OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

2007 – 2008 Student-Athlete Handbook

“TAKING TRADITION TO NEW HEIGHTS”

Dear Golden Grizzlies:

Welcome to Oakland University and its varsity athletics program. Whether you are stepping in as a new student-athlete, or you are returning for another year, you are a significant part of the history of the university and its conference affiliation. 2007 marks the 50^th Anniversary of our institution. This prominent milestone celebrates 50 years of innovation, and also sets visions of opportunity and growth for decades to come. In addition to the excitement of the university’s birthday, our NCAA Division I conference (formerly known as the Mid - Continent Conference) is rising to new heights. As of June 1, 2007, Oakland University and its athletics program is now a member of The Summit League. This will be more than just a name change, but also a shift in direction to meet new aspirations and achievements for our current league as a whole.

As you take part in these turning points and begin your experience as an OU student-athlete, we have provided you with this handbook and planner to help you succeed. The coaches and administration trust that you will carefully read all of the sections of the Student-Athlete Handbook. Within it, you will find virtually all of the basic rules you will need to be successful at Oakland. Rules compliance is not a sometimes thing at Oakland - it is an all- the-time thing. NCAA, institutional and team policies and regulations are the foundation upon which you will compete. Familiarize yourself with them; they will become as important to your success as those of the individual sport in which you participate. You must realize that the complete version of the Student-Athlete Handbook is on the Oakland University Athletics website (www.ougrizzlies.com/complianceoffice/handbook.html). You are responsible for all of the policies and procedures it contains. If you have questions, seek input and advice. The coaches and administration are here to help you.

Finally, take full advantage of all of the services that are available to you. Outlined in the handbook; services such as life skills programs, academic support services, the Grizzly Academic Center and the Student Athlete Advisory Council are all designed to enhance your experience. A very high standard for success has already been established by the hundreds of athletes who have competed before you during the university’s first 50 years. We welcome you to continue that tradition of success and lead the university to greater heights over the next 50 years.

Respectfully,

Tracy A. Huth
Director of Athletics

Click on the link below for access

to a TOPIC in the student-athlete handbook.

Directory	Life Skills
Intercollegiate Athletics	Sports Medicine
Rules & Policies Statement	Media
University Regulations	Equipment
NCAA Rules & Regs	*Appendix 1 (Code of Conduct)*
Financial Aid	*Appendix 2 (Controlled Substance Policy)*
Academics	*Appendix 3 (Facility Rules)*

PRINCIPLES OF SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT

Oakland University is committed to the principles of sportsmanship, honesty and ethical conduct as prescribed by the NCAA. A positive environment shall be created and maintained by all parties associated with the athletics department for all activities. This includes, but is not limited to, athletic events, practice activities and campus and community relations (i.e. sport camps, recreational and intramural activities).

A primary focus shall be creating a hospitable environment for athletic competition. All facets of the university community shall be committed to providing an atmosphere of fair play and responsible behavior. Visiting teams, along with their fans, will be treated with respect (and in the same manner in which we will treat our own athletic teams). Contest officials shall be treated as if members of the university community while on campus. They will be afforded every opportunity to perform their duties in a respectable atmosphere and, be expected to enforce the rules for sportsmanship without tolerance for abuse from coaches, players and personnel associated with either team. Taunting, baiting and fighting are unacceptable actions associated with athletic contests. The athletic department and other university personnel will be responsible for maintaining a hospitable atmosphere and may remove those associated with inappropriate behavior at an athletic event.

Coaches will be advised each year of their responsibility of, and, influence over the young adults in their respective programs. Oakland University coaches are expected to teach the principles of sportsmanship to the student-athletes on this campus. In addition, their actions should be in keeping with the highest standard of fair play and ethical conduct. Student-athletes will be expected to honor their opponents with sportsmanship. Oakland University student-athletes are respected as a visible representation of the institution. Their behavior is observed by many inside and outside the university community. These student-athletes must realize the responsibilities associated with representing Oakland University and honor the privilege whether on or off- campus. Spirit groups, much like student-athletes, are a visible representation of the university. While supporting our teams and creating a “fan-friendly” atmosphere, these groups must maintain sportsmanlike conduct, and not disrupt the contest. Oakland University fans are encouraged to support their teams without engaging in confrontational or threatening actions. Fans associated with inappropriate behavior may be dismissed from the event. The athletic department staff will create and maintain a hospitable environment for visiting teams and all those in attendance at its events.

