UTK - NCAA INITIAL ELIGIBILITY

GUIDELINESTABLE OF CONTENTS

1. OVERVIEW.......................................................................Page 2

2. UNIVERSITY ADMISSION STANDARDS...............................Page 3

3. NCAA INITIAL ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION STATUS DEFINED.....................................Page 5

4. NCAA CORE-CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS .......................Page 7

5. NCAA TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS.................................Page 12

6. NCAA NONQUALIFIER . . . . . . . . .....................................Page 15

7. SEC INITIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.........................Page 16

8. STUDENTS WITH EDUCATION-IMPACTING DISABILITIES....Page 23

9. INITIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.......Page 24

10. PROCEDURES FOR INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION............................................Page 31

11. INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION FLOW CHART…………..Page 40

Comments and questions can be directed to Dr. Earl Schliesman (865) 974-9351 schlies@utk.edu

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1. OVERVIEW Prospective student-athletes who wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville must meet admission criteria as determined by the University. Additionally, prospective student-athletes must meet initial eligibility standards established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the South Eastern Conference. The Admissions office and the Office of the University Registrar participate in the procedures outlined in this document. The Director of Admissions determines the admissibility of each prospective student-athlete while the University Registrar has the final authority to certify that initial eligibility requirements have been met. In the absence of the Director of Admissions and/or the University Registrar, a designee may sign.

Any initial eligibility problems discovered during the certification process should be reported immediately to the Director of the Thornton Center.

The areas of consideration for initial eligibility certification have been separated into nine major sections which correspond to University of Tennessee, NCAA and SEC regulations. The areas of consideration include:

A. University Admission StandardsB. NCAA Initial Eligibility and Qualification Status DefinedC. NCAA Core-Curriculum RequirementsD. NCAA Test Score RequirementsE. NCAA Non-qualifierF. SEC Initial Eligibility RequirementsG. Students with Education-Impacting DisabilitiesH. Initial Eligibility for International Students I. Procedures for Initial Eligibility CertificationJ. Initial Eligibility Certification Flow Chart

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2. UNIVERSITY ADMISSION STANDARDS

Admission Criteria.

Freshmen admission decisions are based on the following elements:

1. Completion of core academic subjects comprising the 14 units required for college admission:

English 4 unitsAlgebra 2 unitsGeometry, trigonometry, advanced math, or calculus

1 unit

Natural science, including at least 1 unit of biology, chemistry, or physics

2 units

American history 1 unitEuropean history, world history, or world geography

1 unit

A single foreign language 2 unitsVisual or performing arts 1 unit

New Requirements Effective for Students Entering Fall 2011

English 4 unitsAlgebra 2 unitsGeometry, trigonometry, advanced math, or calculus

2 unit

Natural science, including at least 1 unit of biology, chemistry, or physics

3 units

American history 1 unitEuropean history, world history, or world geography

2 unit

A single foreign language 2 units

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Visual or performing arts 1 unit

2. GPA in these core academic subjects, weighted by UT to reflect honors and dual-enrollment courses (0.5 quality points added), and

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses (1.0 quality points added). UT will use un-weighted high school course grades as the basis for the core GPA calculation.

3. Standardized test scores, either ACT or SAT. UT uses “super scoring” and combines the highest sub-scores from all test

dates/scores on file for a new composite “super score.”

An example of “super scoring:”

Your 1st

ACTYour 2nd

ACTYour Best

ScoresYour “Super

Score”English 20 23 23 23Math 21 22 22 22Reading 24 21 24 24Science 23 26 26 26Composite 22 23 24 24

4. Other relevant factors, including but not limited to the student’s optional personal statement on the application, extracurricular or leadership activities, special talents or skills, rigor of the applicant’s

curriculum, and difficulty of senior-year coursework.

Admission Decisions. Admissions decisions are made holistically, taking into consideration each of the above listed factors as well as many others. There is no threshold criteria which automatically places a prospective student into the admit or deny category, nor is there any criteria which differentiates in-state from out-of-state prospects.

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Admissions Documentation. Admissions documentation, i.e., application, application fee, official high school transcript(s), official test scores, and student scholarship status may be submitted either directly to the Office of Admissions or to the Athletic Academic Counselor in the Thornton Center. Official high school transcripts that are sent to the Academic Counselor must be delivered, unopened, to the admissions office.

Entering Term Spring 2010 Summer 2010 Fall 2010Application Submitted November 1, 2009 April 1, 2010 June 1, 2010All documents received November 1, 2009 December 1, 2009 December 1, 2009

3. NCAA INITIAL ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATION STATUS DEFINED

Regulation

Eligibility for Financial Aid, Practice and Competition. A student-athlete who enrolls in a member institution as an entering freshman with no previous full-time college attendance shall meet the following academic requirements, as certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center, as approved by the Executive Committee, and any applicable institutional and conference regulations, to be considered a qualifier and thus be eligible for financial aid, practice and competition during the first academic year in residence. 14.3.1

Application of Initial Eligibility and Qualification Status

Participation Prior to Certification 14.3.5.1

Recruited Student-Athlete. If a recruited student-athlete reports for athletics participation before his or her qualification status has been certified, the student may practice, but not compete, during a 14-day period, provided the student meets all other requirements to be eligible to practice. An institution shall not provide athletically related financial aid to the student during this period. After the 14-day period, the student shall have established minimum requirements as a qualifier (as certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center) to continue practicing or to compete and receive athletically related financial aid. 14.3.5.1.1

Nonrecruited Student-Athlete. If a non-recruited student-athlete reports for athletics participation before his or her qualification status has been certified, the student may practice, but not compete, during a 45-day period, provided the student meets all other requirements to be eligible to practice. An institution shall not provide athletically related financial aid to the student during this period. After the 45-day period, the student shall have established minimum requirements as a qualifier (as certified by the NCAA

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Eligibility Center) to continue practicing or to compete and receive athletically related financial aid. 14.3.5.1.2

Exception-Women’s Rowing. A non-recruited student in women’s rowing may practice, but not compete, during the nonchampionship season in that sport. Thereafter, the student shall have established minimum-eligibility requirements as a qualifier (as certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center) to continue practicing or compete. 14.3.5.1.2.1

Validity of Academic Credentials. As a condition and obligation of membership, it is the responsibility of a member institution to determine the validity of the information on which the eligibility of a student-athlete is based. Therefore, it is the responsibility of a member institution to determine whether a transcript is valid for purposes of applying appropriate NCAA legislation to the eligibility of a student-athlete when the institution receives notification, or otherwise has cause to believe, that a student-athlete’s high-school, preparatory school or two-year college transcript is not valid. 14.1.2

Advanced Placement. If the student-athlete is admitted with a minimum of 24 semester hours or a minimum of 36 quarter hours of advanced placement from a College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) examination (or from a similar proficiency examination) and/or concurrent high-school/college credit without previous enrollment at a collegiate institution, the student-athlete shall be immediately eligible. Credits earned from extension or summer-session courses may not be counted in satisfaction of this requirement. 14.3.5.4

Verifying Qualification Status. The NCAA Compliance Specialists obtain verification of the student’s qualifier status via the Eligibility Center website. In cases where turn-around time is limited, and in lieu of Eligibility Center website verification, the Eligibility Center Hot Line is consulted. Upon verification of the qualifier status, the NCAA Compliance Specialists make the appropriate status code adjustments on the squad list.

Early Admissions Program Waiver. A waiver may be granted by the Academics Cabinet for a student who left high school after completion of the junior year or during the senior year to enter a member institution under an early admissions program (open to students solely on the basis of outstanding academic performance and promise), provided the following conditions are met:

For the last four semesters completed in high school, the student maintained a cumulative, minimum grade point average of 3.500 (based on a maximum of 4.000) and ranked in the top 20 percent of the student's class;

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The student has not met the requirements for graduation from high school; and

Any remaining deficiency must be in the core-course area of English (i.e., the student is lacking only the fourth year of English). 14.3.1.4

Qualifier. A qualifier is defined as one who is a high school graduate and who presented the following academic qualifications (see 14.3.1.1):

A minimum cumulative grade-point average as specified by Bylaw 14.3.1.1.2 (based on a maximum 4.00) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses per Bylaw 14.3.1.2.

