The mission of the Fayetteville State University intercollegiate athletics program is to bring positive recognition to Fayetteville State University through a program built on concepts such as excellence, integrity, and enthusiasm. The mission is integral to the university's educational mission and operates under the principles of amateur athletics and fair play, as established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). 

In its activities and programs, the FSU Intercollegiate Athletics program will strive: 

1. To ensure student-athletes have a positive academic and athletic experience that provides further development of athletic skills, personal mental and social growth, and in some instances, possible career preparation. The Athletics Department shall be constantly aware of the primacy of the academic over the athletic and shall do all it can to urge student-athletes to attain a meaningful education culminating in the attainment of their degree. 

2. To become a premiere NCAA Division II athletics program in all sports sponsored. The Athletics Department shall aim at observing and fulfilling the objectives and regulations of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Athletics Department will aim to be consistently competitive within the CIAA and the NCAA Division II level. 

3. To be guided by the United States federal government’s Title IX of the Education 

Amendments of 1972 and the principles of gender equity, which insures equal opportunity for all students and to provide equal opportunities in employment within the athletics staff. 

4. To continue to strengthen the fund raising capabilities to improve the overall operation and insure the overall growth of the program. The Athletics Department is committed to improve the funding of all sports programs with resources from organized fund-raising activities of the Fayetteville State University 1000 Broncos. 

5. To be cognizant that the intercollegiate athletics program endeavors are not ends in themselves but are directed to the benefit of each student-athlete as a total person in particular and to the good of the University as a whole. 

6. To project a positive image of the University within the Fayetteville and surrounding community and the surrounding region. 

"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." 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits educational institutions from discriminating on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities. Title IX also requires such institutions to adopt and publish grievance procedures to resolve student and employee complaints alleging discrimination prohibited by Title IX. To ensure compliance with Title IX and in an effort to ensure that employees and students receive prompt and equitable resolution of complaints involving sex discrimination, Fayetteville State has implemented policies and procedures that address complaints of sex discrimination. 

Title IX Coordinators 

Mrs. Jessica Tuttle (Chief Title IX Coordinator) 
Barber Building, Room 242 
(910) 672-2325

titleix@uncfsu.edu 
 

Division of Academic Affairs

 Dr. Sherree Davis (Deputy Title IX Coordinator) 
Director of The Office of Civic Engagement and Learning 
Bronco Square, Suite 100 
(910) 672-2213

sdavis56@uncfsu.edu 

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Dr. LaWanda Miller (Deputy Title IX Coordinator) 
Assistant Athletic Director/Budget 
Capel Arena, Room 327 
(910) 672-1420

lmiller@uncfsu.edu

Intercollegiate Athletics is an integral part of Fayetteville State University total education program. It is, therefore, our desire that the student-athlete takes full advantage of the university’s quality education and academic support programs by giving his/her best performance in the classroom and in the athletics arena. Our goal is that each athlete will require the skills and knowledge that will launch him/her well into the next century as a truly productive citizen with a successful career. We are committed to providing our male and female student-athletes with wholesome activities, competitive athletics and the education resources that ensure the accomplishment of this goal. 

The purpose of this handbook is to provide the student-athlete with an overview of the Department of Athletics and to present institutional, conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association policies and procedures governing athletes. Policies and procedures governing intercollegiate athletics not covered in this Handbook can be found in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Manual and in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association By-Laws. A student-athlete may request in writing an interpretation of any rule or regulation. This book should be used as a guide in assisting the student-athlete in his/her academic and athletic endeavors. 

When joining the Fayetteville State University Athletic Department, you are not only representing your team, you are also representing the University. It is important that your personal conduct demonstrates good moral and ethical judgment. You are expected to behave both on and off the campus in a manner which brings credit to FSU and your team; this includes any activities conducted online. Be aware of the image you are creating. 

