UNIVERSITY of SAN DIEGO 2014-2015 Student-Athlete Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS... 5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE... 6 USD MISSION STATEMENT... 7 USD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT... 7 USD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT VISION STATEMENT..7 USD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CORE VALUES.7 USD STUDENT CODE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.7 USD POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT... 8 ACADEMIC PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES... 14 Missed Class Time Policy and Class Attendance... 14 Team Travel... 15 Academic Counseling/Academic Planning... 16 Academic Eligibility... 16 Postseason Eligibility...17 Class Registration... 18 Course Credit for Intercollegiate Athletics Participation Athletic Dept. Procedure for Appealing an IATH grade Dropping/Adding a course Educational Recreation Units Academic Monitoring/Midterm Reports... 20 Academic Probation... 20 Student-Athlete Responsibilities When on Probation...21 Academic Dishonesty... 21 Academic Progress... 22 Summer School/Intersession Petition to Graduate RESOURCES FOR THE STUDENT-ATHLETE... 22 Academic Support Services... 22 Tutoring Services... 23 Study Table... 24 Academic Meetings... 24 Learning Disabilities... 24 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)... 24 NCAA Student-Athlete Affairs Program... 25 Recognition Opportunities... 25 Postgraduate Scholarships...26 NCAA Programs and Opportunities... 26 2
OTHER RESOURCES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES... 28 Alcohol and Other Drugs... 28 University Policy Athletic Department Alcohol and Other Drug Use Policy USD and NCAA Tobacco Policy Athletic Department Alcohol and Other Drug Educational Resources New Student Orientation Alcohol and Other Drug Use: Reasonable Concern Athletic Department Drug Testing Program Institutional Drug Testing Appeal Athletic Department Alcohol and Other Drug Sanctions Alcohol Violations Egregious Alcohol Violations Illegal Substance Violations Alcohol and Other Drug Sanctions Appeal NCAA Drug Testing Violations Student-Athlete Financial Aid... 35 Athletic Grant in Aid Renewals, Reductions, and Non-Renewals Grant in Aid Work Commitment Book Loans Guidelines for Scholarship Athlete to Live Off-Campus Student-Athlete Employment Earnings NCAA Special Assistance Fund for Student Athletes NCAA Student Athlete Opportunity Fund Athletic Training (Sports Medicine)... 39 Medical Insurance Pre-Participation Physical Exams Physician Referrals Pregnant Student Athletes Athletic Department Policy for Pregnant Student Athletes Nutrition Counseling... 42 Referral Process USD Media Relations Policies and Guidelines... 43 3
NCAA AND USD ELIGIBLITY AND RULES COMPLIANCE... 45 Ethical Conduct... 45 Gambling...45 Hazing 45 Amateurism... 46 Financial Aid... 46 Academic Standards... 46 Extra Benefits... 46 Seasons of Competition... 47 Outside Competition... 47 Complimentary Ticket Policy... 47 Practice Limits... 48 Student Hosts for Official/Unofficial Visits... 48 Social Networking Websites... 49 Grievance Policy... 49 Team Supervisors... 50 Program evaluations/exit Interviews... 50 Release Rule... 50 Equipment/Uniforms... 51 ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL... 52 NCAA Banned Drugs...59 APPENDIX A: Reasonable Suspicion Screening... 60 APPENDIX B: Urine Specimen Collection Procedures... 61 4
MESSAGE FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Being a student-athlete at the University of San Diego is both exciting and challenging. You are representing the University at the highest competitive level in the NCAA and at the same time, committing to the rigors of this very challenging academic environment. The members of this athletic department want to provide the best coaching, support services, training opportunities and competitive schedules to make your experience as a USD student-athlete an outstanding one. We also have the expectation that you will represent the University by consistently displaying good sportsmanship and ethical conduct both on and off the field of play. You are highly visible members of this community and your actions in the classroom, in the community and in the competitive arena are a direct reflection on you, your family, your teammates and your University. We expect you to respect all people and celebrate victory in appropriate ways. The information provided for you in this Student Athlete Handbook is important and relevant to the responsibilities you have as a student athlete. Your coaches, sports administrators, athletic trainers and academic support staff members are available to assist with questions. We encourage you to commit to both academic and athletic excellence while displaying good sportsmanship and Torero pride. Play well and enjoy the year. Ky Snyder Executive Director of Athletics 5
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE Welcome to the University of San Diego. We are excited that you are part of the USD Athletic Department and we are looking forward to working with you to help you to make the most of this opportunity. Your responsibilities as an athlete include abiding by all athletic department, USD and NCAA rules. We present you with this handbook in order to orient you to some of the policies in the athletic department. Updates to the student athlete handbook are available online www.usdtoreros.com In addition, we suggest that you read the USD Bulletin and USD Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities for policies and procedures related to academics and student life. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND ALL USD, ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT & TEAM POLICIES. You are expected to meet all of your obligations as designated by your coach and if you receive athletic aid, as stated in your athletic aid agreement. You are responsible for your education at the University of San Diego. It is your responsibility to complete the necessary coursework for your major and to earn a degree. It is your responsibility to utilize the resources available to you in order to obtain the best possible education while at USD. Student-athletes on athletic aid are expected to complete their degree in four years. This means that you need to average 15.5 units each semester or attend summer school or additional semesters at your own expense. We encourage you to make the most of the professors, advisors and other support staff on campus. Begin by attending as many orientation activities as possible. In addition, utilize the tutoring labs and writing center on campus and in the Academic Support Center. Make the most of your relationships with your Advisor and Resident Hall Staff. Take assessments at the Career Center, visit the United Front, and attend athletic events other than your own. Take advantage of independent study opportunities with professors and learn about internships. USD has much to offer to students who want to claim their education. Administrators, coaches and staff members in the athletic department are here to assist you in your quest for an excellent, holistic education. Please come to see us if there are any issues or ideas that you would like to discuss. 6
