Student-Athlete Handbook

 • Prospective Student-Athlete Information

Mission Statement

It is our responsibility to create through proper leadership, an atmosphere and environment which provides the student-athletes with an opportunity to achieve educational goals. We need to constantly strive to encourage and support intellectual, social, moral, emotional, cultural, and professional growth, as well as the physical development of our student-athletes. As we train students in sportsmanship and assist them in their development of good character, inclusive of loyalty, cooperation (teamwork), a competitive spirit, clean living and sound thinking - we are then approaching a way of life which is sound and fundamental to our American way.

The Mission of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bowling Green State University is to uphold, promote and implement a broad-based competitive athletic program which reflects a coherent direction parallel to both that of the University's Mission Statement, as well as that of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1-A philosophy. The Intercollegiate Athletic Department is dedicated to providing quality athletic programs in a learning environment that promotes academic and athletic excellence, as well as the fundamental principles of these programs which are based on a commitment to: student-athlete welfare, academic and fiscal integrity, athletic excellence, rules compliance, and equity and diversity in all aspects of our programs. Each of these components are focused towards personal development of a productive lifestyle preparing student-athletes to benefit society in a positive manner.

Code of Conduct

Philosophy
The program of intercollegiate athletics is organized and conducted as an integral aspect of the education program of the institution.

 • The administration, leadership, and supervision are comparable to those of all other phases of the institution's educational program.

 • In order to accomplish the objectives of the program, a broad and varied program of intercollegiate sports is provided. Limiting factors will be: interest of students, ability to finance, available facilities, and adequate leadership.

 • There shall be no attempt to classify intercollegiate sports as minor and major.

Objectives
The following are the objectives of the intercollegiate athletic program:

 • To provide a form of student educational activity which is an accepted part of collegiate life.

 • To provide an athletic program which demonstrates the positive values of good physical education, learned skills, and fair play acquired by the participants.

 • To provide as broad and varied a program of intercollegiate sports as feasible.

 • To provide a vehicle which is a recognized builder of morals and esprit de corps among college students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

 • To create among the total "Publics", increased interest and loyalty to the University.

Expectations
Our success on the field and in the classroom will continue because BG's student-athletes, coaches and administrators share in the commitment that the "tradition of excellence" be maintained. A vital component of the commitment to the tradition of excellence is the understanding that BG's athletes are students first. Also, our student-athletes have a responsibility to fulfill clear expectations which include:

 • Earning a degree is the primary goal of a student.

 • Meeting all academic responsibilities; attending class regularly, turning in assignments, interacting with faculty, meeting with college and faculty advisors, and taking advantage of the University's resources.

 • Making a commitment to academic integrity...every student must be familiar with the Academic Honesty Policy.

 • Striving to be involved as a member of the University community and making a strong effort to make the most of the educational experience.

 • Understanding and utilizing the support services available in the Athletic Academic Affairs Office; assuming the responsibility to seek assistance when needed.

 • Understanding that the assumption of personal responsibility is the foundation of the educational experience. All student-athletes should be aware that at all times they represent the University, the Athletic Department, and their team. Upperclassman must understand that it is their responsibility to serve as exemplary role models for new student-athletes.

 • Making a commitment to academic integrity...every student must be familiar with the Academic Honesty Policy.

Responsibilities
You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner which reflects the high standards and integrity of Bowling Green State University.

 • You must adhere to the principles of amateur competition.

 • You are expected to meet all academic eligibility requirements, and to do so in accordance with the Bowling Green State University Student Code governing academic honesty and class attendance.

 • You should always remember that you are a highly visible representative of your team and of the University. Strive to convey, in your public conduct, the high standards of excellence in which you participate as a member of BGSU's athletic program.

 • You are expected to conduct yourself in a sportsmanlike manner at all times, both during athletic competition and in your personal life in the community.

 • Athletics participation is a privilege, not a right!

