Notre Dame Student-Athlete Handbook

Dear Student-Athlete,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to campus or for some to welcome you for the first time. I know that you are already extremely busy with your academic, athletic, and social activities. Being able to balance your time when you are being pulled in so many different directions can be difficult. This year we have written a Student-Athlete Handbook in order to help you to know all the help that is available to you as student-athletes.

The Student-Athlete Handbook is broken up into two sections: You as a Student and You as an Athlete. In these sections we try to lay out the various departments and organizations that can help you in your four years. Furthermore, throughout the handbook we try to touch upon areas that would be of interest to you as student-athletes. These items range from the requirements that you must maintain in order to stay eligible, to a dos and don'ts list on how to talk to the press.

We hope that you will find this new handbook helpful as you work your way through the school year. Contained within the handbook you will also find a list of the athletic department staff and their telephone numbers if problems arise that you cannot find an answer to within the handbook. Please feel free to call on any of us anytime.

I wish you all the best in both your academic and athletic endeavors this year. I know that you will once again do great things.

Go Irish!

Sincerely,

Michael A. Wadsworth
Athletic Director of the University of Notre Dame

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES FOR COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Throughout its long and proud tradition of participation in intercollegiate athletics, the University of Notre Dame has embraced the philosophy that a well-rounded athletics program - including club, intramural, and intercollegiate competition - is an integral part of its educational mission. This philosophy also recognizes the importance of maintaining athletic programs in proper perspective in accord with the mission of the University as a Catholic institution of higher education. For this reason, Notre Dame is dedicated to the principle that the pursuit of excellence in intercollegiate athletics must be accomplished within the framework of an academic community committed to its educational objectives. Notre Dame is committed to the principle of firm institutional control of athletics, and to the unquestioned integrity of its athletic programs. Those individuals responsible for the athletic program are expected to foster and maintain the values and goals associated with the mission of the University as an institution of higher education. As a Catholic university, Notre Dame is committed to Christian values and principles as these have been expressed in our tradition throughout the University's history. These include the development of the human spirit as well as the body, the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors, the nurturing of Christian character and the call to personal integrity and acceptance of personal responsibility. This document articulates the central values and expectations which guide the participation of the University of Notre Dame in intercollegiate athletics by providing a general description of the structures which support these endeavors.

Academics
The University is dedicated to the mission of providing all of its students an education of the highest quality. Notre Dame is committed to being an environment of teaching and learning which fosters the development in its students of those disciplined habits of mind, body and spirit which characterize educated, skilled and free human beings. The University seeks to put students in touch with the wisdom of our culture and religious heritage, and to help them experience the diversity and interdependence of the human family. To accomplish these objectives, the University is committed to providing, on an equitable basis, ongoing opportunities that develop the moral, intellectual and physical welfare of its students.

Basic Principles
For any student at the University to be successful, a certain level of ability and preparation is required. Therefore, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will accept into the University only those student-athletes who demonstrate, on the basis of the best available testing instruments and other information, the capacity to complete a baccalaureate degree at Notre Dame. Even for those well suited by training and endowment, the adjustment to the rigors of academic life in a highly competitive university setting may be difficult. The University recognizes its responsibility to enable student-athletes to meet the demands of both academic and athletic competition, and to assist them appropriately. To this end, once the University admits a student-athlete, it will provide proper academic counsel and support. At Notre Dame, in the arrangement of schedules for practice and competition, it is of paramount importance to minimize conflicts with the class schedules and academic assignments of student-athletes. Special attention will be paid to the rhythm of the academic year and the particular importance of final examinations. All playing schedules must be approved by the Faculty Board on Athletics. It is expected that student-athletes will normally maintain the appropriate sequence and number of courses and a high enough grade point average to complete a baccalaureate degree in four years (including summer school classes). Rare exceptions will be recognized if academic programs or personal circumstances dictate otherwise. The Faculty Board on Athletics has general oversight responsibility for academically related matters and policies in the athletic program, as well as for helping to maintain and foster the commitment of the University to academic integrity within the athletic program. In this capacity, the Faculty Board on Athletics has the responsibility to approve all playing schedules; to review at least annually statistical and other relevant information on the admission of student-athletes, their academic performance and progress toward a degree, graduation rates, and other related data; and to assess the effectiveness of academic support offered to student-athletes.