A minimum combined score on the SAT critical reading and math sections or a minimum sum score on the ACT as specified in Bylaw 14.3.1.1.2. The required SAT or ACT score must be achieved under national testing conditions on a national testing date [no residual (campus) testing or regional testing dates] except that a state administered ACT may be used to meet the test-score requirement. 14.3.1.1

Nonqualifier. A nonqualifier is a student who has not graduated from high school or who, at the time specified in the regulation (see 14.3), did not present the core curriculum grade point average and/or SAT/ACT score required for a qualifier. 14.3.2.1

4. NCAA CORE-CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS Regulation

A qualifier is defined as one who is a high-school graduate and who presented the following academic qualifications:

(a) A minimum cumulative grade-point average as specified by Bylaw 14.3.1.1.2 (based on a maximum 4.00) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 16 academic courses per Bylaw 14.3.1.2, including the following:

7Effective for those student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2008.

English ---- 4 yearsMathematics Mathematics courses at

the level of Algebra I or higher

3 years

Natural or physical science

Including at least one laboratory course, if offered by the high school. Computer science courses containing significant programming elements that meet graduation requirements in the area of natural or physical science also may be accepted.

2 years

Additional course In English, mathematics, or natural or physical science

1 year

Social science ---- 2 yearsAdditional academic courses

In any of the above areas or foreign language, philosophy or non-doctrinal religion(e.g., comparative religion) courses

4 years

14.3.1.1

Application of Core-Curriculum Requirements

Certification of Core-Curriculum. The record of the above courses and course grades must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center using either an official high school transcript forwarded directly from the high school or a high school transcript forwarded by an institution’s admissions office. 14.3.1.1(a)

Core-Curriculum Requirements. For purposes of meeting the core-curriculum requirement to establish eligibility at a member institution, a “core course” must meet all of the following criteria:

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A course must be a recognized academic course and qualify for high school graduation credit in one or a combination of the following areas: English, mathematics, natural/physical science, social science, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy;

A course must be considered college preparatory by the high school. College preparatory is defined for these purposes as any course that prepares a student academically to enter a four-year collegiate institution upon graduation from high school;

A mathematics course must be at the level of Algebra I or a higher level mathematics course;

A course must be taught by a qualified instructor as defined by the appropriate academic authority (e.g., high school, school district or state agency with authority of such matters); and

A course must be taught at or above the high school’s regular academic level (i.e., remedial, special education or compensatory courses shall not be considered core courses). However, the prohibition against the use of remedial or compensatory courses is not applicable to courses designed for students with education-impacting disabilities (see Bylaw 14.3.1.2.1.2). 14.3.1.2

Core-Curriculum Time Limitation. A prospective student-athlete must complete his or her core-curriculum requirements not later than the high school graduation date of the prospective student-athlete’s class [as determined by the first year of enrollment in high school (ninth grade) or the international equivalent as specified in the NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility]. Graduation from high school or secondary school shall be based on the prospective student-athlete’s prescribed educational path in his or her country. 14.3.1.2.1

Courses after Graduation--Students with Education-Impacting Disabilities. The Eligibility Center, pursuant to policies and procedures prescribed by the Academics Cabinet, may approve the use of all core courses completed by a student diagnosed with an education-impacting disability prior to initial full-time enrollment at a collegiate institution. 14.3.1.2.1.2

Courses after Graduation--Students with Education-Impacting Disabilities Effective August 1, 2010

If a prospective student-athlete with a diagnosed education-impacting disability graduates from high school within the core-curriculum time

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limitation, he or she may use up to three core courses completed after high school graduation  to satisfy the core-curriculum or minimum grade-point average requirements or both.  The prospective student-athlete may complete the core courses at a location other than the high school from which he or she graduated and may initially enroll full time at a collegiate institution at anytime after completion of the core courses.  A prospective student-athlete may not use a core course completed after graduation if he or she receives institutional financial aid while enrolled in a course during the summer after the high school graduation date of his or her class (see Bylaw 15.2.8.1.4). 14.3.1.2.1.2

Nontraditional Courses. Courses taught via the Internet, distance learning, independent study, individualized instruction, correspondence, and courses taught by similar means may be used to satisfy NCAA core-course requirements if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

The course meets all requirements for a core course as defined by Bylaw 14.3.1.2;

The instructor and the student have access to one another during the duration of the course for purposes of teaching, evaluating and providing assistance to the student;

Evaluation of the student’s work is conducted by the appropriate academic authorities in accordance with the high school’s established academic policies; and

The course is acceptable for any student and is placed on the high-school transcript(s). 14.3.1.2.2

College Courses. College courses may be used to satisfy core curriculum requirements if accepted by the high school, provided the courses are accepted for any other student, meet all other requirements for core courses, and are placed on the student's high school transcript(s). 14.3.1.2.3

English as a Second Language Course. It is permissible to use an advanced level English as a Second Language (ESL) course to satisfy core curriculum requirements, provided it is reviewed through the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Waiver process. Other ESL courses taught in disciplines other than English (e.g., social studies) may satisfy a core course requirement, provided they are qualitatively and quantitatively the same as the comparison course in the regular course offering. 14.3.1.2.4

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Courses for Students with Education-Impacting Disabilities. High-school courses for students with education-impacting disabilities may be used to fulfill the core curriculum requirements, even if such courses appear to be taught at a level below the high school's regular academic instructional level (e.g., special education courses), if the high-school principal submits a written statement to the NCAA Eligibility Center indicating that the courses are substantially comparable, quantitatively and qualitatively, to similar core course offerings in that academic discipline and the courses appear on the high school’s list of approved core courses. Students with education-impacting disabilities still must complete the required core courses and achieve the minimum required grade-point average in the core curriculum. The fact that the title of a course includes a designation such as "remedial," "special education," "special needs," or other similar titles used for courses designed for students with education-impacting disabilities does not, in and of itself, disqualify a course from satisfying core-curriculum requirements. 14.3.1.2.5

Grade Value of Core Courses.

The following grade values are to be used in determining a student's grade-point average in the core courses: A = 4 quality points, B =3 quality points, C = 2 quality points, D = 1 quality point. In determining the core-curriculum grade-point average, each grade earned in a course (including all numerical grades) must be converted to this 4.000 scale on an individual-course basis. Pluses or minuses within a grade level shall not receive greater or lesser quality points. A school's normal practice of weighting honors or advanced courses may be used to compute the quality points awarded in those courses and the cumulative grade-point average, provided a written statement verifying the grading policy accompanies the prospective student-athlete's official grade transcript(s). An honors or advanced course shall receive no greater than 1.00 additional quality point (e.g., A=5.000). In calculating the grade in a weighted honors or advanced course, if a high school does not assign quality points to its courses, quality points shall be added to each course prior to calculating the student's grade-point average and not added to a student's cumulative core-course grade-point average. The core curriculum grade-point average may be calculated using the student's 16 best grades from courses that meet the distribution requirements of the core curriculum. Additional core courses (beyond the 16 required) may be used to meet the core-curriculum grade-point average provided the distribution requirements are met. 14.3.1.2.6

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The following is effective for those student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution full-time on or after August

Pass-Fail Grades. Courses that are awarded pass-fail grades may be used to satisfy core-curriculum requirements. The NCAA Eligibility Center shall assign the course the lowest passing grade that the high school assigns for a pass-fail course. 14.3.1.2.7

Repeat Courses. A repeated course may be used only once to satisfy core-curriculum requirements. The best grade in that course may be used to calculate the grade-point average in the core curriculum. 14.3.1.2.8

GED Test/Equivalency Diploma. A prospective student-athlete who does not graduate from high school but who subsequently completes the General Educational Development (GED) test and obtains a state high-school equivalency diploma may satisfy the graduation requirements of 14.3, but not the core-curriculum or test-score requirement, if the following conditions are met:

Only scores from a GED test taken by the prospective student-athlete on or after the date of the prospective student-athlete’s high school class would normally have graduated from high school (i.e., the last class of which the student was a member while enrolled in high school) shall be used.