Academic Honesty
If you cheat on an exam or plagiarize in a paper you have written, the professor may fail you on the exam or paper or give you an "F" in the course. Plagiarism means stealing another person's ideas - even if you state it in your own words without giving proper credit to that person. This is a very serious offense at the University - don't do it!! It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the BGSU Student Code.

Paying Your Bills
You are responsible for all miscellaneous charges on your Bursar's account, and your eligibility status depends on your account in the Bursar's office being up-to-date. If you are not paid in full, it could affect your housing, class registration, enrollment, and athletic eligibility. Miscellaneous charges include long distance phone charges, book store charges, and other incidental charges.

Gambling and Bribery
Studnet-athletes shall not knowingly provide information to assist individuals involved in gambling activities, accept a bet on any BGSU team, or take part in any organized gambling activity involving intercollegiate athletics and professional sports. If you are approached by an individual asking you for information that might relate to the competition (i.e., injuries on the team), it is best to refer that inquiry to your head coach, respective sport coordinator, or the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. In light of the numerous recent examples of student-athletes becoming ineligible and/or taking financial and legal risks, do not think that it cannot happen to you.

Principles of Amateurism
To be eligible for college competition, amateur status must be maintained as defined by the NCAA. The following actions would terminate amateur status:

 • If you receive payment (in any form) or the promise of pay for participating in an athletic contest;

 • If you sign a contract or verbally commit with an agent or a professional sports organization;

 • If you request that your name be placed on a draft list or otherwise agree to negotiate with a professional sports organization;

 • If you use your athletic skill for pay in any form (i.e., commercials, demonstrations);

 • If you play on a professional athletic team;

 • If you participate on an amateur sports team and receive, directly or indirectly, any salary, incentive payment, award, gratuity, educational expenses, or allowances other than actual and necessary;

 • Accepting any remuneration for or permitting the non-paid use of your name or picture to advertise, recommend, or directly promote the sale or use of a commercial product or service.

Agents
An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sports if he or she ever has agreed (orally or in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletic ability or reputation in that sport. Furthermore, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a particular sport shall be deemed applicable to all sports and the individual shall be ineligible to participate in any sports. Securing advice from a lawyer concerning a proposed professional sports contract shall not be considered contracting for representation for such a contract.

Drug and Alcohol Use
The use and abuse of drugs may threaten your own well-being, create an unfair illegal advantage in competition or endanger the safety of a teammate. You are one of the more visible elements of the University community, constantly in the public eye and subject to scrutiny. A drug use situation affecting your well-being can have a potentially greater effect on others - your family, teammates, coaches, the department, and the University.

Drug abuse should be understood to include the use of any substance (tobacco, alcohol, legally obtained over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs, including anabolic steroids), such that the user experiences physical, emotional and social complications which threaten or impair his/her well-being, or the well-being of others around him/her.

The use of all tobacco products by players, athletic department personnel, and officials on the field, court, track, mat or course and adjacent areas (i.e., dugout, sideline, bench) shall be prohibited during pre-game activities and competition. Any individuals discovered by officials to be in violation of this rule shall be ejected from the contest. This is a Mid-American Conference policy.

A student who is found to have utilized a substance on the list of banned drugs published by the NCAA (via NCAA drug testing procedures), shall be declared ineligible for participation in post season and regular season competition in accordance with NCAA regulations.

Any athlete involved in the use of drugs may face dismissal from the team and/or University as well as legal action, as it pertains to the rules and regulations published in the BGSU Student Code. All student are subject to the laws of the city of Bowling Green as well as state and federal law.

Campus Wide Drug and Alcohol Policy
It is the policy of Bowling Green State University to prohibit the unlawful use, sale, dispensing, transfer, or possession of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages or drugs not medically authorized. Any other substance that may impair an individual's academic work or performance or pose a hazard to the individual, public, students, employees of the University on its property, or at any of its activities is also prohibited.

If a violation of this policy occurs, support programs will be made available where appropriate. Disciplinary action may be taken up to and including dismissal or expulsion from the University and possible criminal prosecution.