The Mid-Continent Conference, of which Oakland University is a member institution, has specific rules and procedures concerning unsportsmanlike or unethical conduct. Unsportsmanlike or unethical conduct shall subject the offending individual to disciplinary action. All decisions regarding sportsmanlike conduct shall be made by the Conference Commissioner, in consultation with the Infractions Committee.

The Mid-Continent Conference Policies and Procedures Manual under Code of Ethics, Section 4 and Sport Operating Code, Section 28 addresses the specific actions considered to be unsportslike conduct and the consequences to the individual and/or institution for each type of offense and the number of offenses. A copy of this Actions and Consequences section can be obtained from the Athletic Department Compliance Office.

CHECKLIST FOR NCAA & OU ELIGIBILITY

· Eligibility is your responsibility!

· Must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours throughout every term. Student-athletes are required to initially enroll in 16 credit hours per term.

· Must pass at least six (6) semester hours in a current term to be eligible for the following term.

· At least 18 semester hours used for eligibility must be completed during the academic year (fall & winter terms).

· Must successfully complete at least 24 credit hours before second year of enrollment (can include credits from spring/summer).

· Must declare a major by the beginning of the fifth (5^th) term, or 3^rd year of enrollment.

· Repeated courses may be counted only once for eligibility.

· Must have a minimum GPA that is 90% of the graduation requirement for degree by the beginning of the 2^nd year of collegiate enrollment.

· Must complete at least 40% of your degree by the beginning of the 3^rd year of collegiate enrollment and a minimum GPA that is 95% of the graduation requirement for degree.

· Must complete at least 60% of your degree by the beginning of the 4^th year of collegiate enrollment and a minimum GPA that is 100% of the graduation requirement for degree.

· Must complete at least 80% of your degree by the beginning of the 5^th year of collegiate enrollment and a minimum GPA that is 100% of the graduation requirement for degree.

RULES & POLICIES GOVERNING

STUDENT-ATHLETE PARTICIPATION

Be advised that all student-athletes must adhere to specific rules and policies. These will come in the form of institutional, conference and NCAA rules. (The Mid-Continent Conference rules for eligibility are those as specified by the NCAA.) Each Coach may also have specific rules and policies that student-athlete members of the team must follow. Typically, the most stringent of these policies designates the governance structure and, are what you must follow. This handbook is designed to give you an awareness of the rules and policies. Many rules, policies and procedures are covered specifically within the NCAA Manual, the Mid-Continent Conference Policies & Procedures Manual, the Oakland University Student Handbook, and individual team manuals. If you have questions about any of these rules and their application to you as an individual student-athlete, please do not hesitate to contact your Coach, an Athletic Department Administrator, the Faculty Athletics Representative, or the Dean of Students Office.

The following sections are intended to highlight those rules and policies that consistently affect the participation of our student-athletes. This is also a reinforcement of the rules and requirements that have been discussed at the Student-Athlete Orientation and your individual team compliance meeting. Nonetheless, be aware that many rules exist that you will not find in this handbook. As a student-athlete participant, you are responsible for the knowledge of, and adherence to, all of these rules and policies. If you have any questions or doubts about eligibility, financial aid, outside competition, employment, awards and gifts, or any other aspect of athletic participation, contact your Coach or the Compliance Office prior to your involvement or acceptance.

UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY CONDUCT CODE & JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Oakland University students are expected to practice civility and uphold the highest standards of academic and personal integrity. These campus community values are reflected through campus standards and regulations. The purpose of the Oakland University Conduct Code and Judicial System is to assist in creating an educationally supportive environment and to protect the well being of the campus community. The judicial system provides a timely and orderly process for investigation and adjudication of alleged academic and nonacademic violations of community standards. Students whose actions or behaviors violate the conduct code, university rules or regulations, or disrupt or threaten to disrupt the campus community will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Such sanctions help to promote the student’s personal development, to protect the university community and/or to maintain order and stability on campus.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