The prospective student-athlete must present the state high school equivalency diploma prior to initial enrollment as a full-time, regularly matriculated student in a collegiate institution, and

To qualify for financial aid, practice and competition, the prospective student athlete must meet the core-curriculum grade-point average and test score requirements (see Bylaw 14.3.1.1) in addition to presenting a minimum average score of 45 (450 on the post-2001 exam) on the five–part GED test. 14.3.5.3

Multiple High-School Attendance. For a student-athlete who attends more than one high school, a Form 48-H (core-course form) and an official transcript(s) from each high school the student-athlete attended must be used. However, the NCAA Eligibility Center may receive the official transcript from either the student-athlete's original high school or the high school from which the student-athlete graduated or an institution’s admissions office. 14.3.1.2.9

International Academic Standards. A student from a foreign country shall satisfy both the requirements outlined in the NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility and the test-score requirements set forth in Bylaws 14.3.11-(b). 14.3.5.5

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5. NCAA TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Regulation

A minimum combined score on the SAT critical reading and math sections or a minimum sum score on the ACT as specified by Bylaw 14.3.1.1.2. The required SAT or ACT score must be achieved under national testing conditions on national testing date [i.e., no residual (campus) testing or regional testing dates] except that a state administered ACT may be used to meet the test score requirement. 14.3.1.1(b)

Initial-Eligibility Index. Freshmen may establish eligibility using the following eligibility index:

Core GPA SAT SUM ACT3.550& above 400 373.525 410 383.500 420 393.475 430 403.450 440 413.425 450 413.400 460 423.375 470 423.350 480 433.325 490 443.300 500 443.275 510 453.250 520 463.225 530 463.200 540 473.175 550 473.150 560 483.125 570 493.100 580 493.075 590 503.050 600 503.025 610 513.000 620 522.975 630 522.950 640 532.925 650 532.900 660 54

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The following applies to those student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2008.

2.875 670 552.850 680 562.825 690 562.725 730 592.700 730 602.675 740-750 612.650 760 622.625 770 632.600 780 642.575 790 652.550 800 662.525 810 672.500 820 682.475 830 692.450 840-850 702.425 860 702.400 860 712.375 870 722.350 880 732.325 890 742.300 900 752.275 910 762.250 920 772.225 930 782.200 940 792.175 950 802.150 960 802.125 960 812.100 970 822.075 980 832.050 990 842.025 1000 852.000 1010 86

Application of Test Score Requirements

Test-Score Requirements. The minimum required SAT or ACT score [see 14.3.1.1] must be achieved under national testing conditions on a national testing date [i.e., no residual (campus) testing or regional testing dates], except that a state-administered ACT may be used to meet the test-score requirement. 14.3.1.3

Test-Score Time Limitation. The minimum required SAT or ACT score shall be achieved prior to registering for a minimum full-time program of studies (as determined by the institution) and attending classes in a regular

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term (e.g., semester or quarter) of an academic year at the collegiate institution. 14.3.1.3.1

Combined Test Scores. For students utilizing the SAT examination, the highest scores achieved on the critical reading and mathematics sections of the SAT from two different national testing dates may be combined in determining whether the student has met the minimum test-score requirements. For students using the ACT examination, the highest scores achieved on the individual subtests of the ACT from more than one national testing date or state administered examination may be combined in determining whether the student's sum score has met the minimum test-score requirement. 14.3.1.3.2

Nonstandard Test Administration. Students with education-impacting disabilities may use scores achieved during a nonstandard administration of the SAT or ACT. A student who takes a non-standard SAT or ACT still must achieve the minimum required test score; however, the test does not have to be administered on a national testing date. 14.3.1.3.3

6. NCAA NONQUALIFIER

Regulation

Non-qualifier Definition. A non-qualifier is a student who has not graduated from high school or who, at the time specified in the regulation (see 14.3), did not present the core-curriculum grade-point average and SAT/ACT score required for a qualifier. 14.3.2.1

Application of Non-qualifier Criteria

Eligibility for Aid, Practice, and Competition. An entering freshman with no previous college attendance who was a nonqualifier at the time of enrollment in a Division I institution shall not be eligible for regular-season competition or practice during the first academic year in residence. However, such a student shall be eligible for non-athletics institutional financial aid that is not from an athletics source and is based on financial need only, consistent with institutional and conference regulations. 14.3.2.1.1

Residence Requirement – Non-qualifier. A nonqualifier must fulfill an academic year of residence in order to be eligible for practice, competition and athletically related financial aid (See Bylaw 14.3.2.1.1). The requirements that must be met to fulfill an academic year of residence are

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set forth in Bylaw 14.5.1.1. A nonqualifier admitted after the 12th class day may not use that semester or quarter for the purpose of establishing residency. 14.3.4

Residence. Residence is enrollment in a full-time academic program (as defined by the institution) at a collegiate institution during a regular term of an academic year. To satisfy an academic year of residence, a student shall meet the requirements of Bylaw 14.5.1.1. A summer term may not be used to satisfy a term of residence. 14.02.11

GED Test/Equivalency Diploma. A prospective student-athlete who does not graduate from high school but who subsequently completes the General Educational Development (GED) test and obtains a state high school equivalency diploma may satisfy the graduation requirement of 14.3, but not the core-curriculum or test-score requirement, if the following conditions are met:

Only scores from a GED test taken by the prospective student-athlete on or after the date the prospect’s high school class would normally have graduated from high school (i.e., the last class of which the student was a member while enrolled in high school) shall be used.

The prospective student-athlete must present the state high school equivalency diploma prior to initial enrollment as a full-time, regularly matriculated student in a collegiate institution; and

To qualify for financial aid, practice and competition, the prospective student-athlete must meet the core-curriculum grade-point average and test score requirements (see Bylaw14.3.1.1) in addition to presenting a minimum average score of 45 (450 on the post-2001 exam) on the five–part GED test. 14.3.5.3

Practice-Session Attendance. A student-athlete who is a non-qualifier and who, therefore, is not eligible for practice may not attend any practice sessions in any capacity, nor may the student-athlete attend any meeting characterized as practice. 14.3.2.2

Seasons of Competition - Nonqualifier. Nonqualifiers, recruited or non-recruited, shall not engage in more than three seasons of competition in any one sport. A student who transfers to a Division I member institution from another collegiate institution shall not engage in more than four seasons of competition with not more than three of those seasons in Division I. 14.3.3

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Fourth Season of Competition – Not a qualifier. A fourth season of intercollegiate competition shall be granted to a student-athlete who is not a qualifier provided that at the beginning of the fifth academic year following the student-athlete’s initial, full-time collegiate enrollment, the student-athlete has completed at least 80 percent of his/her designated degree program. 14.3.3.1

7. SEC INITIAL ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS Regulation

Eligibility for Financial Aid, Practice, and Competition

Non-Qualifiers 14.3.2

A non-qualifier (as defined by NCAA Bylaw 14.3.2.1) who initially enrolls at an SEC institution subsequent to August 1, 1993, shall not be eligible for athletically-related financial aid, or for practice, or competition during his or her first year in residence. Such a student shall be eligible for nonathletics institutional financial aid that is not from an athletics source and is based on financial need only, consistent with institutional regulations.

A limited number (see limits in subsection 14.3.2.1 (c) below) of student-athletes who enroll at an SEC institution as freshmen or as 4-4 transfer students and who are non-qualifiers (or were non-qualifiers at the time of their original enrollment in college may become eligible for athletically-related financial aid, practice, and competition after their freshmen year, provided that (i) each such student presents and average high school GPA of at least 2.0 (as confirmed and certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center) in at least twelve core courses, and (ii) the Commissioner issues a favorable determination with respect to such student in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsection 14.3.2.1(g) below. Even though such non-qualifier may not receive athletically-related financial aid, the non-qualifier shall count in the institution’s team financial aid limits. In equivalency sports, such non- qualifier shall count as one-half of a full athletic grant-in-aid the first year; in subsequent years, the actual grant-in-aid value shall count.

