University of Maryland, College Park Policies on Academic Eligibility of Student Athletes

Adherence to all University, Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA rules governing athletics and academic eligibility is mandatory for all Department of Intercollegiate Athletics staff and student athletes. The Director of Athletics and the Faculty Athletic Representative, in conjunction with the Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Support and Compliance, the Coordinator of Certification Services and Head Coaches, are responsible for ensuring compliance with rules and regulations relating to student-athletic eligibility. The Athletic Council is responsible for ensuring that University academic eligibility criteria are applied to all student athletes.

As a means of educating student athletes on the major rules applicable to athletes' eligibility and satisfactory academic progress, the Academic Support Unit provides student athletes with a copy of "University of Maryland Eligibility Standards for Student Athletes" (attached). Student athletes are required to sign an acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of the contents therein.

The University of Maryland follows the NCAA requirements listed below:

1. NCAA eligibility for regular season competition subsequent to the student's first year is based upon satisfactory completion prior to each fall term of twenty-four semester hours of acceptable degree credits or an average of twelve semester hours per term of attendance.
2. The calculation of credit hours shall be based upon hours accepted for degree credit at the institution.
3. Student athletes must declare a major program of study no later than the beginning of their fifth term of attendance.
4. Credit hours earned toward athletic eligibility for students in declared majors must be acceptable in their specific majors.
5. The twenty-four credit hours of acceptable credit required each year may include credits earned for a repeated course when the previous grade was an "F," but may not include the credits if the previous grade was "D" or better.

UMCP requires student athletes to maintain a specified minimum grade point average to be eligible for practice and competition. The following standards are currently in effect:

• Freshman (second term): 1.29 cumulative GPA
• 2nd year enrollment: 1.78 cumulative GPA
• 3rd year enrollment: 1.86 cumulative GPA
• 4th year enrollment: 2.00 cumulative GPA
• 5th year enrollment: 2.00 cumulative GPA

Student athletes who matriculate in the spring semester are required to meet the following grade point average standards:

• End of 1st semester: 1.29 cumulative GPA
• End of 2nd semester: 1.78 cumulative GPA
• End of 3rd semester: 1.86 cumulative GPA
• End of 4th semester: 1.86 cumulative GPA
• End of 5th semester: 1.94 cumulative GPA
• End of 6th semester: 2.00 cumulative GPA
• End of 7th semester: 2.00 cumulative GPA
• End of 8th semester: 2.00 cumulative GPA

Student athletes who meet the required grade point average and all other NCAA eligibility requirements will be eligible to compete and practice for the full academic year with the exceptions noted below:

1. Student athletes who fail to meet necessary grade point average requirements for the fall semester are ineligible for the entire academic year. However, ineligible student athletes may restore their eligibility at the end of any semester if they raise their grade point average to the minimum standard for the ensuing year.
2. Ineligible student athletes are not permitted to practice or compete.
3. First semester freshman and transfer student athletes will be required to meet established grade point average requirements after their initial semester at the University. Transfer students are required to attain the appropriate grade point averages based upon year of enrollment.
4. Mid-year matriculants are required to meet the established GPA standard for each of their first three semesters. Thereafter, they will be reviewed at the beginning of each Fall term.
5. Student athletes in their final year of eligibility must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to be eligible for practice and competition during the term.
6. Eligible student athletes who go on academic warning after fall term are required to attend regularly supervised study sessions and receive academic support services by the Academic Support Unit Staff.
7. Dismissed and later reinstated student athletes are ineligible for both practice and competition until they meet designated grade point averages.

* A complete explanation of all University, Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA rules governing athletics and academic eligibility may be found in the Athletic Department Policy and Procedures Manual, section 502C.