This code applies to all undergraduate students, graduate students, and student organizations at Oakland University. It is the responsibility of all university students and organizations to familiarize themselves with the conduct code. The conduct code is set forth in writing in order to give students general notice of the conduct expected of them. The code is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute and is not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms. The university reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to protect the mission of the university or the safety of its members. Such actions may include taking disciplinary action against students whose behavior off university premises or between academic periods violates the conduct code, federal, state, or local laws and which materially and adversely affects the individual’s suitability as a member of the campus community. If a student breaks a law that also violates university standards of conduct, the student may be held accountable by both external authorities and the university. The university may at its sole discretion, elect to pursue disciplinary action against the student during the pendency of administrative, civil or criminal proceedings arising out of the same or other events, and shall not be subject to challenge on the ground that external charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced or are pending.

ACADEMIC CONDUCT REGULATIONS

All members of the academic community at Oakland University are expected to practice and uphold standards of academic integrity and honesty. Academic integrity means representing oneself and one’s work honestly. Individual (unaided) work on exams, lab reports, computer assignments, homework assignments and documentation of sources is expected unless the instructor specifically states in the syllabus that it is not necessary. Misrepresentation is cheating since it means the student is claiming credit for ideas or work not actually his or hers and is thereby seeking a grade that is not actually earned. Examples of academic dishonesty are cheating on examinations, plagiarizing the work of others, cheating on lab reports, falsifying records, and unauthorized collaboration on computer assignments. Please consult the Oakland University Student Handbook for specific information relative to these and other examples of academic dishonesty. The Handbook is available electronically through the official Oakland University website, www.oakland.edu.

Students are expected to maintain the following standards in the context of academic conduct:

To be aware of and practice the standards of honest scholarship.
To follow faculty instructions regarding exams and assignments to avoid inadvertent misrepresentation of work.
To be certain that special rules regarding documentation of term papers, examination procedures, use of computer-based information and programs, etc., are clearly understood.
To avoid the appearance of cheating.

If the Academic Conduct Committee determines academic misconduct, the committee assesses penalties ranging from academic disciplinary warning, to academic probation, to suspension or expulsion (dismissal) from the university. All conduct records are maintained in the Dean of Students Office.

UNIVERSITY ORDINANCES

Acting under authority granted by Act 35 of the Public Acts of 1970 of the State of Michigan, the Board of Trustees has enacted ordinances to provide for the health, safety, welfare and protection of persons and property at Oakland University. The ordinances regulate the conduct of persons upon the campus of Oakland and supplement state statutes and local ordinances relating to such conduct. A partial list of pertinent parts of important ordinances follows.

Violation of ordinances may subject persons to criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary proceedings under university judicial systems administered by the Department of Campus Housing and Dean of Students personnel. Please consult the Oakland University Student Handbook for specific information related to university ordinances. The Handbook is available electronically through the official Oakland University website, www.oakland.edu.

STATE LAW AND OTHER REGULATIONS

Any act committed by an individual on university premises which is criminal in nature and for which provisions have not been set forth in university ordinances will be charged under state statute for the cited offense. When state statutes and ordinances overlap, violators may be charged with either or both.

SEXUAL ASSAULTS//MISCONDUCT/ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION

Oakland University is committed to providing a secure and hospitable environment for all students. In support of that commitment, the university makes the following statements with respect to sexual assaults:

1. Prevention of sexual assaults is an important part of the university’s response to campus safety issues. Numerous educational programs to promote awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses are provided by the university. Departments offering education and prevention programs include Graham Health Center; Department of Campus Recreation; Residence Halls; the School of Nursing; Police Department; Office of Diversity and Compliance; Dean of Students Office; and Student Congress.

2. If a sex offense occurs, students should follow these procedures:

a. Go to a safe place.

b. Contact the Police Department immediately, by dialing 911.

c. Seek medical examination and treatment.

d. Preserve evidence by abstaining from washing, changing clothes, douching or disturbing any evidence of an assault or struggle.

e. Seek counseling.

3. Victims are encouraged to report the sexual assault to the Police Department or a university staff member who will assist a victim in contacting the police if that is the victim’s choice.