There shall be an annual limit on the number of student-athletes who are non-qualifiers and who may become eligible after their freshman year for athletically-related financial aid, practice, and competition, whether such student-athletes are enrolled as freshmen or as 4-4 transfer students. (These limits do not apply to two-year college transfer students, see Bylaw 14.5.4.2.) The limits, which are applied on an annual basis with no carry-over of unused numbers to following years, are set forth as follows:

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For men’s sports a total of four non-qualifiers enrolled in a particular academic year (either as first year students or 4-4 transfers) may become eligible to receive athletically-related financial aid, or for practice or competition. Of these four, no more than two are permitted to become eligible in football, and no more than one may become eligible in any other sport.

For women’s sports a total of four non-qualifiers enrolled in a particular academic year (either as first year students or 4-4 transfers) may become eligible to receive athletically-related financial aid, or for practice or competition. Of these four, no more than two are permitted to become eligible in any one sport.

The annual limits set forth in subsection 14.3.2.1 (c) shall not apply to any student-athlete who has been certified by the NCAA as learning disabled and who is otherwise eligible for enrollment hereunder.

In the event that an SEC institution enrolls a student-athlete as a freshman who is a non-qualifier and who does not present an average high school GPA of at least 2.0 (as confirmed and certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center) in at least twelve core courses, or in the event that the Commissioner issues an unfavorable determination with respect to any such student in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsection 14.3.2.1(g) below, such student may never become eligible for athletically-related financial aid, or for practice or competition, at such institution. Before enrolling a student who may be affected by this Bylaw 14.3.2.1(e), the SEC institution should inform the student that SEC Bylaw 14.5 may afford the student a path to possible eligibility, in the event, for example, that the student chooses to attend a two year college. If and to the extent otherwise allowed by NCAA Bylaws, a transfer student from a two year college may be eligible for athletically-related financial aid, practice, and competition for up to four years.

Prospective student-athletes with disabilities are subject to and must satisfy the eligibility standards set forth in this Bylaw 14.3.2.1; provided, however, that (i) in satisfying such standards, such students may take advantage of NCAA Bylaws 14.3.2.1.2 and 14.3.1.2.5, and any other applicable NCAA or SEC Bylaws that have the purpose or effect of providing reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals, and (ii) the Commissioner may waive or modify the standards in this Bylaw 14.3.2.1, in his sole discretion, if and as necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable laws or regulations.

For each non-qualifier admitted pursuant to subsection 14.3.2.1 (b) above other than 4-4 transfer students, at or before the time of the non-qualifier’s enrollment, the member institution must submit a Special Report to the

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Commissioner with all of the information, data, and documentation listed in subsections (d)(2)-(d)(4) and (d)(6)-(d)(7) of Bylaw 14.1.2.2 (except that the President or Chancellor need make no certification concerning eligibility as is contemplated by the last phrase in subsection 14.1.2.2(d)(7)), as well as all of the information, data, and documentation listed in subsections 14.1.2.2(e)(2) and (3) if and to the extent applicable. The Special Report shall also include the information described in subsection 14.1.2.2(f) if applicable. The Commissioner shall review such Special Report under the standards and procedures set forth in subsection 14.1.2.2(g) and (h), and shall issue a determination whether the non-qualifier shall be allowed to become eligible for athletically-related financial aid, practice, and competition after completion of his or her freshmen year in the event that the non-qualifier meets or exceeds all applicable academic performance requirements (and all other requirements) for eligibility.

The June 1, 2008 amendments to Article 14 (primarily including but not limited to the amendments to this Bylaw 14.3.2.1) shall be effective immediately for all prospective and current students; provided, however, that any requirements, conditions, or standards newly imposed by such amendments shall be waived by the Commissioner if and to the extent that the application of such new requirements, conditions, or standards would adversely affect the current or future eligibility (for athletically-related financial aid, practice or competition) of any student enrolled at a member institution as of September 15, 2007. 14.3.2.1

SEC Regulation regarding test score validation

Validity of Academic Credentials.

Each SEC member institution bears primary responsibility for reviewing and ensuring the validity of the NCAA Eligibility Center certification of initial eligibility of each prospective student-athlete (PSA) who has been offered an athletic scholarship in accordance with this Bylaw 14.1.2

Before admitting any PSA, each SEC member institution must review and ensure that all the academic credentials (including but not limited to transcripts and standardized test scores) (herein the “Credentials”) supplied to the NCAA Eligibility Center by each PSA are valid, accurate, and fairly reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of the PSA, whether the NCAA Eligibility Center challenges or specially reviews those Credentials or not.

Each SEC member institution shall establish and maintain its own process for the review of Credentials required by subsection (a) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2.

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The guidelines and policies governing such processes shall be reduced to writing, and periodically revised and updated as appropriate. A copy thereof shall be provided annually (on or about July 1) by each member institution’s President or Chancellor to the SEC Commissioner.

Even if an SEC member institution has admitted a PSA and determined in accordance with its own process that the NCAA Eligibility Center certification of eligibility is based upon valid and accurate Credentials that fairly reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of the PSA, the member institution shall provide a special written report (the “Special Report”) to the SEC Commissioner, in accordance with subsections (d) and (e) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2, concerning such PSA if:

Any one or more of the PSA’s college entrance examination scores or sub scores have varied (higher or lower) from any other college entrance examination score in an amount equal to or greater than the security standards of ACT and/or SAT);

The PSA transfers or withdraws from high school in his or her senior year;

The number of core courses taken during the PSA’s senior year is disproportionate to the number of core courses completed prior to the PSA’s senior year;

The PSA has been enrolled in sequential courses in a single academic year or term;

Core courses have been taken out of sequence by the PSA;

Revisions (other than to correct clerical errors) are made to the PSA’s transcript that raise the PSA’s grade in one or more core courses or;

The PSA has completed core coursework through nontraditional means (e.g., virtual high school or a correspondence course). Bylaw 14.1.2

Guidelines for Special Reports Submitted to the Commissioner.Each Special Report to be submitted to the Commissioner as required by subsection (c) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2 shall:

Specify which of the numbered subparagraphs of subsection (c) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2 triggered the requirement for a Special Report;

Attach complete and correct copies of all the PSA’s Credentials supplied to the NCAA Eligibility Center and to the SEC member institution;

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Set forth in detail the review made by the member institution to determine whether the credentials are valid, accurate, and fairly reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of the PSA;

Include such supporting material as is reasonably necessary and appropriate under the circumstances to establish that the PSA’s credentials are valid, accurate, and fairly reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of the PSA;

Be submitted no later than August 15 prior to the PSA’s initial full time enrollment in a fall academic term, or not later than February 1 immediately following the PSA’s initial full time enrollment in a spring academic term, or prior to the PSA’s initial participation in intercollegiate competition, whichever is earlier. Waiver of this deadline may be granted by the Commissioner based on extenuating circumstances that prevent the report from being submitted in accordance with the deadline;

Include a certification by the President or Chancellor of the member institution affirming that he or she has personally reviewed and approved the Special Report and the decision made by the member institution concerning the admission of and eligibility of the PSA; and

The current street address and telephone number of the PSA.

The supporting material required by subparagraph (4) of subsection (d) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2 shall include the following, to the extent applicable:

If, but only if, the requirement for a Special Report is triggered in whole or in part by numbered subparagraph (1) of subsection (c) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2, the Special Report shall include verification of college entrance examination scores from the testing authority (i.e., College Board or the ACT, Inc.)

If, but only if, the requirement for a Special Report is triggered in whole or in part by numbered subparagraph (2) of subsection (c) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2, the Special Report shall include a full and complete explanation of the circumstances and cause for the withdrawal or transfer, and verification that the transfer was not for the purpose of avoiding inadequate grades in core course(s) (or for the purpose of securing adequate grades in core course(s) without actually meeting the academic requirements of such courses and;

If, but only if, the requirement for a Special Report is triggered in whole or in part by any of numbered subparagraphs (3) – (7) of subsection (c) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2, the Special Report shall include verification that the PSA is in fact properly completed and satisfied the academic requirements of all core

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courses and that the PSA’s grades in those courses are valid and accurate, and reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of PSA.

