstrated unlawful acts Potential unwanted media exposure regarding your actions Opportunity to participate on your team Potential unwanted attention or contact of a social nature 16

27 Content that includes inappropriate behavior could unknowingly be accessed by the following individuals: Law enforcement Current/future employers, work associates School administrators Coach Family members Stalkers Ultimately, the student-athlete is responsible for what is posted and communicated through this medium. Although it is often used as a way to communicate with peers and to keep in touch with friends, the student should be smart when building a profile or creating a page on one of these sites. It is up to you to choose how much information that you want to share, but remember, once it is online, it is there permanently. The Office of Student Life & Compliance staff consists of: Donna Sanft Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Student Life & Compliance dsanft@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Donna is responsible for overseeing Pitt s entire Compliance, NCAA rules education process, and the Panther Game Plan life skills program. The Panther Game Plan is a comprehensive academic and athletic development program for all student-athletes at the University of Pittsburgh, utilizing educational, athletic and community resources and preparing them for their lives and careers after college. In addition, Donna, a former Pitt student-athlete and coach, works with the Department s Performance Teams, which consists of Sports Medicine Physicians, Certified Athletic Trainers, and Strength and Conditioning Staff within the Athletic Department, and other specialists related to student-athletes welfare outside the Athletic Department, such as Nutritionists, Psychologists, and other medical specialists as appropriate. Dan Bartholomae Director of Compliance dbartholomae@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Dan implements and monitors the Department s NCAA rules education program to ensure that Pitt s 19 varsity sports teams and more than 452 student-athletes are in compliance with the NCAA s mandated regulations. He is the Department s primary contact for rules questions 17

28 and interpretations. From an academic and athletic eligibility standpoint, Dan acts as the liaison with various campus entities (e.g., admissions, registrar, ASSSA), along with the NCAA Clearinghouse, to verify the current status of each student-athlete that seeks to represent and participate on one of Pitt s intercollegiate athletic teams. He also assists with game day operational responsibilities during Panther home football contests. Donna Sloan Assistant Director of Student Life dsloan@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Donna coordinates all activities related to University financial aid and outside grants for student-athletes and acts as a liaison between the Athletics Department and the University in this area. As the Assistant Director of Student Life, Donna provides various student services and she is also responsible for coordinating the George I. Carson Fellowship award and the Panther Game Plan Degree Completion Program. Her administrative duties within the Department also extend to approving and coordinating the uses of the NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund and NCAA Special Assistance Fund, which directly benefit Pitt athletes in a variety of ways. Rick Christensen Assistant Director of Compliance rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Rick assists with the day-to-day responsibilities of the compliance office. His main areas of concentration focus on promotional and preenrollment information pertaining to a student-athletes amateur status. From the monitoring of employment opportunities to promotional activities and institutional camps and clinics, plus rules education and interpretations, Rick shares in the responsibility of ensuring that the University s athletics program is adhering to the NCAA s compliance guidelines. He also assists with the administration of the NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund and NCAA Special Assistance Fund for Pitt student-athletes. Penny Semaia Career and Life Skills Coordinator psemaia@pitt.edu, (412) Penny, a former Pitt student-athlete, is responsible for assisting the student-athletes and alumni with career planning and as the facilitator of the Panther Game Plan Life Skills program. His duties include evaluating internships, job searching strategies, administering workshops and programs, developing job search resources and establishing contacts with employers and faculty members. As an objective and benefit to 18

29 the Panther Game Plan Life Skills program, Penny seeks to increase personal development, community service and leadership opportunities to Pitt s student-athletes. Charles Small Student Life and Compliance Assistant csmall@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Charles is as the primary contact for student-athletes seeking involvement in volunteer and community service opportunities. He assists individual student-athletes, or teams, with identifying and participating in service activities. Charles, a former Pitt student-athlete himself, also assists with the Panther Game Plan Life Skills program in the areas of career and leadership development. Amy Rhodes Student Life and Compliance Administrative Assistant arhodes@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Amy is the immediate contact for student-athletes to obtain information pertaining to textbook requisitions and other required course related materials, as well as conducting the textbook return auditing procedure. In addition, she assists with certifying outside grants and processing student-athletes meal plans and housing (on- and off-campus) arrangements. Mimi Owen Secretary mowen@athletics.pitt.edu, (412) Mimi is the first point of contact in the Student Life and Compliance Office. In addition to her daily secretarial duties for the Department, she assists and directs student-athletes to the proper staff member regarding various topics. Mimi processes all National Letters of Intent and Special Aid Awards, along with scheduling exit interviews and preparing monthly student-athlete calendars. She also collects off campus housing contracts and leases, as well as distributes all refund and reimbursement checks. The Office of Student Life and Compliance is located on the Lawn Level of the Petersen Event Center in the Miller Administration Facility. The main phone number is (412)

30 20

31 Eligibility

32 Eligibility

33 NCAA and UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS FOR PRACTICE AND COMPETITION In order to be eligible to participate in athletics at the University of Pittsburgh, there are several institutional and NCAA regulations that you should understand. For a summary of the academic standards which apply to you, please refer to the section below pertaining to the NCAA s Progress Toward Degree Requirements for Continuing Eligibility. In addition to the criteria described, the following standards regarding full-time enrollment also apply: To be eligible to practice and compete, you must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the regulations at the University of Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh has determined a minimum fulltime program as being enrolled in 12 credits during a semester. Please note, the Self-Paced Courses (previously known as External Studies Courses) that are offered through the PittOnline Program DO NOT count toward the 12 credit minimum. If at any point you withdraw from a class or no longer attend a course that puts you below the 12 credit minimum, you may become immediately ineligible for practice and competition. Your eligibility for practice and competition can only be reinstated if the Registrar s Office verifies you are taking a minimum of 12 credits during the semester (not including self-paced courses). To practice between terms (i.e., during the official vacation period immediately preceding initial enrollment or during the holiday and/or spring break), you must be accepted for enrollment in a regular, full-time program of studies and you must register for a minimum full-time program of studies for the upcoming term. If you are enrolled in the final semester of your degree program while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, you can receive a waiver of the full-time enrollment requirement, provided it is certified that you are carrying (for credit) the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements. A form verifying this information must be on file and approved by the Compliance Office. Athletic Department Policy Regarding Practice Scheduling and Class Attendance A student-athlete s class attendance will be first and foremost in all scheduling of practices. Additionally, student-athletes will not miss class in order to participate in practices held on-campus. 1. Coaches will select, as soon as possible, optimum hours for practices based on facility availability and report those to the Office of the Academic Support Services for Student Athletes (ASSSA). 2. The office of the ASSSA will then make the best efforts to schedule the students classes with the least amount of conflict with those hours, never deviating from the goal of graduation and degree process. 21

34 Once class schedules are in place, the ASSSA will meet with the coach to, in best effort, resolve any conflicts, understanding that it is impossible to accommodate practice time for every student-athlete. If the issue cannot be resolved to either the student-athlete s or the coach s satisfaction, a meeting may be scheduled with the Athletic Director, who will be in consultation with the Director of the ASSSA. Playing time will be established by athletic related criteria. Missed practice due to class conflicts will never be used in those criteria. Under no circumstances may a student-athlete miss class to attend practice. Seasons of Competition and the Five-Year Clock Student-athletes are not permitted to engage in more than four seasons of competition in any sport. A season of competition is used if the athlete competes in even one play or event of one contest. A medical hardship waiver for a season-ending/capacitating injury, illness or medical condition can be granted, reinstating a year of eligibility, under certain circumstances. A recent rule change increased the maximum number of contests or dates of competition in which a student-athlete may participate in a season and still remain eligible for a possible medical hardship waiver to three (3) contests/dates of competition or 30% of the institution s scheduled contests/dates of competition in that particular sport. Your head coach, or a staff member in the Office of Student Life and Compliance can explain how the hardship waiver applies to your sport. At the Division I level, student-athletes must complete their seasons of competition within five years of the first term of full-time enrollment in any four- or two-year college. This means even if you leave school for a number of years after your first full-time enrollment, your five year clock keeps running. Contact Donna Sanft, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Student Life and Compliance at (412) for information on waivers for reasons of pregnancy, military service, service in the Peace Corps, or tryouts and competition for Pan Am or Olympic competition. NCAA PROGRESS TOWARD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY Under NCAA rules, every student-athlete must satisfy the following requirements for satisfactory academic progress to be eligible to compete. 24 Credit Rule (For Freshmen Only) You must have satisfactorily completed 24 semester hours of academic credit in your first year (before your third semester) spent at the University of Pittsburgh in order to maintain your eligibility for the following academic year (summer coursework can be applied as well). 22

35 18 Credit Rule (For All Student-Athletes) You must earn at least 18 credit hours required for Progress Toward Degree during the regular academic year (i.e., Fall and Spring semesters). This requirement must be satisfied every year you are enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh as a student-athlete. As a reminder, the NCAA will not accept credits earned in the external study classes as Fall or Spring semester courses for the 18 credit hour requirement even if the external study courses were taken in the Fall and/or Spring. External study credit hours earned may be used as summer hours for NCAA requirements. Six Credit Rule You must pass a minimum of six credit hours in the previous term in order to be eligible for the upcoming term. For example, you must pass a minimum six credit hours in the Fall in order to be eligible in the Spring, and you must pass a minimum of six credits in the Spring in order to be eligible in the following Fall semester. This rule applies to all studentathletes (i.e., new students, continuing students, transfers and graduate students). If you are a transfer your last full-time term of collegiate enrollment will be used to satisfy this requirement. Declaration of a Major You must choose a major that leads to a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of your third year (i.e., fifth semester) of enrollment. This includes transfer students who will be entering their third year (fifth semester) of collegiate enrollment regardless if the transfer student has not yet completed an academic year in residence or utilized one season of eligibility in a sport at the University of Pittsburgh. As a reminder, the credits used to determine Progress Toward Degree Requirements (i.e., 24 credit requirement) will be based upon credits earned toward your declared major. In addition, a student-athlete in his or her first two years of collegiate enrollment is permitted to use all credits acceptable toward any degree program at their school in order to satisfy the credit-hour requirements, regardless of their designated degree program. Percentage of Degree Requirements 40/60/80 If you are entering your fifth full-time semester (i.e., 3rd year) of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 40% of the course requirements in your specific degree program. For example, if you are in a 120 credit hour degree program, 40% of the course requirement would be 48 credits that apply toward your selected degree program. If you are entering your seventh full-time semester (4th year) of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 60% of the course requirements in your specific degree program. For a 120 credit hour program, 72 credits would be 60%. If you are entering your ninth full-time semester (i.e., 5th year) of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 80% of the course requirements in your specific degree program. For a 120 credit hour program, 96 credits would be 80%. 23

36 Minimum GPA Requirements If you are entering your third and fourth full-time semester (i.e., 2nd year) of collegiate enrollment (all collegiate attendance included), you must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of If you are entering your fifth and sixth full-time semester (i.e., 3rd year) of collegiate enrollment (all collegiate attendance included), you must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of If you are entering your seventh and eighth full-time semester (i.e., 4th year) of collegiate enrollment (all collegiate attendance included), you must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of If you are entering your ninth and tenth full-time semester (i.e., 5th year) of collegiate enrollment (all collegiate attendance included), you must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of *These grade point average requirements must be met each term (e.g., prior to the spring semester). Please note that the grade point averages required for NCAA eligibility may not be the same as those required by your degree program. Every student-athlete should check with the academic advisor in their school or college as GPA s below 2.00 may result in sanctions such as academic probation or suspension. Also keep in mind, all incoming transfer student-athletes must satisfy the applicable GPA requirement [based on their overall year(s) of enrollment] at the end of their first full-time semester at the University of Pittsburgh. CONTINUING ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY SUMMARY Credit Rule (Freshmen Only) Must earn a minimum of 24 credit hours before the third semester; applies to freshmen only. 18 Credit Rule Must earn a minimum of 18 credits combined in the Fall and Spring semesters every year, including freshman year. Six Credit Rule Must pass a minimum of six credit hours in previous term in order to be eligible for upcoming term. This requirement must be met each term. Cumulative Grade Point Average Prior to third and fourth semesters (i.e., 2nd year): 1.80 Prior to fifth and sixth semesters (i.e., 3rd year): 1.90 Prior to seventh and eighth semesters (i.e., 4th year): 2.00 Prior to ninth and tenth semesters (i.e., 5th year): 2.00 Please note, in order to count up the number of terms, you must take into account all semesters of attendance at any and all collegiate institutions. 24

37 *These grade point average requirements must be met each term (e.g., prior to the spring semester). Please note that the grade point averages required for NCAA eligibility may not be the same as those required by your degree program. Every student-athlete should check with the academic advisor in their school or college as GPA s below 2.0 may result in sanctions such as academic probation or suspension. Self-Paced Courses offered through the PittOnline Program Self-Paced Courses (previously known as External Studies Courses) offered through the PittOnline Program do not count toward full-time enrollment for NCAA eligibility/ academic requirements. Course Repeats You only get credit one time. If you repeat a course, you always get the second grade (even if it is worse). Percent Degree Requirements Prior to fifth semester (i.e., 3rd year): 40% (48 credits /120 credits) Prior to seventh semester (i.e., 4th year): 60% (72 credits / 120 credits) Prior to ninth semester (i.e., 5th year): 80% (96 credits / 120 credits) Please note in order to count up the number of terms, you must take into account all semesters of attendance at any and all collegiate institutions. All credits that count toward your degree may be used to satisfy the percentage, including all credits taken in the summer, all self-paced/external studies courses, and transfer courses. Declaration of a Major You must choose a major that leads to a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of your third year (i.e., fifth semester) of enrollment. SELF-PACED COURSES (previously known as External Studies Courses) OFFERED THROUGH THE PITTONLINE PROGRAM A Self-Paced Course is any course that does not require regular attendance. Examples include courses taken on/over the internet, courses where you work at your own speed and courses where work is mailed to the instructor. Prior approval from the Compliance Office is required for these courses regardless of where the course is taken. Some courses and their course work will not count toward NCAA and/or University of Pittsburgh eligibility. Before you register for any correspondence course(s), please make initial contact with your individual academic advisor in the ASSSA Office, and/or Dan Bartholomae, Director of Compliance, in the Compliance Office ( ) to ensure its acceptance and transferability. 25

38 POSTSEASON PARTICIPATION BETWEEN TERMS In order for a student-athlete to be eligible to compete in a postseason event (e.g., conference tournament, bowl game, National Invitation Tournament, NCAA championship) that occurs between regular terms (including the summer) a student-athlete, must have satisfactorily completed six credit hours the preceding regular academic term of full-time enrollment. A student-athlete who is graduating and was approved to be enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies during the term immediately prior to the postseason event is subject to the following requirements: If the student-athlete was enrolled in at least six credit hours, he or she must have satisfactorily completed six credits; or If the student-athlete was enrolled in less than six credit hours, he or she must have satisfactorily completed all the courses in which he or she was enrolled. If, during the student-athlete s last semester of enrollment prior to meeting graduation degree requirements, the student-athlete was enrolled in more than six credits, but less than a full-time course load, he or she is encouraged to complete all of the credits they are enrolled in. A student-athlete s eligibility for the postseason will be certified within 14 business days (regardless of the date in which grades are posted or submitted) after the date of the last scheduled examination listed in the institution s official calendar for the term that is ending. If the postseason event occurs prior to the conclusion of the 14 business days, eligibility will be determined by using grades from either the preceding regular academic term or from the most recent regular academic term for which grades have been posted. UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH STUDENT-ATHLETES TRANSFERRING TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS If a Pitt student-athlete wishes to contact another institution to inquire about possibly transferring there, the student-athlete should talk to their coach first, and then meet with the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration, Student Life and Compliance or the Director of Compliance. If permission is granted, a letter will be sent to the institutions indicated by the student-athlete. If a University of Pittsburgh student-athlete requests a release to utilize the one-time transfer exception in order to transfer and become immediately eligible at another institution, again the student-athlete should seek permission from the coach. If for some reason the Athletics Director denies the request for the one-time transfer exception, or a student-athlete is denied permission to contact another institution, the student will be informed of the appeals procedure by the Athletics Director or designee. The decision to deny permission can be made for many reasons, but it should be noted that the University s standing policy is that releases are not granted to institutions within the Big East Conference or institutions that appear on upcoming competition schedules for the student-athlete s team. There may also be other reasons why permission has been denied. 26

39 Appeals Process If a student-athlete wishes to appeal a denial of permission to communicate with another institution or the denial of a waiver of the one year residency requirement, the studentathlete may contact the University of Pittsburgh s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, Dr. Susan Albrecht, to request a hearing. The Faculty Athletics Representative will convene a hearing on the student-athlete s behalf where the student-athlete and representatives of the Athletics Department will be permitted a limited time to present each point of view. The hearing committee will be comprised of the Faculty Athletics Representative, a representative of the Office of the Dean of the student-athlete s undergraduate college and an elected faculty member from the University Faculty Senate Athletics Committee. Their decision will be final. If you have any questions about this policy, or regarding NCAA regulations in this area, please feel free to contact Dr. Susan Albrecht at (412) , or Donna Sanft, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Student Life and Compliance at (412) BIG EAST INTRA-CONFERENCE TRANSFER POLICY Student-athletes in the sports of football and men s and women s basketball are not permitted to transfer, directly or indirectly, from one BIG EAST institution to another BIG EAST institution and participate in athletics. There are no exceptions or waivers to this rule. Student-athletes in all other sports may transfer, directly or indirectly, from one BIG EAST institution to another BIG EAST institution and participate in athletics provided that prior to competing for the second Conference institution the student-athlete serves a year in residency at the second Conference institution. During the year in residency [two full semesters or three full quarters (which shall be determined in accordance with NCAA rules associated with transfers)] the student-athlete shall not lose a year of eligibility, and shall be eligible to practice and receive athletically related financial aid. Special Notes A student-athlete who signs a valid National Letter of Intent with a BIG EAST institution is subject to the above-mentioned transfer policy for the sport in which they signed the NLI. A student-athlete who signs a valid National Letter of Intent with a BIG EAST institution, and is subsequently granted a complete release to said NLI or is granted a release by the NLI Steering Committee, is subject to the above-mentioned transfer policy for the sport in which they signed the NLI. A student-athlete who signs a valid National Letter of Intent with a BIG EAST institution that is subsequently declared null and void (as set forth in Section 7 of the NLI), is not subject to the above-mentioned transfer policy as long as said student-athlete did not trigger transfer status (as defined by NCAA bylaws) prior to the NLI being declared null and void. 27

40 4. As noted in each section, the above-mentioned policy is applicable to all studentathletes who have never enrolled full-time at a BIG EAST institution (e.g., four-twofour transfers, four-four-four transfers). 5. If a student-athlete is granted an ARS waiver by the NCAA in conjunction with a transfer scenario, the ARS waiver would override the BIG EAST policy. 6. Institutions are not permitted to enter into separate arrangements that would in any way alter the terms and conditions of the above-stated policy (e.g., allowing a student-athlete to transfer but to not compete against the institution that they transferred from). 7. In all sports except football and men s and women s basketball, non-recruited student-athletes that never received athletically related financial aid are not subject to terms and conditions of the above-stated policy. This policy is effective as of October 31, 2005 and is not retroactive. 28

