Student-Athlete Handbook

Susquehanna University Student-Athlete Handbook

Susquehanna Athletics Mission Statement

We lead our student-athletes by providing a balanced collegiate experience focused on personal development and their well-being. All programs strive to achieve competitive greatness and academic success. By providing broad-based and equitable programs we serve the needs of our students. Susquehanna Athletics demonstrates sportsmanship and respect in all programs, on campus, and in the community.

Susquehanna Athletics Vision Statement

We foster an inclusive and supportive athletics environment, one in which student-athletes, coaches, and staff are ALL IN to achieve, lead and serve.

Susquehanna Student-Athlete Core Values

• Integrity – A student-athlete upholds the highest ethical standards, taking responsibility for their actions and demonstrating honesty, accountability, and loyalty to their team and university.
• Commitment – A student-athlete is dedicated to excellence in academics and athletics, consistently striving to improve and honoring their commitments on and off the field.
• Selflessness – A student-athlete prioritizes the team’s success over personal interests, showing gratitude for opportunities and respecting teammates, coaches, and the broader community.
• Resilience – A student-athlete embraces challenges, adapts to changing circumstances, and perseveres through adversity with determination and a positive mindset.
• Respect – A student-athlete treats others with fairness, kindness, and consideration, fostering an environment of inclusivity, sportsmanship, and mutual appreciation

NCAA Division III Philosophy

Colleges and universities in Division III place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs.

They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s activities are conducted with the appropriate primary emphasis on the student-athlete’s academic experience, and in a manner designed to protect, support and enhance the physical and mental health and safety of student-athletes. Division III members are committed to the creation of diverse and inclusive environments with respect for and sensitivity to the dignity of every person and in a manner free of gender bias.

The Division III experience offers participation in a competitive athletic environment that pushes student-athletes to excel on the field and build upon their potential by tackling new challenges across campus.

Discover

Division III student-athletes are encouraged to pursue their interests and passions beyond the classroom and field of play….to discover themselves.

Develop

Division III institutions provide an environment that encourages student-athletes to develop into well-rounded adults. Small class sizes, the ability to participate in more than one sport, and an emphasis on participating in activities outside of the classroom as all hallmarks of the Division III experience.

Dedicate

Division III institutions expect student-athletes to dedicate themselves to achieving their potential. Student-athletes must manage their busy schedules, keep up with class work and face the same challenges as the rest of the student body.

Memberships & Affiliations

Susquehanna University is a NCAA Division III institution and a member of the following organizations:

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
• Landmark Conference
• All-Atlantic Region Track & Field Conference (AARTFC)

Susquehanna Student-Athlete Expectations

At Susquehanna, student-athletes excel in both competition and academics, embracing the challenge of high-level athletics alongside a fulfilling educational journey. Susquehanna Athletics emphasizes academic success, ensuring students are athletes second. As a Susquehanna student-athlete, you are expected to:

• Make earning a degree your top priority.
• Meet all academic responsibilities, including attending classes and completing assignments on time.
• Comply with NCAA, Landmark Conference, and university regulations and stay informed about relevant policies.
• Utilize academic resources and seek support when needed.
• Uphold academic integrity and represent Susquehanna University, Athletics, and your team with pride and professionalism.

Rules Compliance

Upholding NCAA, conference, university regulations and team rules is essential. Compliance is a shared responsibility, and as a student-athlete, you play an important role in maintaining adherence.

The Susquehanna Athletics Compliance Office holds mandatory eligibility meetings at the start of each academic year to review key policies. Attendance of all student-athletes is required to maintain eligibility.

Violations by student-athletes or coaches can result lead to individual or team ineligibility or disqualification from competition. While many infractions are unintentional, all breaches of NCAA, conference or Title IX regulations, regardless of severity, must be reported to the Susquehanna Athletics Compliance Office.

Do not interpret the rules on your own — direct any questions to the Compliance Office.

Team Rules

As an enrolled student-athlete, you are expected to follow the team rules established by your head coach and Susquehanna Athletics. These rules are vital, as they may impact your standing as a student-athlete at Susquehanna University. Within the intercollegiate athletics program, decisions related to individual and team performance — such as playing time, position assignments, and membership on the traveling squad — fall under the sole authority of the head coach. These decisions are final.