The member institution may also include in the Special Report such additional information and materials as may be of assistance to the Commissioner in making the determination required under subsection (h) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2.

The Special Report shall specifically call to the attention of the Commissioner and provide full and complete information concerning any known disabilities identified by the PSA that might bear on the validity of the Credentials of the PSA, or on the PSA’s academic abilities and qualifications. Prospective student-athletes with disabilities are subject to and must comply with the standards and procedures set forth in this Bylaw 14.1.2.2; provided, however, that (i) in satisfying such standards, such students may take advantage of any applicable NCAA or SEC Bylaws that have the purpose or effect of providing reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals, and (ii) the Commissioner may waive or modify the standards in this Bylaw 14.1.2.2, in his sole discretion, if and as necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable laws or regulations.

Prior to the Commissioner determining pursuant to subsection (h) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2 that a PSA is not eligible for intercollegiate athletic competition at an SEC member institution, the Conference shall provide the PSA with a copy of the Special Report by overnight courier service (to the address of the PSA specified in the Report), along with a copy of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2. The PSA may then submit any and all reasonable materials to the Commissioner that the PSA wants the Commissioner to consider, provided that the PSA’s submission was received by the Conference office within fifteen (15) calendar days after the Special Report is deposited with the overnight courier service for delivery to the PSA. If the PSA’s submits materials to the Commissioner, the PSA shall simultaneously provide a copy of the entire submission to the SEC member institution at which the PSA proposes to participate in intercollegiate athletics. In such event, the SEC institution may, at it’s option, provided a supplemental submission must be furnished to the Commissioner, with a copy to the PSA at the address specified in the Report (or such other address as may be specified in the PSA’s submission), within thirty (30) calendar days after the Special Report is deposited with the overnight courier service for delivery to the PSA.

As expeditiously as is reasonably feasible after receiving the Special Report and any submissions pursuant to subsection (g) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2, the Commissioner shall issue a determination of the PSA’s eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletic competition, based on the following criteria:

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The burden of demonstrating to the reasonable satisfaction of the Commissioner that the PSA’s Credentials are valid, accurate, and fairly reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of the PSA shall be on the SEC member institution. If the SEC member institution fails to meet that burden, the Commissioner shall determine that the PSA is ineligible.

The Commissioner shall not conduct an independent review, but shall base his or her determination on the Special Report and on any submission the PSA may choose to make pursuant to subsection (g) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2.

The Special Report must adequately address and resolve all material factual issues concerning the validity and accuracy of the Credentials, or concerning whether those Credentials fairly reflect the academic abilities and qualifications of the PSA.

The Commissioner shall take into account and comply with any applicable legal requirements concerning the rights of persons with disabilities in making his or her determinations.

The Commissioner’s determination shall be final and not subject to appeal or review.

A PSA for whom a Special Report is required to be submitted pursuant to subsection (c) of this Bylaw 14.1.2.2 shall not be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletic competition at an SEC member institution unless and until the Commissioner has determined that the PSA is eligible as contemplated by subsection (h). Bylaw 14.1.2.2

8. STUDENTS WITH EDUCATION-IMPACTING DISABILITIES

Regulation

Students With Education-Impacting Disabilities. The Academics/ Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet may approve, for a student diagnosed with an education-impacting disability is permitted to use all core courses completed prior to initial full-time enrollment at a collegiate institution. The determination as to whether courses taken at a high school are core courses shall be made on the basis of the 48-H confirmation statement issued to the high school where the student completed the classes. Courses taken at a collegiate institution must be approved by the Academics/ Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet. 14.3.1.2.1.2

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Courses for Students with Disabilities. High-school courses for students with education-impacting disabilities may be used to fulfill the core-curriculum requirements, even if such courses appear to be taught at a level below the high school's regular academic instructional level (e.g., special education courses), if the high-school principal submits a written statement to the NCAA Eligibility Center indicating that the courses are substantially comparable, quantitatively and qualitatively, to similar core course offerings in that academic discipline and the courses appear on the high school’s list of approved core courses. Students with education-impacting disabilities still must complete the required core courses and achieve the minimum required grade-point average in the core curriculum. The fact that the title of a course includes a designation such as "remedial," "special education," "special needs," or other similar titles used for courses designed for students with education-impacting disabilities does not, in and of itself, disqualify a course from satisfying core-curriculum requirements. 14.3.1.2.5

Nonstandard Test Administration. Students with education-impacting disabilities may use scores achieved during a nonstandard administration of the SAT or ACT. A student who takes a non-standard SAT or ACT still must achieve the minimum required test score; however, the test is not required to be administered on a national testing date. 14.3.1.3.3

Procedures. The procedures for earning a fourth season of competition pursuant to 14.3.3.2 are as follows:

(a) At any time subsequent to a student-athlete’s freshman year, the student shall take a copy of his or her diagnosed disability, Individualized Education Program (IEP) or disability assessment and college transcript(s) to the recognized professional staff on campus that evaluates and/or assists students with disabilities for review

(b) The on-campus professional is responsible for evaluating whether the student-athlete’s diagnosed disability is such that the student-athlete will not progress at a rate to earn a baccalaureate degree by the beginning of his or her fifth year of full-time enrollment. In the event that no such professional staff exists on campus, the off-campus professionals normally used by the institution shall make such evaluation. Additional evidence supporting a student-athlete meeting these criteria include a student’s need to take a reduced course load during a term or terms. The professional staff is not required to retest the student-athlete for the disability; and

(c) If the professional staff is satisfied that the student-athlete meets the criteria set forth in subparagraphs (a) and (b), a letter of confirmation should be sent to the athletics department and the student. The letter of

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confirmation from the professional staff and a copy of the student-athlete’s diagnosed disability, individualized education plan (IEP) or disability assessment shall be maintained on file at the institution. It shall be available for examination on request by the NCAA national office, and if the institution is a member of a conference, an authorized conference representative. 14.3.3.2.1

9. ADMISSSION AND INITIAL ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Admission.

Application Process. Prospective international student-athletes must take the following steps in order to be considered or admission and be issued an I-20.

Step 1: Complete and submit an application using your name as it will appear on your passport. If you need a non-immigrant (F-1) visa to enter the U.S., you must include an international address on the application.

Step 2: Non-Refundable application fee. Please refer to the on-line application for current fee amounts, for 2010-11, currently $30. An additional fee is required if applying for student housing. Credit card or electronic check payment is required for the online application.

Step 3: Applicants are required to submit official copies of their academic transcripts to a third-party evaluation agency for an official evaluation of their transcripts that is a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services), or from AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers). The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will be able to process an application only after receiving the necessary report from the third-party evaluation company.

Entering First Year Students: An evaluation of the secondary degree earned, with a statement of equivalency to study in the United States, is required. A calculated Grade Point Average (GPA) is preferred.

Companies offering these evaluation services and their appropriate evaluations include:

AACRAO - “Basic Statement of Comparability Evaluation” Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. - “Grade Evaluation”

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Educational Credential Evaluators - “General Evaluation” with grade average

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. World Education Services, Inc. (WES)

Note: Students applying for admission to the UT College of Engineering must also submit an official SAT score to The University of Tennessee, Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Step 4: Demonstrate English Proficiency: If your native language is not English, unless you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, this can be done in one of the following ways:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 523 on the paper-based test, 193 on the computer-based test, or 70 on the internet-based (iBT).

Completion of the University of Tennessee English Language Institute’s (ELI) core intensive curriculum with recommendation from the ELI faculty.

Two semesters or three quarters of college-level English composition with a grade of C or better at an accredited college or university in the United States.

ACT (English sub-score of 21 is required) or SAT (verbal score of 510 is required) for U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents. Scores must be received from the Educational Testing Service (copies are not acceptable).