4. Campus resources for victims of sexual assault include:

· Police Department – 911 (emergency) or 370-3331

· University Housing Staff – 370-3570

· Graham Health Center – Medical (370-2341) and Counseling Service (370-3465)

· Dean of Students Office – 144 OC, 370-3352

Unacceptable sexual conduct is not limited to sexual assault or the violence its victims endure. Rather, there is a range of sexual misconduct that is unacceptable. This includes sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, sexual coercion, acquaintance rape, sexual assault, and stranger rape.

The Department of Athletics supports the university’s commitment to providing a secure and hospitable environment. All student-athletes and Athletics personnel are to have an environment that is free of sexual harassment (including gender harassment), sexual intimidation, and sexual exploitation. Individuals who engage in inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

University policy prohibits illegal discrimination. Discriminatory conduct or discriminatory harassment means any physical or verbal behavior, including but not limited to sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, and any written behavior, including pictorial illustrations, graffiti or written material, that stigmatizes or victimizes an individual on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, height, weight, handicap, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or other characteristics not permitted by law.

In cases involving alleged illegal discrimination, or harassment, the student should contact the Dean of Students.

DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Oakland University reaffirms its unwavering commitment to equality of opportunity for all persons. In a society that relies on an informed, educated citizenry, no one should be denied the opportunity to attain his or her fullest potential. It is therefore the policy of Oakland University that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, or veteran status. The university shall strive to build a community that welcomes and honors all persons and that provides equal opportunity in education and employment. The university shall affirmatively follow the provisions of applicable state and federal anti-discrimination legislation in all of its activities in this area and so reaffirms its policy at this time.

Oakland University reaffirms its commitment to maintaining an environment that is free from discriminatory treatment. Faculty, staff, students and non-student users of university services who believe their rights have been violated may seek a resolution of the problem through use of the discrimination complaint procedures. These procedures are available through the Office of Diversity and Compliance.

The Discrimination Complaint Procedure is designed to provide flexibility in addressing allegations of discrimination. It is intended to be responsive to particular situations and to be as formal or informal as allegations dictate. Complaints will be processed equitably and in a timely manner. Student complaints should be directed to the Office of Diversity and Compliance (248) 370-3496 or the Dean of Students Office (248) 370-3352.

The Department of Athletics is committed to the Oakland University Discrimination Policy. Athletics strives to build a diverse student-athlete population and provide opportunities that inform and educate student-athletes on fair and equal treatment for all persons.

HAZING

* Violations of the Michigan Statutes in regard to hazing will result in loss of athletics aid (scholarship) and immediate dismissal from intercollegiate athletics participation at Oakland University.*

Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created, whether on or off campus, which produces mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment or ridicule, or any activity which threatens or endangers the life or safety of an individual. All forms of hazing are strictly prohibited at Oakland University.

Such activities and situations may include but are not limited to the following:

disfiguration to include branding or self-mutilation; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; activities such as quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, etc., which are conducted in an illegal, demeaning, or dangerous manner; public wearing of apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; any activities which interfere with class attendance, class preparation or scholastic activities or activities which are disruptive to any university department or office or classroom; verbal abuse which leads to public embarrassment or humiliation; the implication that an act of hazing could be pre-initiatory; any other activities which are not consistent with fraternal law, ritual or policy, team rules or the policies and regulations of Oakland University.

In addition, student-athletes are advised that “hazing” includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into an athletic team or any pastime, deed or amusement engaged in with respect to participation on an athletic team which causes, or is likely to cause, personal degradation or disgrace or bodily danger resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or prospective student.

ALCOHOL

The following provisions govern the general possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the campus.

1) A person who is less than 21 years of age shall not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage on the campus.

2) A person shall not provide any alcoholic beverage to a person less than 21 years of age on the campus.

3) No person shall consume or possess any alcoholic beverage on the campus except in permitted areas.

4) It shall be a misdemeanor for a person to be intoxicated on the campus and acting in a manner that endangers directly the safety of another person or of property or causes a disturbance that interferes with the normal and uninterrupted use of the campus.

Please consult the Oakland University Student Handbook for specific information relative to the rules governing the possession and consumption of alcohol, including within the residence hall and university student apartments. The Handbook is available electronically through the official Oakland University website, www.oakland.edu.

Be advised that student-athletes are subject to additional rules and regulations despite being of legal age. The student-athlete code of conduct and individual team handbooks contain those rules and policies specific to your participation as an Oakland University student-athlete.