Student Life
The student-athlete is first of all a student, who should experience the University of Notre Dame in the same way as the rest of the student body. Each student-athlete is held to the same standard of conduct as all other students.

Basic Principles
Student-athletes are subject to all University rules and guidelines printed in the student handbook du Lac. Enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of the Office of Residence Life and its staff according to standard procedures used for all student disciplinary matters. As a residential university, where the majority of students live in on-campus housing, student-athletes will normally live in residence halls. Furthermore, there will be no separate residence halls or sections of residence halls for student-athletes. The goal is to have student-athletes completely integrated into the student body. The physical and mental health of all members of the Notre Dame community are primary concerns of the University. Because of the dangers inherent in athletic competition, the prevention of injuries and medical care for student-athletes are of particular concern and deserve constant attention. The determination of whether a student-athlete's health and/or recovery from an injury precludes that student from practicing or competing is to be made solely by the appropriate health and sports training personnel. Because of the harm connected to illicit drug use in our society, particular attention is to be given to providing education and counsel for student-athletes and all other students with regard to this matter. As a preventive measure, there is regular, random, unannounced drug testing of student-athletes. The results of these tests and the consequences of a positive test are dealt with according to the established drug policy of the University for student-athletes. The administration of the drug-testing program, including the timing and selection of student-athletes for drug-testing, is the responsibility of University Health Services. Chaplains are regularly provided for athletic teams. Their duties will include pastoral care and liturgical service for athletes, coaches and staff.

Coaching Staff
The University will strive to maintain a coaching staff of men and women who represent the best in athletics instruction and who possess the ability to motivate and inspire the student-athletes for whom they are responsible. Coaches are primarily teachers. They share with members of the faculty and other University personnel the responsibility to educate, train and assist in the formation of students entrusted to them. Because of the public nature of their work, coaches represent the University. Their words and actions should therefore reflect the values and principles of Notre Dame. Furthermore, the University community recognizes the important role coaches play in the overall educational mission of Notre Dame and makes this aspect of the coaches' job an important part of their job description and evaluation.

Basic Principles
The Executive Vice President, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, is responsible for personnel decisions concerning coaches. The Faculty Board on Athletics is empowered to consider standards for appointment of coaching personnel and, where appropriate, should be consulted in the hiring process. Normally, coaches will be hired initially for a specified period of time. Coaches are expected to abide by the highest standards of personal conduct, and are expected to be role models for their student-athletes in how to pursue success with integrity. Coaches have regular contact with the students they coach. They have the opportunity to influence the student-athletes not only by the values they espouse but by their lifestyles as well. Coaches are expected to appreciate the primacy of academic life at Notre Dame and to emphasize this aspect in all activities associated with the recruitment, education and participation of students in intercollegiate athletics. Coaches are held to the guidelines and rules agreed upon by the member institutions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as well as those established by the University. This applies to recruitment, financial aid, team discipline, and related matters. Any violation of these standards will be treated with utmost seriousness and will be reported to the NCAA according to the standards and procedures of that association.

Athletic Administration
The Director of Athletics and his or her staff are directly responsible for the administration of the athletic programs at Notre Dame. The Director of Athletics reports to the Executive Vice President, who has general oversight responsibility for the athletic program. The Executive Vice President, who answers directly to the President of the University, also chairs the Faculty Board on Athletics and serves as the faculty athletics representative to the NCAA.