Code of Student Conduct

Your behavior reflects on Susquehanna Athletics and the university. Student-athletes must follow the university’s student conduct policies and maintain good citizenship within Athletics, the university, and the surrounding community.

NOTE: The following is an excerpt from Susquehanna University’s Student Handbook. Refer to the handbook for the complete student conduct system.

As an educational institution, Susquehanna University seeks to encourage the intellectual and personal growth of its students as scholars and citizens.

Therefore, Susquehanna is committed to student engagement in achievement, leadership, and service both in and out of the classroom. Choosing to join the Susquehanna University community requires each member to recognize and adhere to a Code of Student Conduct emphasizing personal responsibility, awareness of how one’s actions affect the community, and one’s personal growth both inside and outside the classroom. As positive community relations and personal responsibility continues to be valued off campus, the university campus should not be viewed as a sanctuary where its citizens avoid the responsibility to observe civil law.

This Code of Student Conduct seeks to promote these qualities, both as a means to individual fulfillment and to guide Susquehanna students in productive, creative, and reflective lives of achievement, leadership, and service in a diverse and interconnected world. Thus, students are expected to exhibit high standards of behavior and concern for others. The university has established a Code of Student Conduct, as well as other rules and regulations, which individuals, groups of students, and student teams or organizations are expected to observe.

Criminal Offenses

Susquehanna Athletics reserves the right to impose penalties if a student-athlete is charged and/or arrested for any criminal offense. Outcomes will be determined by university administrators.

University Academic Policies & Regulations

NOTE: The following is an excerpt from the Susquehanna University Course Catalog. Refer to the catalog for a complete list of policies and regulations.

Academic standards exist at every college and university. Many are common throughout higher education and others are specific to a particular campus. Standards are both an indicator of general educational quality and a means by which an individual student’s achievement and progress can be measured. Susquehanna’s academic year is composed of 30 weeks of instructional time, and in each semester a full-time student must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of credit. To receive the full benefit of a Susquehanna education, each student has these basic responsibilities:

• To attend class regularly (if a student misses the equivalent of two weeks of class in a 14-week course or one week of class in a the seven-week course, the faculty member may remove the student from the course with a final grade of F),
• To meet frequently with the faculty adviser,
• To make steady progress toward graduation, and
• To understand and follow university policies outlined in this catalog and the Student Handbook.

Course Loads

The normal course load for a full-time student is 16 semester hours (typically four courses) per semester. Students may take a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester without losing their full-time status. Students may take more than 18 semester hours and up to a total of 24 semester hours if they do not have any outstanding grades of EC, I or N and meet the specified minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for seniors or 3.0 for all other students. The following course types do not count toward a student’s overload: GO preparatory or GO reflection courses, music lessons, music ensembles, internships, or practica.

Students who do not meet the specified GPA criteria or have outstanding grades of EC, I or N need approval from their advisor and the dean of their school to exceed 18 semester hours. Students who have a cumulative GPA below 2.00 are not eligible to take an overload under any circumstances. First-time, first-year students also may not enroll in more than 18 credits in their first semester at SU. New transfer students may take an overload with advisor, department head and dean’s permission.

Grading System & the GPA

Each letter grade from A to F carries a designated number of quality points per semester hour. These points are used to calculate the grade point average (GPA). To determine the GPA for each semester, the number of quality points earned that semester is divided by the number of semester hours taken that semester. To compute the cumulative GPA, all quality points earned at Susquehanna are divided by all semester hours attempted.

The following values are used in the computation of quality points:

• A 4.00 quality points
• A- 3.67 quality points
• B+ 3.33 quality points
• B 3.00 quality points
• B- 2.67 quality points
• C+ 2.33 quality points
• C 2.00 quality points
• C- 1.67 quality points
• D+ 1.33 quality points
• D 1.00 quality points
• D- 0.67 quality points
• F 0.00 quality points

Academic Standing & Satisfactory Progress Toward Degree

Any student with a cumulative grade point average below a 2.00 is on academic probation. Students have two semesters to bring their cumulative GPA up to academic good standing (2.00 or higher) as long as they make progress towards good academic standing at the conclusion of their first semester following their probation status.