41 ASSSA

42 ASSSA

43 ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES (ASSSA) PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND MISSION The Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes (ASSSA) has one mission: To help the men and women student-athletes of The University of Pittsburgh have a meaningful and successful academic experience during their campus year. While competing in their respective sports, the members of the many Pittsburgh teams must also focus on their graduation and preparation for the future. To this end, ASSSA is an invaluable resource for the student-athlete community. Since its beginning in 1972, ASSSA has offered several important services to the studentathletes. Contact between the Office and the student-athlete begins early, often during the recruiting process. At University orientation, ASSSA counselors administer tests and assist in the class scheduling process. Learning skills and study habits are strengthened throughout the freshman year through regular student meetings with their assigned counselor, organized study sessions, and workshops. Structured academic plans for individual students are formulated. Tutors are provided for those students who request them, and assigned to those the staff feels may need additional help. Class attendance and performance are monitored throughout the school year. Career counseling is an important part of the program, and ASSSA regularly offers workshops in such areas as resume writing and career planning. The goal of ASSSA is to build long-term skills to enable the athlete to be an independent and successful student, skills which will be carried on long after an athletic career has ended. ASSSA is located at the Willis Center for Academic Support in the Petersen Events Center. In addition to staff offices, it includes a computer/learning lab, a writing center, career resource center and individual meeting rooms for study and tutoring sessions. PERSONNEL The full-time staff of ASSSA consists of the Director, seven Student Services Specialists, an information specialist, two Graduate Student Assistants, and an Administrative Assistant. Between 50 and 75 tutors are employed throughout the course of an academic school year. These tutors are students or other employees (e.g. part-time faculty or research assistants) at the university. Each ASSSA staff member is assigned a group of sports for which they serve as a primary Coordinator or link. For these sports, the Coordinator provides academic support and assistance from the recruiting process through matriculation at The University of Pittsburgh and eventual graduation. Coordinators provide direct services to students within their own academic specialties and make referrals to other staff and/or services provided throughout the university. These services might include tutorials, academic pre- and post-advising, career exploration, structured Individual Academic Plans (IAP), and numerous other services that would help students to overcome their respective challenges to their academic success at the University of Pittsburgh. 29

44 PROGRAM COMPONENTS Pre-Admission & New Student Orientation Information is provided to prospective freshmen and transfer students on admissions procedures, pre-registration, degree selection and course availability. Prior to the official campus visit, the Recruiting Coordinator or Head Coach of the designated sport is responsible for arranging a meeting between the prospect and faculty members in the student-athlete s area of interest. The ASSSA staff serves as a source of general information on available University resources, in addition to including a list of faculty and staff members interested in supporting the recruiting process. Prior to initial enrollment, freshmen and student-athletes are encouraged to attend an advising session and an orientation session provided to all students. Additionally, the ASSSA staff conducts an orientation session for all freshmen to familiarize student-athletes with the academic requirements of the university and their academic responsibilities. Academic Planning To comply with the NCAA s Progress Toward Degree Requirements, a comprehensive academic file is maintained by ASSSA staff on each student-athlete. A plan of study for each student-athlete, developed by the Academic Advisor in the student s undergraduate school, will be kept on file in ASSSA. The link for each sport maintains detailed records related to registration, academic eligibility and degree progress for members of their respective squads. ASSSA, Compliance, and the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative review the academic progress of all studentathletes on a routine basis. Individual Academic Plans Individual Academic Plans (IAP) are a format for creating individualized academic assistance. The student, the link and/or the coach will discuss the student s goals for the semester, and outline some specific behaviors, which will assist the student in reaching his or her goals. Such behaviors might include: individual or group tutoring, study hall hours, regularly scheduled meetings with their link, and/or meetings with the freshman advisor. Tutorial Services Student-athletes who are recognized as formal members of sports rosters are provided with access to these services free of charge. They can include individual and small group tutorials as well as review sessions for common courses. Tutors with a variety of backgrounds are made available to all student-athletes at the university to assist them with their academic work. They are assigned to student-athletes upon request of the studentathlete or as recommended by the Head Coach or assigned link. The use of tutors is also suggested to student-athletes when monitoring reports or basic skills indicate that they may be experiencing difficulty with a course. 30

45 Study Hall Study halls are not a mandatory component of the academic support plan for every studentathlete. However, mandatory study halls may be instituted at the request of a Head Coach and/or and Academic Coordinator. When study hall is required, the Academic Coordinator provides the student-athletes with information regarding the location and time of the study sessions. Study halls become a part of the Individual Academic Plan for the student. Class Attendance Meeting Coaches encourage student-athletes to attend class on a regular basis and to present a copy of their sport s schedule to instructors at the beginning of each semester. Studentathletes are responsible for making arrangements to take examinations and completing work assignments affected by team travel or competition. Instructors are aware of the problems involved in scheduling athletic competition and are usually willing to assist student-athletes if they are requested to do so in advance. The Faculty Senate Athletics Committee requires that all student-athletes are monitored for their classroom performance and attendance through a comprehensive system devised and administered by ASSSA on its behalf. Each term, the ASSSA program submits periodic written requests for academic progress reports on student-athletes to the general faculty of the university. This information is gathered to provide the student-athlete and his/her coach with a more realistic picture of his/her progress in a particular course. In addition, the monitoring process provides the ASSSA staff with valuable feedback from instructors, which can be used to develop Individual Academic Plans (IAP). Academic Support In-Season Travel Schedule The staff of ASSSA primarily provides support to student-athletes on campus. However, during the competition season, student-athletes, coaches and/or faculty might enlist the support of an ASSSA in facilitating the academic experience while away from campus. Coaches can request that ASSSA hold study halls during trips lasting 48 hours or more. Student-athletes needing tutorial support can request through their coaches that ASSSA accompany the team in order to provide needed support. Faculty can also request that examinations be proctored during a team s absence. In any of the aforementioned cases, it is the responsibility of ASSSA to accommodate these requests. Career Development Program The Career Development Program, in conjunction with the Panther Game Plan, can be helpful as students assess their interests, make decisions about their major, prepare their resumes, and practice their interviewing skills. Also, obtaining internship and job experience in a particular field before a student graduates is important to their success. With the assistance of the Career Development Program, specifically the career planning timetable, students can follow steps in finding and pursuing a meaningful career. 31

46 HOW TO BE AN ACADEMIC WINNER! Education is like an apprenticeship between student and teacher. Initially, the teacher provides example, direction, evaluation and help. However, as time goes on, students become more self-sufficient, more self-directed, and more self-critical. Finally the student becomes teacher his or her own teacher. You are responsible for your own academic success. Only you can go to classes, make sure you complete assignments on time, and ask for help when you need it. Only you can take control of your learning and be an academic winner. Tips for Academic Success: Go to class. Regular class attendance is as important as regular attendance at practice. You know what your coach would say if you missed practice. Sit near the front of the classroom so you can see, hear and ask questions. Take notes, even during discussions, to keep your mind from wandering and to help you stay awake. Read the course syllabus. Understand what your professor expects you to do. Get a notebook and organize the notes, syllabi, handouts and assignments for each class. Use a calendar or term planner to record all test and assignment due dates, scheduled competitions, appointments and meetings. Keep up with your reading assignments. Don t wait until a week (or worse, a night) before the test to begin your reading. Get to know at least one student in each class to contact if you miss a class for a competition. Managing Your Time Student-athletes have very little time to waste if they want to be successful on and off the field. You need to control the time you have in order to fit in everything you have to do and still have time to do some things you d like to do. Establish a routine. Schedule definite times to study each day and don t procrastinate or your work will pile up. Use your down time. Time between classes is great for reviewing lecture notes before and after lectures. The more you review, the less you forget. If you are required to attend study hall, make the most of that time. Try to study when you are most alert. Study your most difficult (or boring) subjects first when you feel most rested. Try to schedule every subject for every day. Don t study any one subject too long. Study one subject for fifty minutes. Take a short break (ten minutes) and then switch 32

47 to another subject (unless you re writing a paper writing is easier if you schedule longer blocks of time). Schedule time to review all your text and lecture notes each week. Make your study environment is free from distractions (pictures, telephone, friends, and music). You ll concentrate better, get more done and have more free time if you control it. Getting Along With Your Professors Most professors enjoy talking with students, especially about what interests them most the subject they teach and have been studying for years. Here are some tips for establishing good relationships with professors. Don t be afraid to talk with your professors. All instructors are required to have office hours to meet with students. Ask your professor for help if you want a better understanding of course material. Students who ask for help when they are struggling make a better impression than students who just let their grades slide and seem not to care. Attend classes. Participate in class discussion. Look alert and interested. Learn your teacher s name and how to spell it correctly. Find out if you should call him or her Instructor or Doctor. Never begin a conversation by saying, I keep trying to find you, but you re never in your office. Even if it s true, your teacher will not like it. Never say, I don t know why you gave me this grade. I turned everything in. College teachers don t see themselves as giving grades. They see students as earning grades. Never say, I can t come today. Are we doing anything in class? College teachers think everything that goes on in class is important. Never say you need a grade. Always state what you want to learn in the class and the grade you would like to earn. Talk with a student who has had your teacher already and find out what you can about his or lecture style and what the exams are like. Tips For Taking Lecture Notes Lecture notes are your written record of what your professor thinks is important about a course. Without good lecture notes, you can t review for exams. Learning to take good notes takes practice. Attend classes. Sit where you can see and hear clearly. Be organized. Take time to date and title your notes. Be prepared. Read or at least survey the assigned text material before the lecture. This prior knowledge will help you make sense of the lecture and select the most important information. 33

48 Listen for main points and important details and examples. Write them down as completely as possible. Always write down what your professor writes on the board. Listen carefully for summaries, conclusion or clues to test questions. Don t pack your books until the lecture is over. Pay special attention to the parts of the course material in which the professor seems most interested, especially is the information is repeated. Leave enough space in your notes to fill in what you missed. As soon as possible after the lecture, sit down and fill in the gaps. Ask another student or the professor about anything you missed. Review all your lecture notes frequently. Don t wait until just before the exam after you ve forgotten most of what you heard. Getting the Most Out of Your Textbooks To be a successful student you must develop a systematic approach to reading your textbook. Be an active reader. Don t just waste time passively turning pages and counting how many are left until you are done. You ll just end up having to read the material again. Survey an assignment before you read so you can have some idea what you ll be reading. Pay special attention to headings, summaries, pictures and new terms. Dig for information. Turn the headings into questions. Read a passage to answer your question. Ask yourself, What is this saying? How does this relate to what I m learning in class? Underline, highlight, and/or take notes on important information. Be selective and read for main ideas and important support. Taking notes or marking up the text saves you from having to reread the material before the exam. Don t expect to remember what you ve read without frequent review. The more you recite and review, the less you will forget. The longer you wait to review, the more you will have to reread. If you have trouble understanding your text, don t panic. Make an appointment with a tutor. Improving Your Memory Most of us have no trouble remembering things that we are really interested in or information and ideas that we use frequently. However, some courses are boring and even if the information is interesting, we aren t using it in our everyday lives. What s even worse is that the way our brains work, we begin forgetting right after hearing a lecture or reading an assignment. Here are some tips to help you remember what you need to know for tests. Get motivated. If you aren t genuinely motivated to learn material, then artificially motivate yourself. Imagine yourself remembering enough to ace the test. Challenge your friends to see who can get the higher grade. Improve your concentration. Avoid distractions. Set study goals and time limits. Intend to remember a certain amount, write it down, and be specific. Reward yourself when you meet your goals. 34

49 Be selective. Don t try to memorize everything. Focus on what you think will be on the test. Organize the material. Make outlines of the most important information in your notes. Reduce the outline to flash cards. Use the cards to test yourself. Start to review early. Review for the first exam should start at the beginning of the term. Review for the next exam immediately after the first. Remember within 24 hours of having read or heard new material we have forgotten about 50% of it. The more your review, the less you forget. Recite when you review. Use all your senses. Say things out loud. Write them down. Sing it if you want to. If you can t recite it, you don t know it. Put the information in your own words. Translate it. Relate it to stuff you already know to examples that make sense to you. Try to explain it to someone else. If you can t put the material into your own words, you don t really understand it. If you don t understand it, it s much harder to remember. Try to visualize what you are trying to learn. Make a mental picture, or really draw a picture. Use mnemonic devices. Make up a sentence or a rhyme to help you remember lists of names or terms. Doing Well on Exams The best way to do well on exams is to be prepared. When students do not earn the grades they want on exams, it s usually because they haven t studied enough in advance and they aren t really prepared. Just like athletic competition, exams require that you perform under pressure. Exam preparation takes the same amount of time and energy as athletic preparation. Keep up-to-date with reading assignments and lecture notes. Recite and review frequently and consistently. Don t wait until just before the exam. Performance under pressure takes practice. Begin your hard review a week before the exam. The last 48 hours of review should be work throughs, not cramming. Cramming doesn t work any better in academics than it does in athletics. Predict what will be on the exam. Find out what kind of exam (objective, essay) it s going to be. What ideas, themes, terms or facts does your test emphasize? What has your professor paid special attention to? What aspect of the material does he or she seems most interested in? Quiz yourself. Make up practice exams. Simulate the real thing. Concentrate on the areas where you are weak and need to strengthen your knowledge and skill. Visualize taking the exam and performing well. Get to the exam on time. Sit where you won t be distracted. Look over the whole exam. Budget your time so you spend the most time on the sections worth the most points. Read the directions carefully. 35

50 Answer the questions you are sure of first. Skip the ones you are unsure of and come back later. Sometimes another question will trigger your memory. When answering short answer or essay questions, make sure you know what the questions are asking you to do. Pay attention to words such as: define, list, explain, discuss, or compare. Leave time to look back over the entire exam and make sure you haven t answered incorrectly or skipped any questions. YOU RE IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT LEARN TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE ACADEMIC RANK is how university teachers are categorized. The lowest rank for a fulltime position is Instructor. Next in rank are Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor. To advance in rank (each move takes four or five years), a faculty member must complete research, which is valued by his or her peers. Being a good teacher doesn t really help anyone advance. DEPARTMENT CHAIR is the faculty member who has to do all administrative work for the department. Very few professors really want this job, so it usually rotates every few years. DEAN is the administrative official who heads a school or college in the university. PROVOST is the academic head of the entire university. PRESIDENT OR CHANCELLOR is the administrative head of the entire university. BOARD OF TRUSTEES is made up of people who oversee the university. The Chancellor reports to the Board of Trustees. UNIVERSITY refers to all the colleges and/or schools under the Board of Trustees. COLLEGE/SCHOOL refers to several academic departments under the same administrative unit. DEPARTMENT is the administrative office within the school or college which offers courses in one area of study, such as English. DISCIPLINE is a particular area of knowledge, skill or art (e.g., Economics). GENERAL EDUCATION refers to a broad range of courses from a variety of disciplines which students are required to take in order to graduate. DEGREE is the title of accomplishment awarded after fulfilling all the requirements for graduation. MAJOR is a focus in an area of study that comes from taking a required number of courses. MINOR is a focus on an area in addition to one s major, which requires taking fewer courses. ELECTIVES are courses taken, which don t fulfill general education, major or minor requirements. SEMESTER is one of two 16-week periods of instruction into which an academic year is divided. LOWER DIVISION refers to courses usually taken in freshman and sophomore years and numbered beginning with 0. Lower division students are freshmen and sophomores. 36

51 UPPER DIVISION courses are numbered beginning with 1 and usually taken by juniors and seniors. FULL-TIME STUDENTS are enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester. Remember, External Study courses (UESP) do not count toward full-time enrollment requirements. QUALITY POINTS refer to the numerical point values for letter grades which are multiplied by the number of credit hours per course to determine the total points earned. The total number of points divided by the total number of credits determines the Quality Point Average (QPA). CREDIT HOURS refer to the number of units assigned to a course. Usually, the number of credits a course is worth depends on how many hours a week and how many weeks a class meets. Most semester classes are worth three credits. SYLLABUS describes a course in terms of its goals, requirements, required textbooks, reading assignments, professor s name and phone number, due dates, exam dates, and grading criteria. A syllabus should be handed out in each of your classes during the first week of the term. It is like a contract between you and your instructor. You can t play the game without knowing the rules. ACADEMIC PROBATION is a period, usually one semester, in which a student is given a chance to improve his or her grades before being dismissed from the college. Freshmen have two semesters to earn the required 2.0 before they can be placed on probation. PLAGIARISM is claiming, as one s own, the ideas of someone else. Ideas are property and using someone s ideas without properly giving the person credit is stealing. Stealing ideas, whether you put them into your own words or not, is a serious academic offense which can result in failing a course or being kicked out of college. PREREQUISITE means that you must take one other course before you can enroll in this course. RECITATION is a required part of a course that you attend in addition to weekly lectures. Recitations allow students to break up into smaller groups to review, ask questions, and/or take quizzes. T.A. means teaching assistants. These are usually graduate students who are teaching a course offered by their department to help pay their way through graduate school. Sometimes they assist the professor, but often they are the main instructors. ASSSA STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Michael Farabaugh ASSSA Director Academic Counselor for Men s Basketball and Tennis baugh@pitt.edu, (412) Michael Farabaugh is in his 15th year at Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes. As Director, he oversees the operation of the academic support program that assists the academic and personal development for the student-athletes. In addition, Michael also serves 37

52 as the liaison between the academic and athletic community concerning the interests of student-athletes. He is the academic coordinator for the Men s Basketball and Women s Tennis teams, providing the necessary services and resources to the student-athletes and coaches. Michael oversees numerous time management, study skills, communication skills and goal setting workshops and seminars. Pam Allan Systems Administrator Information Specialist weazer@pitt.edu, (412) Coordinates the ASSSA computing lab, database management, academic monitoring, student tracking, computer software and hardware, and CEC (Continuing Eligibility Certification). The Systems Administrator is also the liaison for the University Computing labs, CSSD and Athletic CIS. Chris Byland Academic Counselor for Baseball and Wrestling Degree Completion Coordinator csb20@pitt.edu, (412) Chris tracks the academic progress of student-athletes on both the Baseball and Wrestling teams and reports weekly to head coaches. Responsible for implementation of Individual Academic Support Plans for At-Risk athletes, assigning tutors, advising on class scheduling and majors, in addition to meeting with prospective student athletes. He also serves as the liaison to the College of General Studies Advising. Demetreus Darden Academic Coordinator for Men s & Women s Track Academic Counselor for Football dhd2@pitt.edu, (412) Demetreus provides academic, career, and personal counseling to Track student-athletes and upperclassmen Football players. His main responsibilities include setting up weekly tutoring appointments, assigning weekly study hours, organizing exam reviews, assisting students with organizational and time management techniques, creating programs specifically designed to assist at-risk students, communicating with professors to monitor the students performance, updating graduation plans, assisting students with degree selection, organizing and monitoring all team study tables. He is also the liaison for the University Counseling Center. 38

53 James Hamad Academic Coordinator for Football (412) James duties include setting up weekly tutoring appointments, tutoring students in various subjects and organizing exam reviews, and assisting students with organizational and time management techniques including creating programs specifically designed to assist at-risk students. James additional responsibilities also includes meeting with keeping in constant contact with professors to monitor student performance, keeping updated graduation plans, assist students with degree selection, staying in constant contact with the football staff to provide updates on their student-athletes, and organize and monitor all team study tables. He is the liaison to the College of General Studies Advising, the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A), and the Panther Game Plan. Jennifer O Toole Academic Counselor for Women s Soccer, Volleyball, Softball, Women s and Men s Swimming Academic Awards jaj5@pitt.edu, Jennifer is responsible for reviewing team schedules and assisting with the organization of the class schedules, coordination of weekly tutoring and assignment of weekly study hours, monitoring the student-athletes progress in classes by communicating directly with professors and instructors twice a semester, and reviewing profiles in order to comply with continuing eligibility requirements. Her other duties involve working closely with University offices to assist in choosing majors, internship preparation and resume preparation. She also acts as the liaison to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid and the College of Business Administration Advising Office, as well as the Coordinator of Academic Awards for Student Athletes. Jan McMannis Coordinator of Freshmen Services Academic Counselor for Gymnastics and Freshman Football Reading and English Writing Learning Specialist hubert@pitt.edu, Jan is the Reading and English Writing Learning Specialist and is also the coordinator for the writing program, all Freshman academic programs, and is the academic Counselor for Freshman Football and Gymnastics. She assists in being the liaison to the School of Arts and Sciences Advising and the Office for Disability Resources. 39