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO MISSION STATEMENT The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service. DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT As part of the University of San Diego, a Roman Catholic university, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to advancing academic and athletic excellence and enhancing students' lives while promoting the University of San Diego. DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS VISION STATEMENT To win championships while developing exceptional Torero graduates for life. DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS CORE VALUES USD Athletics complements the educational mission of the University by promoting academic excellence and using the field of play to teach leadership and life lessons that will serve student-athletes throughout their lifetime. USD Athletics is committed to student development and provides student-athletes experiences for spiritual, cultural, social, inclusive and emotional growth. USD Athletics competes at the highest level of Division I athletics, striving to reach the full potential of each person and each team. USD Athletics creates community spirit and showcases the university through athletic success. USD Athletics operates in an ethical, equitable and compliant manner on and off the field of play. USD STUDENT CODE OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES In support of its mission as a Catholic university, the University of San Diego has developed standards of conduct and has implemented processes designed to hold students accountable to these standards of conduct. These standards and processes are set forth in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities (the Code ). Please refer to www.sandiego.edu/conduct for detailed information. 7
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO POLICY PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT The University of San Diego is committed to upholding standards that promote respect and human dignity in an environment that fosters academic excellence and professionalism. It is the policy of the university to maintain an educational and work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. To that end, the university prohibits and does not tolerate unlawful discrimination against or harassment of its employees, students or applicants for employment or admission on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, or other characteristic protected by federal or state law, unless a particular characteristic is a bona fide requirement of the position. All members of the university community are expected to uphold this policy. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the university. Discrimination Unlawful discrimination may occur when an individual is treated less favorably with respect to the terms and conditions of employment or education, or with respect to the individual s receipt of employment or educational benefits, because of his or her membership in a protected class. Accordingly, all employment-related decisions, including but not limited to decisions relating to recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, benefits and any other terms and conditions of employment, will be made without regard to the employee s or applicant s race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, covered veteran status, genetic information, or other characteristic protected by federal or state law. Similarly, all educationrelated programs and activities, including but not limited to admissions, financial aid, academic programs, research, housing, athletics, and other extracurricular activities, will be administered without regard to the student s or applicant s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, mental disability, or other characteristic protected by federal or state law. The university does not by this non-discrimination statement disclaim any right it might otherwise lawfully have to maintain its commitment to its Catholic identity or the teachings of the Catholic Church. 8
Harassment Harassment includes verbal, physical or visual conduct when the conduct creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile working or educational environment, or unreasonably interferes with job or academic performance. Verbal harassment may include but is not limited to epithets, derogatory comments or slurs based upon one of the individual s characteristics noted above. Physical harassment may include but is not limited to assault, impeding or blocking movement, or any physical interference with normal work or movement, when directed at an individual because of the individual s protected characteristic. Visual forms of harassment may include but are not limited to derogatory posters, cartoons or drawings based on an individual s protected characteristic. In addition, sexual harassment includes any request or demand for sexual favors that is implicitly or expressly a condition of employment, continued employment, receipt of an employment benefit, admission to the university, participation in educational programs or activities, or evaluation of academic performance. Examples of conduct that could give rise to sexual harassment include but are not limited to: sexual advances or suggestions; unwelcome sexually-oriented remarks; dirty jokes; the display or distribution of offensive photographs, e-mails, posters or cartoons; and any unwelcome, intentional touching of the intimate areas of another person s body. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Title IX states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Sex discrimination also includes sexual harassment and sexual assault. The University of San Diego is committed to Title IX compliance, which is the shared responsibility of the entire school, from top-level administration to individual staff members. Student-athletes are encouraged to direct their questions about or complaints under Title IX to any of the following staff members, who have primary responsibility for Title IX compliance at the University of San Diego: Complaints Against Administrators or Staff Director of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ Title IX Coordinator Maher Hall, Room 101 (619) 260-4594 Complaints Against Athletics Shaney Fink Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator (619) 260-4755 fink@sandiego.edu 9
