Enrolled Student-Athlete Information

 

The information provided here is designed to be a resource for enrolled student-athletes. It is difficult to encompass all information and situations that may affect an enrolled student-athlete in a single resource, so please contact the Compliance Office prior to taking any action so as to not jeopardize your athletics eligibility.

Academic Requirements

In addition to any Big Ten Conference and NCAA academic eligibility requirements, the University of Iowa's Presidential Committee on Athletics delineates a schedule of requirements student-athletes to ensure student-athletes progress toward their degree in an effective manner.

 

Presidential Committee on Athletics Minimum Schedule of Requirements by Semester

Check Points,

End of -----

 Number of Enrolled Hours Minimum Number of Courses Passed
First Semester, First Year 14 At least 2 required courses
Second Semester, First Year 28 At least 4 required courses
First Semester, Second Year 42 At least 6 required courses including 1 course in possible major
Second Semester, Second Year 56 At least 8 required courses including 2 courses in possible major
First Semester, Third Year 70 At least 10 required courses, at least 1 semester of foreign language (if required) and 3 courses in major
Second Semester, Third Year 84 At least 12 required courses, at least 2 semesters of foreign language (if required) and at least 5 courses in major
First Semester, Fourth Year 98 At least 13 required courses, 3 semesters of foreign language (if required) and at least 7 courses in major
Second Semester, Fourth Year 112 Completed major and foreign language requirements (if required) and made up any required courses failed or dropped

 

In addition to The University of Iowa requirements, the Big Ten Conference has it's own set of eligibility requirements for progression towards degree. Below are the Big Ten Conference Minimum Requirements for GPA and Credit Hours earned for eligibility purposes.

Big Ten Conference Minimum Requirements for GPA and Credit Hours Earned
Grade Point Average
Minimum Hours Earned
  • First Year:
  • 1.65 end of first term to compete
  • 1.80 at the end of the first year
  • 12 hours per term based on freshman academic requirements
  • Entering Second Year:
  • 1.80 for each term during the second year
  • 24 hours, which must be earned at the certifying institution (transfer students excepted)
  • Entering Third Year:
  • 1.90 for each term during the third year
  • 51 hours that apply toward a degree
  • Entering Fourth Year:
  • 2.00 for each term during the fourth year
  • 78 hours that apply toward a degree
  • Entering Fifth Year:
  • 2.00 for each term during the fifth year
  • 105 hours that apply toward a degree

 

 

Student-Athlete Employment Regulations

A student-athlete may earn legitimate on- or off-campus employment income during the semester or any vacation period during the year. Compensation earned by the student-athlete must be at the going rate and for work actually performed. Additionally, compensation cannot include any remuneration for the value, utility, publicity, fame etc. that the student-athlete may provide.

Student-athletes may wish to provide fee-for-lesson instruction of skills or techniques in his or her sport. For activities such as these to be permissible, the following criteria must be adhered to:

 

Extra Benefits

No student-athlete, either prospective or enrolled, may received an extra benefit. An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institution employee or a booster to provide a student-athlete, prospect, or their relatives or friends a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation.

Examples include:

A benefit is not considered a violation if it is one that is generally available to students determined on a basis unrelated to athletic ability.

 

Outside Competition Regulations

Many student-athletes wish to participate in outside competition both during and outside of the academic year. Many times this is permissible, but prior approval must be received from the Director of Athletics.

In individual sports, anytime a member of a University of Iowa team wishes to participate in a competition while not representing the University of Iowa, the student-athlete is competing unattached. An unattached competitor cannot:

  1. 1. Wear/Use University of Iowa apparel that includes any University identification;
  2. 2. Receive expenses from The University of Iowa;
  3. 3. Receive medical care from a University of Iowa Athletic Trainer; or
  4. 4. Receive instruction from a University of Iowa coach.

In team sports other than basketball, a student-athlete may compete outside of the declared playing and practice season as a member of an outside team in any noncollegiate, amateur competition during any official vacation period at The University of Iowa. In the sport of basketball, a student-athlete may not compete in any organized competition except when representing The University of Iowa in intercollegiate competition (except Certified Summer Leagues).

 

Sports Wagering

NCAA Bylaw 10.3 prohibits student-athletes from participating in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate or professional athletics. Any activity in which an individual must pay a fee to enter with the chance of receiving a prize is in violation of NCAA rules and can result in ineligibility for the student-athlete.

Three important things to remember:

  1. 1. Gambling activities that do not involve the outcome of contests are also not permitted (e.g., fantasy leagues, picking the top scorer);
  2. 2. Cash is not the only prohibited item to be used as a wager in gambling. It is not permissible to bet with any other item that has tangible value, such as a shirt or a meal;
  3. 3. Providing information about a student-athlete to individuals involved in organized gambling activities is considered participation in a gambling activity and is prohibited.

 

Drug Testing

All University of Iowa student-athletes will be subject to periodic unannounced drug screening examinations during their participation in intercollegiate athletics. This is done to help discourage the use of illegal substances and the misuse of alcohol and other illegal drugs. If a student-athlete is not present during the random team testing or supervisory testing without an excused absence, the Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) will notify the coach and Athletic Director of his/her absence and the athlete will be suspended from practice and competition until another unannounced test can be completed.

Additionally, all University of Iowa student-athletes are subject to Big Ten Conference and year round NCAA random drug testing. Please see the link below for more information on the NCAA Drug Testing program.

NCAA Drug Testing Program

 

The University of Iowa Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

Please follow this link for The University of Iowa Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

 

The University of Iowa Guidelines for Prospective Student-Athletes and Their Hosts

Please follow this link for The University of Iowa Guidelines for Prospective Student-Athletes and Their Student Hosts

 

Additional Links for Enrolled Student-Athletes:

The University of Iowa Student-Athlete Handbook

The University of Iowa Athletic Student Services

The University of Iowa Student-Athlete Portal

 

Have questions? E-mail The University of Iowa Athletics Compliance office at compliance@hawkeyesports.com

 

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