54 Jennifer Tuscano Academic Counselor for Women s Basketball and Men s Soccer Tutorial Coordinator jlt39@pitt.edu, Jennifer s duties include assigning and monitoring weekly study hours, tutoring students in various subjects, creating programs specifically designed to assist at-risk students, keeping in contact with professors to monitor student performance, and keeping updated graduation plans. Her additional responsibilities include assisting students with degree selection, staying in constant contact with each coaching staff providing weekly updates on student athletes, and organizing and monitoring all team study halls. The Women s Basketball and Men s Soccer Coordinator also serves as the liaison for the Panther Game Plan and the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A). As the Tutorial Coordinator, her duties include interviewing, hiring and training tutors, scheduling weekly tutoring appointments for all student-athletes, organizing exam review sessions, monitoring tutorial sessions, and evaluating tutors. TBA Melinda LaDue Administrative Support Tutorial Administrator mhl9@pitt.edu, Melinda s role as the Tutorial Administrator involves acting as the contact for tutors employed through ASSSA and the student-athletes that receive tutorial assistance at the Center. She also handles all payroll and employee records as well as creates and maintains reports and/or databases regarding activity at ASSSA. Academic Counselor Math Specialist The Math Specialist coordinates a math program that provides assistance in math to student-athletes by means of individual or group tutoring. The unit also schedules study sessions, and conducts review session for exams and quizzes, as well as tracking students progress in math courses. The Academic Support Services For Student-Athletes Center is located on the Lawn Level of the Petersen Events Center in the Miller Administration Facility. The main phone number is (412)

55 Financial Aid

56 Financial Aid

57 FINANCIAL AID ATHLETICS FINANCIAL AID Athletics financial aid is awarded in accordance with University policy, as well as Big East Conference and NCAA regulations. Athletically related financial aid may be designated in a specific dollar amount, or to cover a specific cost, such as tuition. Examples of this aid include athletics scholarships and grants from outside sources based in any degree on athletics ability. However, this financial aid may not exceed the cost of tuition, fees, room, board and required textbooks. The following is specific information regarding each educational expense: Tuition and Fees Many undergraduate schools at the University have different tuition and fee charges. If your scholarship indicates full tuition and fees, your costs will be covered regardless of the total dollar amount. If your scholarship indicates $2,000 toward tuition, you will receive $1,000 toward tuition in the fall and $1,000 in the spring; you would be responsible to pay the remaining semester tuition charges. Rooms On-campus: There are varying semester housing costs for each residence hall. Singles, doubles, triples and suites may have a different fee structure, even in the same building. If your scholarship indicates full room, your housing costs for your room will be covered regardless of the cost. If your scholarship indicates $2,000 toward room, you would receive $1,000 in the fall and $1,000 in the spring; you would be responsible for the remaining room charges. Off-campus: Juniors and seniors awarded aid to cover their room may receive an offcampus housing allowance instead of accommodations in the dorms with the approval of the Head Coach and the Director of Athletics. A copy of the policy and procedure regarding off-campus housing can be found later in this section. Board (meal plans) On-campus: Students living in the residence hall (as well as students living off-campus) who wish to purchase a meal plan, have several different options. Please see Donna Sloan in the Office of Student Life and Compliance (3066 Petersen Event Center, , dsloan@athletics.pitt.edu), for additional information. Off-campus: Juniors and seniors awarded a board scholarship who are living off-campus may receive an off-campus allowance covering meals, upon the approval of the Head Coach and Director of Athletics. Please refer to the policies and procedures regarding off-campus housing later in this section. 41

58 TEXTBOOK SCHOLARSHIP PROCEDURE Fall and Spring Terms For student-athletes receiving a textbook scholarship and are registered at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes, the Book Center will pre-package the books, which will include materials from Copy Cat, and enclose the enrollment summary screen provided by the Office of Student Life and Compliance. The student-athlete will present their ID card to the Book Center beginning the first day of the term in order to receive their pre-packaged books. The student-athlete will sign the Textbook Requisition and they will be informed of any books that are not in stock during pre-packaging. They will also be informed at that time when the next shipment will arrive. The student-athlete will be given a copy of their schedule. For student-athletes receiving a textbook scholarship who register later than two weeks prior to the first day of classes, they must pick-up an Athletes Textbook Requisition from the Office of Student Life and Compliance. The student-athlete will be responsible for retrieving their books from the shelves and present their requisition to the Book Center personnel in the back office. The student-athletes are required to have a Textbook Requisition, not just an ID, to receive their books. The student-athlete must process their book requisitions from the back office. If the back office is closed, student-athletes must come back at a later time. No books may be purchased on a requisition from the front desk. The student-athlete must be patient and courteous with the Book Center staff. At peak periods visiting the Book Center will require a wait. Add/Drop Procedure - Fall, Spring and Summer Terms The student-athlete will come to the Office of Student Life and Compliance after they add/drop their class(es). An enrollment summary screen will be pulled and the classes added and/or dropped will be highlighted. A Textbook Requisition form will be completed and signed by the Office of Student Life and Compliance staff and the student-athlete. The student-athlete will be reminded that any books from dropped classes must be returned before additional books can be picked-up. The yellow copy will be attached to the enrollment summary screen to be taken to the Book Center by the student-athlete. The white copy remains in the Office of Student Life and Compliance and the pink copy is sent to ASSSA. At the Book Center, the student-athlete picks up the new book(s) that they need from the shelf and returns the book(s) that are no longer needed. 42

59 Summer Book Scholarship Procedure Books will not be pre-packaged. Student-Athletes will come to the Office of Student Life and Compliance to have an enrollment summary screen pulled. A textbook requisition form will be completed and the student-athlete will sign the form. The student-athlete will take the yellow copy of the textbook requisition form along with the enrollment summary screen to the Book Center. The student-athlete must retrieve their books from the shelves and take them and the form to the back office of the Book Center. The add/drop procedures are similar to the Fall and Spring term guidelines previously mentioned. NCAA LIMITATIONS FOR FINANCIAL AID The NCAA imposes scholarship limitations on individuals as well as on each team. Some awards are countable under individual limits, some are countable under team limits and some types of aid are countable in both areas. The following limits are applicable to the Fall and Spring terms only. Individual Maximum Limit on Financial Aid According to NCAA Bylaw 15.1 (Maximum Limit On Financial Aid Individual), a studentathlete shall not be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics if he or she receives financial aid that exceeds the value of the cost of attendance as defined by the NCAA. A student-athlete may receive institutional financial aid based on athletics ability, outside financial aid for which athletics participation is a major criterion and certain educational expenses up to the value of a full grant-in-aid, plus any other financial aid unrelated to athletics ability up to the cost of attendance. All institutional financial aid and all funds received from the following similar sources shall be included in this limit. 1. Government Grants - for educational purposes, except for PELL, GI Bill, military reserve training programs and disabled veteran benefits; 2. Other Scholarships or Grants institutional, outside scholarships or grants-in-aid, except an honorary academic award or research grant that is exempted; 3. Gifts - the value of the gifts given to a student-athlete following competition of eligibility in appreciation for or recognition of the student-athlete s athletics accomplishments; 4. Professional Sports Stipend any bonus or salary (no matter when received or contracted for) from a professional sports organization; 5. Athletics Participation Compensation any other income (no matter when received or contracted for) from participation in an athletics event; and 6. Loans other than legitimate loans that are based upon a regular repayment schedule, available to all students and administered on the same basis for all students. 43

60 In the event that a student-athlete s financial aid from these sources will exceed a full grantin-aid for the balance of the academic year, the institution shall reduce institutional financial aid so as not to exceed a full grant. Individual Limitations Exceptions There are four main exceptions to individual limitations for financial aid: 1. Employment earnings; 2. Pell Grants Students may receive Pell grants over and above full tuition and fees, room and board and books; 3. Regular loans available to all students on a regular payment schedule; or 4. Honorary academic awards or established institutional research grants. Under certain conditions, student-athletes generally may not receive countable financial aid or employment which exceeds the total cost of tuition and fees, room and board and books. Team Limitation The NCAA mandates that each sport has a limit on the number of scholarships that can be awarded to the team as a whole. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh also has a budgeted limit that may be less than NCAA standards. NCAA regulations define what financial aid counts against the team limit. In some cases, University and/or outside grants may be countable. Some sports are head count sports that is, any student receiving countable aid becomes a full counter equivalent to a whole scholarship for purposes of the team limit. The head count sports are Football, Men s Basketball, Women s Basketball, Women s Gymnastics, Women s Tennis, and Women s Volleyball. Other sports that Pitt sponsors are considered equivalency sports whereas, each student is counted as only the percentage of a full scholarship (1.0) that he/she is awarded. For example, if two students each receive a 50% scholarship, in a head count sport they would count as 2 whole scholarships ( = 2.0), but in an equivalency sport they would count as 1.0 combined ( = 1.0). Student-Athletes receiving countable aid in excess of either the individual or team limits will be prevented from participating in any sport or additional sports, unless adjustments are made. You will be asked to sign forms indicating what financial aid and employment you will have during the academic year. Failure to report financial aid in accordance with NCAA regulations will result in potential ineligibility. Exceptions Some financial aid is not countable in certain situations. If you have any questions, check with your coach or Donna Sloan, Assistant Director of Student Life, 3066 Petersen Event Center, (412) , dsloan@athletics.pitt.edu. 44

61 SUMMER SCHOOL ATHLETICS FINANCIAL AID Continuing Student-Athletes In order to receive athletics aid in the summer, the following regulations apply: 1. NCAA rules indicate that a student-athlete can receive athletic aid in the summer only if they received athletics aid in the previous regular academic year. 2. Student-Athletes can receive athletics aid in the summer only in the same proportion as they received athletics aid in the previous regular academic year (percentage of scholarship awarded). 3. Athletics financial aid is awarded according to the recommendation of the Head Coach and the Director of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes, with the approval of the Director of Athletics. All athletics aid must be within the respective sport s budget. Student-Athletes will be approved for summer athletics aid in the following priority order: 1. Student-Athletes who are required to attend summer school to achieve eligibility for the Fall, or to graduate, will receive first consideration. 2. Student-Athletes who desire to attend summer school to move closer to graduation, or to bank additional credits, will be given second consideration. You will receive information explaining the policies and procedures to apply for athletic summer financial aid at a team meeting in the early spring. SUMMER SCHOOL ATHLETICS FINANCIAL AID Incoming New Student-Athletes Incoming scholarship Prospective Student-Athletes (PSAs) recommended by their Head Coach, who are admitted and projected to be eligible, may be considered for athletics aid for the summer prior to initial enrollment in accordance with relevant NCAA regulations. Approval for this aid will be based on the following: 1. PSA s who participate in sports which begin practice before the first day of classes may be approved for summer aid to assist them in becoming oriented to the University. 2. PSA s whose admission was approved by the Provost s Advisory Committee on the Admission of Student-Athletes may be approved for summer aid to assist them in their transition to college courses. 3. The Director of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes may recommend PSA s for summer athletics aid based on academic profiles which in the Director s opinion put them at risk academically. 4. PSAs should only enroll in courses with regular attendance; any exceptions (i.e., PittOnline s Web Based, Hybrid and Self-Paced/External Studies Courses) must be 45

62 approved by the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration, Student Life, and Compliance and the Director of ASSSA. In all cases, athletics aid will be awarded in the same proportion (equivalency) as will be awarded for the Fall and Spring terms. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ATHLETIC GRANT-IN AID Institutional Obligation The renewal of institutional financial aid shall be made on or before July 1 prior to the academic year in which it is to be effective. The institution will notify in writing each studentathlete who received an award the previous academic year and who has eligibility remaining for the ensuing academic year, whether the grant has been renewed or not renewed/ cancelled. Notification of financial aid renewals and non-renewals/cancellations must come from the institution s financial aid office. Hearing Opportunity Required If the institution decides not to renew, to cancel, or to reduce financial aid for the ensuing academic year, the institution must inform the student-athlete that he or she, upon request, shall be provided a hearing. If a student intends to request a hearing, the student must follow the appeals procedure discussed below. Each institution is required to have established reasonable procedures for promptly hearing such a request and can not delegate the responsibility for conducting a non-renewal hearing to the university s athletics department or its faculty athletics committee. In accordance with NCAA rules, 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 practices for students generally. Appeals Process At the time the student receives a letter from the Financial Aid Office officially notifying the student of the cancellation, reduction or non-renewal of athletics aid, the student is informed about the appeals procedure. In most cases, the Department of Athletics will have previously given the student written notice of its reasons for recommending such cancellation, reduction or non-renewal. The letter from the Financial Aid Office will indicate the reasons for cancellation, reduction or nonrenewal. The following is the appeal procedure: Appeals Procedure for Non-renewal or Cancellation of Athletic Scholarships Effective June 1, (As amended April 2003) In cases of non-renewal or cancellation of athletic scholarships, the steps below constitute the appeals procedure available to student-athletes, and must be initiated within fifteen (15) days of the date of the Financial Aid Office notification letter of non-renewal or cancellation. Failure by the student to contact the Head Coach to initiate the appeal within fifteen (15) days of the date of the letter of non-renewal or cancellation will indicate that the student has declined his/her right to appeal. 46

63 Step 1 The student must first appeal to the Head Coach who recommended discontinuation of the scholarship. Step 2 If the matter is not resolved to the student s satisfaction, then the student may appeal to the Director of Athletics within ten (10) days after the final decision of the Head Coach, in Step 1. Step 3 If the student desires to appeal the decision of the Director of Athletics, the student must submit a written request to appeal the decision, including a detailed description of the basis for appeal, to the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management, within ten (10) days after the final decision of the Director of Athletics, in Step 2. Step 4 The Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management shall convene an Appeals Committee within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the student s request for an appeal, unless circumstances warrant a delay, in the discretion of the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management. In any event, every reasonable effort shall be made for a timely resolution. The Appeals Committee shall be comprised of one representative from each of the: Office of the Provost (Committee chair) Office of Financial Aid Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Faculty Senate Athletics Committee NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative The Appeals Committee shall meet within fifteen (15) days after the date of its appointment to hear the student s appeal, unless circumstances warrant a delay, in the discretion of the Appeals Committee. The student shall bear the burden of proof in the proceeding, and will present his/her case first. The student shall be given the opportunity to testify and to call witnesses; and all who testify on behalf of the student shall be subject to cross-examination by the Director of Athletics, the Head Coach and/or other representatives of the Department of Athletics. The Director of Athletics/Head Coach shall then present their case. They shall be given the opportunity to testify and call witnesses; and all who testify on their behalf shall be subject to cross-examination by the student. Legal counsel shall be restricted entirely to an advising role, and shall not be permitted to speak or participate directly in the proceeding. However, a non-attorney representative may advise and/ or represent the student-athlete. Failure to secure representation will not cause a hearing to be postponed or canceled. The Appeals Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management within five (5) business days from the conclusion of the hearing, unless circumstances warrant a delay, in the discretion of the Appeals Committee. Step 5 On behalf of the University, the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management shall make a final ruling on the case, and transmit the decision in writing to the student, the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach within ten (10) 47

64 days after receipt of the findings and recommendations of the Appeals Committee, unless circumstances warrant a delay, in the discretion of the Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Resources Management. RULES FOR PERMANENT MEDICALS As a student-athlete receiving athletics aid through a permanent medical exemption (injury is career-ending in nature), it is to be understood that you are still considered to be a part of your athletic team and an active member of the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department community. Please be aware of the following guidelines that must be met in order to continue as an athletics aid recipient: Administration of Aid The student-athlete understands that, as per NCAA regulations, this aid continues to be renewable on an academic year by year basis. In general, the student-athlete s status as a Permanent Medical Exemption will prevent them from requesting a 5th year of athletics financial aid. There is an expectation that the individual will graduate in four years. In general, summer aid is not awarded to a student-athlete that has qualified for a Permanent Medical Exemption. Academics The student-athlete will accept responsibility for maintaining all academic eligibility requirements in place for all active team members; ineligibility could result in the termination of aid. All applicable team rules relating to academic expectations must be adhered to. The student-athlete must maintain regular contact with their ASSSA advisor where needed, and if required, attend study hall hours as directed. The student-athlete must maintain a full-time academic course load of at least 12 credits per term, unless advised otherwise by ASSSA. Dropping below full-time status will result in the termination of athletics aid. The student-athlete will not take any courses offered in the PittOnline Program (i.e., web courses, hybrid courses, self-paced courses), unless prior approval has been provided by their ASSSA counselor. The student-athlete must actively pursue the requirements to graduate within four years. Conduct The student-athlete must abide by all team, Department, University, Big East Conference and NCAA rules. The student-athlete will treat all coaching staff and Athletic Department personnel with respect. 48

65 It is implied that the University of Pittsburgh student-athlete will conduct him/herself with pride and responsibility in the classroom and on and off campus. If the student-athlete violates the University s established Student Code of Conduct, the Pitt Promise, and/or the Athletic Department Student-Athlete Responsibilities, it could result in the termination of athletics aid. OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID Student-athletes may apply for sources of financial aid other than athletics aid through the Financial Aid Office. Other aid falls into three categories: Grants Grants are awards that do not have to be paid back. Examples of grants are university scholarships based on financial need or other criteria, PELL, PHEAA, SEOG, and academic awards. Loans Loans must be paid back. You may qualify for loans which are subsidized (low interest, delayed pay back) or non-subsidized. Work/Study The university offers a limited number of work/study positions for those who qualify based on financial need. If you receive a work/study job you must notify the Compliance Office before beginning work. Students must complete an Employment Approval Request Form and obtain approval before beginning work. Application Process for Other Sources of Financial Aid Generally, to apply for financial aid, the following forms must be completed and submitted. These forms must be submitted by April 1 to receive any university aid. Form Financial Aid Application Supplement (FAAS) Family 1040s Student 1040s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submit to Financial Aid Office Financial Aid Office, Alumni Hall Financial Aid Office, Alumni Hall Address is on the form In addition, if you are applying for a loan, you will need to submit a Master Promissory Note, which can be obtained from the Pitt Financial Aid Office. We recommend that you keep copies of all forms you submit with a note of the date you submitted them for your personal records. 49

66 OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING POLICY Permission for student-athletes receiving athletic financial aid to live off-campus is considered a privilege and is not the right of the student-athlete. As such, the character and academic performance of recommended student-athletes will be reviewed before permission to live off-campus is granted by the Director of Athletics (or designee). Coaches should limit their recommendations for off-campus housing to juniors and seniors and married students. Coaches should not recommend students who have cumulative grade point averages under 2.0 or who are on academic probation unless they feel the student can handle the responsibility. To obtain permission for off-campus housing, the following procedure must be followed: 1. If the student has signed a housing contract for the University residence hall, he/she must meet with the staff in the Housing Office to determine if the contract can be voided. The student should not void the contract until the Director of Athletics has approved off-campus housing. Any penalties for breaking a housing contract after the deadline must be paid by the student. 2. The student must sign a copy of the Off-Campus Housing Contract and obtain the permission and signature of his/her Head Coach (or designee). In the sport of Football, additional signatures are required by the Football Office as noted on the Off- Campus Housing Contract. 3. The Head Coach (or designee) must review the request and indicate his/her approval or disapproval with a signature at the bottom of the request. The Head Coach (or designee) must also brief the student on the responsibilities involved with offcampus living. The student should then bring the form to Donna Sloan in the Office of Student Life and Compliance. 4. The student who has been approved should meet with the staff in the Office of Student Life and Compliance (3066 Petersen Event Center, phone ). At this meeting, each student should submit a local address, phone number, and a signed copy of the rental agreement. It could take up to two weeks for an offcampus housing check to be processed after the request is approved by the Director of Athletics (or designee). Before a student can receive an off-campus housing check: a. The student must be registered as a full-time student for the Fall and Spring terms; b. The student s account must be clear of any outstanding or overdue charges; c. The student-athlete and the Head Coach must sign the Off-Campus Housing Contract; d. A copy of the lease must be submitted to the Office of Student Life and Compliance; and e. The student must complete an Off-Campus Housing Information Sheet including name, local address and phone number, sport, address and phone 50