Drug Testing
Bowling Green State University expects all of its student-athletes to be medically certified for competition, appropriately conditioned for competition, outfitted with the appropriate safety equipment, and provided with medical supervision.

Students who have chosen to become involved in intercollegiate athletics at Bowling Green State University are also subject to NCAA regulations, which currently require that athletes submit to a drug test for post-season play (football and men's and women's track and field could be tested all year around). Accordingly, students who do become involved in intercollegiate athletics at Bowling Green State University will be requested to consent to and participate in the University's Drug Testing Program.

Drug Testing Program
Bowling Green State University has established a Drug Testing Program, with informed student-athletes consent. The Drug Testing Program is voluntary, but each student-athlete is encouraged to participate in the program. For purposes of this program, "student-athletes" shall include all students participating or intending to participate in intercollegiate athletics, as well as all students serving as cheerleaders, trainers, coaches, managers, etc. in connection with the conduct of intercollegiate athletics. The program is designed to offer positive assistance to student-athletes in dealing with the issues raised with substance use and abuse, by utilizing the following testing approaches:

 • Bowling Green State University's Drug Testing Program shall include voluntary testing on a random basis and selective testing based on "reasonable suspicion" that a student-athlete is involved in drug or alcohol abuse. Whenever there is "reasonable suspicion" to believe that a student-athlete is using drugs or alcohol which contraindicate fitness for the rigors of the sports, and thereby poses a risk of serious injury to oneself or others, the student-athletes shall be tested. Random testing shall be used to detect and deter the use of drugs or abuse, including performance-enhancing drugs that undermine the integrity of athletic competition, and whose abuse can reasonably be anticipated to affect performance, health or safety in athletic competition.

 • "Reasonable suspicion" to believe a student-athlete is using drugs or alcohol shall be based upon the existence of one or more criteria warranting testing to confirm or avert the suspicion. Typical criteria would include, for example, alcohol on breath, slurred or confused speech, unsteady balance or coordination, information received from a reliable informant, unusual weight gain or loss, unusual redness of eyes, inability to focus attention, etc. A head coach, trainer or other Athletic Department personnel may direct a written request to the Athletic Director to initiate a test based upon "reasonable suspicion"; provided, however, that such request shall set forth the basis for asserting "reasonable suspicion." It is the intent of this program that all testing of individual students shall be initiated only at the discretion of the Athletic Director. The Department of Athletics will provide training for head coaches, trainers and other representatives of the University athletic interests, respecting the manner of assessing the existence of "reasonable suspicion." If a student refuses to consent and cooperate with testing when confronted with reasonable suspicion by the Athletic Director, or, when a student who having first given consent, refuses to cooperate with voluntary random testing, such refusal shall be considered a sufficient basis to immediately suspend the student from participation in intercollegiate athletics for one (1) calendar year from the date of such refusal; and, his/her scholarship will be suspended effective with the end of the current academic term, or as soon thereafter as permitted under NCAA regulations.

 • Although educational efforts will continue to be the major thrust of addressing drug and alcohol abuse by student-athletes, a clearly defined program of testing of the urine's of student-athletes is considered a reasonable, responsive and necessary element of the total program and shall be conducted in such a manner as to ensure that the Drug Testing Program will reasonably address the following specific goals of the Program:

 • Serve as a deterrent to drug and alcohol abuse by student-athletes;

 • Identify student-athletes who are drug or alcohol abusers who may need to be removed from athletic participation or competition and who may need and desire counseling and treatments;

 • Promote drug and alcohol abuse education and the availability of treatment or counseling for the student-athlete who needs and desires assistance.

Financial Aid

Awards/Honors/Applications
The Athletic Academic Affairs Office is proud of all student-athletes and their academic pursuits. The Athletic Academic Affairs Office will process applications for NCAA and MAC awards, honors, and scholarships for qualified student-athletes.

The Athletic Academic Affairs Office honors all student-athletes who earn a 3.5 grade point average at the annual Academic Honors Luncheon.