Complaints Against Faculty Executive Vice President and Provost Hughes Administration Center 214 (619) 260-4553 Complaints Against Students Vice President for Student Affairs Hahn University Center 232 (619) 260-4588 In addition, questions or complaints may be directed to the director of athletics or the faculty athletics representative, who will forward the matter to the Title IX coordinator for review and response. The university will investigate every reported complaint of unlawful discrimination. Complaint Procedure The university encourages any person, who feels that he or she has been unlawfully discriminated against or harassed, or observes or is otherwise aware of an incident of unlawful discrimination or harassment, to report the incident promptly. To assist in the investigation, the university requests that a complaint be made in writing with a detailed description of the facts giving rise to the complaint, the names of any individuals involved, including any witnesses, and copies of any documents that support or relate to the complaint. Although the university requests the submission of a written complaint, an oral complaint is sufficient to initiate the procedures set forth under this policy. Complaints should be made to any of the following people who are the university s designated officers for handling the complaints and implementing the university s policy against unlawful discrimination and harassment: 1. Complaints Against Administrators or Staff: Director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator Maher Hall, Room 101 (619) 260-4594 2. Complaints Against Students: Vice President for Student Affairs Hahn University Center 232 (619) 260-4588 Dean of Students Hahn University Center 232 (619) 260-4588 3. Complaints Against Faculty: Executive Vice President and Provost Hughes Administration Center 214 (619) 260-4553 10
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences Founders Hall 114 (619) 260-4545 Dean, School of Business Administration Olin Hall 341 (619) 260-4886 Dean, School of Leadership and Education Sciences Mother Rosalie Hill Hall 205 (619) 260-4540 Dean, School of Law Warren Hall 200 (619) 260-4527 Dean, School of Nursing and Health Science Hahn School of Nursing (619) 260-4550 Dean, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice 113 (619) 260-7919 If for any reason the person making the complaint does not feel comfortable directly reporting the incident to the appropriate individual identified above, the complaint may be reported through alternative channels. In the case of a complaint by a university employee, the complaint may be made to the employee s supervisor, manager, the human resources department, a dean, a vice president, or the president. If the complaint involves the employee s supervisor, the employee is not required to report the complaint to the supervisor. In the case of a complaint by a student, the complaint may be made to a dean, the vice president and provost, or the president. A supervisor or manager who receives a complaint of unlawful discrimination or harassment, or observes or is otherwise aware of an incident of unlawful discrimination or harassment, shall promptly inform the appropriate university s designated officer, as set forth above. Investigation and Corrective Action The university will investigate every reported complaint of unlawful discrimination or harassment. The investigation will be conducted in a thorough, prompt and professional manner. If the conclusion of the investigation is that unlawful discrimination or harassment occurred, the university will initiate corrective action, as appropriate under the circumstances. For employees, the corrective action may range from verbal warnings up to and including termination from employment. For students, the corrective action will be imposed in a manner consistent with the university s student code or other applicable procedures. 11
If the individual found to have engaged in the unlawful discrimination or harassment is not an employee or student of the university, corrective action within the reasonable control of the university, and as appropriate under the circumstances, will be initiated. If termination of a faculty member is contemplated, the applicable rules governing dismissal for serious cause will be followed. The employee or student who raised the complaint will be advised of the results of the investigation, unless doing so is prohibited by FERPA or other applicable law. Similarly, an employee or student who is accused of the unlawful discrimination or harassment will be advised of the results of the investigation. Retaliation Prohibited The university prohibits and does not tolerate retaliation against any individual who in good faith files a complaint of unlawful discrimination or harassment or is involved as a witness or participant in the complaint or investigation process. Engaging in unlawful retaliation can result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the university. The university encourages any individual, who believes he or she has been subject to unlawful retaliation, or observes or is otherwise aware of an incident of unlawful retaliation in violation of this policy, to report the incident promptly pursuant to the complaint procedure identified above. The investigation and corrective action procedures set forth above will similarly apply in the case of a complaint of unlawful retaliation in violation of this policy. Right to Appeal An employee or student who is found to have engaged in unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation in violation of this policy shall have the right to appeal the decision. If a vice president was the university s designated officer responsible for handling the complaint, the appeal must be made