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)- a minimum score of 6.5.

ELS- completion of the ELS 112 intensive programNote: Students who receive a CONDITIONAL ADMISSION must meet English proficiency requirements before being admitted to a degree program, and before being allowed to enroll in non-ESL courses. Conditionally admitted students who wish to enter the U.S. using UT’s I-20 must attend the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute.

A Holistic Review Committee will evaluate students whose performance is slightly below the minimum requirements. Listed below are factors taken into consideration during a Holistic Review include but are not limited to:

Personal Background1. Cultural experiences2. Socio-economic and educational background

Academic Performance1. Core GPA and pattern or trends in grade improvement

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2. Quality of the curriculuma. College-prep curriculumb. Strength of senior year coursesc. Exceeding core coursesd. Number of advance level courses in the high school curriculume. Number and grades of English language courses in the high school curriculum

3. Test scores4. Personal Statement5. Class Rank6. Letters of Recommendation

Step 5: All F-1 and J-1 visa status students must submit financial documentation. After an offer of admissions is made, the Center for International Education (CIE) will provide information concerning the submission of financial documentation, including a completed Financial Support Statement and an official bank statement reflecting a balance of at least $30,645.00 USD. Currently, athletes on a full scholarship only need to show $2500 which is the “miscellaneous” portion of the estimate of expenses. Refer to http.utk.edu/~globe/students/expenses.shtml. The money needs to be in a bank account, NOT a credit card account. If your government is sponsoring you, you must submit a letter from the government stating that they will cover all expenses during your academic studies at The University of Tennessee.

Step 6: A copy of the photo page of the applicant’s passport. must be sent with the applicant’s financial documentation, if it was not submitted with the application for admission.

Step 7: Ensure that all documents are postmarked by the deadline dates indicated below:

Entering Term Spring 2010 Summer 2010 Fall 2010All documents received October 1, 2009 February 15, 2010 May 15, 2010

Step 8: Apply for an appropriate U.S. visa.

Initial Eligibility Standards.

NCAA Eligibility Center

1. Register with the Eligibility Center at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net2. Send the student’s original records in the language of issue or true copies as certified by an appropriate educational authority (foreign and

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United States). All documents (transcripts, annual grade reports, certificates, statement of marks) representative of secondary-school education should be sent to the eligibility center. If in doubt, include the documents.

Student Records must be sent to: NCAA Eligibility CenterInternational Certification1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. GriveIndianapolis, IN 46202877/262-1492 (Domestic callers only)317/223-0700 (International callers)

3. Complete, literal word-for-word, line-by-line certified English translations for all documents in the same format as the original documents are required

English translations must be provided by a person not related to OR associated with the student or the athletics department at the institution the college-bound student-athlete plans to attend.

The English translator must provide a letter, including any appropriate stamps or seals, explaining his or her qualifications as a translator.

The English translator must provide full name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, or any other means by which the authenticity of the translation can be verified.

It is recommended that English translations be performed by a college or university instructor of the language or a professionally certified English translator.

English translations must accompany the original documents written in the native language.

English translations not in accordance WITH the above specifications will not be accepted.

4. A copy of the student’s SAT or ACT scores (must be sent directly from the testing agency).

Failure to include any of these items will delay review of the student’s records.

International Academic Standards. A student from a foreign country shall satisfy both the requirements outlined in the NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility and the test-score requirements as set forth in Bylaw 14.3.1.1(b). 14.3.5.5

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English as a Second Language Course. It is permissible to use an advanced level English as a Second Language (ESL) course to satisfy core-curriculum requirements, provided it is reviewed through the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Waiver process. Other ESL courses taught in disciplines other than English (e.g., social studies) may satisfy a core-course requirement, provided they are qualitatively and quantitatively the same as the comparison course in the regular-course offering. 14.3.1.2.4

Initial Eligibility Certification.

Overview. Several weeks must be allowed to process the application and documents. Admission to the University is not guaranteed upon receipt of the documentation listed here. At the same time, admission is not possible without it.

A number of University and Athletics Department officials work in concert to ensure that the admission process goes smoothly and according to all pertinent regulations. Following is an outline of the tasks that need to be completed in a timely manner:

1. Coach gives recruit’s name and information to Academic Counselor who forwards it to the Athletics Compliance and Admissions personnel, and

2. Coaches and Academic counselors must know when admissions applications are due for international student-athletes so that the entire process can begin early enough to allow time to complete, submit, and process all paper work.

3. Coaches will also see to it that the prospects understand exactly what they need to do and when they need to do it.

4. Academic counselors monitor the process and notify coaches on a regular basis regarding the status of prospective international student-athletes

5. Coach requests faxed copies of academic records for preliminary evaluation of admissibility and Eligibility Center status by the Academic Counselor.

6. Coach sends International Admission Packet (includes application, sponsor form, example documents, and instructions).

7. Once an admission decision has been made, an I-20 is issued and sent (via FedEx from the Thornton Center) to the student-athlete. CIE

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(Center for International Education) processes the I-20, which may take a week.

8. The student takes the I-20 to the US Embassy in their country to apply for an F-1 (preferred) or J-1 visa. This process can take up to 3 months, depending on the country and world situation. Appointments are required at the Embassy for interviews and the I-20 is required to schedule appointments. At the time of the interview, the student must present a receipt showing payment of the $100.00 service fee.

Other considerations for International Students:

1. All international students must attend at least part of the orientation program sponsored by the Center for International Education, including the Staying Legal presentation. Orientation is usually scheduled the week prior to the start of classes.

2. All non-native speakers must take the English Placement Exam, which is only given during International Orientation, prior to enrolling in any English class.

3. Any time an international student-athlete leaves the country, his/her I-20 must be signed to ensure his/her re-entry to the US.

4. If an international student-athlete moves, even if only to another location within the same building, she/he must submit a change of address form (AR-11), available on the Center for International Education website.

(Taken from UT AD Compliance Manual--Start)Academic Counselors are required to notify Compliance staff and sport administrators of all prospective international students--freshman or transfer--as soon as they become aware that a sport is recruiting/considering an international student. This is to assure that all applicable rules and regulations are considered in the evaluation process. International students must apply by March 1 for Fall, July 1 for Spring, and December 1 for Summer. UT must have the following in order to make an admission decision and issue a 1-20:

1. International undergraduates may be undeclared as far as admissions

goes.

2. A signed application.

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3. Application fee: 30 U.S dollars for admissions; 25 U.S. dollars for housing. International money orders drawn on a U.S. bank are required unless applying Online.

4. Official records and transcripts of all previous academic work. If originals are not submitted, an official (headmaster) from the school must certify signature and school stamp that all copies are true copies. Notarized copies or copies signed by a Justice of the Peace are not acceptable. If the records are not in English, official translations are required in addition.

5. If the student’s native language is not English, unless he/she is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, he/she must demonstrate English proficiency by one of the following ways:

TOEFL (193 computer-based, 523 paper, 70 iBT), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (6.5), or 2 semesters/3 quarters of college-level English composition with

a minimum grade of C taken at an accredited U.S. college, or university, including successful completion of the UT English Language Institute (ELI) core courses along with faculty recommendations, or

ACT English subscore of 21 or SAT verbal of 510, or A Holistic Review Committee will evaluate students whose

performance is slightly below the minimum requirements.

6. Financial documentation: signed financial statement and a letter from the sponsor’s bank on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official) stating the account(s) balance(s) or indicating an amount equal to or greater than the difference between the student’s athletic scholarship and cost of attendance for one year (2009-10 = $______ unless the student is on full scholarship. The amount to show for 2009-10 then is $______ but this figure must be verified annually.

The coach provides name and information to academic counselor who will forward it to Compliance and sport administrator. The academic counselor requests faxed copies of all academic records only for preliminary evaluation for admissibility and Eligibility Center status. Send International Admissions Packet (includes application, financial statement and instructions). All are available on the web.