RESIDENCE HALLS POLICIES & PROCEDURES

A complete description of the policies, procedures and applicable disciplinary actions are available in the Housing Office, 448 Hamlin Hall. The House Policy Committee reviews all residence halls policies and procedures on an annual basis. Be advised that rules within university housing units are specific, but not limited to:

Cooperation/compliance with staff, damage of university property, disorderly conduct, alcohol, drugs, and fire safety equipment.

JUDICIAL PROCESS AND PROCEDURES

The Dean of Students Office, located in 144 Oakland Center, is responsible for administration of the university judicial process and insuring that student rights are protected in the judicial process. Judicial procedures for addressing cases of academic, non-academic or student organization misconduct vary slightly. The focus of inquiry in disciplinary hearings shall be to determine whether a student has violated the university’s code of student conduct, campus rules or regulations, or disrupted or threatens to disrupt the campus community. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable.

Please refer to the Oakland University Student Handbook, the Residence Hall Handbook, and/or the Dean of Students Office for more information and details on the types of hearings, and the types of sanctions (Disciplinary Reprimand, Disciplinary Probation, Disciplinary Suspension in Abeyance, Disciplinary Suspension, Disciplinary Expulsion, and other sanctions).

STUDENT GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS

Students may encounter problem situations during their course of study at Oakland University that may require review by appropriate administrative or academic personnel. Students should contact the Dean of Students Office in reference to the problem-resolution procedures established by the university for academic as well as non-academic concerns.

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY – STUDENT-ATHLETE RIGHTS

The Department of Athletics has established Student-Athlete Rights that are designed to enhance and protect the student-athlete experience at Oakland University. Each year, all student-athletes shall receive this statement via the Student-Athlete Handbook. All questions/concerns can be directed to an Athletic Administrator, a SAAC representative or the Faculty Athletics Representative.

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX FOR THE OAKLAND UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS STUDENT – ATHLETE PRIVILEGES AND CODE OF CONDUCT. (located at the end of this document – Appendix 1).

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

In an effort to protect the health, safety and welfare of every student-athlete, and when necessary, to encourage rehabilitation by voluntary submission to treatment and/or counseling, the university has established Student-Athlete Controlled Substance Abuse Policies and Procedures. The policies and procedures are also intended to provide notice to student-athletes of the provisions of the university’s Controlled Substance testing program, which can result in sanctions including the suspension or loss of a student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in university intercollegiate athletic programs or events, and the suspension or loss of athletic grant-in-aid.

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX FOR THE OAKLAND UNIVERSITY STUDENT – ATHLETE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. (located at the end of this document – Appendix 2).

STUDENT – ATHLETE INFORMATION FORM

Each student-athlete must complete an information form for the Athletic Department in order to check on eligibility. This form is to be completed at the beginning of the academic year. Mid-year transfer students are to complete the form prior to practice or competition.

Each athlete must also sign the Code of Conduct/Due Process form and Substance Abuse form.

PRACTICE SESSIONS

Student-athletes are not allowed, per NCAA rules, to miss class time for any form of practice.

Student-athletes are limited to 20 hours per week of practice and no more than 4 hours per day except during official vacation periods as allowed per NCAA rules. Voluntary practice time is allowed per NCAA rules for some sports.

It is the policy of Oakland University Athletics for head coaches to allow athletes a minimum of 30 minutes from practice end in order to travel to class.

It is expected that student-athletes will be “dressed” and ready to participate in all practice sessions and contests. Student-athletes are not to skip scheduled practice sessions. The coach of a sport should be consulted when a practice session might be missed. Each coach will set a reasonable starting time and is expected that team members will be ready and on time unless a scheduled class necessitates a change in schedule for these athletes.

TRAVEL

The coaching staff for each team shall have the discrepancy in determining which student-athletes will travel for competition. Those who are ineligible for competition, as certified through the compliance office, are prohibited from traveling with the team and/or receiving any travel expenses (including meals and lodging).

Coaches will set the departure time for contests. Participants arriving late will not be furnished transportation and could face disciplinary action. For all travel for intercollegiate athletic contests, it is expected that student-athletes will be dressed appropriately in a clean and neat manner. Each coach will set the specific policies for his/her team’s dress code for travel.