to the president or the president s designee. If someone other than a vice president was the university s designated officer responsible for handling the complaint, the appeal must be made to the vice president to whom that designated officer reports. Similarly, a complainant may appeal a decision that no unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation occurred. The appeal may address the decision of whether unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation occurred, and it also may address the corrective action imposed. The appeal must be submitted in writing within ten (10) working days after written notification of the results of the investigation. The appeal should describe with specificity why the finding of unlawful discrimination, harassment, retaliation or corrective action imposed was not reasonably based upon the evidence and information made available to the investigator and/or the university official who made the decision regarding the corrective action. 12
The president or vice president who is deciding the appeal may receive or consider additional information if he or she believes such information would aid in the review of the appeal. This right to appeal shall not entitle the appellant to a new or second investigation. The appeal should be granted only if the president or the vice president who is deciding the appeal concludes that the finding of unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation was not reasonably based upon the evidence and information available to the investigator, or that the corrective action imposed was not reasonably based upon the evidence and information available to the university official who made the decision regarding the corrective action. The president or the vice president who is deciding the appeal will provide the decision to the individual who submitted the appeal within 45 days of receipt of the written appeal. The decision of the president or the vice president who is deciding the appeal is final. During the time of the appeal and review, any corrective action taken as a result of the original complaint may be implemented and enforced. 13
ACADEMIC PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES Missed Class Time Policy and Class Attendance Student-athletes are expected to attend all classes except when there are conflicts with competitions. Student-athletes shall be held to following the procedures of this policy in order to avoid penalty for missed classed time due to competition. Rationale The University of San Diego sponsors intercollegiate athletic programs. Participants in these programs are bound to the same standard of academic excellence expected of all undergraduate students. To ensure this standard, the university recruits and enrolls student-athletes who have the intellectual abilities necessary to succeed in the classroom and obtain a baccalaureate degree. Since the pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence is each a time-intensive activity, it is inevitable that student-athletes will face conflicts between their class and athletic schedules. The purpose of this policy is to set forth principles and procedures aimed at reducing conflicts, negotiating those that remain unavoidable, and ensuring both the integrity of the academic process as well the just treatment of student-athletes. Principles 1. In accord with NCAA and the USD s conference regulations, the athletics program will take every measure to minimize the number of classes student-athletes must miss due to athletic competition. 2. Athletic supervisors and coaches will take the academic calendar and schedule into account when scheduling athletic contests, practices and team meetings. 3. No practice session or team meeting may be scheduled during mandatory orientation sessions 4. No student-athlete may absent him/herself from class to attend a practice session (NCAA Rule 17.1.6.6.1) 5. When an athletic competition takes place at USD (i.e., a homegame ), no student-athlete is authorized to be absent from any class prior to two hours before the scheduled start of the competition. 6. Student-athletes will not be penalized academically when they miss a class due to inter-collegiate athletic competition. However, certain academic activities which cannot be rescheduled or which comprise a core component of the course (e.g. field trips) demand the studentathletes presence. These academic activities must be identified on the course syllabus as mandatory for all students. 7. Authorized absences for official athletic competitions do not relieve student-athletes of their class responsibilities. They are responsible for any course material covered during a missed class. 14
8. Faculty should indicate on the course syllabus, available to students on the first day of class, the dates of all major exams, due dates for paper or project submissions, and dates of field trips and other mandatory class-related activities. Faculty retains the right to announce adjustments to a syllabus during the semester. Procedures A. In the first week of class, preferably by the end of the first class, student-athletes must give each of their professors a copy of the travel letter issued by the Athletic department which details the anticipated missed class dates for the student-athlete. B. Student-athletes are responsible to review the syllabus, note potential conflicts, bring them to the attention of their professors and request reasonable accommodations in the event of missed quizzes, exams and assignments. C. The faculty member will determine the accommodations which shall neither penalize the student-athlete nor unfairly advantage or disadvantage him/her relative to other students. In the case of missed quizzes or exams, a faculty member may choose to have the quiz or exam administered and proctored through the athletics program. D. The process of negotiating accommodations should be concluded within the first ten days of the semester. E. Faculty should take into consideration the schedules of studentathletes when scheduling graded activities that are in addition to those already listed on the syllabus. F. In the event that there is a conflict between missed class dates and core academic activities which cannot be avoided or resolved, the student-athlete shall immediately contact his/her athletic academic counselor. G. No faculty member is obligated to excuse a student-athlete in the case of excessive absences. If, in the judgment of a faculty member and after sincere efforts to reach agreement about course work and expectations, the number of missed classes projected would jeopardize the student-athlete s successful completion of the course, the faculty member may recommend that the student-athlete enroll in another course where fewer scheduling conflicts would occur. H. If a student-athlete is advised to select another course, he/she may ask for assistance from the dean s office in order to find a course that will incur fewer conflicts. TEAM TRAVEL During the first week of classes it is your responsibility to notify your professors that you are a student-athlete and provide them with the copy of the travel letter written by the assistant athletics director for academics and student athlete services outlining dates and times of competitions for the semester. 15