Students who are on academic probation and fail to make progress towards good academic standing after one semester or fail to achieve good academic standing after two semesters, will be up for academic suspension. The Academic Standing Committee will review students’ records and make final decisions.

Appeal to Academic Standing Committee

Appeals for Academic suspension and probation are adjudicated by the Provost. The appeal must be in writing and sent to the Center for Academic Success at . The appeal must include new information that was not available to the Academic Standing Committee. An appeal based on discrimination or on capricious or negligent action by the Academic Standing Committee may also be addressed to the Provost.

Students receiving federal student aid must also meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements per the Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended, of 1965. For more details of the University’s SAP requirements, view our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

Attendance Policy

It is the university’s policy that when a student has accumulated more absences than weekly class meetings in any particular course during the semester, the faculty member may warn the student in writing of the consequences of additional absences. When a total absence accumulation has reached the equivalent of two weeks’ class meetings (one week’s class meetings for a seven-week course), the faculty member may award a grade of F, which automatically withdraws the student from the course. As with any grade, an appeal may be made through normal channels if gross unfairness or illegal discrimination is alleged.

Each faculty member may choose to establish more stringent or less stringent attendance

requirements than those set by the university or to abide by the university’s policy. In either case, for each course the attendance policy must be clearly stated in the syllabus and distributed on the first day of classes.

Participation in university-sponsored events does not constitute an automatic excused absence from classes. The instructor may require student attendance if, in the context of the course, this appears to be in the student’s best interest. In any case, the student is responsible for informing the instructor of an intended absence as early as possible and at least by the class period preceding that absence. If circumstances make such notification impossible, the student must see the instructor on the first day of returning to class.

Excused Absence for Intercollegiate Competition Per NCAA

17.1.4.2 Missed Class Time. A student-athlete shall not miss class for the following:

(a) Practice activities in any segment; and

(b) Competition in the nontraditional segment.

17.1.4.2.1 Exceptions. A student-athlete may miss class for practice activities in the following circumstances: (a) When a team is traveling to an away-from-home contest and the practice is in conjunction with the contest; and (b) Student-athletes representing the host institution shall be permitted to miss class time for practice activities scheduled in conjunction with an NCAA championship.

Eligibility Requirement Per NCAA

14.01.2.1 Good Academic Standing. To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be in good academic standing as determined by the academic authorities who determine the meaning of such phrases for all students of the institution, subject to controlling legislation of the conference(s) or similar association of which the institution is a member. (Revised: 8/18/06)

14.1.7.1 Requirement for Practice or Competition. To be eligible for practice or competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the institution. For purposes of this bylaw and its subsections, to be eligible for competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in not less than 12-semester or quarter hours, regardless of the institution’s definition of minimum full-time program of studies. For practice only, a violation of this bylaw shall be considered an institutional violation per Bylaw 20.15.2; however, it shall not affect the student-athlete’s eligibility. [D] (Revised: 1/10/92, 1/11/00, 1/10/05, 10/20/09, 12/5/14, 7/22/20 effective 8/1/20)

14.1.7.1.1 Drop/Add Course. A student-athlete no longer shall be considered enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies (after dropping a course that places the student below full-time status) when the dropped course becomes official in accordance with procedures determined by the institution for all students. A student-athlete who is adding a course to reach full-time status shall become eligible for practice and competition once the course has been approved by the appropriate department head (or designated representative) and submitted to the registrar. (Adopted: 1/10/92, Revised: 10/18/04, 10/20/09)

NCAA Certification

Each year, student-athletes must complete required NCAA, institutional, and sports medicine compliance processes before participating in athletically related activities. See the Annual Eligibility Requirements for Student-Athletes webpage.

Athletic Insurance

Varsity athletes must have primary insurance. Susquehanna provides limited secondary insurance, with details on the Sports Medicine webpage. Insurance eligibility requires consultation with Athletic Training staff.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. It states, “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, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R., Part 106).