Basic Principles
Notre Dame will endeavor to maintain a high-quality, competitive athletic program consistent with its tradition and heritage. If and when problems arise, action will be taken consistent with principles of justice, due process and, where applicable, confidentiality. The University will maintain full and direct control of the financial operations of the Department of Athletics, including all revenues received from whatever source. The annual operating budget and the ongoing financial activities of the Department of Athletics are subject to the same process of review and approval as are all other operating units of the University. Furthermore, funding for the intercollegiate athletic programs is subject to the same process of setting priorities as are the rest of the departments and programs of the University. Historically, the athletic program of the University has generated sufficient funds to cover expenses attributable to the Department of Athletics as well as providing additional funds for the general operating budget of the University. The generation of such revenue must always take into consideration the integrity of the institution and its identifiable priorities. Booster clubs as defined by the NCAA and all other such entities are under the direct control of the University. A full athletic program, consistent with the financial resources available, the athletic interests of the student body, and the overall academic mission and program of the University, will be provided for men and women student-athletes. Notre Dame will continue its commitment to develop additional programs and increased funding for women's varsity sports programs so that equity prevails in the opportunities made available to all student-athletes. The University is committed to the hiring of qualified coaches and other Department of Athletics personnel who, insofar as possible, reflect the racial, ethnic and gender diversity of both the broader University community and society at large. As positions become available, every reasonable attempt will be made to accommodate this commitment in departmental hiring. The University will strive to associate itself in conference affiliation and intercollegiate competition with institutions having similar educational philosophies and goals, as well as a similar commitment to integrity in their athletic programs and to the rules and principles promulgated by the NCAA. Club, intramural and recreational athletic opportunities will be provided sufficient support so that all students may, if they desire, participate in some form of organized athletic activity.

Conclusion
In summary, as an institution, Notre Dame will pursue a standard of achievement in athletics consistent with its overall mission as a Catholic university. It will attempt to excel in every form of intercollegiate athletics without distorting its primary role as an educator and moral guide. Athletic programs are to be conducted in such a manner as to complement the goals of the commitment of the University to education, as well as the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations of the NCAA.

Part ONE: You As a Student
"Notre Dame has a long tradition of academic and athletic excellence. The Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes provides essential support for our student-athletes so that they might meet their personal and academic goals."
- Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., Executive Vice President

Notre Dame Admissions
At Notre Dame, the applicant pool is both large and academically strong. This permits a high degree of selectivity in admissions, but the University's published admission requirements follow the general rather than specific pattern. Notre Dame requirements are: a high-school diploma; 16 academic units (each unit representing an academic year) in the following areas: four English, three mathematics, two science, two history, two foreign language, three additional academic units from the subject areas listed above; completed application, including two essays; ACT or SAT test taken (no prescribed score). Students should also be eligible according to the NCAA Bylaw (14.3) that sets minimum requirements. In the past three years, Notre Dame's applicant pool averaged 8,000 students annually with a mean SAT score of 1260+ and a mean class rank in the top 13 percent. From this group, approximately 3,900 are admitted to enroll a first-year class of 1,900 with a mean SAT score of 1220+ and mean class rank in the top 7%.

Academic Services
Location
100 Brownson Hall
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
(219) 631-5585

Objectives The Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes has monitored the progress of Notre Dame student-athletes for more than three decades. From the recruiting stage through graduation, the office provides counseling, guidance, and tutoring to more than 600 student-athletes each year. The University makes a sincere commitment to all student-athletes for their education and graduation. To fulfill this promise, Academic Services for Student-Athletes has four major objectives:

Assist every student-athlete in graduating in four years;
Protect the academic integrity of the University;
Comply with all rules, regulations, and procedures of the University and the NCAA; and
Promote the athletic eligibility of all student-athletes.

These four objectives are designed to help Academic Services achieve the objective of teaching student-athletes to be academically responsible for themselves.

Programs and Services

Team Orientations
Each varsity team is assigned an academic counselor. Each academic counselor from the office conducts an orientation program with his/her teams at the start of each academic year. The purpose of this program is to familiarize students with the University and the demands of being a student-athlete. Students are introduced to University facilities, learn classroom protocol, and work extensively on study and time-management skills.

Academic Monitoring
During each semester, the counselors survey the professors of each student-athlete two times. In a questionnaire designed to analyze the student's performance, professors are asked to comment on the level of work, attendance and attentiveness, the need for tutorial help, and to offer any general comments. Counselors then respond to the information provided by these reports.

Some of the duties of an academic counselor include:

Helping students set goals and establish an academic major;
Advising course selection;
Assisting with registration procedures and adding/dropping courses;
Referring students for counseling, tutoring, and other services; and
Reinforcing progress.