67 number of the landlord, the amount of rent due monthly and how they were referred to the apartment. This form is available in the Office of Student Life and Compliance (3066 Petersen Events Center) and must be filled out prior to receiving the first check. NCAA SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FUND FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES (SAF) The NCAA has made limited funding available through conference offices for certain groups of student-athletes who are experiencing financial need. The following questions and answers help provide you with basic information regarding the NCAA Special Assistance Fund (SAF): Q: Who may apply for the funding? A: 1. Pell eligible student-athletes (except non-qualifiers in their initial year of residence) including student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility or are no longer able to participate because of medical reasons. 2. Student-athletes who are receiving countable athletically related financial aid and who have demonstrated financial need as determined by an analysis conducted consistent with Federal methodology or the methodology used for all students at the University. 3. For a foreign student-athlete, an official foreign student-athlete advisory entity of the institution, outside the athletics department, must certify in writing that the studentathlete has financial need. Q: What can I use the funds for? A: The NCAA has set the program up in this way: Student-athletes who receive PELL grants and foreign students who receive full scholarships and have properly documented unmet need may apply for funds for the following purposes: 1. Articles of clothing and shoes and other essential items, up to $500 for the year. 2. Medical or dental expenses not already covered by personal or institutional insurance, 3. Hearing aids, 4. Vision therapy (glasses, contacts), 5. Off-campus psychological counseling, 6. Travel expenses for parents or student-athletes related to family emergencies, and/or 7. Purchase of expendable academic course supplies (e.g., notebooks, pens) and rental of nonexpendable supplies (e.g., computer equipment, cameras) that are required for all students enrolled in the course (Please submit a syllabus or letter from the instructor). 51

68 Students who do not receive PELL grants, but do receive athletics scholarships and have properly documented unmet financial need may apply for funding for the following purposes: 1. Medical or dental expenses not already covered by personal or institutional insurance, 2. Hearing aids, 3. Vision therapy (glasses, contacts), 4. Off-campus psychological counseling, 5. Travel expenses for parents or student-athletes related to family emergencies, and/or 6. Purchase of expendable academic course supplies (e.g., notebooks, pens) and rental of nonexpendable supplies (e.g., computer equipment, cameras) that are required for all students enrolled in the course (please submit a syllabus or letter from the instructor). Q: How do I apply? A: Student-Athletes who are eligible to apply for the Special Assistance Fund must complete an application form, which can be obtained in the Office of Student Life and Compliance. For all requests, please be as specific as possible and attach any receipts or other documentation available. For the category of clothing, shoes and other essential expenses (up to $500), students are strongly encouraged to submit receipts before requesting funding. Students are permitted to submit receipts for these purchases in either two installments of $250, in order to receive two checks for that amount, or receipts for at least $500 to receive the maximum amount for the year. Q: With whom do I talk to if I have any questions? A: Rick Christensen, Assistant Director of Compliance Office of Student Life and Compliance 3065 Petersen Events Center (412) rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu or Donna Sloan, Assistant Director of Student Life Office of Student Life and Compliance 3069 Petersen Events Center (412) dsloan@athletics.pitt.edu 52

69 STUDENT-ATHLETE OPPORTUNITY FUND (SAOF) The NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF) is intended to provide direct benefits to student-athletes as determined by conference offices. As a guiding principle, the fund is used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics, enrollment in an academic curriculum, or that recognize academic achievement. Accordingly, receipt of Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund monies should not be included in determining the permissible amount of financial aid that a member institution may award to a student-athlete. All student-athletes, including international students, are eligible to receive SAOF benefits, regardless of whether they are grant-in-aid recipients, have demonstrated need or have either exhausted eligibility, or no longer participate due to medical reasons. Additionally, student-athletes receiving monies from the Special Assistance Fund (SAF) may also receive SAOF benefits. In the past, the SAOF has been used for, but is not limited to, the following expenses: Graduation and academic achievement awards, Graduation school application and testing fees, Emergency situations, International student taxes, Necessary educational supplies to be used in the Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes center, Medical, vision and dental procedures, $30 worth of credit (per semester) to purchase educational supplies at the Book Center, and Funding for Panther Game Plan and community service programs (e.g., Leadership Conference). This fund will be administered through the Office of Student Life and Compliance. For questions or inquiries, please contact Rick Christensen (3065 Petersen Events Center; , or at rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu). 53

70 54

71 Employment

72 Employment

73 EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENT-ATHLETES Employment Approval Fall, Spring and Summer In order to protect your eligibility and to ensure that the University is in compliance with NCAA regulations for employment, all student-athletes must request approval before accepting a job during the fall, spring and summer terms. Failure to do so may result in the potential loss of eligibility. Student-Athletes seeking approval must follow the employment approval procedure set forth by the Athletic Department. All information regarding procedure, rationale and applicable NCAA rules will be distributed and explained during the Fall Team Compliance Meetings or at the time an individual joins a team. All student-athletes who wish to be employed during the Fall and Spring terms, and in the summer, must complete the Employment Approval Request Form prior to accepting employment. The form must be completed and the Office of Student Life and Compliance must approve it prior to beginning employment. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to see that each section of the Employment Approval Request Form is completed and signed by the appropriate individuals. Student- Athletes are required to obtain approval each academic year. To obtain a form, please stop by or call Rick Christensen in the Office of Student Life & Compliance at (412) , or send an to rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu. AMATEUR STATUS The following are some regulations regarding how employment can impact your amateur status. These regulations are in effect all year long, including the summer. Criteria Governing Compensation to Student-Athletes All compensation received by a student-athlete must be consistent with the regulation set forth by the NCAA. Compensation may be paid to a student-athlete: 1. Only for legitimate work actually performed; and 2. At a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services. Athletics Reputation A student-athlete may not receive any compensation or value or utility that he/she may have from the employer because of the publicity, reputation, and fame or personal following that he/she has obtained because of athletic ability. Employment on a Commission Basis An employer, other than the student-athlete s institution, may employ a student-athlete on a commission basis, only if: 55

74 The cost of any preliminary training program for such employees is borne by the student-athlete (i.e., such costs may not be paid by a member institution or a representative of its athletics interests); The personnel employed consist of both student-athletes and non-athletes; The employment of student-athletes does not result in the company s use of athletics reputations of such individuals to promote the sale of the company s products; The company is able to document that employees who are non-athletes receive earnings from sales commissions at a rate generally equivalent to the commission rate realized by the student-athletes employed by the company; and The company does not offer the student-athlete any remuneration for the use of his or her name or picture to advertise, recommend or promote directly the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any kind; or for endorsing a commercial product or service through the individual s use of such product or service. SPECIFIC ATHLETICALLY RELATED EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES Fee-for-Lesson Instruction A student-athlete may receive compensation for teaching or coaching sports skills or techniques in his or her sport on a Fee-for-Lesson Instruction ( private lesson ) basis. Only under the following circumstances may a student-athlete receive pay for fee-for-lesson: 1. Pitt facilities are not used, 2. Playing Lessons are not taking place (there must be instruction), 3. The Compliance Office has on file (in advance) documentation of the lesson, and the fees charged during any time of the year, 4. Payment for lessons must be paid by the recipient (or recipient s family) and not another individual or entity. The Office of Student Life and Compliance also monitors student-athletes involvement in this type of arrangement as well. To obtain a Fee-for-Less Instruction Form, please contact Rick Christensen ( or send an to rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu). Athletics Equipment Sales A student-athlete may not be employed to sell equipment related to the student-athlete s sport if his or her name, picture or athletics reputation is used to advertise or promote the product, the job or the employer. If the student-athlete s name picture or athletics reputation is not used for advertising or promotion, the student-athlete may be employed in a legitimate sales position, provided he or she is reimbursed at an hourly rate or set salary in the same manner as any non-athlete salesperson. 56

75 Training and Competition Funding from Outside Sources Student-Athletes who have an opportunity to receive funding or payments for training, tryouts and/or competitions from the U.S. Olympic Committee or any other national governing body must check with the Office of Student Life and Compliance before accepting any funds. Student-Athletes who have received this type of funding before attending Pitt must report these payments prior to beginning practice or competition. EMPLOYMENT RELATED TO CAMPS OR CLINICS General Rule A student-athlete who is employed in any sports camp or clinic must meet the following requirements: 1. The student-athlete must perform duties that are of a general supervisory character and any coaching or officiating assignments shall represent not more than one-half of the student-athlete s work time; 2. Compensation provided to the student-athlete shall be commensurate with the going rate for camp or clinic counselors of like teaching ability and camp or clinic experience and may not be paid on the basis of the value that the student-athlete may have for the employer because of the athletics reputation or fame the studentathlete has achieved; 3. A student-athlete who only lectures or demonstrates at a camp/clinic may not receive compensation for his or her appearance at the camp/clinic; 4. Any student-athlete who works at a camp owned or operated by a University of Pittsburgh staff member must receive prior approval from the Athletic Director. See the Office of Student Life and Compliance for details; 5. Each sport has different regulations regarding the number of student-athletes who can work at the same camp. Please check with your coach before accepting a job at a camp. Provision of Travel Expenses to All Employees A student-athlete may receive actual travel expenses (including lodging and meals in transit and prepaid plane tickets or cash advances) only if such travel expenses are paid and procedures for reimbursement of expenses are used for all employees of the camp/clinic. Credit cards may not be provided to a student-athlete to pay such expenses. Self-Employment A student-athlete with remaining eligibility is not permitted to conduct his or her own camp or clinic. A student-athlete is not permitted to operate his or her own concession stand/ camp store at a camp or clinic. 57

76 Cash Advances Based on Anticipated Earnings In the case where all employees do not receive travel expenses, a cash advance based on anticipated earnings may be provided to a student-athlete only if such advance does not exceed the estimated actual and necessary cost of travel of the student-athlete s estimated employment earnings, whichever is less, and such a benefit is available to all camp employees. Transportation from Coach or Representative Athletics Interests Actual transportation from an institution s coach or representative of its athletics interests may be provided to a student-athlete only if travel expenses are paid for all employees of the camp/clinic. Privately Owned Summer Camps A privately owned summer camp may use a student-athlete s name, picture and institutional affiliation in its summer-camp brochure only to identify the student-athlete as a staff member. Please note a student-athlete s name or picture may not be used in any other way to directly advertise or promote the camp. EMPLOYMENT IN UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH S SPORTS CAMP/CLINIC Sports Other Than Football In sports other than football, student-athletes may be employed as counselors in Pitt camps or clinics, subject to the following conditions: 1. The student-athlete shall not participate in organized practice activities other than during the playing season in the sport; 2. The Athletic Director or designee must give prior approval to the student-athlete s employment arrangements. This should be coordinated through your Head Coach; and 3. In some sports, there are limitations on the number of student-athletes from each team who may work at the camp. Please see your coach for more information. Employment in Specialized Camp Football - Pitt In football, no member of an institution s football squad who has eligibility remaining may be employed or otherwise participate in that institution s football camp. Employment in Specialized Camp Football Other Than Pitt In football, a member of an institution s football squad who has eligibility remaining may be employed in any camp that specializes in the sport of football, other than his own institution s camp, provided not more than one football student-athlete from any one Division I institution is employed. 58

77 Employment in a Diversified Sports Camp Football In football, a member of an institution s football squad who has eligibility remaining may be employed as a counselor in any diversified camp, including a diversified camp conducted by the student-athlete s own institution, provided not more than one member with eligibility remaining of the previous year s football squad of any one Division I institution is employed. The NCAA has a specific definition for a diversified sports camp, please see your coach for more details. 59

78 60

79 Drug Education

80 Drug Education

81 DRUG EDUCATION AND SCREENING Both the NCAA and the University of Pittsburgh have mandatory drug screening programs. You must agree in writing to be tested by the NCAA and the University before you can become eligible for practice and competition. NCAA DRUG TESTING PROGRAM Each year, student-athletes will sign a consent form demonstrating their understanding and willingness to participate in the NCAA drug-testing program. The NCAA requires this consent for any student athletes before they begin participation each year. Failure to complete and sign the statement shall result in the student-athlete being ineligible for all intercollegiate competition. By signing the NCAA Drug Consent Form, you agree to allow the NCAA to test you in relation to any participation in an NCAA Championship or post-season competition. The NCAA tests for any banned substances listed in Bylaw Your coach, Athletic Trainer or the Office of Student Life & Compliance can provide an updated list of banned drugs by the NCAA. For the current list of banned drug classes, please refer to the end of this section. Additionally, all student-athletes are now subject to year round drug testing administered by the NCAA. By signing the Drug Testing Consent Form, you also agree to be tested on a year round basis (including the summer) for anabolic agents, diuretics and urine manipulators. You must keep your coaches informed any time you leave town. The NCAA generally gives only 24 hours notice for their year round drug testing. Therefore, your coaches must know how to reach you. If the NCAA tests you for the banned drugs listed in Bylaw and you test positive (consistent with NCAA drug-testing protocol), you will be ineligible to participate in regularseason and postseason competition for one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after your positive drug test and you will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports. If you test positive in an NCAA drug test a second time for the use of any drug, other than a street drug as defined in Bylaw , you will lose all remaining regular season and postseason eligibility in all sports. If you test positive for the use of a street drug after being restored to eligibility, you will be charged with the loss of one additional season of competition in all sports and also remain ineligible for regular season and postseason competition at least through the next calendar year. Keep in mind, the penalty for missing a scheduled NCAA drug test is the same penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug. You will remain ineligible until you retest negative and your eligibility has been restored by the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, after loss of eligibility, as noted above. Supplements Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. Some supplements may lead to a positive NCAA or University of Pittsburgh drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete s own risk. Student-athletes should contact their trainer or head coach before taking any supplements. 61

82 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS DRUG EDUCATION AND SCREENING POLICY Academic Year I. PURPOSE The University of Pittsburgh recognizes the threat drug abuse presents to the health of student-athletes and to the integrity of intercollegiate athletics. To prevent the use of illicit substances as well as the abuse of alcohol by members of the varsity athletic teams, the University has developed a mandatory drug education and testing program. This program has been designed to complement the drug screening program administered by the NCAA. The policy and procedures for that testing program will be distributed to and explained to student-athletes at each team s initial organizational meeting at the beginning of each academic year or for a student-athlete not with a team, at the time of being added to the official roster. The University of Pittsburgh s Department of Athletics reserves the right to alter, amend or modify this policy at any time without notice to the student-athletes and coaches. Participation in this program is mandatory for all students choosing to be a member of any athletic team sponsored by the Department of Athletics. By participating in the University s athletic program the student-athlete waives any and all claims or causes of action related to the Drug Abuse Prevention, Screening and Rehabilitation Policy and/or related drug testing including, without limitation, those relating to any sanctions imposed by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics resulting from a positive drug screen. II. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT All incoming student-athletes will be required to satisfactorily complete a one (1) credit Sports and Drug class (or equivalent) offered through the Department of Health, Physical & Recreation Education and earn a grade of C- or better. This requirement must be met within the first four (4) semesters subsequent to athletic participation. Students who do not meet this requirement must register for the course in the next available semester and are subject to action as deemed necessary by the Athletics Director. III. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES Unless prescribed by a qualified physician, in writing, to treat an individual s medical condition, use of any of the substances on the official NCAA Banned Substances List as well as narcotics, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, marijuana, cocaine, or ecstasy by any member of a varsity athletics team at the University of Pittsburgh, whether or not such use occurs before, during or after the teams traditional season, is prohibited. A complete list of these substances can be found in the University of 62

83 Pittsburgh Student-Athlete Handbook, on the Internet at or by contacting your certified athletic trainer. Alcohol use in an illegal or problematic manner will not be tolerated and will be considered a violation of this policy. IV. SCREENING All student-athletes will be subject to testing for prohibited substances. Drug screening shall consist of a standardized urinalysis which shall be administered and monitored by a certified laboratory and/or by the University of Pittsburgh Sport Medicine Staff on any or all of the following occasions: (1) at the time of initial physical exam (2) on the initial day of official practice (3) prior to participation in postseason championship (4) at any time selected randomly or as medically indicated by the team physician or athletic trainer (5) the head coach may at his/her discretion choose two (2) times/year randomly to test the entire team (6) if there is reasonable suspicion to believe a student-athlete is in violation of this policy and (7) as followup to a previous positive test. These occasions do not require prior notification. Notification of a test time can be made by a member of the sports medicine staff, coach or designated administrator. The student-athlete will arbitrarily select one of a number of designated specimen collection kits. The specimen will be collected with direct visual observation maintained by a test administrator or designee. The specimen will be handled by the studentathlete only, until proper securing has been completed and acknowledged as indicated by the student-athlete s initialing of the specimen seal. V. SPECIMEN CHAIN OF CUSTODY HANDLING AND RESULTS REPORTING Each specimen will be identified at the testing laboratory by only a code number to protect the anonymity of the student-athlete and shall be analyzed for the presence of the above mentioned drugs. All tests results will be initially reported to the Medical Review Officer (MRO) who will be an independent contractor for interpretation. After review by the MRO all of the test results shall be reported to the Athletics Director and the Head Athletic Trainer. Should a test be reported as positive, that is, one in which a banned substance is found in the urine specimen or tampering of the specimen is found, the Athletics Director or a designee will inform the team physician, appropriate head coach and athletic trainer. Parents (or guardians) of the student-athlete may be notified of a positive drug test at the discretion of the Athletics Director (as noted in the Drug Screening Authorization Form). 63

84 VI. ACTION TAKEN BY THE UNIVERSITY FOR POSITIVE TEST RESULTS The Athletics Director and head coach of each sport are responsible for compliance with the drug screening policy. The following procedures will be applied in the event of a positive test result. The University will consider a positive test result, and a violation of this policy to occur in the event of: (a) urine sample containing a prohibited substance, (b) a tampered urine sample, including but not limited to adulteration, manipulation or substitution; (c) refusal to submit to a test; (d) failure to appear for a test at the designated time; (e) failure to sign the required consent forms in a timely fashion; and (f) as otherwise stated in this policy. A. After notification of a positive sample by the Athletics Director, the head coach will immediately notify the athlete. The athlete will be evaluated and referred to a specialist for counseling (See assessment/evaluation procedure process). The athlete will be retested regularly at the discretion of the University until the test is reported as negative. Further testing will continue on a regular basis, at the discretion of the University for the remainder of eligibility or when released by the Athletics Director. B. If at any time the athlete tests positive for a second time, the head coach will notify the athlete and suspend the athlete from practice and competition for a two (2) week period and advise him/her that he/she must enroll in and successfully complete a rehabilitation and counseling/education program. The head coach will be advised by the Athletic Trainer or counselor when the athlete has successfully completed the program. C. Any athlete who has three separate positive tests during his/her athletics career at the University of Pittsburgh will be suspended for one (1) calendar year and/ or have his/her athletic aid revoked for the following academic year at the recommendation of the head coach with approval of the Athletics Director. Any athlete who fails to complete rehabilitation, counseling/ education, advising, retesting or any other appointment related thereto at the time and date specified by the Head Athletic Trainer, Team Physician, Head Coach or Director of Athletics will be indefinitely suspended and/or have his/her athletic aid revoked for the following academic year. D. A fourth positive test will result in automatic termination of athletic aid. The athlete will be removed from the active roster and all privileges revoked. VII. ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION PROCEDURE A. Referral Procedure - An athlete may be referred for assessment, education or counseling for a possible alcohol or drug use incident or problem by any member of the University of Pittsburgh Athletics Department. A referral is initiated by the student-athlete and/or Pitt Athletics staff member calling a counselor and providing a brief overview of the problem or concern. The athlete will then be instructed by the Athletics Department to call to set-up an initial evaluation. The 64