As per the federal Title IX regulations, the following behaviors are considered prohibited conduct:

• Discrimination on the basis of sex (including gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation)
  • This also includes discrimination on the basis of pregnant/parenting status.
    • You have the right to continue all aspects of your education while

Pregnant/parenting, including participation in the athletics program. For more information about pregnancy/parenting support, see our policy linked here.

• Sexual harassment, including conduct on the basis of sex or of a sexual nature, as well as:
• Sexual assault, including rape, fondling, incest, and statutory assault
• Domestic violence
• Dating violence
• Stalking

Additionally, the University recognizes additional conduct that affects a substantial University interest, including:

• Sexual exploitation
• Retaliation
• Online harassment and misconduct

If you have experienced sex or gender-based discrimination or harassment, you have the right to report that incident, receive supportive measures (including, but not limited to, no contact notices, housing reassignments, work accommodations, academic support, etc.) and decide to have the situation resolved through either a formal (investigation and decision-making hearing ) or informal (voluntary and mutually agreed upon outcomes) resolution process. Outcomes of formal or informal resolution processes range based on a variety of factors but could include ineligibility to participate in the athletic program.

To report an incident of sex or gender-based discrimination or harassment, complete this reporting form and someone will contact you within one business day.

For information about the Title IX Office, all policies associated with the Title IX Office, the reporting form and additional resources, visit www.susqu.edu/title-ix

Oversight of the campus-wide Title IX compliance:

Director of Title IX Compliance

570-372-4321

NCAA Title IX Policy

All incoming, continuing and transfer student-athletes must complete an annual disclosure related to their conduct that resulted in discipline through a Title IX proceeding or in a criminal conviction for sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence.

** Transfer student-athletes also must disclose whether a Title IX proceeding was incomplete at the time of transfer. Failure to make a full and accurate disclosure could result in penalties, including loss of eligibility to participate in athletics as determined by the member institution.

Seasons of Participation

NCAA allows four (4) years of participation, which must take place in your first 10 full-time semesters.

See NCAA bylaw 14.2.2

Division III competition or practice after the first contest uses a season of participation.

• Exception: Fall and Spring practices
  • Softball, Baseball, and Lacrosse can practice and compete in the fall without using a season.
  • Soccer and Field Hockey can practice and compete in the spring without using a season.

Transferring into Susquehanna University

Any transfer student-athlete must be both academically and athletically eligible at their previous institution in order to be eligible at Susquehanna. If not eligible at the previous institution, the student- athlete must complete a year of academic residence (two full-time semesters) before becoming eligible at Susquehanna.

Transferring to Another Institution

If you wish to talk with a coach at another Division III institution about the possibility of transferring to that institution, you may not do so until you complete the NCAA Permission to Contact/Self-Release Form and send it to that institution. You are not required to inform your coach that you are looking at another institution; however, you are encouraged to do so.

If you wish to talk with a coach at a Division I or Division II institution, you must first complete the “permission to contact” form via the transfer portal. This is done with the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance or Director of Athletics.

When transferring to a Division I institution, please note the following Bylaw from the Division I Compliance Manual:

14.5.1 Residence Requirement — General Principle. A student who transfers (see Bylaw 14.5.2) to a member institution from any collegiate institution is required to complete an academic year of residence (see Bylaw 14.02.10) at the certifying institution before being eligible to compete for or to receive travel expenses from the member institution (see Bylaw 16.8.1.2), unless the student satisfies the applicable transfer requirements or receives an exception or waiver as set forth in this section. (Revised: 1/10/91 effective 8/1/91, 5/7/10)

Tobacco Policy

The NCAA prohibits student-athletes and all game personnel, including coaches, trainers, and officials, from using tobacco products during practices and competitions. Student-athletes will be disqualified for the remainder of the session if found in violation.

Alcohol & Drug Policy

NOTE: The following is an excerpt from the Susquehanna University’s Student Handbook. Refer to the handbook for the university’s complete alcohol and drug policy.