In addition to complying with all federal, state and local laws upon enrolling at FSU, you are also expected to abide by all University regulations. As a student-athlete, you are in no way exempt from penalty if you violate these regulations. Students penalized for violating public laws are not exempt from further prosecution by University authorities if their actions violate University rules. When participating in intercollegiate athletics competition, you are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship. Your coach will instruct you in positive techniques for communication with officials and opponents. You will be told how to react to aggressive or unsportsmanlike actions of others.  

The Athletic Department enforces its guidelines related to sportsmanlike conduct. You must avoid actions which display unsportsmanlike behavior. Some of these behaviors are as follows: 

Physical abuse of an official, coach, athlete, opponent or spectator; 

Directing obscene or inappropriate language or gestures to officials, opponents, team members or spectators. 

Any action which violates generally recognized intercollegiate athletics standards or the values and standards associated with Fayetteville State University, or as determined by any individual head coach and approved by the director of athletics. 

I have read and understand the foregoing Fayetteville State University Athletes Code of Conduct, and have been given the opportunity to ask questions and have clarification.  All questions have been answered to any satisfaction.  I understand that agreement to and compliance with the Athlete's Code of Conduct is required for my participation in Fayetteville State University athletics.  Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action against me, including, but not limited to, reduction or revocation of my athletic scholarship award and suspension (temporary or permanent) from athletic participation.  My signature below is also my consent for officials of Fayetteville State University, while acting within the scope of their employment, to communicate with my parents or legal guardian concerning matters of my health, academic status, Code of Conduct violations, and my athletic participation and scholarship status.  

Printed Name ________________________________       Sport ______________________ 

Student Athlete Signature_______________________________ Date: _________________ 

Hazing will not be tolerated at Fayetteville State University. The Department of Athletics is committed to preventing and eliminating any hazing behavior which violates University rules, North Carolina law. Hazing is unlawful, criminal, and impedes the realization of the Department’s mission of providing student-athletes with exceptional educational and athletic opportunities. It also goes against the Department’s values and commitments which include: (1) education and enrichment of the student-athlete, (2) integrity in all aspects of behavior, (3) innovation in approach and spirit, (4) excellence through organization, (5) respect for the individual, and (6) a tradition of leadership. Any student-athlete or Athletic Department staff member involved in a hazing incident is subject to University investigation and disciplinary proceedings, as well as civil and criminal penalties under North Carolina law. 

A goal of the Department of Athletics is to inform its student-athletes and staff members about this hazing policy and all of the procedures and other information contained within this hazing policy. Department staff members and student-athletes will be educated about hazing, in general, and this hazing policy, in particular, in various avenues, some of which may include: University orientation meetings, staff and student-athlete orientations, coaches’ meetings, major guest speakers, SAAC meetings, and team captains’ leadership training. In addition, the hazing policy will be included in the Student Athlete Handbook. 

The University’s Code of Student Conduct defines hazing as “pressuring or coercing a student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as striking in any manner, whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances, or other forced physical activities that would adversely affect the health or safety of the student.  It also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contacts, forced conduct that would be extremely demeaning or results in extreme embarrassment or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.”  

See http://www.uncfsu.edu/documents/policy/students/Hazing.pdf  for the full hazing policy. Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of the person to participate in the activity. Hazing is punishable whether it occurs on or off campus.  

Activities such as team members carrying equipment or requiring team members to take care of the water before and after practice do not constitute hazing. Legitimate tasks or team jobs that must be done are not classified as hazing/initiation simply because team members are required to perform them, unless an atmosphere of humiliation, degradation, abuse or danger arises.  

Questions to consider when determining if an activity could be considered hazing are  as follows: 

Is this a team or group activity that members are encouraged or expected to attend and where alcohol is involved?  

Will current members refuse to participate with the new members?  

Does the activity risk emotional or physical abuse?  

Is there any risk of injury or a question of safety?  

Would you have any reservations describing the activity to your parents, to a professor or to a University official?  

Would you object to the activity being photographed for the school newspaper or local TV news? 

I have read the hazing policy and understand the following: 

(initial) ___________ I agree and promise not to participate in any activity deemed to be hazing. I have read the above examples which may be hazing as described in Fayetteville State University Hazing Policy. 