If a professor will not allow you to miss class for a competition and you are unable to work out a solution directly with your professor, you must speak to your athletic academic counselor immediately. EXAM PROCTORING Be sure arrangements have been made to resolve missed exams, quizzes or assignments far in advance of a travel date. The athletic academic counselors will attempt to assist you in making arrangements, such as proctoring exams, when this has been determined an acceptable solution by the professor. Students are ALWAYS responsible for making the initial arrangements with the professor. Make sure you provide at least 72 hour notice to your professors and your athletic academic counselor before your departure to ensure that the athletic academic counselor is able communicate with your professor and obtain the exam. TIPS FOR SUCCESS: Keep an open line of communication with your professors and remind them of upcoming competitions conflicting with class. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REMIND THEM AND NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REVIEW THE TRAVEL DATES. ACADEMIC COUNSELING / ACADEMIC PLANNING All freshman students are assigned to an advisor referred to as a preceptor. Until you declare a major the preceptor/faculty advisor will meet with you to discuss academic planning. Once you declare a major you will have an advisor assigned to you in that department. You must meet with your preceptor/faculty advisor each semester in order to be eligible to register for classes. Athletic academic counselors do not have access to the registration system to remove advising holds from your account. In addition to your preceptor or major advisor, you may also meet with the athletic academic counselors to discuss academic plans. It is your responsibility to meet with the athletic academic counselors to ensure that you are keeping up with NCAA eligibility requirements. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY Student-athletes are required to meet all university and NCAA regulations regarding academic eligibility in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics. You are encouraged to become familiar with the basic eligibility rules. Ultimately you are responsible for compliance. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!! A few to keep in mind: 1. You must be enrolled in at least 12 units at USD at all times to be eligible for practice and competition. 2. You must pass at least 6 degree applicable units in a semester. 16
3. FOOTBALL: To be eligible to compete in football, you must pass at least 9 units in the fall or you will be ineligible for the first 4 games of the following year. 4. BASEBALL: You must maintain your eligibility in the fall as well as the spring in order to be eligible for the championship season. Freshman (completed 2 semesters) 1. You must complete 24 degree applicable units during the academic year. 18 units must be during the Fall, Intersession, or Spring semesters. 2. You must have earned a minimum 1.8 cumulative GPA. Sophomore (completed 4 semesters) 1. You must complete 18 degree applicable units during the Fall, Intersession, or Spring semesters. 2. You must declare your major and meet 40% of your degree requirements prior to your 5th semester of full-time enrollment. 3. You must earn a minimum 1.9 cumulative GPA. Junior (completed 6 semesters) 1. You must complete 18 degree applicable units during the Fall, Intersession, or Spring semesters. 2. You must meet 60% of your degree requirement prior to the 7th semester. 3. You must earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Senior (completed 8 semesters) 1. You must complete 18 degree applicable units during the Fall, Intersession, or Spring semesters. 2. You must meet 80% of your degree requirements prior to your 9th semester. 3. You must earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Your academic eligibility is determined each year by the faculty athletic representative. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with the policies to ensure your eligibility POSTSEASON ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible to compete in postseason events that take place after the semester has ended, you must pass at least 6 degree applicable units and meet the GPA requirement as specified in the section above. If you do not meet these criteria, you will not compete in postseason events. Certification will take place once final grades have been posted by the registrar s office. 17
CLASS REGISTRATION Student athletes are responsible for registering in a timely matter. In order to register you must meet with your preceptor/faculty advisor or major advisor to review classes. Your advisor will lift the registration hold on your account. This can be done in advance of your registration date, so make sure you schedule an appointment early. Registration days and times are based on the number of units earned as indicated on your DARS. Use the USD portal and MySanDiego online registration system to register for classes. Student-athletes who are unable to schedule classes around the practice schedule should meet immediately with the athletic academic counselors. Course Credit for Intercollegiate Athletics Participation (IATH unit) Student-athletes may sign up to receive a one unit credit for participation in their sport during their season of competition. The course numbers are listed under Intercollegiate Athletics (IATH) in the schedule of classes. Course credit will be given based on participation on the athletic team. Athletic Department Procedure for Appealing an Intercollegiate (IATH) grade The procedure for appealing a grade within the athletic department is based on the procedures in place in other academic units at the university. The instructor's/coach s judgment is presumed to be correct. Therefore, the burden of qualifying a grievance rests with the student. Thus, at every level in the proposed grievance procedures all participants should understand this presumption. Grading criteria, requirements, content, etc. are established by the instructor. 