Susquehanna University is committed to the education of students when it comes to drugs and the legal, safe, and responsible use of alcohol. The misuse, abuse, or illegal use of alcohol and other drugs – on or off campus – including behaviors that allow underage drinking or promote excessive consumption of alcohol, are prohibited and will be addressed through the Student Conduct System if brought to the attention of university officials. As outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, students may be accountable in criminal, civil, and university jurisdictions for acts that constitute violations of the law and of the Code of Student Conduct. Susquehanna will cooperate with all agencies responsible for the enforcement of federal and state laws concerning drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol is prohibited at ALL athletic events. Solo cups and open containers are not allowed at any athletic events.

Possible Sanctions:

• Community Service
• Counseling
• Educational Activity
• Suspension up to 10% of game schedule

Underage possession, consumption, open container

• 1st Offense: Student-athlete meets with Coach. Coach decision
• 2nd Offense: Student-athlete meets with Coach and Athletics Director. Coach and Athletics Director make decision.
• 3rd Offense: Student-athlete meets with Coach and Athletics Director. Athletics Director makes decision.

*** A student-athlete can have the last offense removed from the above category if s/he has no further conduct violations from that point forward for one calendar year.

Drug Policy – Student-athlete meets with Coach and Athletics Director on all instances below:

• Possession of drug paraphernalia, suspicious odor, or other indicators of drug use
  • 1st offense: Coach and Athletics Director decision. Sanction of one or more from the above list.
  • 2nd offense: Coach and Athletics Director decision. Suspension for a minimum of 10% of game schedule; possible additional sanctions from the above list.
• Possession, use, or under the influence of illegal drugs, or misuse of prescription drugs
• • 1st offense: Coach and Athletics Director decision. Suspension for a minimum of 10% of game schedule; possible additional sanctions from the above list.
  • 2nd offense: Suspension for 1 full season of competition; possible additional sanctions from the above list.

Use of performance-enhancing drugs = Suspension for 1 calendar year

Intent to distribute illegal drugs = Athletics Director decision. Indefinite suspension from the program.

Participating in Susquehanna Athletics is a privilege, not a right. Student-athletes that go through the Susquehanna conduct system are also subject to sanctions through the Athletics Department. Decisions can include but are not limited to verbal or written warning, suspension, or dismissal. It is the right of each head coach to implement more restrictive policies than the departmental policies listed here.

NCAA Drug Testing at Championships

NCAA drug testing occurs at championships in all sports.

If you test positive for a banned substance during an NCAA-administered drug test:

• You will be declared INELIGIBLE to compete during the regular season and postseason competition for ONE CALENDAR YEAR (i.e., 365 days) after your positive test, and
• You will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports.

If you test positive a second time for a banned substance during an NCAA-administered drug test

you:

• You will lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports.

Sports Wagering

(NCAA Bylaw 10.02.1 Sports Wagering effective 8/1/07)

NCAA rules ban participation in sports wagering (i.e., betting or gambling) activities as they relate to intercollegiate or professional sporting events. The NCAA views all infractions of the sports wagering/gambling rules to be serious. Penalties almost always include the loss of eligibility for involved student-athletes.

Sports wagering includes placing, accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member’s or student-athlete’s own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of sports wagering include, but are not limited to, the use of a bookmaker or parlay card; Internet sports wagering; auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and pools or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize.

The prohibition against sports wagering applies to any institutional practice or any competition (intercollegiate, amateur or professional) in a sport in which the Association conducts championship competition, in bowl subdivision football and in emerging sports for women.

Per NCAA rules, you shall not knowingly:

• Provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports betting activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition;
• Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;
• Accept a bet on any team representing Susquehanna University;
• Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value; or
• Participate in any wagering/gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling, including, but not limited to, fantasy leagues, March Madness ^® brackets, Super Bowl squares, Calcuttas, sports pools, online sports bets, sports betting apps, prop bets, live in-game betting and single-game sports bets.

Per NCAA Bylaw 10.3.2 Sanctions, the following sanctions for violations shall apply

• A student-athlete who engages in activities designed to influence the outcome of an intercollegiate contest or in an effort to affect win-loss margins (i.e., “point shaving”) or who participates in any sports wagering activity involving Susquehanna University shall permanently lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports.

1st offense: Permanent loss of eligibility in all sports.