(initial) ___________ I agree to report to my coach and/or Assistant or Associate Athletic Director and/or Athletic Director and/or the Office of Student Affairs any activities (verified or suspected) which are prohibited under this policy. 

(initial) ___________ I understand that if I am in violation of this policy I will be subject to discipline that may include, but is not limited to, departmental or University probation, suspension from the team and/or the University, expulsion from the team and/or the University and loss of my athletic grant-in-aid. In addition, I am aware that the team may be subject to group discipline that can include, but is not limited to, team probation, cancellation of individual contests and/or cancellation of the entire season. 

I understand and agree that I am required to know, understand and follow the rules, policies and procedures related to hazing at Fayetteville State University. 

Printed Name ________________________________       Sport ______________________ 

Student Athlete Signature_______________________________ Date: _________________ 

The Department of Athletics maintains an open door policy for the reporting of hazing. Incidents involving hazing should be reported to any Athletic Department administrator or staff member (Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant/Associate AD, Athletic Trainer). Any unresolved issues will go to the Director of Athletics. Any administrator or coach who receives a complaint should report the complaint to the Dean of Students, Dr. Landon Hadley, at 910-672-1201. Student-athletes may also make an anonymous complaint to the Dean of Students. The Department prohibits any manner of retaliation by other student-athletes or coaches in response to a report of hazing. Knowledge of any manner of retaliation by any member of the athletics program, including student-athletes and coaches, will be investigated by the Athletic Department and punished accordingly. 

After receiving an allegation of hazing, it is then the responsibility of the Athletic Director to assemble an appropriate investigative team to investigate the alleged incident. An investigative team may include, but is not limited to, the Athletic Director, the Assistant/Associate AD, a representative from Legal Affairs, a representative from Student Affairs, Coach, and Academic Counselor.  

 If the investigation uncovers behavior that is inappropriate but does not meet the definition of hazing, the Department will take steps to appropriately address the behavior. 

Sanctions may be implemented at two levels: the Athletic Department and the University. The Athletic Department and/or University sanctions may include, but are not limited to, a reprimand, requirement to attend an educational session, reduction in practice and/or competition participation, departmental or university probation, reduction or removal of athletic grant-in-aid, suspension and/or dismissal from the team and dismissal from the University. Sanctions also may be imposed on any individual with a duty to act under this policy and associated procedures but fails to respond to a complaint of hazing in a manner consistent with the provisions of this policy and the associated procedures. The complainant will be informed of the corrective measures taken. In addition to the Athletic Department and/or University sanctions, there also may be criminal charges, civil liability and sanctions imposed by the NCAA.  

Any student athlete or Athletic Department staff member who has been subject to, has witnessed, or is aware of a hazing activity can contact any of the following units for counseling and supportive services:   

A. Student Support Services  

B. Center for Personal Development 

The Department will make every reasonable effort, consistent with North Carolina law, to conduct its investigation in a manner that will protect the confidentiality of all parties. Parties to the complaint should treat the matter under investigation with discretion and respect for the reputation of all parties involved.  

Hazing will not be tolerated. The Department of Athletics at Fayetteville State University supports only those activities which are constructive, educational, inspirational, and that contribute to students’ intellectual and personal development. FSU Athletics unequivocally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.  