1. Any student may at any time consult his/her coach about the grades he/she receives for work done. Exercising this right does not require a fixed procedure nor is it subject to procedural conditions. 2. If a student feels that he/she has been given an unjust grade, the student must first approach his/her instructor to resolve the difficulty. When there are special circumstances that make this first step inadvisable, the sport supervisor shall determine the inadvisability of the first step. 3. In cases where direct consultation with the coach has been deemed inadvisable, the student may present his/her case, along with any graded work for the course that he/she has, to the sport supervisor. The sport supervisor shall review the disputed grade in consultation with the instructor/coach. After this review, the instructor may or may not decide to change the original grade. The sport supervisor will communicate the coach s decision to the student. 4. If the matter is not satisfactorily settled through the procedure outlined above, the student may present his/her case to the faculty athletic representative for review. 18
If the efforts described in items 2 through 4 do not resolve the dispute, the student may formally challenge the assigned grade. The policy regarding a formal challenge is as follows: A written petition presenting evidence must be submitted to the faculty athletic representative no later than the end of the seventh full week of instruction in the semester following that in which the grade was given. The procedure following submission of the petition by the student is as follows: 1. Upon receipt of the petition, the faculty athletic representative, in consultation with the sport supervisor, will promptly appoint a committee. The faculty athletic representative will chair the committee consisting of a faculty member outside of the athletic department, the assistant athletic director for academic support, one student-athlete not on the same team as the student petitioning, and one student outside of the athletic department. 2. The committee will promptly decide whether the evidence presented by the student warrants an investigation. If the committee finds insufficient evidence for an investigation, no further action will be taken and the student will be so notified. If the committee finds sufficient evidence, an investigation will be conducted. 3. During the investigation, the committee must provide a fair proceeding for instructor and student, including information as to the character and object of the proceedings, knowledge of the allegations and evidence produced by the student in making his/her case, and an opportunity for both parties to respond in writing and/or orally. If, during the course of this investigation, the instructor voluntarily decides to change the original grade assigned, he/she will report this decision to the student and the registrar and the committee will take no further action. If no agreement is reached, the committee must reach a conclusion as to whether the grade reflects the criteria listed in the student-athlete handbook and is consistent with the university undergraduate bulletin (regarding class withdrawal procedures). 4. The conclusion of the committee shall be made in the form of a written report, copies of which are to be sent to the instructor and the student. Both the instructor and student have the opportunity to submit written comments to the committee within ten days of receipt of the report before a final decision is made. 5. The committee reports its decision to the registrar, who records the grade accordingly. Dropping/Adding a Course Athletic academic counselors inspect schedules over the summer to ensure that degree progress is being met; therefore, any schedule changes made could impact eligibility. 19
It is therefore imperative that student athletes consult with the athletic academic counselors prior to making changes. This rule was put into effect to protect student-athletes from taking action that may jeopardize their eligibility. Student-athletes are responsible for making sure their course selections meet NCAA satisfactory and degree progress requirements. We understand that you must already get approval from your faculty advisor; however advisors are typically unaware of how your actions will affect NCAA eligibility. As a student-athlete you must remain in a minimum of 12 units for the entire semester. If you drop below full time status, you are ineligible for practice and competition. Due to the other satisfactory progress and progress towards degree requirements, it is important that you verify you are taking the correct classes which will lead you to a degree. Education Recreation Units If a student-athlete on athletic aid decides to enroll in recreation units for credit or no credit, the student is responsible to pay the required class fee. Athletic aid will cover the cost per unit; however the athletic department is not responsible for the additional class fee. ACADEMIC MONITORING/MIDTERM REPORTS The athletic department will send grade reports to professors to seek information as to a student-athlete s progress. In addition, professors may be contacted throughout the semester by the athletic academic counselors to gain a better understanding of how to assist studentathletes academically. Information from these reports will be relayed to coaches and, when appropriate, to athletics administration. ACADEMIC PROBATION A student will be placed on scholastic probation if: 1. The semester GPA falls below a C average (2.0 GPA) for course work in a given semester; or 2. The GPA falls below 2.0 for all work attempted at USD. In either case, the student will be placed on probation for the next semester (or portion thereof if the resolution of incomplete grades leads to a semester GPA of less than 2.0). Permanent Incomplete grades count as units attempted, with no grade points, for purposes of computing the semester and the cumulative GPA. The probationary status of a student can be ended only at the close of the probationary semester when the following conditions are met: 1. A C average (GPA 2.0) for all college work attempted at USD, and for all course work attempted during the semester of probation; and, 2. There are no grades of Incomplete for the probationary semester. If the student does not end probationary status at the conclusion of the probationary semester, he or she will be disqualified scholastically. 20