A few of the responsibilities of the student-athlete include:

Actively seeking out and using University resources;
Setting goals;
Developing time-management skills;
Developing effective study skills;
Meeting with Academic Counselor;
Understanding major requirements and the progress towards a degree; and
Returning books at the end of the semester (grant-in-aid students).

Academic Planning and Record-Keeping
Student-athletes meet with their counselors on a regular basis for academic advising. Counselors in Academic Services work with student-athletes to provide:

Careful monitoring of each student's classes and tutorials;
Individual assistance in time management, study skills, and writing skills; and
General academic monitoring and encouragement.

The office maintains a complete academic profile on every student-athlete, which includes high school information, transcripts, and a detailed chart that shows each student's progress towards a Notre Dame degree and NCAA eligibility requirements. Each chart is customized to the requirements of each college and is reviewed twice each semester.

Tutoring and Study Halls
Tutoring services are available to both scholarship and non-scholarship student-athletes at no charge through the First Year of Studies and the Academic Services Office. While some tutoring is done in small groups, most is done individually. This service is available to all student-athletes of any academic class level regardless of grade-point average. Student-athletes should not hesitate to ask for a tutor to help in any class. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to:

Arrange times with tutors;
Be prompt and not miss sessions;
Be prepared (bring necessary materials; read and attempt homework prior to the session); and
Give notice if missing a session is unavoidable.

First Year of Studies
The First Year of Studies has sole responsibility for the formal academic transactions involving all first-year students. Its staff works closely with staff members in Academic Services for Student-Athletes. Both offices assist students in making the adjustment to college and in developing the study skills necessary to achieve success. A freshman student-athlete is assigned an advisor from each department. (Note: Some students are assigned a single freshman counselor with responsibilities in both offices.) Following the freshman year, a student-athlete works with his/her counselor from Academic Services for Student-Athletes as well as an advisor assigned through the department for his/her college (i.e., English department, Biology department, etc.). The First Year of Studies office is located in the First-Year Building, directly behind the Main Building. To receive information or assistance from this department, contact Holly Martin at 631-7421.

Career Decision-Making
During regular meetings with their academic counselors, students can explore career options and preparation strategies. The counselors are also available to help students write and edit their resumes, to write letters of recommendation, and to serve as references. Students are referred to the appropriate University office for additional guidance and preparation, and for interview opportunities.

Academic Recognition
Academic excellence is something that Notre Dame strives for and recognizes. At the end of each academic year, Academic Services hosts an Academic Excellence Dinner for those student-athletes who have achieved excellence in the classroom; more than 250 are invited to attend. The University president, deans of each college, members of the Faculty Board on Athletics, athletic-department administrators, and coaches are also invited. Students with 4.00 semester GPAs, the individual student with the highest GPA in each sport, the top senior student-athlete, and the team with the highest overall GPA receive special awards.

Academic Eligibility

Notre Dame Continuing Eligibility
To remain eligible for intercollegiate athletics, students must meet the Notre Dame standard of academic good standing by earning the minimum semester grade point averages listed below:

First semester of freshman year         1.70
Second semester of freshman year        1.85
Sophomore year until graduation         2.00

The Notre Dame standard for eligibility is based on the student-athlete's grade-point average from the previous semester. Eligibility for the fall semester is based on a combined grade-point average from the spring semester and the summer session. Failure to maintain good standing will result in academic probation, which makes a student ineligible for intercollegiate athletics. Probation two semesters in a row or three semesters total during a student-athlete's career may result in dismissal from the University.

NCAA Continuing Eligibility
To be eligible for practice or competition, NCAA rules require that a student-athlete be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies as defined by the institution. The student-athlete must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours during each semester. Furthermore, the NCAA requires that a student-athlete pass a minimum of 24 credit hours each year in order to be eligible the following year. Of these credit hours, 75% must be earned during the regular academic year and only 25% may be earned during the summer session. A student-athlete entering his/her third year must have completed successfuly at least 25% of the course requirements in his/her specific major and must present a cumulative minimum GPA that equals at least 90% of the GPA required for graduation. A student-athlete entering his/her fourth year must have completed successfully at least 50% of the course requirements in his/her specific degree program and must present a cumulative minimum GPA that equals 95% of the GPA required for graduation. A student-athlete entering his/her fifth year must have completed successfully at least 75% of the course requirements in his/her specific degree program and present a cumulative minimum GPA that equals at least 95% of the GPA required for graduation. A student-athlete is evaluated using these NCAA standards at the start of each academic year.