• A student-athlete who participates in any sports wagering activity through the Internet, a bookmaker, or a parlay card shall be ineligible for all regular-season and postseason competition for a minimum of a period of one year from the date of the institution’s determination that a violation has occurred and shall be charged with a loss of a minimum of one season of eligibility. A request for reinstatement may be submitted on behalf of a student-athlete who has participated in such activity only upon fulfillment of the minimum condition indicated above. If the student-athlete is determined to have been involved in a subsequent violation of any portion of Bylaw 10.3, the student-athlete shall permanently lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports.

1st offense: Ineligible for at least one year and a loss of at least one season of competition.

2nd offense: Permanent loss of eligibility in all sports.

Student-Athlete Employment Guidelines

Student-athletes may work provided the job:

• Is legitimate and follows standard hiring practices.
• Offers compensation equal to others in the same role.
• Pays only for work actually performed.

Be cautious about extra benefits tied to employment. You may accept benefits available to all students but cannot accept anything offered solely due to your status as a student-athlete.

Extra Benefits

(NCAA Bylaw 16.02.03)

An extra benefit is any special arrangement by a university employee or athletics representative (including fans or donors) to provide a current or prospective student-athlete, or their relatives or friends, with a benefit not authorized by NCAA legislation.

Accepting prohibited extra benefits makes a student-athlete ineligible for competition until the value of the benefit is repaid to charity. Always consult Susquehanna Athletics Compliance before accepting any benefit to ensure eligibility. Many individuals offering benefits may not realize they violate NCAA rules. Politely decline and explain the restrictions.

Prohibited Benefits & Arrangements

Examples of impermissible benefits include:

• Cash, gift cards, or loans
• Discounts, payment arrangements, or free/reduced-cost goods and services
• Purchased meals or services at commercial establishments
• Free or reduced-cost rent or housing
• Use of a car or other personal property
• Promises of post-graduation employment
• Employment for a prospect’s friends or relatives
• Payment of athletic camp registration fees
• Payment for speaking engagements
• Preferential treatment based on athletic ability or future potential

Permissible Benefits & Arrangements

(NCAA Bylaws 16.11.1.5 and 16.11.1.7)

Student-athletes, their relatives, or friends may receive benefits that are generally available to all students, provided these benefits are not exclusive to their athletic status. Examples include:

• Hometown Awards: A hometown group (not a university booster club) may cover reasonable expenses for a student-athlete returning home to receive an award for non-Susquehanna athletic achievements, up to $80.
• Local Transportation: Student-athletes may receive occasional reasonable local transportation (within a 30-mile radius of campus) from a Susquehanna University employee.
• Occasional Meals:

To provide an occasional meal, institutional staff or athletics representatives must submit and receive approval for an Occasional Meal Request Form through the Compliance Office and head coach. Examples include:

• Up to three occasional meals per semester provided by institutional staff or representatives, within a 30-mile radius of campus.
• A meal hosted by a family member or representative of athletics interests at their home, with transportation provided if necessary.
• Meals provided by a teammate’s parent at any location.
• Incidental Benefits: Refreshments such as soft drinks or snacks may be provided at educational or business meetings and occasionally for celebratory events like birthdays.

Name, Image & Likeness (NIL)

Under NCAA, Pennsylvania law, and Susquehanna University policy, student-athletes may receive compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) in endorsement deals. (Refer to the NIL Policy for details.)

Permissible Forms of Financial Aid

Student-athletes may accept financial support only from the following sources:

• Personal or family resources.
• Compensation for employment at normal wages for services rendered.
• Financial aid (academic merit or need-based) awarded by or approved by Susquehanna’s Student Financial Services Office.
• Federal and state need-based grants resulting from the student’s submission of their annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• Government grants for war service veterans, dependents of veterans, or members of ROTC units.

Please refer to the university’s financial aid policies website for additional information related to the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid at Susquehanna University.

NCAA Financial Aid Limitations

The Higher Education Act, as amended, of 1965 and the NCAA limit financial aid for student-athletes to the annual cost of attendance, as determined by Susquehanna University. Compliance with this limit is monitored by Student Financial Services.

NCAA Division III bylaw 15 prohibits the awarding of financial aid based on athletics participation, leadership, performance and ability.