85 time and date will be communicated to the appropriate coach or athletic trainer as will the notification of completion of this evaluation. An athlete who fails to cancel or show for the initial evaluation will be given another appointment. If he/she fails to attend for a second consecutive time, he/ she will be suspended from practice or competition until this requirement is met. A third consecutive miss will be considered a positive test. Self-Referral Procedure - An athlete may also seek an evaluation or counseling for an alcohol or drug use problem on his/her own by requesting an appointment. All of the information shared is confidential and the student-athlete will not be considered in violation of the Drug Education and Screening Policy if this measure is taken. B. Assessment/Evaluation Process - The initial evaluation consists of an interview with the case counselor and a designated physician, who will conduct a standard drug and alcohol and psychiatric assessment of each athlete to determine if he/ she meets criteria for a substance abuse or dependence diagnoses, or any other psychiatric diagnosis. Other aspects of the evaluation may include laboratory tests, interviews with significant others if indicated (coaches, athletic trainers, family members) and review of past records of treatment of substance abuse. All athletes will be required to sign a written consent to release information to one or two specifically designated individuals in the Athletic Department who will be informed of the findings of the initial evaluation and the recommendations of the evaluation team. C. Education and Counseling - All athletes referred to the education and counseling program will be required to attend for at least two (2) semesters. The specific requirements will depend on the findings of the evaluation and may include any or all of the following: Phase #1: For all athletes who do not meet criteria for a substance use or dependence disorder. It involves the initial evaluation and 6-8 education and monitoring sessions spread out over the duration of the current semester and the next semester. Random alcohol and drug tests will be conducted during this time by the Athletics Department Phase #2: This is for athletes who meet the criteria for a substance abuse or dependence disorder. This involves the initial evaluation and regular outpatient counseling sessions for a minimum of two (2) semesters. These sessions will be held weekly at first and may decrease in frequency if progress is noted. If adequate progress is not noted, involvement in a more intensive outpatient or residential program will be required. Random drug and alcohol tests will be administered throughout this period. Phase #3: For athletes who have been in phase 2 but have had a relapse or recurrence to alcohol or other drug use following a period of recovery, 65

86 or for athletes who have not made adequate progress during phase 2, in the opinion of the University. Athletes in phase 3 will be required to attend counseling sessions for the remainder of their eligibility. Random alcohol and drug testing will be administered throughout this time. * Upon the athletes successful completion of the educational, monitoring, and/ or counseling requirements, the clinician will notify the designated individual in the Athletics Department. D. Compliance Contract - All athletes will be required to read and sign a compliance contract that outlines their specific obligations regarding education and/or counseling session attendance, random drug testing, communication between the treating clinician and physician with the Athletics Department, and consequences for positive drug tests, new episodes of alcohol or drug abuse that come to the attention of the Athletics Department or lack of progress in counseling. This compliance contract will be signed by the athlete, the clinician and physician, and a designated representative from the Athletics Department chosen by the athlete. Failure to agree to the compliance contract will result in a suspension from athletic competition until cleared by the Athletic Director. E. Missed Appointments with Counselor - An athlete who cancels an appointment must reschedule within one (1) week. An athlete who fails to show for a scheduled appointment for the second time will be suspended until completion of the meeting. An athlete who fails to show for any subsequent sessions will be indefinitely suspended until reinstated by the Athletics Director. VIII. FAILURE TO UNDERGO TESTING OR EXECUTE CONSENT FORM Failure to execute the authorization form attached hereto or to undergo drug testing or counseling at any time will constitute a positive test result and render the studentathlete immediately ineligible to practice or represent the University of Pittsburgh in the intercollegiate athletics program and, consistent with NCAA regulations, may result in the student-athlete s loss of grant-in-aid. IX. APPEAL All student-athletes have the right to appeal a positive test result to the Athletics Director. Within seven days of notification of any positive test result, the studentathlete will have the right to examine the laboratory results and/ or meet with the Athletics Director (or the Athletics Directors designee) to explain or to rebut such test results. The Athletics Director will then forward the appeal on to an appointed committee for review. The findings of the committee will be taken into consideration by the Athletics Director, who will then render a final decision. Revised April 11,

87 NCAA Banned-Drug Classes The NCAA list of banned-drug classes is subject to change by the NCAA Executive Committee. Contact NCAA education services or for the current list. The term related compounds comprises substances that are included in the class by their pharmacological action and/or chemical structure. No substance belonging to the prohibited class may be used, regardless of whether it is specifically listed as an example. Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore purity and safety of nutritional dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive NCAA drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete s own risk. Student-Athletes should contact their institution s team physician or athletic trainer for further information. Bylaw Banned Drugs The following is a list of banned-drug classes, with examples of substances under each class: (a) Stimulants: amiphenazole methylenedioxymethamphetamine amphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) bemigride methylphenidate benzphetamine nikethamide bromantan pemoline caffeine1 (guarana) pentetrazol chlorphentermine phendimetrazine cocaine phenmetrazine cropropamide phentermine crothetamide phenylephrine diethylpropion phenylpropanolamine (ppa) dimethylamphetamine picrotoxine doxapram pipradol ephedrine prolintane (ephedra, ma huang) strychnine ethamivan synephrine ethylamphetamine (citrus aurantium, zhi shi, bitter fencamfamine orange) meclofenoxate and related compounds methamphetamine The following stimulants are not banned: Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine 67

88 (b) (c) (d) (e) Anabolic Agents (possible medical exceptions with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for regular use of such a drug): anabolic steroids androstenediol methyltestosterone androstenedione nandrolone boldenone norandrostenediol clostebol norandrostenedione dehydrochlormethyl- norethandrolone testosterone oxandrolone dehydroepiandro- oxymesterone sterone (DHEA) oxymetholone dihydrotestosterone stanozolol (DHT) testosterone 2 dromostanolone tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) epitrenbolone trenbolone fluoxymesterone and related compounds gestrinone mesterolone methandienone other anabolic agents: methenolone clenbuterol Substances Banned for Specific Sports: Rifle: alcohol pindolol atenolol propranolol metoprolol timolol nadolol and related compounds Diuretics: acetazolamide bendroflumethiazide benzhiazide bumetanide chlorothiazide chlorthalidone ethacrynic acid flumethiazide furosemide hydrochlorothiazide hydroflumethiazide methyclothiazide metolazone polythiazide quinethazone spironolactone triamterene trichlormethiazide and related compounds Street Drugs: heroin tetrahydrocannabinol marijuana 3 (THC) 3 68

89 (f) Peptide Hormones and Analogues : corticotrophin (ACTH) growth hormone (hgh, somatotrophin) human chorionic gonadotrophin (hcg) insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) leutenizing hormone (LH) (all the respective releasing factors of the above- Mentioned substances also are banned.) erythropoietin (EPO) sermorelin darbypoetin (g) Anti-Estrogens (possible medical exceptions with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for regular use of such a drug): anastrozole clomiphene tamoxifen and related compounds (h) Definitions of positive depends on the following: 1 for caffeine if the concentration in urine exceeds 15 micrograms/ml. 2 for testosterone if the administration of testosterone or use of any other manipulation has the result of increasing the ratio of the total concentration of testosterone to that of epitestosterone in the urine to greater than 6:1, unless there is evidence that this ratio is due to a physiological or pathological condition. 3 for marijuana and THC if the concentration in the urine of THC metabolite exceeds 15 nanograms/ml. 69

90 NCAA Bylaw Drugs and Procedures Subject to Restrictions The use of the following drugs and/or procedures is subject to certain restrictions and may or may not be permissible, depending on limitations expressed in these guidelines and/or quantities of these substances used: (a) Blood Doping. The practice of blood doping (the intravenous injection of whole blood, packed red blood cells or blood substitutes) is prohibited, and any evidence confirming use will be cause for action consistent with that taken for a positive drug test. (b) Local Anesthetics. The Executive Committee will permit the limited use of local anesthetics under the following conditions: (1) That procaine, xylocaine, carbocaine or any other local anesthetic may be used, but not cocaine; (2) That only local or topical injections can be used (i.e., intravenous injections are not permitted); and (3) That use is medically justified only when permitting the athlete to continue the competition without potential risk to his or her health. (c) Manipulation of Urine Samples. The Executive Committee bans the use of substances and methods that alter the integrity and/or validity of urine samples provided during NCAA drug testing. Examples of banned methods are catheterization, urine substitution and/or tampering or modification of renal excretion by the use of diuretics, probenecid, bromantan or related compounds, and epitestosterone administration. (d) Beta 2 Agonists. The use of beta 2 agonists is permitted by inhalation only. (e) Additional Analysis. Drug screening for select nonbanned substances may be conducted for nonpunitive purposes. 70

91 SA Welfare

92 SA Welfare

93 STUDENT-ATHLETE WELFARE MEDICAL CARE The University of Pittsburgh ensures quality health care through its PERFORMANCE TEAM. This team provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date medical coverage in order to allow our student-athletes the best chance to prepare and compete in their sport. The PERFORMANCE TEAM consists of Sports Medicine Physicians, Certified Athletic Trainers, Nutritionists, Dentists, and many other specialists related to the student-athlete s welfare. The PERFORMANCE TEAM is responsible for the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses sustained as a result of participation in scheduled practices, competitions, or during travel to and from these events. In addition to the athletically related medical care that is provided for you through the PERFORMANCE TEAM, the University offers quality health care through the Student Health Service. For non-athletic injuries or illnesses you may be referred to the Student Health Service. Medical Examinations Each new student-athlete must obtain a physical examination prior to athletic participation at the University. The Head Athletic Trainer schedules the pre-season examinations in cooperation with the Head Coach. The physical exams are performed by the Team Physician with the assistance of the Head Athletic Trainer. Non-recruited student-athletes who join the team after the initial physicals are completed are responsible for a physical examination at their own expense. Once the student is added to the team s official roster, their care will be covered as any other student-athlete. If you are a returning student-athlete, NCAA guidelines do not require you to obtain a physical examination prior to participation, however you are required to meet with the athletic training staff to fill out a medical update form. In lieu of a complete physical exam, the Athletic Trainer conducts a personal pre-season interview with you for the purpose of identifying any significant medical conditions that have occurred since the initial examination. In the event a condition requiring medical attention is identified, the Athletic Trainer makes the appropriate medical referral for physical examination prior to your participation in athletics. Treatment of Illness or Injury All athletic injuries and illnesses should be reported immediately to an Athletic Trainer. When necessary, the University s Athletic Trainer will make arrangements for your referral to the Student Health Services, Sports Medicine Clinic. Injured student-athletes should report for practice in gear suggested by the Athletic Trainer unless they are excused before the practice by a Team Physician or an Athletic Trainer. If you are injured and unable to practice, you must report to the Athletic Training Room for treatments prescribed. Failure to complete treatments or prescribed rehabilitation will be reported to your head coach for appropriate action. Failure to attend assigned rehabilitation 71

94 will be considered the same as an unexcused absence from practice. It is your responsibility to follow recommended procedures for the care of an athletic injury. MEDICAL EXPENSES AND INSURANCE COVERAGE Subject to the Second Opinion Policy, below, the Department of Athletics assumes financial responsibility solely for injuries and illnesses incurred during University sponsored varsity sports participation (i.e. official practices and competitions, and team travel). The Team Physician and/or Athletic Trainer must authorize all medical referrals in advance, before any appointments or treatments are scheduled. Unauthorized medical expenses are the financial responsibility of the student-athlete. Any and all other injuries or illnesses are specifically not the financial responsibility of the Sports Medicine Athletic Training staff or the Department of Athletics unless the Department grants an exception in its sole discretion. Medical and athletic training room benefits are extended to all student-athletes who are then in good standing on their teams. Student-Athletes are required to submit personal insurance information annually before participation in athletics. After the medical expense has been approved by the athletic trainer, the athletic trainer sends an authorization form to the medical facility, instructing them to submit all charges for medical services to the student-athlete s primary insurance carrier for payment. For injuries and illnesses incurred during University sponsored varsity sports participation, the Department assumes financial responsibility for any costs not covered by the student-athlete s personal insurance program. If the student-athlete is informed by the insurance carrier that the charges are not covered, then the student-athlete must immediately bring the bill in to the athletic trainer, who will submit all medical bills for authorized care to UPMC WorkPartners. If a student athlete delays in submitting unpaid medical bills to the athletic trainer, this may result in additional charges or credit difficulties for the student-athlete. Visual Aid Expenses In accordance with NCAA regulations, the University assumes financial responsibility for the fitting and purchase of contact lenses or protective eyewear if the visual aid is required in order for you to participate. Maintenance costs for the contact lenses are your responsibility. Dental Expenses The Department of Athletics assumes financial responsibility for dental care only when it is a direct result of an athletic injury sustained in formal practice or competition. The Department of Athletics does not pay for treatment of cavities, teeth cleanings, or other dental problems that are not a result of athletic participation. Note: Funding for non-athletic related medical, visual, and dental expenses could be available through the NCAA Special Assistance Fund or the Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund for those student-athletes who qualify. Student-athletes can contact the Office Student Life and Compliance at for more information. 72

95 SECOND OPINION POLICY In the event that a student-athlete desires to seek a second opinion for any injury or illness incurred during University sponsored varsity sports participation, or desires to obtain diagnosis and/or treatment from a physician other than the University s official team physicians he/she must first obtain written preauthorization from the treating team physician and staff athletic trainer. Second opinions and diagnosis/treatment must be obtained from a UPMC or UPP member, unless otherwise directed by the University s official team physician or staff athletic trainer. The Athletic Department will ONLY cover services for student-athletes who have received written preauthorization from a Pitt Team Physician and a staff athletic trainer before the initial visit/treatment is scheduled. Any student-athlete seeking a second opinion or diagnosis or treatment without the described preauthorization, will be financially responsible for all expenses incurred. If the student-athlete seeks a second opinion or diagnosis or treatment, he/she still must receive approval from the University of Pittsburgh team physician for clearance for return to participation, and thus will need to grant written permission for the sports medicine staff to have access to all related medical documentation such as the results of medical tests, notes from physician, etc. ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM FACILITIES The University of Pittsburgh operates three training rooms, which are located in the UPMC Sports Performance Complex, Fitzgerald Field House, and the Petersen Events Center. Teams are assigned to these training facilities according to sport. Athletic Training room rules and procedures for all three facilities are as follows: 1. Report all injuries after practice on the day they occur. 2. Report illnesses to the Athletic Trainer before 11:30 a.m., when possible. 3. Check with a staff trainer, not an Athletic Training Student, before going to a clinic or doctor. This is the only way the Department of Athletics assumes responsibility for payment. 4. Call the athletic training room when unable to keep an appointment with a doctor or athletic trainer. 5. Never take medication that has been prescribed for someone else. 6. All Athletic Training Rooms are co-ed facilities. Please wear shorts and shirts at all times. Equipment is not permitted in the training rooms, (this includes spikes). 7. Appropriate conduct is expected at all times. Horseplay, loitering, profanity, and eating in the training room are not tolerated. 8. Ask the Athletic Trainers for assistance before taking any supplies or using any equipment. 9. The Athletic Trainers will apply all bandages (no self-treatments). 10. The ice machine, refrigerator and telephone are only available for use by Athletic Trainers. 73

96 Respect the privacy of the Athletic Trainers and knock prior to entering their offices. Remember, Athletic Training Students are dedicated to your safety and health. They provide the best possible care. Your courtesy, cooperation, and respect will be greatly appreciated. Strength and Conditioning Facility There are three weight rooms operated by the Department of Athletics; one is located in the UPMC Sports Performance Complex, one in the Petersen Center, and the other in the Field House. Department weight facilities are for the exclusive use of the student-athletes. Access to the weight rooms is on a limited basis and restricted by weight room staff. The hours of operation for the weight and strength rooms are dependent upon the sport in season and team requirements. Your respective Strength Coach will give you the hours of operation at the beginning of your sport s season. Each Strength and Conditioning Coach has developed facility and conduct rules which are posted in the weight room. Head Coaches may also establish individual team rules for weight room use. Disciplinary action may be taken if you display inappropriate behavior endangers your fellow student-athletes or fail to report for scheduled training sessions. ATHLETIC TRAINERS Name office Location sport(s) Phone Number Rob Blanc Duratz Athletic Complex Football (412) Brian Bonnar Fitzgerald Field House Volleyball/Wrestling (412) Jim Cerullo Duratz Athletic Complex Football (412) Jill Conley Petersen Events Center Women s Basketball (412) Fitzgerald Field House (412) Jenny Pease Fitzgerald Field House Women s Soccer/Track (412) Tony Salesi Petersen Events Center Men s Basketball (412) Fitzgerald Field House Men s Soccer (412) Katie Bloor Fitzgerald Field House Softball (412) Greg Hess Fitzgerald Field House Gymnastics (412) Katie Lambeth Fitzgerald Field House Swimming/Diving (412) Brian Corbett Duratz Athletic Complex Football (412) Dan Bair Fitzgerald Field House Baseball (412) COUNTABLE ATHLETICALLY RELATED ACTIVITIES The NCAA regulates the daily and weekly hour limitations that student-athletes are permitted to participate in required activities related to their sport. The following information pertains to the guidelines for countable athletically related activities. 74

97 Student-athletes may not participate in required countable athletically related activities for more than: In-Season out-of-season (during the academic year) 4 hours per day 8 hours per week 20 hours per week The daily and weekly hour limitations DO NOT apply to the following time periods: During preseason practice prior to the first day of classes or the first scheduled contest, whichever is earlier. During an institution s term-time official vacation period (e.g., Thanksgiving, spring break), as listed in the institution s official calendar, and during the academic year between terms when classes are not in session. Are student-athletes required to have a day off from countable athletically related activities? During the academic year, student-athletes shall not engage in any countable athletically related activities on one day per week during the playing season and two days per week outside the playing season. The required day(s) off may occur on any day of the week and may change from week to week. A week is defined as any seven consecutive days, determined at the institution s discretion. Below are partial lists of common activities that count and do not count against daily and weekly time limits: Countable* Athletically Related Activities Practices (not more than 4 hours per day). Athletics meetings with a coach initiated or required by a coach (e.g., end of season individual meetings). Competition (and associated activities, regardless of their length, count as 3 hours). NOTE: No countable athletically related activities may occur after the competition. Field, floor or on-court activity. Setting up offensive and defensive alignment. On-court or on-field activities called by any member of the team and confined primarily to members of that team that are considered as requisite for participation on the team (e.g., captains practices). Noncountable Athletically Related Activities Compliance meetings. Meetings with a coach initiated by the studentathlete (as long as no countable activities occur). Drug/alcohol educational meetings or CHAMPS/ Life Skills meetings. Study hall, tutoring or academic meetings. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) meetings. Voluntary weight training not conducted by a coach or staff member. 75

98 Countable* Athletically Related Activities Required weight training and conditioning activities. Required participation in camps/clinics. Visiting the competition site in the sports of cross country, golf and skiing Participation outside the regular season in individual skill-related instructional activities with a member of the coaching staff. Discussion or review of game films. Participation in a physical activity class for student-athletes only and taught by a member of the athletics staff (e.g., coach). Noncountable Athletically Related Activities Voluntary sport related activities (e.g., initiated by student-athlete, no attendance taken, no coach present). Traveling to/from the site of competition (as long as no countable activities occur). Training room activities (e.g., treatment, taping), rehabilitation activities and medical examinations. Recruiting activities (e.g., student host). Training table meals. Attending banquets (e.g., awards or post-season banquets). Fundraising activities or public relations/ promotional activities and community service projects. *There may be additional rules applicable only to certain sports. Also, conferences and institutions may adopt more restrictive rules. Contact the compliance office for answers to questions or for additional information. What is the difference between in-season and out-of-season? In-season (20 Hours per week) Time between the team s first officially recognized practice session and the last practice session or competition, whichever occurs later. Sports other than football and basketball may have their seasons separated into two distinct segments: championship segment and nonchampionship segment. During the in-season period (i.e., championship and nonchampionship segments), a student-athlete may participate in a maximum of 20 hours per week of countable athletically related activities. Out-of-season (Eight (8) Hours per week) The remaining days during the academic year not included in the in-season period. A student-athlete may participate in a maximum of eight (8) hours per week of countable athletically related activities and may not participate in any countable athletically related activities on two days per week during the out-of-season period. In sports other than football, from September 15 April 15, participation by more than four (4) student-athletes from the same team may be involved in up to two (2) hours 76