Academic Information

Registration
First-year students register in writing for classes for the first two semesters. For the subsequent semesters, students use a service called DART (Direct Access Registration by Telephone). The student-athlete is responsible for looking up classes and assembling a workable schedule which meets University and NCAA requirements. Academic Counselors assist students with this assignment.

Academic Honesty
The academic community at Notre Dame relies upon a high standard of integrity. One of the most important aspects of academic integrity concerns the just measure of each student's academic accomplishments. Academic honesty is demanded of all students, and the Honor Code is a working part of the student's life in and out of the classroom at Notre Dame. Students must be aware that giving or receiving unauthorized aid on an examination, assignment, paper, or lab report is not the only kind of violation. Any kind of dishonesty related to academics is a violation. Other examples of academic dishonesty--apart from giving or receiving unauthorized aid precisely as defined by the teacher in each course--include but are not limited to: listing false reasons for taking a make-up examination, resubmitting work as an original piece, and falsifying data. Failure to take responsible action is also a violation. Unintentional plagiarism is as punishable as intentional plagiarism. For questions concerning what is or is not an academic Honor Code violation, please contact the appropriate professor or academic counselor.

Class Attendance
Student-athletes are expected to attend class on a regular and punctual basis. Notre Dame's policy concerning absence from class accords to the student's professor the discretion to accept the excuse and permit make-up work. Course instructors establish specific attendance policies which must be adhered to by the student-athlete. The three exceptions to the policy are personal illness, death in the immediate family, and duties performed for the University. Arrangements for taking any examination or completing work assignments affected by team travel are the student-athlete's responsibility. Instructors are aware of the problems involved in scheduling athletic competitions and are usually willing to provide some flexibility if the student-athlete requests consideration in advance. The Athletic Department operates according to the excused class miss policy when scheduling intercollegiate competition. Student-athletes are not to miss more than three Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes or three Tuesday-Thursday classes for regular-season play in any one semester. This policy governs all Notre Dame varsity sports. Coaches and athletic administrators are responsible for structuring playing schedules within the limits and the Faculty Board on Athletics has final approval of all schedules. A limited number of exceptions to the policy exist:

An individual player who qualifies for invitational events or continued play at a competition may be approved for additional absences on a case-by-case basis by the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Director of Academic Services; and
Post-season conference and NCAA tournaments are not included in the three-miss rule.

For each event, four days in advance of travel, the team manager notifies the Academic Services Office of the student-athletes on the travel squad. A list of traveling student-athletes, the courses they will miss, and the faculty who teach them is sent to Student Affairs for approval and distribution to the faculty.

Summer Session
If a student is on academic probation at the end of the spring semester, he or she may achieve good standing by attending the summer session provided that the combined average of grades for the spring and summer sessions meets eligibility requirements. However, attending the summer session is a privilege and not a right. A student-athlete interested in attending summer school should contact Academic Services to discuss their situation. Academic Services will determine whether the student-athlete must attend summer school to maintain NCAA eligibility or whether there is a solid academic purpose for the student-athlete to enroll. Academic Services then contacts the head coach to inform him or her of the request and to discuss the financial implications. In the event the University chooses to approve scholarship assistance, NCAA rules mandate that a student-athlete may receive a scholarship to cover summer costs only at the same percentage as the student-athlete's scholarship during the previous academic year. (For example, if a student-athlete received a one-half scholarship, Notre Dame is permitted to cover no more than one-half of summer-school costs.) In order for the University to cover these expenses, the courses must be taken at Notre Dame.

Textbooks/Book Room
Student-athletes receiving a scholarship covering books must pick up textbooks in the book room through the assistance of the Assistant Athletic Director Brian Boulac. The book room is administered in accordance with grant-in-aid stipulations and NCAA guidelines concerning allowable limits on financial aid. The location and hours of the book room are posted in the Joyce Center. Required course books can be picked