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing is prohibited both by Susquehanna University policy and Pennsylvania law.

Susquehanna University believes that an effective group, organization, or team is nurtured in an atmosphere of social and moral responsibility, respect for duly constituted authority, and loyalty to the principles of higher education and does not tolerate hazing. Any student, alumnus, student group, or student organization including varsity athletics, club sports or intramural teams found responsible for hazing, aggravated hazing, or organizational hazing under this policy, whether occurring on or off campus, may result in suspension or dismissal from the team without previous warning, may face disciplinary action from Susquehanna University, and may also face criminal charges under state law, including the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, 18Pa. C.S. 2801–2811, et seq.

In cases occurring with the support of team leadership or coaches, Susquehanna Athletics will consider sanctions to be imposed on the program, which may include forfeiture.

Hazing constitutes a criminal misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law and is defined to include “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly,” for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a student, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing a student’s membership or status in an organization, causes, coerces or forces a student to participate in any action or situation that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or willfully destroys or removes public or private property. The university presumes that participation in any hazing activity is forced, irrespective of the willingness of any individual to participate for any reason.

Examples of Prohibited Hazing (this list is not intended to be exhaustive):

• Forced consumption of food or liquids, including but not limited to alcohol or controlled substances, which subjects someone to risk of physical or emotional harm
• Brutality of a physical nature, including paddling, whipping, beating, branding, calisthenics, or exposure to the elements.
• Brutality of a mental nature, including activity adversely affecting the mental health or dignity of the individual, sleep deprivation, exclusion from social contact or conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment.
• Brutality of a sexual nature.
• Exposure to any other activity that creates a reasonable likelihood of bodily injury to the minor or student.
• Exposure to loud sounds or noxious or toxic substances.
• Destruction or removal of public or private property.
• Placing an individual in a situation of actual or simulated peril.

Any intercollegiate, club sports, or cheerleading team member participating in, subjected to, or witnessing any hazing incident must report such conduct to their coach and/or the Athletics Compliance Office.

Further information about this policy can be found here: Anti-Hazing Policy – Susquehanna University

Logo Usage

Susquehanna Athletics has an official logo, along with designated wordmarks available for download. These, along with Susquehanna’s official CMYK and HTML colors, can be found on the Susquehanna Athletic Communications webpage. A style guide is also available to ensure proper usage of all Susquehanna marks.

Student-Athlete Hosting Recruits

13.6.5.5 Student Host. The institution may provide the following to a student host entertaining a prospective student-athlete:

• A maximum of $40 for each day of the visit to cover all actual costs of entertaining the prospective student-athlete (and the prospective student-athletes parents, guardian(s), spouse, or individual of a comparable relationship) and the student host(s), excluding the cost of meals and admission to campus athletics events. These funds may not be used for the purchase of souvenirs such as T-shirts or other institutional mementos. It is permissible to provide the student host with an additional $20 per day for each additional prospective student-athlete the host entertains. Neither the student host(s) nor the prospective student-athlete may contribute funds toward the cost of the entertainment; (Revised: 1/10/90 effective 8/1/90, 1/9/96 effective 8/1/96, 1/9/06, 10/22/13, 12/19/13)
• A complimentary meal, provided the student host is accompanying the prospective student- athlete during the prospective student-athlete’s official visit; and (Adopted: 1/10/92)
• A complimentary admission to a campus athletics event, provided the ticket is used to accompany a prospective student-athlete to that event during the prospective student-athlete’s official visit.

*ALL hosts will sign a host contract prior to hosting a prospective student-athlete.*

Disclaimer

This publication provides information, policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements that were accurate at the time of release. As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, the university regularly reviews and updates these materials. Therefore, this document should be used as a general informational guide and not as a binding agreement. Students are responsible for staying informed about official policies and fulfilling all applicable requirements.

Susquehanna University reserves the right to modify, amend, or discontinue any statements, policies, programs, or requirements outlined herein at any time, without prior notice. Nothing in this publication constitutes a contractual obligation between a student or prospective student and Susquehanna University. All provisions are subject to change at the university’s sole discretion.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025