99 of required or voluntary individual skill instruction is permissible. In football, skill instruction activities are limited to the review of game film. In sports other than football, outside of the September 15 April 15 timeline, no more than four (4) student-athletes from the same team may be involved in skill-related instruction at any one time, for no more than two (2) hours per week. In sports other than football, that are not in-season, all countable athletically related activities are prohibited one week prior to the start of final exams at the end of the academic year. Outside the playing season (during the academic year), student-athletes are limited to not more than eight (8) hours per week of certain countable athletically related activities. Those activities are shown below: NOTE: Student-athletes may be involved in any noncountable athletically related activity during the off-season period (e.g., workouts using the safety exception, voluntary workouts, other noncountable activities permitted during the in-season period). Permissible Countable Athletically Related Activities During the Out-of-Season Period Required weight training and conditioning activities supervised by an athletics department staff member. In sports other than football and women s basketball, participation in up to two(2) hours per week of skill-related instruction (voluntary or required), provided not more than four (4) student-athletes from the same team are involved at any one time in any facility. In football, participation (voluntary or required) in up to two (2) hours per week of watching and reviewing films. In women s basketball, participation in up to four (4) hours per week of skill-related instruction. More than four student-athletes from the team may be involved in skill-related instruction with their coaches. Any voluntary athletically related activity in which the student-athlete chooses to participate does not count in the eight (8) hours (e.g., initiated by the student-athlete, no attendance taken, no coach present). Participation in a physical fitness class conducted by a member of the athletics department staff. Nonpermissible Activities During the Out-of-Season Period Conditioning drills may not simulate offensive or defensive alignments. No equipment related to the sport may be used during conditioning activities. In the sport of ice hockey, a student-athlete may be involved in onice conditioning activities, provided no equipment other than skates is used. In swimming and diving, a student-athlete may be involved in inpool conditioning activities and swim-specific equipment (e.g., starting blocks, kickboards, pull buoys) may be used. No participation in any other countable athletically related activity that may have been permissible during the in-season period. No required participation in any countable athletically related activities during any institutional vacation period (e.g., Winter break, summer) that occur outside the declared playing and practice season (i.e., in-season). 77

100 VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES AND THE SAFETY EXCEPTION What is a voluntary activity? NCAA BYLAW In order for any athletically related activity to be considered voluntary, all of the following conditions must be met: (a) The student-athlete must not be required to report back to a coach or other athletics department staff member (e.g., strength coach, trainer, manager) any information related to the activity. In addition, no athletics department staff member who observes the activity (e.g., strength coach, trainer, manager) may report back to the student-athlete s coach any information related to the activity; (b) The activity must be initiated and requested solely by the student-athlete. Neither the institution nor any athletics department staff member may require the student-athlete to participate in the activity at any time. However, it is permissible for an athletics department staff member to provide information to student-athletes related to available opportunities for participating in voluntary activities (e.g., times when the strength and conditioning coach will be on duty in the weight room or on the track). In addition, for students who have initiated a request to engage in voluntary activities, the institution or an athletics department staff member may assign specific times for student-athletes to use institutional facilities for such purposes and inform the student-athletes of the time in advance; (c) The student-athlete s attendance and participation in the activity (or lack thereof) may not be recorded for the purposes of reporting such information to coaching staff members or other student-athletes; and (d) The student-athlete may not be subjected to penalty if he or she elects not to participate in the activity. In addition, neither the institution nor any athletics department staff member may provide recognition or incentives (e.g., awards) to a student-athlete based on his or her attendance or performance in the activity. EXCEPTIONS: SUMMER INDIVIDUAL WORKOUT SESSIONS (Pitt teams that this exception applies to: cross country/track & field, women s gymnastics, swimming and diving, women s tennis and wrestling.) A coach may participate in individual-workout sessions with student-athletes from the coach s team during the summer, provided the request for such assistance is initiated by the student-athlete. This also applies to incoming prospective student-athletes (including transfers) that have signed a NLI and/or are receiving aid for summer school. 78

101 SAFETY EXCEPTION (Pitt teams that this exception applies to: women s gymnastics, swimming and diving, track & field and wrestling.) A coach may be present during voluntary individual workouts in the institution s regular practice facility (without the workouts being considered as countable athletically related activities) when the student-athlete is engaging in sport-related activities and/or utilizing sport-related equipment. The coach may provide safety and skill instruction, but cannot conduct the individual s workout. This also applies during the summer to incoming prospective student-athletes (including transfers) that have signed a NLI and/or are receiving aid for summer school. 79

102 80

103 Media Relations

104 Media Relations

105 ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PURPOSE AND POLICIES The Athletic Media Relations Office is the news bureau and media relations division of the Athletic Department. It is the clearinghouse for official Athletic Department publications, including media guides. The Media Relations Office also houses the historical archives for Pittsburgh Panther Sports. In addition to producing Athletic Department publications, the Media Relations Office is responsible for the department s publicity and game day public relations. The Media Relations staff serves as a liaison between the sports media and Pitt studentathletes, coaches, and administrators. Some of the other functions of this office include writing and disseminating press releases, maintaining and reporting statistics and results, providing photography and furnishing media event management at Panther varsity athletic events. One of the privileges of being a student-athlete at the University of Pittsburgh is the opportunity to receive local, regional and national recognition for your accomplishments. Media interviews can provide you with a terrific opportunity to project a positive image about yourself, your team, and the University of Pittsburgh. This privilege, however, is accompanied by some responsibilities. Here are a few basic guidelines you should follow when dealing with the media: 1. All interviews with the news media should be arranged through the Media Relations Office. Occasionally, sports reporters may attempt to call a student-athlete s dorm room, or apartment to get an interview. As a matter of policy, the Media Relations Office does not release student-athlete s phone numbers and it is strongly recommended that when a reporter contacts you, politely decline the interview and refer the person to the Media Relations Office. Even though all members of the media, including the student paper (The Pitt News) and the student radio station (WPTS), are encouraged to arrange interviews through the Media Relations Office, we understand how and why there can be logical and practical exceptions. Sometimes a sports reporter from the campus media will either call or set-up an interview with a student-athlete, who may be in the same class or is a friend, and the student athlete consents to an interview. If you do consent to an interview without having it cleared through our office, please contact your coach and/or the Media Relations Office and inform them about the meeting. Frequently hometown reporters obtain dorm and apartment telephone numbers from parents and call without contacting the Media Relations Office first. Again, if you consent to the interview, just inform your coach and/or the Media Relations Office for your protection. One other point: Your coach may have additional guidelines on dealing with the media - - be attentive to those. 81

106 2. If an interview is arranged for you either in person or on the phone keep the appointment and be on time. If you need to reschedule an interview, use common courtesy and inform the proper people. 3. Be polite. Remember, when you are being interviewed you are representing the University of Pittsburgh, your team and Pitt athletics. Most importantly, realize that what you say is a reflection on yourself. 4. Understand the question. Before you answer questions, make sure you completely understand what is being asked. Most interviews tend to be positive in nature, but sometimes reporters may not have your best interest (or the University s best interest) in mind when working on a story. If you do not understand the question, simply tell the reporter you do not understand and ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase the question. 5. Always tell the truth. At the same time, don t say anything you might later regret. Derogatory comments about teammates, coaches, or opponents even if they are said in jest probably won t make you look good. Quotes frequently have a way of sounding different- sometimes more negative than intended when they appear in print. You are not required to answer every question. If you feel an interview is becoming controversial and/or you do not feel comfortable answering a certain question, simply and politely reply no comment, or I would rather not answer that question. Most reporters will respect your honesty and candor. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when being interviewed: What is left unspoken can t come back to haunt you. 6. Be attentive to a reporter s medium, and be thoughtful with your responses to questions. A newspaper writer might ask you a long question to which a simple yes or no answer from you would be appropriate, because he/she can then write the thought and include the view. On the other hand, a television or radio reporter asking that same question will often be looking for you to elaborate on a simple yes or no, because they are looking for a clear, articulate conversation that can be used on air. Granting interviews can sometimes be time consuming and bothersome. Some of you will be asked to do more interviews than others. Take pride in the fact you are representing the University of Pittsburgh and your teammates. It can be a rewarding experience. The Media Relations Office has professional staff members who have extensive experience in dealing with the media. For additional Information or advice, do not hesitate to contact the Media Relations Office in person, located on the Event Level of the Petersen Events Center, or by telephone at (412)

107 MEDIA RELATIONS STAFF E.J. Borghetti, Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations Sports: Football Men s Basketball Greg Hotchkiss, Associate Media Relations Director Men s Basketball Asst. Football Men s Soccer Women s Soccer Mendy Nestor, Assistant Media Relations Director Women s Basketball Football (Secondary) Baseball Tim Will, Graduate Assistant Baseball Men s and Women s Cross Country Men s and Women s Track & Field Women s Gymnastics Wrestling Sophia Duck, Graduate Assistant Women s Volleyball Men s and Women s Swimming and Diving Women s Tennis Softball Celeste Welsh, Administrative Assistant 83

108 84

109 Panther Game Plan

110 Panther Game Plan

111 THE PANTHER GAME PLAN: A GAME PLAN FOR SUCCESS MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Panther Game Plan is to create a comprehensive academic, personalized and athletic development program for all student-athletes at the University of Pittsburgh, utilizing educational, athletic and community resources to prepare them for their lives and careers after college. PANTHER GAME PLAN COMMITMENTS Initiated in 1995 as one of the pilot programs in the NCAA Champs Life Skills Program, the Panther Game Plan continues to expand its commitment to the offerings and opportunities in the following areas: Academic Excellence Athletics Excellence Career Development and Graduate School Preparation Community Service Personal Development Health and Wellness Leadership and Character Development Financial Planning PANTHER GAME PLAN ORGANIZATION The University of Pittsburgh offers to its student-athletes programming in order to enrich their experiences during attendance at the University. Joining the Athletics Department in these efforts are the Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes (ASSSA), the School of Education, the University Orthopedics, the Career Services Office, the Student Health Services Education Office, the Pitt Alumni Association, and the Varsity Letter Club. The Panther Game Plan is directed by a steering committee called the Panther Game Plan Team made up of members from various parts of the Athletic Department. DELIVERY OF SERVICES The Panther Game Plan offers various programs and speakers centering on topics of interest to our student-athletes. The program is part of the NCAA/CHAMPS life skills philosophy. Programs are selected through the following methods: 1. A yearly survey of our student-athletes as to which topics and careers are currently of greatest interest to them. 85

112 2. 3. Programs suggested by our life skills staff, trainers, coaches, administrators and student-athletes. Influence from current events in the world, nation, and/or in our own community and campus. PANTHER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Pitt Athletics partnered with Peak Performance Specialist, Jeff Janssen to create the Panther Leadership Academy. The Panther Leadership Academy was created to help student-athletes build and develop their leadership skills. Participants attend meetings through the year where they work on topics such as: Conflict Resolution Communication Vocal Leadership The two groups are Veteran Leaders and Rising Leaders. Veteran Leaders are selected by their coaches and are seen as leaders on their team. Rising Leaders are student-athletes that show potential to become leaders on their team. Any student-athlete who is interested can apply by filling out an application. Please contact Penny Semaia in the Student Life and Compliance Office for an application. STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) OVERVIEW The Mission of SAAC is to: Provide a reliable contact and liaison between the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics and the varsity athletic teams that represent the institution. Represent the University of Pittsburgh varsity athletic programs, as a recognized group, both on campus and in the community. Purpose Bring the opinions and concerns of the student-athletes to the attention of the Director of Athletics and members of the athletics administration. Communicate information from the Department of Athletics to their own teammates. Develop a sense of pride and unity between all members of all teams. Goals Establish an excellent line of communication skills between the student-athletes and the Department of Athletics through open discussion at meetings. Represent each team and the Department as a whole through various community and campus outreach events. Promote team unity and spirit by attending matches in all sports. 86

113 Meetings Meetings will be held twice a month. Each representative is expected to be at every meeting. Meetings will be a time to voice concerns, in addition to organize and finalize any plans for upcoming events. Planned SAAC events will usually take the place of a meeting for that week. Meetings will be open to any individual team member s who wish to observe as well as any athletic staff members who wish to observe and/or participate. If you would like to attend a SAAC meeting, please contact Penny Semaia in the Student Life and Compliance Office. If you would like to suggest a program topic of interest to you, please stop by the Petersen Event Center and talk to the Life Skills staff in the Office of Student Life & Compliance: Penny Semaia, Career and Life Skills Coordinator: (412) , psemaia@pitt.edu Charles Small, Student Life and Compliance Assistant: (412) , csmall@athletics.pitt.edu 87

114 88

115 Varsity Letter Club

116 Varsity Letter Club

117 PITT VARSITY LETTER CLUB Advancing Our Tradition Since 1931 PITT VARSITY LETTER CLUB MISSION The mission of the PITT Varsity Letter Club is to support the University of Pittsburgh and its Department of Athletics by fostering relationships between varsity letter winners and the University. The PITT Varsity Letter Club endeavors to strengthen bonds among varsity letter winners, to champion an environment in which current student-athletes can achieve athletic and academic excellence and thereby promote the proud tradition of intercollegiate athletic competition and the University of Pittsburgh. Exclusive Membership The PITT Varsity Letter Club is a membership organization for former student-athletes that is charged with advancing our great tradition. Membership in this organization is a way for former student-athletes to band together in order to make a positive difference in Pitt Athletics. This club is exclusive to former Pitt student-athletes and student managers who earned a varsity letter. Scholarships The PITT Varsity Letter Club is committed to providing scholarships for current studentathletes. Funds for student-athletes scholarships are raised through donations from alumni and friends of the University. Membership dues for the PITT Varsity Letter Club strictly support these scholarships. Networking As a Pitt student-athlete you have many career opportunities following graduation. PITT Varsity Letter Club members enter into a huge network of influential former student-athletes that look for their fellow Pitt letter winners to fill their organization s ranks. The PITT Varsity Letter Club s responsibility to its members is to make these connections that enhance career opportunities. Reunions We congregate as a family at sporting reunions, games, recognition dinners, and special events hosted by the PITT Varsity Letter Club. We sponsor a reunion for every varsity sport and individual team reunions. 89

118 Pitt Varsity Letter Club Awards Each year the PITT Varsity Letter Club selects and honors former letter winners for the University s Awardee of Distinction. These former letter winners are recognized each year at Homecoming for their achievements in their lives and careers after graduation. For more information, contact: Dan Stephens, PITT Varsity Letter Club Coordinator Petersen Events Center, Lobby Level University of Pittsburgh P.O. Box 7436 Pittsburgh, PA Office: dstephens@athletics.pitt.edu Stay in touch with the University and your teammates after graduation through the Pitt Varsity Letter Club. 90

119 NCAA Forms

120 NCAA Forms

121 Summary of NCAA Regulations Division I Academic Year For: Action: Purpose: Student-athletes. Read and then sign Form 07-3a. To summarize NCAA regulations regarding eligibility of student-athletes to compete. TO: STUDENT-ATHLETE This summary of NCAA regulations contains information about your eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics. Carefully read the sections that apply to you, and then sign the Student- Athlete Statement (Form 07-3a). This summary has two parts: Part I is for all student-athletes. Part II is for new student-athletes only (those signing the Student-Athlete Statement for the first time). If you have questions, ask your director of athletics (or his or her official designee) or refer to the NCAA Division I Manual. The references in brackets after each summarized regulation show you where to find the regulation in the Division I Manual. PART I: FOR ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES This part of the summary discusses ethical conduct, amateurism, financial aid, academic standards and other regulations concerning your eligibility for intercollegiate competition. Ethical conduct All sports: You must act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that you represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports. [NCAA Bylaw ] You are not eligible to compete if you knowingly: provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition; solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; accept a bet on any team representing the institution or solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value. [Bylaw 10.3] You are not eligible to compete if you knowingly participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling. [Bylaw 10.3] 91

122 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 2 You are not eligible to compete if you have shown dishonesty in evading or violating NCAA regulations. [Bylaw ] Amateurism All sports: You are not eligible for participation in a sport if you have ever: Taken pay, or the promise of pay, for competing in that sport; Agreed (orally or in writing) to compete in professional athletics in that sport; Played on any professional athletics team as defined by the NCAA in that sport; or Used your athletics skill for pay in any form in that sport, except that prior to collegiate enrollment, you accepted prize money based on place finish or performance in an open athletics event from the sponsor of the event and the amount of prize money did not exceed your actual and necessary expenses to participate in the event. [Bylaws l2.1.1 and ] You are not eligible in a sport if you ever have accepted money, transportation or other benefits from an agent or agreed to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport. [Bylaw 12.3] You are not eligible in any sport if, after you become a student-athlete, you accept any pay for promoting a commercial product or service or allowed your name or picture to be used for promoting a commercial product or service. [Bylaws and ] You are not eligible in any sport if, because of your athletics ability, you were paid for work you did not perform, were paid at a rate higher than the going rate or were paid for the value an employer placed on your reputation, fame or personal following. [Bylaw 12.4] Financial aid All sports: You are not eligible if you receive financial aid other than the financial aid that your institution distributes. However, it is permissible to receive: Money from anyone on whom you are naturally or legally dependent; Financial aid that has been awarded to you on a basis other than athletics ability; or Financial aid from an entity outside your institution that meets the requirements specified in the Division I Manual. [Bylaw 15.01] 92

123 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 3 You must report to your institution any financial aid that you receive from a source other than your institution. However, you do not need to report financial aid received from anyone on whom you are naturally or legally dependent. Employment earnings All sports: Earnings from a student-athlete's on- or off-campus employment that occurs at any time is exempt and is not counted in determining a student-athlete's full grant-in-aid or in the institution's financial aid limitations, provided: (a) The student-athlete's compensation does not include any remuneration for value or utility that the student-athlete may have for the employer because of the publicity, reputation, fame or personal following that he or she has obtained because of athletics ability; (b) (c) The student-athlete is compensated only for work actually performed; and The student-athlete is compensated at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services (Bylaw 12.4 and Bylaw ). Academic standards All sports: Eligibility for competition To be eligible to compete, you must: Have been admitted as a regularly enrolled, degree seeking student according to the published entrance requirements of your institution; Be in good academic standing according to the standards of your institution; and Be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time baccalaureate degree program (not less than 12 semester or quarter hours) and maintain satisfactory progress toward that degree, be enrolled in a full-time graduate or professional degree program (not less than eight semester or quarter hours) or be enrolled and seeking a second baccalaureate degree at your institution. [Bylaws , , and ] If you are enrolled in less than a full-time program, you are eligible to compete only if you are enrolled in the last term of your degree program and are carrying credits necessary to finish your degree. [Bylaw ] You are eligible to compete during the official vacation period immediately preceding initial enrollment, provided you have been accepted by your institution for enrollment in a regular, fulltime program of studies at the time of your initial participation, you are no longer enrolled in 93