An extension of scholastic probation for one semester may only be considered if a student appeals in writing to the Dean of his or her school or college within ten days of the postmark date on the notice of disqualification. The appeal should set forth the reasons that would justify an extension and the specific plans for raising the GPA. Student Athlete s Responsibilities when on Academic Probation Student-athletes on probation must fulfill the following obligations: 1. Attend and participate in weekly meetings with your athletic academic counselor to assess academic progress. Study skills, time management and course progress will be monitored and evaluated. 2. Attend 8 hours of Study Table per week In addition, the coach and/or athletic academic counselor may require the fulfillment of additional obligations. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (PER USD STUDENT HANDBOOK) An act of academic dishonesty is a serious violation. The following acts are considered to be serious violations: Examination Behavior - Any intentional giving or use of external assistance during an examination shall be considered a serious violation if knowingly done without express permission of the instructor giving the examination. Fabrication - Any intentional falsification or invention of data, citation or other authority in an academic exercise shall be considered a serious violation; unless the fact of falsification or invention is disclosed at the time and place it is made. Unauthorized Collaboration - If the supervisor of an academic exercise has stated that collaboration is not permitted, intentional collaboration between one engaged in the exercise and another shall be considered a serious violation by the one engaged in the exercise and by the other if the other knows of the rule against collaboration. Plagiarism - Any intentional passing off of another s ideas, words or work as one s own shall be considered a serious violation. Misappropriation of Resource Materials - Any intentional and unauthorized taking or concealment of library or course materials shall be considered a serious violation if the purpose of the taking or concealment is to obtain exclusive use, or to deprive others of use, of such materials. Unauthorized Access - Any unauthorized access of an instructor s files or computer account shall be considered a serious violation. Serious Violations Defined by Instructor - Any other intentional violation of rules or policies established in writing by a course instructor or supervisor of an academic exercise is a serious violation in that course or exercise. 21
If the Hearing committee determines that a serious violation has occurred, a sanction can include expulsion or suspension from the university. Athletes should be aware that an academic integrity violation could seriously jeopardize athletic eligibility. ACADEMIC PROGRESS- FOUR YEAR DEGREES Student-athletes receiving athletic aid are expected to graduate in four years. Students who take less than 15.5 units per semester, or who fail a class, may not meet the 124 semester-units of credit requirement needed to graduate and therefore may be responsible for paying for their tuition. A very limited amount of athletic aid is available for summer sessions and student athletes should not assume aid will exist. Fifth-year aid for student athletes who have exhausted their eligibility is not guaranteed. Student-athletes are responsible for keeping track of their degree progress. Summer School/Intersession Athletic aid does not cover intersession or summer session attendance. There is no guarantee that a student athlete will be granted summer or intersession aid. In special circumstances in which a student athlete must attend intersession or summer school to sustain progress toward a degree or to maintain academic eligibility for continued sports participation, athletic aid may be recommended through consultation with the athletic academic counselors, senior associate director of athletics and associate director of athletics for business. Except during intersession for winter sport athletes and in other unique circumstances, the athletic department does not pay for housing during summer sessions or intersession. Petition to Graduate Student-athletes must complete their petition to graduate by the deadline posted in the undergraduate bulletin. The general rule is that the petition must be filed by the last day of class of the student-athlete s junior year. A hold that will prevent you from registering for classes will be placed on your account if you do not submit your petition to graduate prior to the completion of your junior year. RESOURCES FOR THE STUDENT ATHLETE ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES The academic support and student services center in the athletic department is designed to help student-athletes balance the demands of Division I athletics while taking full advantage of the educational experiences offered. Student-athletes are assisted in meeting this challenge through tutoring, advising, and mentoring. Student-athletes can also take part in programs designed to support their adjustment to life at USD, and the development of sound academic and career plans. 22