Fayetteville State University’s Code of Student Conduct defines hazing “as pressuring or coercing a student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as striking in any manner, whipping, beating, branding, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs, or other substances, or other forced physical activities that would adversely affect the health or safety of the student.  It also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contacts, forced conduct that would be extremely demeaning or results in extreme embarrassment or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the student.” In addition, North Carolina law also prohibits hazing, and has civil and criminal penalties for participating in hazing. Actions and activities which may be prohibited under Fayetteville State’s Code of Student Conduct (and may be a violation of North Carolina law), regardless of the person’s willingness to participate, include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Any type of initiation or other activity where there is an expectation of individuals joining a particular team to participate in behavior designed to humiliate, degrade or abuse them 
• Forcing, requiring or pressuring an individual to consume alcohol or any other substance 
• Forcing, requiring or pressuring an individual to tattoo, pierce or shave any part of the body, including hair on the head 
• Any requirement or pressure put on an individual to participate in any activity which is illegal, perverse, publicly indecent, contrary to generally accepted societal norms and/or beliefs, e.g., public profanity, indecent or lewd conduct or sexual gestures in public 
• Required eating of anything an individual would refuse to eat otherwise 
• Any activity or action that creates a risk to the health, safety or property of the University or any member of its community. 
• Physical abuse of any kind 
• Assigning or endorsing pranks such as stealing or harassment of another organization 
• Awakening or disturbing individuals during normal sleeping hours 
• Expecting or pressuring individuals to participate in an activity in which the full membership is not willing to participate 
• Forcing, encouraging or pressuring someone to wear in public apparel which is conspicuous and not within the norm of what is considered to be in good taste 
• Engaging in public stunts and buffoonery 
• Nudity at any time or forced reading, listening or viewing of pornographic material 
• Paddling, beating or otherwise permitting a member to hit other members 
• Having any substances (ex. eggs, mud, paint, honey, etc.) thrown at, poured on or otherwise applied to the body of a member 
• Morally degrading/humiliating games or other activity that makes a member the object of amusement, ridicule or intimidation. 
• Subjecting a member to cruel and unusual psychological conditions 

Institution financial aid based in degree on athletics ability may be reduced or canceled during the period of award, if the recipient: 

(a) Renders himself or herself ineligible for intercollegiate competition 

(b) Fraudulently misrepresents any information on an application, letter of intent or financial aid agreement 

(c) Engages in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty or 

(d) Voluntarily withdraws from a sport at any time for personal reasons 

If a student-athlete(s) financial aid is cancelled or reduced during the academic year, or from one academic year to the next: 

1. Student-athlete should discuss the matter with the head coach.? If the issue is not resolved: 

2. Student-athlete and head coach should meet with the member of the?Department of Intercollegiate Athletics senior staffs who have been designated as the Sport administrator.? If the issue is not resolved at this level:  

3. Student-athlete and head coach should meet with the director of athletics and or the sport administrator. If the issue is not resolved at this level: 

4. Student-athlete should contact the financial aid office or faculty athletic representative to initiate the?Appeals procedures for the department of athletics. 

5. Faculty athletic representative should make the appropriate arrangements for the appeal. 

Note: The decision of this committee is final. 

The student-athlete must be declared eligible and be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center, the CIAA and the institution per existing regulations.  However, first-time freshman, transfer students and walk-on are permitted to practice a maximum period of Forty-five (45) days while awaiting clearance.  After forty-five days, the student-athlete must be declared eligible (qualifier or partial-qualifier) or dropped from the team. Continuing student-athletes can neither practice nor compete until declared eligible certified and cleared by the Compliance Office. Amateurism certification must be declared by the NCAA Eligibility Center for All student-athletes (high school, two-year, four-year, domestic and foreign) enrolling at a NCAA Division I or II institution for the first time on or after August 1, 2007 must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have their amateur status certified in order to be eligible to participate in NCAA intercollegiate athletics. 

A prospective student-athlete may register online at http://eligibilitycenter.org/. 

The student-athlete must complete all processes (including signing the financial aid agreement) and be cleared in writing by the Compliance Office before being allowed to compete.

Must register with the Eligibility Center and be certified as a Qualifier to compete, or a Partial Qualifier to practice with the team. 

QUALIFIER, you can practice or compete for Fayetteville State University during your first year of enrollment as a Full-time student; you can receive an athletic scholarship during your first year enrolled; and you can play four seasons within 10 full-time semesters in your sport as long as you maintain progress-toward-degree from year to year.  