124 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 4 your previous educational institution and you are eligible under all institutional and NCAA requirements. [Bylaw ] You are eligible to compete between terms if you are continuing enrollment, provided you have been registered for the required minimum full-time load at the conclusion of the term immediately preceding the date of competition, or if you are either continuing enrollment or beginning enrollment, provided you have been accepted for enrollment as a regular full-time student for the regular term immediately following the date of competition. [Bylaw ] Eligibility for practice You are eligible to practice if you are enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the regulations of the certifying institution. [Bylaw ] You are eligible to practice during the official vacation period immediately preceding initial enrollment, provided you have been accepted by your institution for enrollment in a regular, full-- time program of studies at the time of your initial participation, you no longer are enrolled in your previous educational institution and you are eligible under all institutional and NCAA requirements. [Bylaw ] You also are eligible to practice if you are enrolled in the final semester or quarter of a baccalaureate program while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies and your institution certifies that you are carrying (for credit) the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements, as determined by the faculty of the institution. [Bylaw ] Continuing Eligibility All sports (For those student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution as a full-time student on or after August 1, 2003): If you are entering an institution for the first time on or after August 1, 2003, your eligibility for competition shall be based on: Having successfully completed 24-semester or 36-quarter hours of academic credit prior to the start of the institutionʼs third semester or fourth quarter following the student-athleteʼs initial full-time enrollment; Having successfully completed 18-semester or 27-quarter hours of academic credit since the beginning of the previous fall term or since the beginning of the certifying institutionʼs preceding regular two semesters or three quarters (hours earned during the summer may not be used to fulfill this requirement); and 94

125 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 5 Six-semester or quarter hours of academic credit the preceding regular academic term (e.g., fall semester, winter quarter) in which the student-athlete has been enrolled at any collegiate institution. You must choose a major that leads to a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of your third year of enrollment. (This includes transfer students who have not yet completed an academic year in residence or used one season of eligibility in a sport at their current institution.) [Bylaw ] If you are entering your second year of collegiate enrollment, you must present a cumulative grade-point average that equals at least 90 percent of the institutions overall cumulative grade-point average required for graduation (based on a scale). [Bylaw ] If you are entering your third year of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 40 percent of the course requirements in your specific degree program and you must present a cumulative minimum grade-point average (based on a scale) that equals at least 95 percent of the institutionʼs overall cumulative grade-point average required for graduation. For this purpose, a student-athleteʼs grade-point average will be certified on a term-by-term basis. [Bylaw ] If you are entering your fourth year of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 60 percent of the course requirements in your specific degree program and you must present a cumulative grade-point average (based on a scale) that equals at least 100 percent of the institutionʼs overall cumulative grade-point average required for graduation. For this purpose, a student-athleteʼs grade-point average will be certified on a term-by-term basis. [Bylaw ] If you are entering your fifth year of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 80 percent of the course requirements in your specific degree program and you must present a cumulative grade-point average (based on a scale) that equals at least 100 percent of the institutionʼs overall cumulative grade-point average required for graduation. For this purpose, a student-athleteʼs grade-point average will be certified on a term-by-term basis. [Bylaw ] Continuing eligibility All sports (For those student-athletes first entering an institution before August 1, 2003): If you have transferred to your current institution midyear, or you have completed one academic year in residence at your current institution or used one season of eligibility in a sport at your current institution, your eligibility shall be determined by your academic record in existence at the beginning of the fall term or at the beginning of any other regular term of that academic year, and you must satisfy the following requirements for academic progress to be eligible to compete: 95

126 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 6 You satisfactorily must have completed at least an average of 12 semester or quarter hours of academic credit during each of the terms in each of the academic years in which you have been enrolled, or you satisfactorily must have completed 24-semester hours or 36- quarter hours of academic credit since the beginning of the previous fall term or since the beginning of your school's preceding regular two semesters or three quarters. [Bylaw ] Six-semester or quarter hours of academic credit the preceding regular academic term (e.g., fall semester, winter quarter) in which the student-athlete has been enrolled at any collegiate institution. You must earn at least 75 percent of the semester or quarter hours required for satisfactory progress during the regular academic year. You may not earn more than 25 percent of the semester or quarter hours required for satisfactory progress during the summer or through correspondence courses taken during the academic year and thereafter. [Bylaw ] You must choose a major that leads to a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of your third year of enrollment. (This includes transfer students who have not yet completed an academic year in residence or used one season of eligibility in a sport at their current institution.) [Bylaw ] If you are entering your third year of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 25 percent of the course requirements in your specific degree program and you must present a cumulative minimum grade-point average (based on a maximum of 4.000) that equals at least 90 percent of the cumulative minimum grade-point average required for graduation. [Bylaws and ] If you are entering your fourth year of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 50 percent of the course requirements in your specific degree program and you must present a cumulative minimum grade-point average (based on a maximum of 4.000) that equals 95 percent of the cumulative minimum grade-point average required for graduation. [Bylaws and ] If you are entering your fifth year of collegiate enrollment, you must have completed successfully at least 75 percent of the course requirements in your specific degree program and you must present a cumulative minimum grade-point average (based on a maximum of 4.000) that equals 95 percent of the cumulative minimum grade-point average required for graduation. [Bylaws and ] 96

127 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 7 Freshmen: You are referred to as a qualifier and are eligible to practice and compete in your sport and to receive financial aid (institutional and athletically related) during your first academic year under Bylaw , if you: Graduate from high school; Attain a minimum high school grade-point average as specified in Bylaw (based on a 4.0 scale) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 14 core courses. [Bylaw ] Achieve a corresponding sum ACT or SAT score as specified in Bylaw You are referred to as a nonqualifier if you fail to meet the criteria above. In addition to being ineligible for practice and competition during the first academic year in residence, a nonqualifier is not permitted to receive any institutional financial aid, except as stated below. [Bylaws and ] As a nonqualifier: You are eligible to receive nonathletics institutional financial aid based on need only, consistent with institutional and conference regulations. You will have three seasons of eligibility after your first academic year in residence. You may earn a fourth season of competition provided you complete 80 percent of your baccalaureate degree before beginning your fifth academic year of enrollment and you are within five years of your initial, full-time collegiate enrollment. [Bylaw ] Other regulations concerning eligibility All sports: You are not eligible to participate in more than four seasons of intercollegiate competition. [Bylaw 14.2] You are not eligible if five calendar years have passed from the date you first registered as a fulltime student at a collegiate institution and attended your first day of classes for that term, except for time spent in the armed services, on official church missions or with recognized foreign aid services of the U.S. government and extensions that have been approved in accordance with NCAA legislation. [Bylaws and ] You are eligible at an institution other than the institution from which you have received or satisfied the requirements for a baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree, if you meet the 97

128 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 8 conditions of the one-time transfer exception [Bylaw ] and you have eligibility remaining as set forth in Bylaw 14.2.l. [Bylaw ] You are eligible for championships, certified bowl games or the National Invitation Tournament that occur within 60 days of the date you complete the requirements for your degree. [Bylaw ] All sports other than basketball: You are not eligible in your sport for the remainder of the year and the next academic year if, during the academic year, you competed as a member of any outside team in any noncollegiate, amateur competition. You may compete outside of your declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any noncollegiate, amateur competition during any official vacation period published in your institution's catalog. Competing in the Olympic Games tryouts and competition and other specified national and international competition is permitted. [Bylaws , and ] Exception: In men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, field hockey and men's water polo, you may compete on outside amateur teams during the spring outside of the institution's playing and practice seasons, provided such participation occurs no earlier than May 1, and the remaining provisions of Bylaw are met. All-star football and basketball only: You are not eligible if, after you completed your high school eligibility in your sport and before your high school graduation, you participated in more than two high school all-star football or basketball games. [Bylaw 14.6] Basketball only: You are not eligible if, after you become a student-athlete, you participate in any organized basketball competition except while representing the institution in intercollegiate competition. Competing in the Olympic Games tryouts and competition and other specified national and international competition is permitted. [Bylaws and ] It is permissible to participate as a member of a basketball team in an NCAA-sanctioned summer basketball league or event. [Bylaw (a)] Transfer students only: You are a transfer student if: 98

129 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 9 The registrar or admissions officer from your former institution certified that you officially were registered and enrolled at that institution in any term in a minimum full-time program of studies and you were present on the opening day of classes; or The director of athletics from your former institution certified that you reported for the regular squad practice that any staff member of the athletics department of your former institution announced before the beginning of any term. [Bylaw ] If you are a transfer student from a four-year institution, you are not eligible during your first academic year in residence unless you meet the provisions of one of the exceptions specified in Bylaw or one of the waivers specified in Bylaw If you are a transfer student from a two-year institution, you are not eligible during your first academic year in residence at your new institution unless you meet the academic and residence requirements specified in Bylaw or the exceptions specified in Bylaw If you transferred from a four-year college to a two-year college and then to your new institution, you are not eligible during your first academic year in residence at your new institution unless you meet the requirements specified in Bylaw Drugs All sports: If the NCAA tests you for the banned drugs listed in Bylaw and you test positive (consistent with NCAA drug-testing protocol), you will be ineligible to participate in regular-season and postseason competition for one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after your positive drug test and you will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports. If you test positive a second time for the use of any drug, other than a street drug as defined in Bylaw , you will lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports. If you test positive for the use of a street drug after being restored to eligibility, you shall be charged with the loss of one additional season of competition in all sports and also shall remain ineligible for regular season and postseason competition at least through the next calendar year. [Bylaw ] A policy adopted by the NCAA Executive Committee establishes that the penalty for missing a scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug other than a street drug. You will remain ineligible until you retest negative and your eligibility has been restored by the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. [Bylaw ] 99

130 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 10 Non-NCAA athletics organization positive drug test All sports: If you test positive for banned substances by a non-ncaa athletics organization, you must notify your director of athletics regarding the positive drug test. You also must permit the NCAA to test you for the banned drugs listed in Bylaw If the result of the NCAA drug test is positive, you will lose all remaining eligibility during the season in which you tested positive and an additional season of competition. The director of athletics must notify the Vice President of NCAA Education Services in writing regarding a student-athlete's disclosure of a previous positive drug test administered by any other athletics organization. If the student-athlete immediately transfers to a non-ncaa institution while ineligible and competes in collegiate competition within the 365-day period at a non-ncaa institution, the student-athlete will be ineligible for all NCAA regular-season and postseason competition until the student-athlete does not compete in collegiate competition for a 365-day period. Additionally, the student-athlete must retest negative (in accordance with the testing methods authorized by the Executive Committee) and request that eligibility be restored by the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. The list is subject to change and the institution and student-athlete shall be held accountable for all banned drug classes on the current list. The list is located on the NCAA Web site ( or may be obtained from the NCAA health and safety staff in Education Outreach. PART II: FOR NEW STUDENT-ATHLETES ONLY This part of the summary contains information about your recruitment, which is governed by Bylaw 13 of the Division I Manual. Recruitment Offers All sports: You are not eligible if, before you enrolled at your institution, any staff member of your institution or any other representative of your institution's athletics interests provided or offered to you, your relatives or your friends any financial aid or other benefits that NCAA legislation does not permit. 100

131 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 11 It is permissible for your summer employment to be arranged by the institution or for you to accept educational loans from a regular lending agency provided you did not receive the job or loan before the end of your senior year in high school. [Bylaws , and ] Contacts All sports: For purposes of this section, contact means any face-to-face encounter between a prospect or the prospect's parent or legal guardian and an institutional staff member or athletics representative during which any dialogue occurs in excess of an exchange of a greeting. Any such face-toface encounter that is prearranged or that takes place on the grounds of the prospect's educational institution or at the site of organized competition or practice involving the prospect or the prospect's high school, preparatory school, two-year college or all-star team shall be considered a contact, regardless of the conversation that occurs. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if any staff member of your institution: Contacted you, your relatives or your legal guardians in person off your institution's campus before July 1 following completion of your junior year in high school (except for students at military academies) as described in Bylaw Effective April 1, 2002, in the sport of menʼs basketball, a prospect may be contacted one time on his high schoolʼs campus during the April contact period of the prospectʼs junior year in high school; Contacted you in person off your institution's campus more than the number of times specified in Bylaw ; or Contacted you in person off your institution's campus outside the time periods specified in Bylaw for the sports of football, basketball, baseball, softball, womenʼs volleyball and menʼs lacrosse. You are not eligible if, before you enrolled at your institution, a coach from your institution contacted you in person on or off your institution's campus while you were practicing or competing in football or basketball outside the permissible contact periods. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if you were not a qualifier and any staff member of your institution contacted you, your relatives or your legal guardians in person on or off your institution's campus while you were enrolled in your first year of a two-year college. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if anyone from your institution, other than an authorized staff member, contacted you, your relatives or your legal guardian in person on or off your institution's campus to recruit you. You also are not eligible if you received recruiting letters or telephone calls from any representative of your institution's athletics interests. [Bylaw ] 101

132 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 12 You are not eligible if, while you were being recruited, any staff member of your institution or any other representative of your institution's athletics interests, contacted you during the day or days of competition at the site of any athletics competition in which you were competing. It was permissible for such contact to occur (during the permissible period) after the competition if the appropriate high school authority released you prior to the contact. [Bylaw ] Publicity All sports: You are not eligible if, before you enrolled at your institution, your institution publicized any visit that you made to its campus. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if, before you enrolled at your institution, you appeared on a radio or television program that involved a coach or another member of the staff of the athletics department at your institution. [Bylaw ] Letter-of-Intent signing: You are not eligible if a staff member of your institution was present while you were signing, at an off-campus site, a National Letter of Intent or an acceptance of a financial aid offer from your institution or your conference. [Bylaw ] Source of funds All sports: You are not eligible if any organization or group of people outside your institution spent money recruiting you to attend your institution, including entertaining, giving gifts or services and providing transportation to you or your relatives or friends. [Bylaw ] Tryouts All sports: You are not eligible if, after starting classes for the ninth grade, you displayed your abilities in any phase of any sport in a tryout conducted by or for your institution. [Bylaw l3.12.1] Football, basketball, volleyball and gymnastics only: You are not eligible if, after starting classes for the ninth grade, you participated in a high school competition that was conducted in conjunction with a collegiate competition. [Bylaw ] Basketball only: You are not eligible if a member of your institution's coaching staff participated in competition or in coaching activities involving a nonscholastic basketball team of which you were a member. [Bylaw ] 102

133 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 13 Sports camps: You are not eligible if you were a winner of any athletics participation award in high school (includes ninth-grade level), preparatory school or junior college and before you enrolled at your institution, the institution, members of its staff or a representative of its athletics interests employed, or gave you free or reduced admission to its sports camp or clinic. [Bylaw ] Visits, transportation and entertainment All sports: You are not eligible under Bylaws 13.5, 13.6 or 13.7 if, before you enrolled at your institution, any of the following happened to you: You accepted expense-paid visits to more than five NCAA institutions or more than one expense-paid visit to one member institution; Your one expense-paid visit to the campus lasted longer than 48 hours; Your institution paid more than the actual round-trip cost by direct route between your home and the campus when you made your one expense-paid visit; Your institution paid for you to visit during your first year in a junior college, and you were not a qualifier. Your institution entertained you, your parents (or legal guardians) or your spouse outside a 30-mile radius of the campus during your expense paid visit; or Your institution entertained you, your parents (or legal guardians) or your spouse excessively during your expense paid visit or entertained your friends or other relatives at any site. You are not eligible if your institution paid for you to visit its campus before the first day of classes of your senior year in high school. Effective April 1, 2002, in the sport of menʼs basketball, a prospect may not be provided an expense-paid visit earlier than January 1 of the prospectʼs junior year in high school. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if your institution paid for you to visit its campus before you presented the institution with a score from a PSAT, SAT, PLAN (or PACT Plus) or ACT taken on a national testing date under national testing conditions. (A foreign prospective student-athlete who requires a special administration of the PSAT, SAT, PLAN (or PACT Plus) or ACT may present such a score on the approval of the NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet or the NCAA Division I Initial-Eligibility Waivers Committee.) [Bylaw ] 103

134 Summary of NCAA Regulations Page No. 14 You are not eligible if your institution paid for you to visit its campus before you presented the institution with a high school (or college) academic transcript. You are not eligible if, at any time that you were visiting your institution's campus at your own expense, your institution paid for anything more than the following: Three complimentary admissions for you and those individuals who came with you to an athletics event on campus in which your institution's team practiced or competed. [Bylaw ] Transportation, when accompanied by a staff member, to see off-campus practice and competition sites in the prospectʼs sport and other institutional facilities located within a 30-mile radius of the campus. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if, when you were being recruited, staff members of your institution or any representatives of its athletics interests paid the transportation costs for your relatives or friends to visit the campus or elsewhere. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if, when you were being recruited, your institution gave you complimentary admissions to more than one regular-season home game scheduled outside your institution's community or gave you more than three complimentary admissions to that one regular-season home game scheduled outside your institution's community. [Bylaw ] You are not eligible if, when you were being recruited, a staff member of your institution's athletics department spent money other than what was necessary for the staff member's (or representative's) personal expenses during an off-campus visit with you. [Bylaw ] Precollege or postgraduate expense All sports: You are not eligible if your institution or any representative of its athletics interests offered you money, directly or indirectly, to pay for any part of your educational expenses or other expenses during any period of time before you enrolled at your institution. This applies to your postgraduate education as well. [Bylaw ] The National Collegiate Athletic Association June 27, 2007 JB:cvs 104

135 Form 07-3 Academic Year Student-Athlete Statement Division I For: Action: Due date: Required by: Purpose: Effective Date: Student-athletes. Sign and return to your director of athletics. Before you first compete each year. NCAA Constitution and NCAA Bylaws and To assist in certifying eligibility. This NCAA Division I statement/consent form shall be in effect from the date this document is signed and shall remain in effect through August 31 of the following year or until a subsequent Division I Student-Athlete Statement/Drug-Testing Consent form is executed, whichever occurs earlier. Student-Athlete: (Please Print Name) Name of your institution: This form has seven parts: a statement concerning eligibility, a Buckley Amendment consent, a statement concerning the promotion of NCAA championships and other NCAA events, results of drug tests, previous involvement in NCAA rules violation(s) an affirmation of valid and accurate information provided to the NCAA Eligibility Center and admissions office, including ACT or SAT scores, high school attendance, completion of coursework and high school grades, and a statement concerning the amateur status of the student-athlete subsequent to the request of final certification by the Eligibility Center. If you are an incoming freshman, you must complete and sign parts I, II, III, IV, VI and VII to participate in intercollegiate competition. If you are an incoming transfer student or a continuing student, you must complete and sign parts I, II, III, IV, V and VI to participate in intercollegiate competition. Before you sign this form, you should read the Summary of NCAA Regulations provided by your director of athletics or his or her designee or read the bylaws of the NCAA Division I Manual that deal with your eligibility. If you have any questions, you should discuss them with your director of athletics or your institutionʼs compliance officer, or you may contact the NCAA at 317/ The conditions that you must meet to be eligible and the requirement that you sign this form are indicated in the following bylaws of the Division I Manual: Bylaws 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 Bylaws , 18.4 and

136 Student-Athlete Statement Division I Form 07-3a Page No. 2 Part I: Statement Concerning Eligibility. By signing this part of the form, you affirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you are eligible to compete in intercollegiate competition. You affirm that your institution has provided you a copy of the Summary of NCAA Regulations or the relevant sections of the Division I Manual and that your director of athletics (or his or her designee) gave you the opportunity to ask questions about them. You affirm that you meet the NCAA regulations for student-athletes regarding eligibility, recruitment, financial aid, amateur status and involvement in gambling activities. You affirm that all information provided to the NCAA, the Eligibility Center and the institutionʼs admissions office is accurate and valid, including ACT or SAT scores, high school attendance, completion of coursework and high school grades, as well as the student-athleteʼs amateur status. You affirm that you have reported to the director of athletics or his or her designee of your institution any violations of NCAA regulations involving you and your institution. You affirm that you understand that if you sign this statement falsely or erroneously, you violate NCAA legislation on ethical conduct and you will further jeopardize your eligibility. Name (Please Print) Date of Birth Age Signature of Student-Athlete Home Address (Street or P.O. Box) Date Home City, State, and Zip Code Sport(s) 106