Please allow several weeks to process the application and documents. Once an admission decision has been made, a 1-20 or DS-2019 is issued by UT’s Center for International Education and sent (via FedEx from the Thornton Center) to the student. Allow 1-2 weeks for processing.

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Note also that the student must schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in their country to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. They must have their 1-20 or DS-2019 before they can have their appointment and pay the 100 U.S. dollars registration fee.

All international students must attend at least part of the Center for International Education’s orientation program. Orientation is usually scheduled the week prior to the start of classes.

All non-native speakers must apply for and receive an individual tax number for tax purposes. Failure to do so will result in a registration hold.

Any time an international student leaves the country, his/her 1-20 must be signed to insure their re-entry to the U.S. Requests for travel signatures should be made at least a month in advance of international travel.

If an international student moves, even across the hall in the dorm, they must submit a change of address form (AR-11), which is available in the Thornton Center or the Center for International Education.

It is every international student-athlete’s responsibility to make sure he or she understands and adheres to all rules and regulations regarding immigration in order to remain “in status” with the Department of Homeland Security.

(Taken from UT AD Compliance Manual—End)

10. PROCEDURES FOR INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION

(Taken from UT AD Compliance Manual--Start)Initial Eligibility.

Coaching staff requests incoming prospective student-athletes are placed on the Institutional Request List (IRL) through respective Thornton Center academic counselor and/or Athletics Compliance Office.

Academic counselor adds prospective student-athlete to IRL via NCAA Eligibility Center Web Site.

Eligibility Center certifies initial eligibility and amateur status of student-athletes.

Registrar’s Office will make appropriate changes on the squad list for student-athletes and sends documentation to the Athletics Department, Thornton Center, FAR, Financial Aid Office and Admissions Office.

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If a prospective student-athlete is not certified as a qualifier and fully admitted, please refer to the Admission and Certification Policies.

Admission & Certification Policies.Following are guidelines for the admission and certification process for student-athletes. These policies have been adopted by the University in hopes of preventing the last minute problems and to provide a clearer current image of where we stand with each prospective student-athlete. Qualifier status does not guarantee admittance to The University of Tennessee.

If you have any questions relating to the policy, your first contact should be with the Thornton Center Staff or your Compliance staff.

Application for Admissions Deadlines.

The application for admission and the accompanying $30 application fee is due within 30 days of the signing of athletic scholarship papers. The 30 day policy will be based on the National Signing days/dates for each sport unless stated otherwise below. This policy will be applied to all student-athletes – incoming freshmen as well as transfer students. Clearance by the NCAA Eligibility Center does not guarantee admission to The University of Tennessee.

Important dates for student-athletes applying for admission as undergraduates include the following:

December 1: Application file completion deadline for freshman applicants.

Applications meeting this deadline not only will receive full consideration in holistic review, but will also have an extended opportunity for review of their applications by Admissions staff.

The competitive scholarship application deadline is November 1. And, November 1 is the application deadline for students wishing to

enroll in the coming spring semester.

May 1: Confirmation form and enrollment deposit due.

International Students must apply by March 1 for Fall, July 1 for Spring, and December 1 for Summer.

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Important Note:

All transcripts must be sent to Undergraduate Admissions by the student’s school and must be official transcripts. To aid in speeding the process, they should be enclosed in an orange mailing envelope which Thornton staff will provide and addressed c/o Ms. Cyndi Sweet, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions, 320 Student Services Building, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.

Please note, too, that for transfer students, official evaluation of the transcripts can only be conducted with an official transcript and cannot be undertaken until the official document is received. Advising cannot take place until this transfer evaluation is completed by the Office of the University Registrar.

Responsibilities

Coaches: Provide prospective student-athlete with an application and an orange

admissions mailing envelope for official transcripts which is addressed to Ms. Cyndi Sweet (See box above) and stamped with the appropriate sport. If the student will be using the online application, the Thornton Center must notify Admissions to add the student to the Admissions Weekly Status Report immediately;

Inform the student of the deadlines and assist in communicating the importance of these deadlines;

Provide all necessary communication/information to the Thornton Center academic counselors and admissions staff.

Thornton Center Academic Counselor: Monitor and provide timely updates to coaches on admissions process; Handle communication between coaches and admissions.

Transcript Deadlines

Transcripts: an unofficial high school and/or college transcript must be provided to the appropriate counselor in the Thornton Center prior to the prospect’s official visit to campus (This is true for both High School and Transfer prospects). Official transcripts are required at the time of application for incoming freshmen, no later than July 1 for transfer student-athletes, and December 1 for transfer student-athletes applying for the spring semester.

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Official transcripts are to be sent by the student’s high school and/or college at the time of application either directly to Cyndi Sweet in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or to the Thornton Center. Official documents sent to the Thornton Center must be delivered—unopened—to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The orange mailing envelope should always be used for transcripts and admissions materials. Additional official transcripts are sometimes requested for later semesters. Coaches are expected to see that prospective student-athletes and their high schools/transfer institutions meet the established deadlines. Academic counselors will track status with the Office of Admissions and provide timely updates to coaches. Late signees will be handled on a case by case basis.

Provision of Test Scores and Deadlines

Incoming freshman are required to provide the official test scores from all ACT and/or SAT exams to the Office of Admissions at the time of application. Succeeding test scores are also to be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Coaches are required to inform prospective student-athletes of this requirement and academic counselors will serve as the liaison between the athletics staff and the Office of Admissions.

Prior to final certification for practice, athletics financial aid and competition, the unofficial transcripts provided to the Thornton Center and the official transcripts provided to the Office of Admissions will be reviewed for all transfer and incoming freshman student athletes. Any discrepancies will be directed to the attention of the Faculty Athletics Representative.

The University of Tennessee Policy for Review of Test Scores and High School Transcripts for Student-Athletes (modified 5/08).

The following guidelines will be used to determine whether to submit a test score to the testing agencies for validation:

In all cases where the variance in test scores (or sub scores) is 250 or more combined points on the SAT, 5 or more points on the ACT, or 5 or more points on ACT equivalent when SAT is converted, a committee comprised of the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Director of Admissions or his designee, and a representative from the Advising Committee of the Undergraduate Council will review the application for factors that could account for the variation. Among these would be:

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A change in accommodations for students certified to have a learning disability.

Academic preparation such as additional course work in math, English or other areas. Written documentation must be provided to the Office of Admissions to validate that such work has been done.

Test-taking skill preparation. Written documentation verifying completion or attendance in any special program will be required.

Special consideration such as health problems, emotional difficulties, or other special circumstances. Written documentation verifying the existence of such problems must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

If after review of the official high school transcript and all supporting written documentation concern still exists, the appropriate testing service will be contacted for evaluation of the validity of the scores.

In all cases where the ACT equivalent test score is 17 or below, and the high school GPA is 3.0 or higher, the review committee will be asked to review the application and to take appropriate investigative steps to verify that the high school transcript is an accurate reflection of work done.

Following completion of the informal or formal investigation of test scores, Undergraduate Admissions will send to the Faculty Athletic Representative and the Compliance Officer an explanation of its findings, which the FAR may use in the composing memoranda on initial eligibility as mandated by the Southeastern Conference (‘trigger report’).(Taken from UT AD Compliance Manual—End)

Special Considerations Admissions Committee.The Special Considerations Admissions Committee (SCAC) reviews admissions files of freshman applicants referred by the undergraduate admissions holistic review committee. Admissions files referred to the SCAC may include applicants with special and unique talents, or who have overcome significant life-altering obstacles, and/or whose contributions would add to the overall strength of the University.

Voting members of the SCAC are the Provost (chair), the Assistant Provost and Director of Enrollment Services, the Faculty Athletics Representative, a faculty representative from the College of Arts and Sciences, and a member of the Faculty Senate Undergraduate Council. The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University Registrar, the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success,

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the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, the Director of the Thornton Center, the Liaison between intercollegiate athletics and the Thornton Center, and the Compliance Officer for women’s and men’s intercollegiate athletics serve as ex-officio members of the committee. Professional staff members or departmental faculty may be asked to attend committee meetings as an information source. On occasion, other UT faculty or staff may be asked to attend in order to supply information for the committee.