PARTIAL QUALIFIER, you do not meet the academic requirements set forth by the NCAA eligibility center  but you have graduated from high school and completed 16 core courses with a 2.20 GPA, earn the  ACT/SAT score matching your core-course GPA on the Division II partial qualifier sliding scale.  

As a Partial Qualifier, you:  Can practice with your team at its home facility during your first year of college; Can receive an athletic scholarship during your first year of college; Cannot compete during your first year of college; and Can play four seasons within 10 full-time semesters in your sport as long as you maintain progress-toward-degree from year to year. 

NON-QUALIFIER, you did not graduate from High School, OR if you graduated you are missing both the core courses grade-point average AND the required ACT or SAT scores. 

As a Non-qualifier you:  Cannot practice or compete for FSU during first year in college (must serve a year in residence- 2 full-time semesters); Cannot receive an athletic scholarship during your first year of college, although you may receive need-based financial aid; and Can play four seasons within 10 full-time semesters in your sport as long as you maintain progress-toward-degree from year to year. 

All Continuing student-athletes must make satisfactory progress in order to remain eligible. To make Satisfactory Academic progress at Fayetteville State University you need: 

• A minimum of 24 semester hours per year (Fall and Spring), no exceptions 
• To be enrolled in at least 12 hours per semester 
• To meet the NCAA rule as it applies to satisfactory progress (No more than 6 credit hours during any summer school session) 
• To meet the 2.00 grade point average requirement at all times 
• To declare a major by the beginning of the fifth term (junior year). 

At this point, classes toward the declared major will only be considered for satisfactory progress. 

Satisfactory Progress is required of the following student-athletes: 

• A student-athlete who has competed in any contest 
• Partial Qualifier/Non-Qualifier that was recruited and signed a National Letter of Intent 
• Any recruited student-athlete 
• Any transfer student-athlete that was recruited 

A recruited student-athlete is one who was contacted by phone or in person a coach or representative of athletics staff on more than one occasion.  If a prearranged meeting occurred, then you were recruited.  If a member of the athletics staff called you (other than returning your phone call) on more than one occasion, then you were recruited. 

In addition to the Satisfactory Progress Requirements, the following are additional responsibilities to which student-athletes must adhere: 

• Develop and maintain habits of learning commensurate with education at the university level and to pursue a program of study leading to degree. 
• Know the provisions of the student code of Conduct and to abide by them. 
• Attend all class meetings, labs, required discussion sessions and required conferences with teachers for all courses.  The only acceptable reasons for missing course obligations or appointments with teachers are serious illness, family emergency or official travel to university sponsored activities (including competitions).  Teachers must be appropriately informed prior to participation. 
• Follow all procedures for completing progress reports for your coaches.  
• Pre-register each semester during the official pre-registration period. 
• Fulfill all course requirements including submission of papers and other assignments in a timely manner. 
• Keep your academic advisor and respective coaches informed of academic progress on a regular basis. 
• Cooperate with and abide by the respective coach’s academic policies.  For example, additional study hall hours. 
• To know and abide by all policies and procedures of the University 

By University policy students can be penalized for absences from class and other academic obligations during those specified times.  Each coach must ensure that their respective schedules allow for student-athletes to attend classes regularly as well as labs, conferences and make-up sessions. Student-athletes should never miss class or labs due to practice sessions.  Furthermore, student-athletes are responsible for make-up work for classes missed due competitions. 

All student-athletes must report to their coaches and academic advisor in order to change their schedule and major.  Information on the procedures is in the University Catalog.  No coach can exercise this function. 

Registration: All students-athletes must register at the beginning of each semester, whether they were in residence the preceding semester or not.  Students are requires to register at the University on the days designated. New students will be advised regarding courses and registration procedures during orientation sessions at the beginning of each semester. Dates specified for new students to register are listed in the University Calendar. All students will report for registration as indicated in the University Calendar.   

Late Registration: Returning students may be allowed late registration upon the payment of a late fee, but no student will be permitted to register later than the time specified in the calendar. 

Changes in Registration: Students who find it necessary to change their program of study after registration MUST make the change through the Registrar’s Office on forms provided for that purpose.  For any such change the student MUST obtain the permission of the advisor.  This procedure is followed for dropping or adding a course.  Prior to processing change request in the Office of the Registrar, students should take the completed advisor signed Drop/Add form to the Office of the Registrar’s or processing. All program change requests should be completed by the deadlines for the LAST DAY TO ADD and LAST DAY TO DROP respectively.  These program deadlines are provided in the University’s Academic calendar, which is in your SUCCESS GUIDE. 

The adding of courses must be completed before the time for making changes expires. 

Drop-Add: Students who find it necessary to change their program of study during the registration can do so via Online Registration or through the Registrar’s Office by completing the necessary forms. Any adding of courses AFTER registration requires special permission from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.  AFTER registration, courses can be dropped, until the date designated on the university calendar, by completing a change of registration form and having it signed by their advisor. 

ALL ATHLETES MUST HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL BEFORE DROPPING/ADDING COURSES- See Compliance Coordinator/Student-Athlete Academic Coordinator. 

A COPY OF YOUR SCHEDULE SHOULD BE TURNED IN TO YOUR COACH PRIOR TO CLASSES BEGINNING! 

The coaching staff must observe the following: 

• 20 hours per week during the season 
• 8 hours per week out of season (condition and lifting: only two of eight hours can  be voluntary small group instruction in sports other than football: only 3 student-athletes can participate and instruction must be requested by student-athlete) 
• 1 day off per week during season and off-season (preseason does not count for sports whose practice sessions are during periods when there are no classes- before August 15 or before January 13) 
• Organized lifting and conditioning, player/coach meetings, chalk talks, video sessions and captain’s practice all count toward your total hours of practice for the week. 

Student-athlete must adhere to the following: 

You may not play on a team other than a Fayetteville State University during the academic year (fall-spring).  If you wish to compete during the semester break or during the summer please consult your Coach or the Compliance office. 

Each student has 10 full-time semesters to compete in 4 years of athletics. The following are two exceptions: 

I. Medical Hardship Status: 

If you are hurt in the first half of the season 

Played in less than 20% of games or 2 games, whichever is less 

Not medically able to continue playing 

Must be approved by training staff, team doctor, Director of Athletics , Conference Office 

If these criteria are met, you can be granted another season of play. 

II. Red Shirt Status: 

Can practice, lift and have meetings with the  team  

Cannot travel with the team 

Cannot dress in uniform 

Can go to home contests 

Cannot play 1 second or 1 play of any contest 

You must get written permission from the Compliance Office before you speak to other colleges or university about transferring.  You must sit out one year at the new institution or receive an exception.  In order to receive an exception you must be eligible at Fayetteville State University for the next academic year. 

To remain athletically eligible, the most important thing to remember is not to endanger your amateur athlete status.  It is essential that you check your Head Coach, or Compliance Coordinator before making decisions regarding outside athletic participation. 

The following are NCAA guidelines for maintaining your amateur status: 

YOU CANNOT, WITHIN YOUR SPORT: 

• Accept payment or a promise of payments (in cash, prizes, gifts or travel) for participation in your sport. 
• Enter into an agreement of any kind to compete in professional athletics.  (You cannot negotiate a verbal or written professional contract.) 
• Request that your name be put on a draft list for professional sports or try out with a professional sports organization. 
• Use your athletic skill for payment.  (You cannot be employed on a “fee for lesson” basis.) 
• Play on any profession athletic team in your sports. 
• Participate on teams other than those fielded by Fayetteville State University during the season.  (This includes exhibition or tournament games) 

YOU CANNOT, IN ANY SPORT: 

• Agree to have your picture or name used to promote a commercial product. 
• Accept such things as gifts, meals, and loans of cars or money from athletic interest group or people within the athletics program at the University. 
• Be represented by an agent or organization to market your athletic skills or reputation. 
• Receive any benefit that is not available to other students at the University. 
• Participate in a summer league not approved by the NCAA.  (You must have written permission from the Director of Athletics for summer league participation.) 
• Play on a non-divisional athletic team during the academic year without permission from your Head Coach and Faculty Athletic Representative. 

All student-athletes who participate in collegiate athletics at FSU are subject to drug testing.  Any individual may refuse drug testing; however, refusal to consent for testing will be considered a positive test and carry the applicable sanctions.  Failure to report for drug testing will also be considered a positive test and all sanctions will apply.  Each student-athlete must read and sign the NCAA Drug Testing Consent Form administered by the Compliance Coordinator (Deron Norwood) prior to participation in athletics. 

The Drug Consent Form shall be signed by each student-athlete each academic year in which the student-athlete consents to be tested for the use of Banned Drugs and Substances. 

Failure to complete and sign the consent form before practice or competition shall result in the student-athlete’s ineligibility for participation (i.e., practice and competition) in all intercollegiate athletics. 

Student-athletes will be chosen on a random basis or with reasonable suspicion by the Athletics Department personnel.  Student-athletes will be required to present photo identification prior to testing procedure.  The student-athlete will read and sign a verification form from the drug testing laboratory. The student-athlete will select a sealed container and submit an observed urine specimen.  The specimen will be divided into bottle “A” and bottle “B”.  Both specimen bottles and verification form will be placed in the shipping container in the presence of the student-athlete in order to deter specimen tampering.  All drug testing will be administered and supervised by authorized personnel designated by the Athletic Department.  The initial screen for specimen “A” will be performed by enzyme immunoassay. All positive tests will be confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).  Specimen “B” will be placed in frozen storage for one year in the event of an appeal. 

The drug testing laboratory will notify the designated site coordinator of the results of testing.  A positive result will be disclosed to the student-athlete in a closed session with the Athletic Director the appropriate Sports Medicine representative, and the Head Coach.  The student-athlete will be given the opportunity to discuss the results.  Every effort will be made to insure the confidentiality of the drug testing results and limited to those included in the closed session. The student-athlete may appeal the results of a positive drug test.  In the case of an appeal, the student-athlete must notify the Athletic Director in writing within ten (10) working days.  The Laboratory will then be contacted and specimen “B” will be tested and confirmed.  The student-athlete will have an option to be present at the opening and testing of specimen “B” at their own expense.  Specimen “B” findings will be final subject to the results of any appeal.   

Loss of eligibility for one year from date of positive test 

Fayetteville State University is a dry campus does not condone the use of alcohol by its student-athletes.  Arrests for minor possession (MIP), driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), public intoxication (PI) or contributing to a minor will not be tolerated.  Any student-athlete arrested for an alcohol-related offense will be suspended from practice and competition until reinstated by the Athletic Director and reported to the University’s Judicial System.  This suspension will stay in effect until all charges have been cleared. 

The use of tobacco products by s student-athlete is prohibited during practice and competition. A student-athlete who uses tobacco during a practice or competition shall be suspended for the remainder of that practice or competition per NCAA Bylaw 17.1.9. 

Per NCAA Bylaw 11.1.5 the use of Tobacco Products is prohibited by all game personnel (e.g. coaches, trainers, managers and game officials) in all sports during practice and completion.  Uniform penalties (as determined by the applicable rules-making committees and sports committees with rules-making responsibilities) shall be established for such use. 

Fayetteville State University supports and encourages the individuals’ expression of first amendment rights of free speech. This includes participating in online social networking sites (i.e. Twitter, Facebook.com, and YouTube.com, Instagram). 

The University and Athletics Department does not place any restrictions on the use of these sites by student-athletes. However, we do remind you that as a member of the FSU Intercollegiate Athletics Department, you are a representative of the University and always in the public eye. Please keep the following points in mind as you participate on social networking web sites. 

• Before participating in any online community, understand that anything posted online is available to anyone on the planet. Any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. 
• Do not post information, photos or other items online that could embarrass you, your team or your University. This includes information, photos and items that may be posted by others on your page. 
• Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes, while others want to get close to student-athletes to give them a sense of membership in the team. 
• Exercise caution as to what information you post on your website about your whereabouts or plans. You could be opening yourself up to predators such as stalkers, rapists and thieves. 
• You must abide by the FSU Information Technology Department’s Polices on Computing and Technology support.
• FSU, including coaches and administrators, has the right to monitor these web sites. 
• Student-athletes could face discipline and even dismissal for violation of the standards or philosophies of the University, the Athletics Department and/or the NCAA. 

Equipment and apparel provided for you are the property of Fayetteville State University Athletics Department.  Student-athletes are issued apparel for practice and competition.  All incoming student-athletes and walk-ons must be academically and medically certified before receiving equipment or apparel. 

Any equipment items not returned or paid for will be billed to the individual student-athlete.  This will be considered indebtedness to the University and it will place a hold on your scholarship.  You will not be able to receive your athletic aid until the debt in paid.  Once the bill goes out, return of the items is no longer an option-it must be paid for. 

Housing for student-athletes is provided in University-operated student residence halls. An individual must be admitted to the University, certified by Athletic Compliance as a member of a University Sports Team and have met all requirements relative to Residence Life. 

Housing for student-athletes and or athletic teams out side of the normal academic calendar for practice and competition must be requested through the Athletic Director and or his/her designee to the Director of Residence Life and to the President. If approved Security must be notified and a list of the student-athletes names, ID Numbers, room assignments and telephone numbers should be forwarded to them. 

No team and or student-athletes will be allowed to remain in Residence Halls during University Official Closings such as Christmas Break. If housing is needed during this time, requests for off-campus housing should be made through the Athletic Director along with permission to use campus facilities. 

Deposit of $125.00 is due at that time.  

Name, Image, Likeness (NIL), also known as the Right to Publicity, will allow student-athletes to receive compensation for non-athletically related performance such as business ventures, endorsements, autographs, and sport camps. 

 Fayetteville State University Athletics Department follows North Carolina state legislation related to NIL.  

What can student-athletes do?

• Student-athletes can establish their own business or otherwise engage in business activities and receive compensation from such activities.
• Student-athletes can receive compensation for their autographs. They can sell gear, autographed or not, after they complete their eligibility or if they purchase it themselves.
• Student-athletes can receive compensation for teaching or coaching skills or techniques in their sports on fee-for-lesson basis.

What can student-athletes not do?

• Student-athletes cannot receive compensation for athletic performance.
• Student-athletes cannot receive compensation as inducement or enrollment.
• Student-athletes cannot use institutionally created content for commercial use.
• Student-athletes cannot use institution marks in paid content.
• Student-athletes cannot miss class, other academic obligations, or team activities for NIL endeavors.

What can I do as a booster?

• If you have a business, your business may engage student-athletes in a manner consistent with any business. You must provide student-athletes with benefits consistent with the market value of their services.
• All deal with student-athletes must be disclosed regardless of who is involved. Additionally, you will need to disclose your state as a representative of FSU's athletics interest, or booster when entering into a business deal with a FSU student-athlete.
• As a representative of FSU's athletics interest, or booster you can participate in institutional education programs surrounding NIL. We may ask you to assist our student-athletes in your area of expertise. This assistance will only go through the Athletics Department and cannot be arranged independently.

What can I not do as a booster?

• You may not directly compensate a student-athlete for their name, image, likeness without exchange or consideration. If you decide to purchase a student-athletes autograph, gear, clinic, etc., you must pay the market rate for those items.
• You cannot individually enter into an endorsement deal with a student-athlete. If you have a business who wants to use a student-athletes NIL, it must follow all FSU and NCAA policies. A business whose product conflicts with FSU's policy such as gambling and banned substances cannot enter into contracts with FSU student-athletes.
• You cannot communicate with, make contact with, or direct payments to a prospective student-athletes in high school or another university, directly or indirectly, in order to influences their decision to come or not come to FSU or another institution.