Recommendations from the Athletic Academic Affairs Office or the Athletic Department for employment opportunities or graduate school are provided for those student-athletes who are in good standing with the Athletic Department and the University. Honorary awards need not be counted in the maximum allowable financial aid which student-athletes may receive. For other forms of financial aid (Pell Grant, OIG, SEOG) you should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment. You are encouraged to inquire about, and apply for, all forms of financial aid: grants, loans, and scholarships.

Book Loan Program
The Athletic Academic Affairs Office coordinates a book loan program for those student-athletes who are on a book scholarship as part of their grant-in-aid. Students participating in this program are "loaned" books from the Athletic Department. Here's how the program works...

 • Books are distributed through the University Bookstore during the first week of classes. Student-athletes will only receive those books which are required by the course instructor/professor. Optional books will not be loaned to student-athletes. If a book is unavailable at the University Bookstore, student-athletes will be given a book voucher which can be used at either the Student Book Exchange or Bee Gee Bookstore.

 • All books which have been loaned for your use are the property of the Athletic Department and must be returned in acceptable condition to the University Bookstore during final exam week of each semester. Please note: if the book(s) are not returned during final exam week you will be charged the entire book value for each book not returned. The dollar value will be charged to your bursar account. It is your responsibility to return your own books to the bookstore!! If you are unable to return your books during the designated time please contact the Athletic Academic Affairs Office as soon as possible. You must receive permission from the Athletic Academic Affairs Office to turn in your books after the final exam week deadline.

 • It is recommended that you save all bookstore receipts for at least one semester after the books are returned. This will insure that if there are any discrepancies you will have a receipt for your records.

Summer School Grant/Post Eligibility Program
The summer grant is designed to assist student-athletes in making progress towards graduation. The number of summer school grants to be awarded will be based on the availability of funds at the time the grants are distributed. The summer school grant applications are available in early March in the Athletic Academic Affairs Office.

Please Note:
If you are awarded a summer grant and then fail the summer course(s), you will not be eligible to receive a summer grant during the next academic year. You will be responsible for reimbursing the Athletic Department in full for the amount allocated. This applies to all student-athletes who receive a summer grant.

Employment
Bowling Green State University is committed to monitoring the employment of student-athletes to ensure that NCAA rules and regulations are being adhered to. Employment is monitored both during the academic year and the summer. In addition, boosters are provided with NCAA rules education information advising them of permissible and impermissible action they may take as potential employers.

Athletics Staff Interceding for Employment
Coaches or athletics administrators must notify their sport coordinator on all jobs for student-athletes they interceded on. This includes jobs from which their name is used as a reference. These employers will be mailed NCAA employment guidelines and asked to sign a form affirming their intention to comply with these rules.

(Note: The NCAA has determined that if a coach intercedes for summer employment for a student-athlete and the student-athlete continues to work for the same employer during the academic year, the academic year job is also viewed as employment where an athletics staff member has interceded. Nonscholoarship student-athletes would become counters.)

Academic Year

 • Student-athletes receiving athletic aid may be employed and earn up to the cost of attendance during the academic year. The cost of attendance is determined annually by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Institutional and other individual countable aid may not exceed the cost of a full scholarship. Employment earnings that exceed the cost of attendance will result in the student-athlete's athletic aid being reduced by a commensurate amount.

 • Student-atheltes are educated about NCAA rules and regulations pertaining to employment at the required early fall "Student-Athlete Statement" sessions both verbally and in writing (see back side of Student-Athlete Handbook given to all student-athletes).

 • All student-athletes are required to submit a Student-Athlete Employment form disclosing any jobs they may have on or off campus. The student-athletes are responsible to update this form when their employment changes.

 • All employment, on or off campus will be monitored. The Compliance Officer will randomly select athletes, or when necessary, identify specific athletes for reason of suspicion or by request of a coach/administrator to be reviewed and the student-athletes will be reviewed by the compliance coordinator or designee. Discrepancies or apparent irregularities will be investigated thoroughly.