The review of files will be conducted in regularly scheduled meetings or as needed, and will be accomplished according to the following procedure:

The SCAC will review the file of an applicant referred by the undergraduate admissions holistic review committee with an academic Institutional Rating score of equal to or greater than .47. There will be up to 35 students admitted annually by the SCAC: up to 25 may be admitted who have an Institutional Rating of .55 or greater, and 10 students may be admitted whose academic institutional rating score is less than .55, but equal to or greater than .47. An index score is computed by dividing the GPA/4 and ACT 36 or SAT test score in critical reading and mathematics/1600. Each individual rating score is equal to each index value multiplied by .50 (GPA and test score have equal weight). The Institutional Rating (IR=.5 X GPA/4 + .5 X max ACT/36 or SAT/1600) is the sum of all the rating scores. For example, a student with a 2.0 UT core GPA plus an ACT=16 or SAT=950 has an Institutional Rating of .47 and .55 respectively.

Supplementary materials must be submitted for all students who are being reviewed. A letter of support, from a UT faculty or staff member (head coach in the case of a student-athlete applicant), must be submitted for all students appearing before the committee. In the letter, the faculty or staff member should discuss the academic prospects of the student, the reasons (as far as they are known) for poor high school and/or test performance, the value of the student to the university, and the faculty or staff member’s plan for the student’s academic success. The SCAC will consider all information provided to it, including any statement the student wishes to make regarding his/her reasons for wanting to attend the University of Tennessee and the academic challenges he/she will face on campus. All students whose applications are discussed by the committee must be interviewed in advance by a member of the Thornton Center or Student Success Center, who will report on the results of the interview.

For student-athletes seeking admission for the fall term, all materials must reach the SCAC no later than July 1 in order to be considered for fall admission. The deadline for applications for admission to the spring term is December 1 in order to be considered for spring admission.

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The decision of the SCAC is final. There is no appeal process beyond the SCAC.

SCAC regarding .47-.54 cases

The 10 students who may be admitted with an academic Institutional Rating score less than .55 and equal to or greater than .47 shall include the following demographic:

-*Men’s athletics may utilize no more than four of the 10 spaces available, with no more than two permitted annually in football, and not more than one permitted in any other sport.

-*women’s athletics may utilize no more than two of the 10 spaces available, with no more than one permitted annually in any sport.

-*The carryover of unused numbers and sharing of spaces unused by a sport is limited to one year. For example, no SCAC admits in football one year would permit four football SCAC admits the next year; no SCAC admits in sports other than football one year would permit two slots going to a squad (or one slot to each of two squads) the next year—but after one year this kind of accumulation stops (so that after no SCAC admits for two years, football would not be allowed six in year three). At no point in time will a squad contain more than its maximum number of SCAC admits over a five-year period (ten SCAC admits at any one time on the football squad, and five SCAC admits on any other squad).

NOTE: the SCAC is the body also charged with reviewing the validity of academic credentials as mandated by SEC bylaw 14.1.2.2.

Qualifier Status Deadlines.Qualifier status must be confirmed by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

For incoming freshman, certification of Qualifier Status is required by July 15.

To facilitate meeting this established deadline…

Coaches are required to see that prospective student-athletes register with the Eligibility Center and the appropriate academic counselor is notified to track the status of Eligibility Center certification.

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o Academic Counselors are required to notify coaches, on a regular basis, of the status of prospective student-athletes

registered in the Eligibility Center system.

Contact with the Eligibility Center is limited to designated individuals in athletics compliance and the Thornton Center. Coaches and sport specific staff members are not permitted to contact the Eligibility Center.

Student-Athlete Eligibility Review Committee

Composition:Registrar Officer: Teresa Gilbert, Jayetta RogersAdmissions: Cyndi SweetCompliance: Todd DooleyThornton Center: Eric Brey, Earl SchliesmanAdditional: Others, to include coaches or academic counselors, will be

asked to attend as needed

Purpose of the Committee:The committee was established to provide a forum for conversation on incoming student-athletes. Intent is not to replace or change current policies or procedures, but rather provide and opportunity for everyone involved in the final admission and eligibility process to have an early initial look at files. This process will not eliminate all issues that may arise, but will provide an opportunity for conversations to occur and for further review prior to final steps being taken.

Files to be reviewed will include initial eligibility for freshmen and transfer students. Each review will look at courses taken (on-line and traditional), transferability of courses, high schools or colleges attended, percentage of degree completion, compliance review when needed, missing information, and other areas as needed. Again, the intent is not to replace current policies and procedures, but rather get an initial look at files to provide the student and coach with the best information available as to admissibility, or related eligibility issues.

Standing Meetings:Meetings of the committee will be held every two weeks as needed.

Tracking Initial Eligibility Certification.Overview. The certification process for initial eligibility takes place in two

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concurrent stages and in two separate offices. The Office of Admissions is responsible for determining the admissibility of all student-athletes, while the University Registrar verifies NCAA qualifier status.

Submission of Application and High School Transcript. The Academic Counselor provides the Office of Admissions with the

names and ID numbers of prospective student-athletes to be flagged in the admissions system.

The Assistant Director of Admissions evaluates the admissibility of prospects and publishes the Athlete Weekly Status Report.

The NCAA Compliance Specialist prints a hard copy of the admissions screen, which is located in the SIS system (AM UGDISMNU), for each new student, and verifies admission status, transfer status, and international status. Upon verification of admission into the University, the Assistant Director for Admissions places the dates on the squad list for “Term First Enrolled at Any Institution” and “Term First Enrolled at Your Institution.”

NCAA Qualifier Status.The NCAA Compliance Specialist obtains verification of the student’s qualifier status via the Eligibility Center Web site. Upon verification of the qualifier status, the NCAA Compliance Specialist enters the appropriate status code into the squad list.

International Students. When the amateur status verification process for international students has been completed, the Athletics Compliance Office notifies the NCAA Compliance Specialists, who then make the necessary adjustments to the squad list codes.

Final Certification.Cases of final certification are normally completed prior to squad list signing. However, when a student-athlete is admitted to the University and added to the squad list after the official squad list signing date, notations are made on the Squad List Modification Form, which is then forwarded, to the Faculty Athletics Representative, Assistant Director of Admissions, appropriate athletic department officials, and the Academic Compliance Officer. The appropriate code is then entered into the squad list.

11. INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION FLOW CHART

INITIAL ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION FLOW CHART

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Coaches submit names of prospects to academic counselors (p. 28, 29, 31)

Academic counselor notifies Office of Undergraduate Admissions and submits IRL (p. 29, 38)

Student or Coach submits high school transcripts to academic counselor prior to official visit (p. 28, 29, 30, 33)

Student submits official high school transcript, official test scores, application, and fee to Office of Undergraduate

Admissions or Thornton Center (p. 4, 32)

When File is completeHolistic Review Admit

Director and Associate Director of AdmissionsAthletic Admissions Committee Admit

Voting Members: Provost, Assistant Provost, Director of Enrollment

Services, Faculty Athletics Representative, Faculty rep. from Arts

and Sciences, a member of the Faculty Senate Undergraduate

Council. The University Registrar, the Associate Vice Provost for Student

Success, the Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Director of

the Thornton Center, and the Compliance Officers for women's and men's intercollegiate athletics are ex

officio members(p. 19, 33, 35, 36, 37)Deny Admit

Financial Aid Review Cleared

NCAA Compliance Specialist check qualifier status Via NCAA

Eligibility Center(p. 6, 39)

Non-Qualifier Qualifier

NCAA Compliance Specialist enters eligibility "X" into squad list

(p. 6, 39)

NCAA Compliance Specialist makes appropriate entry into

squad list (p. 6, 39)

Student does not compete or practice during first academic

year. Student can receive institutional non-athletic aid.

(p. 5, 6, 15, 17)

Student may enroll, practice, compete and receive

institutional/athletic aid.(p. 5, 6)

Student does not enroll

University registrar certifies the student eligible (p. 2, 38)

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