Coaches, team members, trainer(s), the sports information director and appropriate athletic department administrative personnel shall constitute the official team travel party (“travel party”). Other passengers must have the permission of the head coach and director of athletics. A travel itinerary for all scheduled team travel must be filed in the Department of Athletics office prior to departure.

All coaches, student-athletes and support staff must travel together for all scheduled trips. Any instance(s) in which a coach, student-athlete or support staff member is unable to accompany the travel party on a scheduled trip must have the approval of a Department of Athletics Administrator. The coach is to notify an athletic administrator of any problems or alterations to the itinerary while on a trip.

All team members will travel in an Oakland University vehicle or chartered vehicle driven by an Athletic Department staff member or authorized student or professional driver. “Drivers” must have an appropriate license and obey the state speed laws. Specific athletic department policies for winter team travel do exist and are available through the Department of Athletics Office Manager.

Coaches will make arrangements for meals, lodging, and educational trips for team travel. The official travel team is to dine together and be lodged in the same hotel/motel.

Meal Per Diem Allotment

The per diem for teams when traveling is as follows:

Individual-

For a full day & overnight: Minimum = $22 ($6 breakfast, $7 lunch, $9 dinner)

Maximum = $26 ($7, $9, $10)

Coaches have the option of providing team meals in lieu of the minimum or maximum allowed.

If a coach wishes to provide student-athletes amounts outside of the stated policy, they must have approval from their administrator before they travel. For instance, some locales are more expensive for lodging and meals than what is normally expected.

WEIGHT ROOM

The varsity weight room is located on the lower level of the Athletics Center. Use of the weight room is for varsity student-athletes and approved department staff. Student-athletes are permitted in the weight room with qualified supervisors only (i.e., head or assistant coach, strength coach, administrator). Guests of student-athletes are not permitted to use the weight room. Generally, student-athletes will use the weight room during designated times for their respective team. The weight room should have an emphasis of pride amongst the student-athlete population and coaches. It is expected that it will be kept clean. Proper attire is required; wearing attire with logos and names of other colleges is prohibited. Student-athletes must abide by all rules and regulations of the weight room. Failure to do so will result in suspension or expulsion from weight room use.

LOCKER ROOMS

Varsity locker rooms are provided to individual teams based on facility usage, squad size, available space, and equity of programs. Each varsity locker room has a coded entry door. The code has been designated by the coach and must be used for entry. DO NOT give the access code to anyone outside of those team members designated by the coaching staff. If you feel the entry code has been compromised, please see your Coach.

Varsity locker rooms are an extension of the overall intercollegiate athletics program. It is expected that student-athletes will take pride in keeping this area neat and clean. Remember, on any given day a prospective student-athlete, sponsor or community member could be given a tour of the facility. Uniforms, shoes and other apparel/equipment should be stored in each individual locker. In order that the locker room can be cleaned the floor must be clear of all articles of clothing, equipment, debris. The varsity locker rooms are to be used for your athletic participation and should contain only those articles provided by the Department of Athletics and those necessary for your participation.

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX FOR THE VARSITY WEIGHT ROOM RULES AND THE STUDENT-ATHLETE LOCKER ROOM POLICIES. (Appendix 3)

STUDENT – ATHLETE ENTRANCE

The student-athlete entrance into the Athletics Center is located on the east side of the building (in the loading dock area). This door is accessible as an entry and exit point for student-athletes on Monday through Friday from 8am – 9pm and on Sunday from 5pm – 9pm, or as designated by the coaching staff.

INDOOR TRAINING FACILITY

The indoor training facility (the “Bubble”) is located on the Lower Athletic Fields. Its primary function is to serve as an indoor training facility for the sports of baseball, cross country, soccer, softball, & track and field. Student-athletes are allowed in the Bubble with members of the coaching staff and must be supervised at all times. Student-athletes will use the Bubble during their designated team practice times. Food and drinks (other than water) are prohibited from the facility. Equipment must be stored properly after each practice. Please take pride in the facility and keep it clean! Student-athletes and coaches must abide by all dome rules. Failure to do so can result in the suspension of use from the facility.