TUTORING SERVICES Students who would like to request weekly tutoring appointments should do so within the first TWO WEEKS of classes. There are also centers on campus including the writing center, logic center, and math center where students can come in anytime for assistance with coursework. Tutors are hired to assist student athletes to gain a clearer understanding of course material and help to prioritize the vast amount of information, in terms of importance, that is presented in class. In order for tutoring sessions to be MOST effective, student athletes need to: Come prepared. Have your textbook, pen and paper with you Attend class. The tutor is not a substitute for class attendance Come with some work completed. You need to read the material before you arrive. The tutoring sessions are NOT to be used to catch up on your reading. Come with questions Tutor requests will be made using one of the following: 1. Fill out a tutor request form located in a folder outside of the Academic Support Center Rm. 220. Make sure all information is accurate and complete. 2. Send an email to: toreroacademics@sandiego.edu. The subject line should read "TUTOR REQUEST". Make sure to include name, sport, phone#, course, professor and times you are available in the body of the email. Once the request is made, you will receive an email shortly after that states a date, time and name of tutor for your tutor sessions. Tutor requests should be made no less than 48 hours in advance. This will allow time to coordinate with tutor(s) and their schedule. In order to be hired with the department, tutors are required to have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher and have received a grade of B or better in the course in which they are tutoring. Ideally, they have had the instructor who teaches the class that they are tutoring. In order to be effective, tutoring must be regular. It is the policy of this program that student athletes who opt for weekly tutoring appointments meet with the tutor for at least one hour EVERY WEEK even if there is no new material in the class or there are no assignments due. Any additional time must be approved prior to the sessions. If you need to miss an appointment for any reason, contact the tutor at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. If you fail to contact the tutor and he/she shows up for the appointment, it will be considered a missed appointment and a memo will be sent to your coaching staff. The second missed appointment will result in the loss of tutoring privileges for the remainder of the semester. 23
All tutoring sessions will be held in athletic academic support located in the sports center building room 220. Other rooms are available if additional space becomes necessary. No tutoring should take place outside of the center. STUDY TABLE Students who are required to fulfill study table hours must check in and check out with the supervisor upon arrival and departure. It is the responsibility of the student to be sure times posted are accurate. Study table hours are posted every morning. If there are any discrepancies please discuss them with the supervisor immediately. Study table hours are sent to coaches at noon on Friday. No changes will be made after this point. Students may not send e-mail, surf the Internet or talk during study table hours. Students may not use any social networking websites while in study hall. Students who are causing any disturbance will be asked to leave; time accrued will not be recorded and coaches will be notified. Please be respectful of your peers and keep the study room absolutely silent. Academic Support Hours Sunday 5pm-10pm Monday Thursday 9am-10pm Friday 9am-2pm Saturday Closed ACADEMIC MEETINGS Athletic academic counselors and mentors will meet with selected student athletes on a weekly basis as needed to assist with academic progress. Study skills, time management, and course progress will be monitored and evaluated. LEARNING DISABILITIES Coaches and/or student-athletes should notify their athletic academic counselor and/or the assistant athletic director for academics and student athlete services of any learning disabilities or potential learning challenges. The student-athlete will then be referred to available resources on campus. If the student athlete is taking any medication prescribed specifically for a learning disability, they must provide appropriate documentation to sports medicine. STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) The student-athlete advisory committee is made up of representatives from each of the 17 teams. The committee meets regularly (bi-weekly or monthly) to serve as a voice for the student-athlete population and to discuss issues faced by student-athletes. The SAAC advisor serves as a liaison between the student-athletes and the athletic department administration. All student-athletes are welcome to attend SAAC meetings. 24
In addition, SAAC coordinates community service opportunities, social events, career development workshops and educational presentations. Coaches are responsible for making sure they have at least one, and optimally two, representatives from their team attending each meeting. In addition, coaches will allow opportunities for the SAAC representatives to share information to their teammates on a consistent basis. Student-athletes interested in being on SAAC should tell their coach and/or the SAAC advisor. SAAC meetings are open to any student athlete who would like to attend. NCAA STUDENT ATHLETE AFFAIRS PROGRAM The University of San Diego is committed to a comprehensive program of life skills training that provides educational experiences and services. These programs are designed to enhance the quality of the studentathlete experience and support growth in five areas: academics, athletics, personal development, career development and community service. USD s student athlete affairs programs will support efforts toward intellectual development and graduation, promote respect for diversity and inclusivity among student-athletes and the USD community, offer wellness programs, encourage the development of leadership skills, and assist students in preparing for life after intercollegiate athletics. Student athlete affairs programs are administered by the assistant athletic director for academics and student services in conjunction with various student service departments on campus. RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES Academic All American To be nominated, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) at his/her current institution. West Coast Conference (WCC), Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) and Pioneer Football League (PFL) All Academic Teams Student-athletes whose teams are members of the West Coast Conference (WCC) WCC, MPSF or PFL may earn all-academic team recognition through a combination of athletic and academic excellence. To be considered, a student-athlete must earn at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average, be a significant contributor to his or her team, have at least sophomore athletic and academic standing with at least one year in residence completed at the nominating institution, and participate in at least 50 percent of the institution's completed contests. WCC and PFL Commissioner's Honor Roll The commissioner's honor roll recognizes those student-athletes that possess at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. 25