Policy Statements
Compensation for Services: A student-athlete may receive compensation from a third party (but not from the University) for NIL Activity as long as such compensation is provided in exchange for services, activities, intellectual property, appearances, or other value actually provided by the student-athlete and is NOT being provided in exchange for athletic performance. Compensation that does not meet this requirement is prohibited by this policy and may lead to a determination of ineligibility to participate in college athletics.
Examples of impermissible Compensation:
- $1000 payment to soccer student-athlete for Player of the Year award
- $100 payment to lacrosse student-athlete for every goal scored
- Free car use by a car dealer for a student-athlete when the student-athlete provides nothing in exchange
Disclosure: Student-athletes shall disclose to the University any NIL activities that results in compensation within seven days of receipt of the compensation. Student-athletes shall provide the Athletic Compliance Office with a copy of any agreement for compensation for NIL activities within 7 days of execution of such agreement. The NIL approval form is available in ARMS.
Institutional Role:
The University may:
- Educate student-athletes on NIL, including but not limited to topics intended to educate student-athletes regarding: rules and risks, best practices, how to engage in NIL, and how to build one's personal brand.
- Allow student-athletes to access and use institutional facilities for NIL Activity under the same rules, regulations, fees, and terms and conditions in effect for any other third-party user requesting comparable access or use. (must pay standard facility rental rate).
The University, including its employees, contractors, representatives and agents, may not:
- Purchase a student-athletes work product or service (except that a product or service developed as part of a student-athlete's coursework is not subject to this restriction).
- Create or facilitate a relationship between a professional service provider and any student-athlete.
- Create or facilitate NIL compensation opportunities for prospective student-athletes as a recruiting inducement or current student-athlete as an inducement to remain enrolled at the University.
- Contract with or otherwise knowingly allow any institutional partner or contractor to engage in activity that is impermissible for the institution.
Professional Service Providers: Student-athletes may utilize the services of any professional services provider or agents for assistance with NIL Activity. However, student-athletes use of professional service providers or agents shall be consistent with NCAA rules.
Use of Institution Name or Marks: Student-athletes at the University may state that they play "[insert name of sport] at (University)" or that they are "a member of the [insert name of sport] at (University)" to identify themselves in connection with NIL Activity. Student-athletes may not use the University's name or any other logo, marks, trademarks, mascot, unique colors, copyrights and other defining insignia or intellectual property owned by the University in connection with noninstitutional NIL Activity without the express written consent of the University.
Conflict with Institutional Contracts: Student-athletes at the University may enter endorsements or NIL activities with sponsors of the University or entities that compete with sponsors of the University. However, such agreement, or any portion thereof, may not conflict with the provisions of any agreement to which the University is a party. In the event that a potential conflict is identified, the University shall disclose to the student-athlete or the student-athlete's attorney or sports agent the provisions of the University agreement that are in conflict.
Conflict with NCAA or Institutional Values: Student-athletes may not endorse or enter into NIL activities in categories that conflict with NCAA policy or institutional values including, but not limited, to any marijuana company, product, or brand; any seller or dispensary of a controlled substance, as defined by federal law; or any product, substance, or method that is prohibited in competition by an athletic association, athletic conference, or other organization governing intercollegiate athletic program competition.
Conflict of Commitment: Student-athletes may not miss class or other mandatory academic requirements or official team activities to engage in NIL activities.
Recruiting Inducement and Boosters: University athletic boosters are prohibited from creating or facilitating NIL compensation opportunities for prospective student-athletes as a recruiting inducement or current student-athlete as an inducement to remain enrolled at the University.
Prospective Student-Athletes: Prospective student-athletes may not engage in any NIL Activity that is impermissible for current student-athletes at the University under this policy. Prospective student-athletes do not need to disclose NIL transactions that will not continue during such student-athletes' enrollment at the University, to the University. Disclosure of NIL Activities will begin at the outset of a student's initial enrollment at the institution and will continue through their time as a student at the University.
International Student-Athletes: International student-athletes may be limited in their ability to receive NIL compensation from a third party by the terms of their visa or other immigration status. This policy is in no way intended to permit and does not permit such compensation where such compensation is otherwise prohibited by law. Student-athletes should consult with their personal advisors concerning this issue and International Student and Scholar Services.
Institutional Promotional Activities: Nothing within this policy shall impact the right of the University to use the name, image, or likeness of student-athletes in accordance with NCAA Bylaws. Student-athletes will continue to participate in institutional promotional activities such as appearances, autograph signings, digital content creation, photo shoots, and similar activities in accordance with existing NCAA rules, but may not be paid by the University to participate in any such activity.
Non-Institutional Promotional Activities: While student-athletes may be compensated for non-institutional promotional activities in accordance with the NCAA Interim NIL Policy, the University will not engage in activities intended to secure or facilitate any non-institutional promotional activities for student-athletes.
Sale of Institutionally Provided Apparel or Tangible Goods: Student-athletes may not sell apparel, equipment, awards or other items issued by the University until his/her eligibility is exhausted. The University and its representatives shall not purchase such items originally issued by the University (e.g., cannot purchase awards back).
Equity: The University is committed to equity in the provision of all permissible institutional services under this policy. Student-athletes are entitled to compensation for NIL activities only from non-institutional entities and not from the University. The University is not responsible for monitoring, overseeing or enforcing equity compliance in opportunities, compensation or other consideration provided by non-institutional entities for NIL activities.
Employment Status: While University student-athletes may be employed by the University in a job on campus, student-athletes are not considered employees of the University based solely on their status as student-athletes. Receipt of athletics financial aid, a signed National Letter of Intent or scholarship agreement with the University do not give the student-athlete employee status. A student-athlete's receipt of NIL compensation from a non-institutional entity does not alter the non-employee status of the student-athlete as set forth herein.
Financial Aid: Student-athlete should be aware that receiving compensation for NIL activities could have an impact on their financial aid, especially for those receiving Pell Grants. Student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office.
Withholding, Tax & Other Obligations: Student-athletes are responsible for all tax, withholding, reporting, licenses, permissions, permits, expenses, fees and any other obligations, liabilities or costs associated with NIL Activity.
Disclaimer: The University shall have no liability to any student-athlete, non-institutional entity, professional service provider, vendor, contractor, or agent as a result of a student-athlete's participation in NIL activities.