PLEASE REFER TO THE APPENDIX FOR RULES AND REGULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUBBLE. (Appendix 3)

NCAA RULES & REGULATIONS

STUDENT – ATHLETE STATEMENT

Prior to participation in intercollegiate competition each academic year, a student-athlete shall sign a statement in a form prescribed by the NCAA in which the student-athlete submits information related to eligibility, recruitment, financial aid, amateur status, previous positive drug tests administered by any other athletics organization and involvement in organized gambling activities related to intercollegiate or professional athletics competition. Failure to complete and sign the statement shall result in the student-athlete’s ineligibility for participation in all intercollegiate competition.

DRUG – TESTING CONSENT FORM

Each academic year a student-athlete shall sign a form prescribed by the NCAA in which the student consents to be tested for the use of drugs prohibited by NCAA legislation. Failure to complete and sign the consent form prior to the initial practice session in the sport(s) in which the student-athlete participates shall result in the student-athlete’s ineligibility for participation (i.e., practice and competition) in all intercollegiate athletics.

FIVE – YEAR RULE

You have five calendar years in which to complete four seasons of athletic competition in a sport. The five-year clock begins when you first become a full-time student at any collegiate institution. These years are continuous, as you do not regain the time during which you are not enrolled in school. You may be granted an extra year of eligibility if you meet medical hardship criteria. However, this is not automatic and will not extend the five-year clock.

There are few exceptions to this rule – time spent in the armed services, U.S. foreign aid services, pregnancy, or time spent on an official church mission would stop your clock.

NON – MEDICAL “REDSHIRT”

One time within the first four years of participation a student-athlete may be granted the option to “sit-out” of competition, allowing s/he to use the five calendar years to complete four season of athletic competition. Once a student-athlete has competed during an academic year s/he is prohibited from using this exception. The Coach must petition for the use of this exception, and it must be approved by the Director of Athletics or his designee. Please consult with your Coach and/or the Compliance Office for further information.

HARDSHIP WAIVER

A student-athlete may be granted an additional year of competition by the conference or the NCAA Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet for reasons of “hardship.” Hardship is defined as an incapacity resulting from an injury or illness. Please consult with your Coach and/or the Compliance Office for further information and the regulations associated with the hardship waiver.

TO MAINTAIN YOUR ELIGIBILITY YOU MUST:

· Remain academically eligible to attend Oakland University by maintaining a grade-

point average that places or keeps you in good academic standing;

· Successfully complete 24 applicable semester hours before your second year of enrolment;

· Declare a major no later than the beginning of your fifth (5^th) term or your third (3^rd) year of enrollment and, thereafter, complete the required credits in courses applicable to your designated degree.

· Successfully complete 18 degree credit hours between every fall and winter term of your academic career; and

· Successfully complete 40 percent, 60 percent, and 80 percent of your specific degree requirements prior to the beginning of your third, fourth, and fifth year of collegiate enrollment, respectfully. You must also maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 90 percent of the required graduation GPA at the beginning of your second year of collegiate enrollment, 95 percent of the required graduation GPA at the beginning of your third year of collegiate enrollment, and 100% of the required graduation GPA at the beginning of the fourth (and fifth) year of collegiate enrollment.

TWELVE – CREDIT RULE

NCAA rules require that you must be a full-time degree-seeking student in order to represent Oakland University in intercollegiate athletics. This means that you MUST be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours of course credits at Oakland University. You are ineligible to practice or compete if at any time:

· You fall below 12 semester hours of registered credits;

· Your registration or admission is canceled; or

· You withdraw from Oakland University.

ACADEMIC STATUS

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS RULE

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree at that institution as determined by the regulations of that institution. You must pass a minimum of 24 credit hours before starting your second year of enrolment. In order to remain eligible to compete after your first academic year (or after one season of eligibility), you must continue to make satisfactory progress toward your degree. Additionally, student-athletes must earn a minimum of 18 semester hours during the regular academic year (fall and winter terms).

The Faculty Athletics Representative and the academic advisors for which he/she chooses shall determine satisfactory progress for Oakland University student-athletes. This may include the Athletic Department Compliance Coordinator as specified by the Faculty Athletics Representative.

FULL – TIME ENROLLMENT

To be eligible for practice and/or competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours.