Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) Information

 
General Policy
In accordance with North Carolina State Law, Fayetteville State University may not restrict enrolled student-athletes from earning compensation for use of their name, image, or likeness when they are not engaged in official team activities, or from obtaining professional representation to secure name, image and likeness opportunities. Additionally, Fayetteville State University may not provide or solicit a prospective student-athlete with compensation for use of their name, image or likeness.
 
Official Team Activities
Fayetteville State University defines “official team activities” as any activity with an athletic or academic purpose involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by, one or more of the institution’s coaching or administrative staff. Such activities include, but are not limited, to the following:
  • Practices
  • Competition, including travel to and from away from home contests
  • Mandatory class attendance
  • Physical Therapy and/or Athletic Training Rehabilitation and injury related appointments
  • Academic study hall
  • Community service events
  • Organized team promotional events
  • Compliance meetings
  • Athletic Department Meetings
Disclosure
Prior to entering an agreement for the use of their name, image or likeness. FSU student-athletes must complete the NIL reporting disclosure form at least 10 days prior to the execution of the agreement and return to the Assistant AD/Compliance via email at dnorwood@uncfsu.edu. Approvals or denials of name, image and likeness opportunities by the Asst AD/Compliance shall be given within five (5) business days of receipt of the NIL Disclosure reporting form. Opportunities that exceed $5,000 shall require the additional approval of the Director of Athletics. The student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s representative shall resolve any conflicts that resulted in denial of the opportunity within 10 days of disclosure of the conflict.
 
Restricted Opportunities
Fayetteville State University student-athletes may not enter into a contract or obtain an opportunity for use of their name, image and likeness if compensation is provided in exchange for their athletic performance or attendance at the university. Student-athletes may not enter into a contract or obtain an opportunity for use of their name, image and likeness with competitors of current CIAA and/or Fayetteville State University agreements or sponsorships.
 
Endorsement of the following are also strictly prohibited:
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs
  • Tobacco products (including e-cigarettes)
  • Anabolic steroids
  • NCAA banned substances
  • Gambling
  • Firearms
  • Sexually oriented businesses
 Additionally, the duration of the contract may not extend beyond the student-athlete’s participation in the FSU athletics program.Finally,property owned by Fayetteville State University, including intellectual property, logos and symbols, may not be used in conjunction with a student-athlete’s name, image, and likeness opportunity.
 
Institutional Facilities
Student Athletes may request use/rental of institutional facilities for NIL activities by submitting a request to the athletic department.  Requests must be done in writing at a minimum of five (5) business days prior to the event and provided to the Director of Athletics or designee for approval.  Rental fees may be associated with the rental and must be approved prior to usage.
 
Institutional Marks/Logos and Content
Student-athletes may request use of the Fayetteville State University related marks and/or logos for NIL activities by contacting the Assistant AD/Marketing and Development at mjking@uncfsu.edu.  Inquiries regarding personal content (eg. Logos, graphics, imagery) may be directed to the Asst AD/Marketing and Development as well. Marks and/or logos may only be used with the expressed written permission of Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville State University marks and/or logos are managed by the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC). 
 
Institutional Merchandise/Memorabilia
In accordance with NCAA Bylaws “an item received for participation in intercollegiate athletics may not be sold or exchanged for another item of value.”  Therefore, student-athletes may not sell institutionally-issued apparel, equipment, awards, etc. (even if it will not be re-used or re-issued) until they have exhausted their competition eligibility.
 
Professional Service Providers
Student-athletes may obtain representation by a third party, including but not limited to, an athlete agent, for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities.  Any third party representative must be a fiduciary for the represented student-athlete.  Athlete agents who represent student-athletes for the purpose of securing compensation for NIL activities must be licensed in the state of North Carolina. If the student-athlete’s representative is an attorney, the attorney must also be active and in good standing with the board of professional responsibility or equivalent entity in the state in which the attorney is licensed.
 
Tax Implications
Income and tax implications associated with NIL activities are the responsibility of the student athlete. Student-athletes’ need-based financial aid (ex. Pell Grant) may be impacted based on compensation from NIL. Questions should be directed to the Fayetteville State University Financial Aid Department.  International student-athletes should not engage in any NIL activities without the guidance of the Fayetteville State University International Programs Department.  Please seek the advice of your personal tax professional regarding your tax filing and tax payment responsibilities with the Internal Revenue Service and the North Carolina Tax Commission.  Additional taxes may be incurred depending on the state you complete your NIL responsibilities.
 
Mandatory Education
Fayetteville State University is committed to educating all student-athletes, staff and third parties on all matters related to name, image and likeness. In accordance with North Carolina state law, all student-athletes will receive mandatory NIL training, financial literacy and life skills during their collegiate enrollment as a component of the Student-Athlete Support Services. Additional training may be required at the discretion of the Athletic Department or Individual Teams.