137 Student-Athlete Statement Division I Form 07-3a Page No. 3 Part II: Buckley Amendment Consent. By signing this part of the form, you certify that you agree to disclose your educational records. You understand that this entire form and the results of any NCAA drug test you may take are part of your educational records. These records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and they may not be disclosed without your consent. You give your consent to disclose only to authorized representatives of this institution, its athletics conference (if any) and the NCAA, except as permitted in the Drug-Testing Consent form, the following documents: This form; Results of NCAA drug tests and related information and correspondence; Results of positive drug tests done by non-ncaa national or international athletics organizations; Any transcript from your high school, this institution, or any junior college or any other four-year institutions you have attended; Precollege test scores, appropriately related information and correspondence (e.g., testing sites, dates and letters of test-score certification or appeal), and where applicable, information relating to eligibility for or conduct of nonstandard testing; Graduation status; Your social security number and/or student identification number; Race and gender identification; Records concerning your financial aid; and Any other papers or information pertaining to your NCAA eligibility. You agree to disclose these records only to determine your eligibility for intercollegiate athletics, your eligibility for athletically related financial aid, for evaluation of school and team academic success, for awards and recognition programs highlighting student-athlete academic success, for purposes of inclusion in summary institutional information reported to the NCAA (and which may be publicly released by it), for NCAA longitudinal research studies and for activities related to NCAA compliance reviews and athletics certification. You will not be identified by name by the NCAA in any such published or distributed information. This consent shall remain in effect as long as any issues regarding the purposes listed above exist. You also agree that information regarding any infractions matter in which you may be involved may be published or distributed to third parties as required by NCAA policies, bylaws or procedures. Date Signature of Student-Athlete 107

138 Student-Athlete Statement Division I Form 07-3a Page No. 4 Part III: Promotion of NCAA Championships, Events, Activities or Programs. You authorize the NCAA [or a third party acting on behalf of the NCAA (e.g., host institution, conference, local organizing committee)] to use your name or picture to generally promote NCAA championships or other NCAA events, activities or programs. Name (Please Print) Signature of Student-Athlete Date Part IV: Results of Drug Tests. If you have not tested positive for a banned substance by the NCAA and/or by a non- NCAA national or international athletics organization or any athletics conference or institution, sign A and C. If you have tested positive, complete B and C. A. No positive drug test. You affirm that you have never tested positive by the NCAA and/or by a non-ncaa national or international athletics organization or any athletics conference or institution for a banned substance. Name (Please Print) Signature of Student-Athlete Date B. Positive drug test. If you have ever tested positive for a substance banned by the NCAA and/or by a non-ncaa national or international athletics organization, the results must be declared here. Further, the results will be reported by your director of athletics to NCAA Education Services. Should you consequently transfer, you are obligated to report NCAA positive drug-test results to the respective institution. Date of test Organization conducting test Substance 108

139 Student-Athlete Statement Division I Form 07-3a Page No. 5 C. Future positive test. Should you test positive for a substance banned by the NCAA and/or by a non-ncaa national or international athletics organization at any time after you sign this statement, as described in the above paragraph, you must report the results to your director of athletics, who must then report the results to the NCAA. You will be subject to future NCAA drug testing, in which failure of the drug test could lead to the possible loss of eligibility. Name (Please Print) Date Signature of Student-Athlete Part V: Incoming Transfers Previous Involvement in NCAA Rules Violation(s). Have you previously attended a four-year NCAA Division I, II or III institution? Yes No If yes, what is the name(s) of the institution(s)? Are you aware of any NCAA violations you were involved in while previously attending an NCAA institution? Yes No If yes, did this violation result in your being withheld from competition while attending your previous institution? Yes No If you answered yes to either of the above questions, please provide an explanation. 109

140 Student-Athlete Statement Division I Form 07-3a Page No. 6 Part VI: Affirmation of Status as an Amateur Athlete. You affirm that you have read and understand the NCAA amateurism rules. By signing this part of the form, you affirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you have not violated any amateurism rules since you requested a final certification from the clearinghouse or since the last time you signed a Division I student-athlete statement, whichever occurred later. You affirm that since requesting a final certification from the Eligibility Center, you have not provided false or misleading information concerning your amateur status to the NCAA, the NCAA clearinghouse and the institutionʼs athletics department, including administrative personnel and the coaching staff. Name (Please Print) Signature of Student-Athlete Date Part VII: Incoming Freshmen Affirmation of Valid ACT or SAT Score. You affirm that, to the best of your knowledge, you have received a validated ACT and/or SAT score. You agree that, in the event you are or have been notified by ACT or SAT of the possibility of an invalidated test score, you will immediately notify the director of athletics of your institution. You affirm that all information provided to the NCAA, the Eligibility Center and institutionʼs admissions office is valid and accurate, including high school attendance, completion of coursework and high school grades. You affirm that you did not fraudulently earn your qualifying ACT or SAT score by having someone else take the test for you, copying answers from another person taking the test, etc. Name (Please Print) Date Signature of Student-Athlete What to do with this form: Sign and return it to your director of athletics or his or her designee before you first compete. This form is to be kept in the director of athleticsʼ office for six years. 110

141 Form 07-3d Academic Year Drug-Testing Consent Division I For: Action: Due date: Student-athletes. Sign and return to your director of athletics. At the time your intercollegiate squad first reports for practice or the Monday of the institutionʼs fourth week of classes, whichever date occurs first. Required by: NCAA Constitution and NCAA Bylaws and Purpose: To assist in certifying eligibility. TO: STUDENT-ATHLETE Name of your institution: You must sign this form to participate (i.e., practice or compete) in intercollegiate athletics. Per NCAA Bylaw 30.5-(b), the director of athletics or the director of athleticsʼ designee shall disseminate a copy of the list of banned drug classes (Attachment) to all student-athletes and educate them about products that might contain banned drugs. Please note that the list may change during the academic year, that updates may be found on the NCAA Web site ( and you will be informed of the procedures your athletics department will use to disseminate updates to the list. NCAA Constitution and Bylaws and 30.5 require that you sign this form. If you have any questions, you should discuss them with your director of athletics. Drug-Testing Consent By signing this form, you affirm that you are aware of the NCAA drug-testing program, which provides: A student-athlete who is found to have used a substance on the list of banned drugs, as set forth in Bylaw , shall be declared ineligible for further participation in regular season and postseason competition in all sports in accordance with the provisions in Bylaw The certifying institution may appeal to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee for restoration of the student-athlete's eligibility if the institution concludes that circumstances warrant restoration. (Bylaw ) A student-athlete who tests positive (in accordance with the testing methods authorized by the NCAA Executive Committee) shall be ineligible to participate in regular-season and postseason competition for one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after the positive drug test and shall be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports. The student-athlete shall remain ineligible for all regular-season and postseason competition for one calendar year after the student-athlete's positive drug test, and until the student-athlete retests negative (in 111

142 Drug-Testing Consent Division I Form 07-3d Page No. 2 accordance with the testing methods authorized by the Executive Committee) and the studentathlete's eligibility is restored by the Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee. If a studentathlete transfers to another NCAA institution while ineligible due to a positive NCAA drug test, the institution from which the student-athlete transfers must notify the transfer institution regarding the positive drug test result. If the student-athlete tests positive a second time for the use of any drug, other than a "street drug" as defined in Bylaw , he or she shall lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports. A combination of two positive tests involving street drugs (e.g., marijuana, heroin) in whatever order, will result in the loss of an additional year of eligibility (Bylaw ). In addition, the penalty for missing a scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug other than a street drug. If the student-athlete tests positive for the use of a "street drug" after being restored to eligibility, he or she shall be charged with the loss of a minimum of one additional season of competition in all sports and also shall remain ineligible for regular-season and postseason competition at least through the next calendar year. If the student-athlete transfers to another NCAA institution while ineligible, the institution from which the student-athlete transferred must notify the institution that the student-athlete is ineligible due to a positive drug test result. If the studentathlete immediately transfers to a non-ncaa institution while ineligible and competes in collegiate competition within the 365-day period at a non-ncaa institution, the student-athlete will be ineligible for all NCAA regular-season and postseason competition until the studentathlete does not compete in collegiate competition for a 365-day period. Additionally, the student-athlete must retest negative (in accordance with the testing methods authorized by the Executive Committee) and request that eligibility be restored by the NCAA Division I Academic/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet. (Bylaw ) The Executive Committee shall adopt a list of banned drug classes and shall authorize methods for drug testing of student-athletes on a year-round basis. This list of banned drug classes and the procedure for informing member institutions about authorized methods for drug testing are set forth in Bylaws and respectively. The list is subject to change and the institution and student-athlete shall be held accountable for all banned drug classes on the current list (Attachment). The list is located on the NCAA Web site ( or may be obtained from the NCAA health and safety staff in Education Outreach. (Bylaw ) You agree to allow the NCAA to test you in relation to any participation by you in any NCAA championship or in any postseason football game certified by the NCAA for the banned drugs listed in Bylaw Additionally, if you participate in a Division I NCAA sport, you also agree to be tested on a year-round basis for anabolic agents, diuretics, ephedrine and urine manipulators and peptide hormones. 112

143 Drug-Testing Consent Division I Form 07-3d Page No. 3 You agree to allow your drug-test sample to be used by the NCAA drug-testing laboratories for research purposes to improve drug-testing detection. Individual samples will not be personally identified. You were provided an opportunity to review the procedures for NCAA drug testing that are described in the NCAA Drug-Testing Program brochure. You understand that this consent and the results of your drug tests, if any, only will be disclosed in accordance with the provisions of the Buckley Amendment consent. You agree to disclose your drug-testing results only for purposes related to your eligibility for participation in regular-season and postseason competition. You affirm that you understand that if you sign this statement falsely or erroneously, you violate NCAA legislation on ethical conduct, and you will further jeopardize your eligibility. Date Date Signature of student-athlete Signature of parent (if student-athlete is a minor) Name (please print) Date of birth Age Home address Sport(s) What to do with this form: Sign and return it to your director of athletics at the time your intercollegiate squad first reports for practice or the Monday of the institution's fourth week of classes (whichever date occurs first). This form is to be kept in the director of athleticsʼ office for six years. The National Collegiate Athletic Association June 27, 2007 JB:cvs 113

144 NCAA Banned-Drug Classes The NCAA list of banned-drug classes is subject to change by the NCAA Executive Committee. Contact NCAA education services or for the current list. The term related compounds comprises substances that are included in the class by their pharmacological action and/or chemical structure. No substance belonging to the prohibited class may be used, regardless of whether it is specifically listed as an example. Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore purity and safety of nutritional dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive NCAA drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete s own risk. Student-athletes should contact their institution s team physician or athletic trainer for further information. Bylaw Banned Drugs The following is a list of banned-drug classes, with examples of substances under each class: (a) Stimulants: amiphenazole methylenedioxymethamphetamine amphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) bemigride methylphenidate benzphetamine nikethamide bromantan pemoline caffeine 1 (guarana) pentetrazol chlorphentermine phendimetrazine cocaine phenmetrazine cropropamide phentermine crothetamide phenylephrine diethylpropion phenylpropanolamine (ppa) dimethylamphetamine picrotoxine doxapram pipradol ephedrine prolintane (ephedra, ma huang) strychnine ethamivan synephrine ethylamphetamine (citrus aurantium, zhi shi, bitter fencamfamine orange) meclofenoxate methamphetamine (b) Anabolic Agents: anabolic steroids androstenediol androstenedione boldenone clostebol dehydrochlormethyltestosterone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and related compounds The following stimulants are not banned: phenylephrine pseudoephedrine methyltestosterone nandrolone norandrostenediol norandrostenedione norethandrolone oxandrolone oxymesterone oxymetholone dihydrotestosterone stanozolol (DHT) testosterone 2 dromostanolone tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) gestrinone mesterolone methandienone methenolone other anabolic agents clenbuterol ATTACHMENT (c) Substances Banned for Specific Sports: Rifle: alcohol pindolol atenolol propranolol metoprolol timolol nadolol and related compounds (d) Diuretics: acetazolamide bendroflumethiazide benzhiazide bumetanide chlorothiazide chlorthalidone ethacrynic acid flumethiazide furosemide hydrochlorothiazide hydroflumethiazide methyclothiazide metolazone polythiazide quinethazone spironolactone triamterene trichlormethiazide and related compounds (e) Street Drugs: heroin tetrahydrocannabinol marijuana 3 (THC) 3 (f) Peptide Hormones and Analogues : corticotrophin (ACTH) growth hormone (hgh, somatotrophin) human chorionic gonadotrophin (hcg) insulin like growth factor (IGF-1) leutenizing hormone (LH) (all the respective releasing factors of the above- Mentioned substances also are banned.) erythropoietin (EPO) sermorelin darbypoetin (g) Anti-Estrogens anastrozole clomiphene tamoxifen and related compounds (h) Definitions of positive depends on the following: 1 for caffeine if the concentration in urine exceeds 15 micrograms/ml. 2 for testosterone if the administration of testosterone or use of any other manipulation has the result of increasing the ratio of the total concentration of testosterone to that of epitestosterone in the urine to greater than 6:1, unless there is evidence that this ratio is due to a physiological or pathological condition. 3 for marijuana and THC if the concentration in the urine of THC metabolite exceeds 15 nanograms/ml. 114

145 ATTACHMENT Drugs and Procedures Subject to Restrictions. The use of the following drugs and/or procedures is subject to certain restrictions and may or may not be permissible, depending on limitations expressed in these guidelines and/or quantities of these substances used: (Revised: 8/15/89) (a) Blood Doping. The practice of blood doping (the intravenous injection of whole blood, packed red blood cells or blood substitutes) is prohibited, and any evidence confirming use will be cause for action consistent with that taken for a positive drug test. (Revised: 8/15/89, 5/4/92) (b) Local Anesthetics. The Executive Committee will permit the limited use of local anesthetics under the following conditions: (1) That procaine, xylocaine, carbocaine or any other local anesthetic may be used, but not cocaine; (Revised: 12/9/91, 5/6/93) (2) That only local or topical injections can be used (i.e., intravenous injections are not permitted); and (3) That use is medically justified only when permitting the athlete to continue the competition without potential risk to his or her health. (c) Manipulation of Urine Samples. The Executive Committee bans the use of substances and methods that alter the integrity and/or validity of urine samples provided during NCAA drug testing. Examples of banned methods are catheterization, urine substitution and/or tampering or modification of renal excretion by the use of diuretics, probenecid, bromantan or related compounds, and epitestosterone administration. (Revised: 8/15/89, 6/17/92, 7/22/97) (d) Beta 2 Agonists. The use of beta 2 agonists is permitted by inhalation only. (Adopted: 8/13/93) (e) Additional Analysis. Drug screening for select nonbanned substances may be conducted for nonpunitive purposes. (Revised: 8/15/89) The National Collegiate Athletic Association June 27, 2007 JB:cvs 115

146 Student-Athlete Authorization/Consent for Disclosure of Protected Health Information to the National Collegiate Athletic Association for Monitoring and Research of Sports Injuries/Illnesses I, hereby authorize Name of Student-Athlete Name of my Institution and its physicians, athletic trainers and health care personnel to disclose my protected health information and any related information regarding any injury or illness or participation related to my training for and participation in intercollegiate athletics to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and its employees or agents. I understand that my participation and protected health information will be used by the NCAAʼs Injury Surveillance System (ISS), a longitudinal surveillance database maintained by the NCAA, for the purpose of monitoring injuries resulting from training for or participation in athletics. The ISS provides NCAA committees, athletic conferences and individual schools and NCAAapproved researchers with injury and participation information that does not identify individual athletes or schools. The data provide the Association and other groups with an information resource upon which to base and evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety rules and policy, and to study other sports medicine questions. Selected de-identified summary (aggregate) data also are made accessible to the general public as a service to further the general understanding of athletic injury patterns. I understand that my injury/illness information is protected by federal regulations under either the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (the Buckley Amendment) and may not be disclosed without either my authorization under HIPAA or my consent under the Buckley Amendment. I understand that my signing of this authorization/consent is voluntary and that my institution will not condition or withhold any health care treatment or payment, enrollment in a health plan or receipt of any benefits (if applicable) on whether I provide the consent or authorization requested for this disclosure. I also understand that I am not required to sign this authorization/consent in order to be eligible for participation in NCAA athletics. I understand that while HIPAA regulations may not apply to the NCAAʼs use or disclosure of my injury/illness information, the NCAA is committed to protecting my privacy. I understand that the protected health information and any personal identifiers will be encrypted while being transmitted from my institution to the NCAA and that all data will be stored on a secure server at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis, Indiana. I further understand that neither the NCAA nor the ISS will identify me personally in any publication or disclosure of research results. This authorization/consent for transfer of protected health information expires 545 days from the date of my signature below, but I have the right to revoke it in writing at any time by sending written notification to the athletics director at my institution. I understand that a revocation takes effect on its request date and does not affect any action taken prior to that date. 116

147 STUDENT-ATHLETE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT I understand that my academic work at the University of Pittsburgh must adhere to the rules outlined in the University s Guidelines on Academic Integrity. The work, which I submit, must be my own. Representing the work of others as my own constitutes academic fraud. I am encouraged to receive academic support from the Office of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes. The help I receive, including tutoring, must be done in strict compliance with the University s academic integrity policies as well as the policies of Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes. I cannot ask tutors or the Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes staff to do my work for me or to engage in any academic fraud. Academic Support Service for Student-Athletes personnel are required by the NCAA to report any such academic violations. I understand that failure to follow the Guidelines on Academic Integrity can have serious implications for my academic career, as well as impact my athletic eligibility and the eligibility of my team. Student-Athlete Name (please print) Student-Athlete Signature Student-Athlete s Sport Date 117

148 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH SPORTS WAGERING STATEMENT for STUDENT-ATHLETES In NCAA BYLAW , Sports Wagering is defined as placing, accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member s or student-athlete s own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of sports wagering include (but are not limited to): (a) Use of a bookmaker or parlay card; (b) Internet sports wagering; (c) Auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and (d) Pools (e.g., March Madness bracket sheets) or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize. NCAA BYLAW 10.3 SPORTS WAGERING ACTIVITIES Staff members of an institution s athletics department, nonathletics department staff members who have responsibilities within or over the athletics department (e.g., faculty athletics representative), staff members of a conference office and student-athletes should not knowingly: Provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering (a) activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition; (b) Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; (c) Accept a bet on any team representing the institution; (d) Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner); or (e) Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling. In addition, the following interpretations apply: Soliciting or accepting a wager for a material item: The provisions of NCAA bylaw 10.3 do not permit a student-athlete from soliciting or accepting a wager for a non-monetary material item (e.g., shirt, jersey, meal) that has tangible value in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value. It should be noted, however, that institutions that compete against each other may agree to participate for a tangible item (e.g., governors cup), provided no student-athletes receive any tangible item. Wagering on professional sports contests: The prohibition against student-athletes and athletics department staff members from participating in gambling activities associated with professional sports events is applicable only to those sports in which the Association conducts championship competition, bowl subdivision football and emerging women s sports. I certify that I have read and understand the preceding conditions regarding gambling activities that involve intercollegiate athletics and professional sports teams, and I have not engaged in any of these impermissible activities while a member of an intercollegiate team. I agree to abide by the regulations stated on this form, and I realize that failure to do so may result in sanctions against me, including, but not limited to, dismissal from my team, immediate athletic ineligibility, loss of NCAA eligibility and termination of any athletics aid. Printed Name Signature Sport Date 118

149 Calendar

150 Calendar