Summer

 • There is no limit on the amount of employment earnings a student-athlete may receive during the summer.

 • All student-athletes are mailed a letter in late spring informing them of NCAA rules regarding summer employment.

 • Student-athletes are also provided with a postcard in the correspondence mentioned in #2 requesting information regarding their summer jobs. Post cards are to be returned to the compliance office.

Student-Athlete Employment and Boosters

 • Boosters are provided an interpretation of NCAA rules and regulations that pertain to employment of student-athletes each year via the Falcon Club Newsletter in an article written by the compliance officer.

 • Boosters who attend Falcon Club luncheons receive brief reviews of NCAA rules both verbally and in writing. Some of these rules reviews speak to employment of student-athletes.

 • Boosters may contact coaches or Athletic Department staff directly about job opportunities for student-athletes.

NCAA Rules Governing Employment of Student-Athletes

Student-Athletes Receiving Full Athletic Grants.
Student-Athletes who receive the maximum amount of athletic aid (i.e. tuition, fees, room, board and required course-related books) are able to work during the academic term and earn an additional amount of money equal to but not greater than the difference between the value of a full BGSU Athletic Grant-In-Aid and the BGSU Cost of Attendance. This does not include job earnings received during Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring vacations during the semester after their eligibility has expired.

Student-Athletes Receiving Partial or No Athletic Grants.
Student-Athletes who received less than a full athletic grant-in-aid (i.e. tuition, fees, room, board, and required course-related books) in combination with other BGSU institutional aid are permitted to work during the academic term until they earn an amount equal to but not greater than the published BGSU Cost of Attendance for that academic term/year including their athletic grant-in-aid. Exception: Student-Athletes who were not recruited, and do not receive any institutional or outside aid that has athletic ability as a major criterion, are not subject to limits. They can earn as much as they wish. General Rules

 • You may only be paid for hours you actually work and your wage must be at the going rate for similar work in that area.

 • You may not be paid for teaching or coaching sports skills or techniques in your sport on a fee-for-lesson basis. However, you may teach sports skills if you are employed and paid directly by a sports club or organization.

 • You may not be employed to sell equipment related to your sport if your name, picture, or athletics reputation is used to advertise or promote the product, the job, or the employer. If your name, picture, or athletic reputation are not being used, you may sell sports equipment (paid the same wage as a non-athlete salesperson).

Summer Employment
(In addition to the above, the following applies to jobs obtained during the summer.)

 • There is no limit on the amount of money you may earn during the summer (as well as at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or spring vacation unless they fall in your sport's season).

 • A BGSU coach or staff member may help you find summer employment.

 • You may not conduct your own camp or clinic. Unless you are a football athlete with eligibility remaining, you may work in sports camps run by BGSU, another institution, or a private organization. Football student-athletes with eligibility remaining may only work at:

 • football sports camps run by another institution, or

 • BGSU sports camps other than football (limit of one BGSU football student-athlete per camp).

Student Athletic Grants

APPEAL HEARING PROCESS

Purpose:
To consider the appeal of a student regarding the non-renewal, cancellation, or reduction of his/her athletic grant and to determine whether actions taken by Bowling Green State University were consistent with NCAA regulations regarding these matters.

Authority:
In accordance with National Collegiate Athletic Association "Operating Bylaws", Article 15, Section 15.3.5.1.1: "If the institution decides not to renew or decides to reduce financial aid for the ensuing academic year, the institution shall inform the student-athlete that he or she upon request, will be provided a hearing before the institutional agency making the award".

Final Appellate:
Director of Financial Aid and the appeal hearing panel.

Format:
The hearing is designed to provide each of the parties (the student and spokesperson for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) with a fair and reasonable opportunity to present their respective points regarding the status of the student's athletic grant. The hearing shall be closed to the public and because the hearing is not a legal proceeding, neither of the parties shall be represented by legal counsel. Proper decorum shall be maintained at all times. It shall be the chair's option to create an electronic record (e.g. tape recording) of the hearing to assist the hearing panel with its deliberations. A copy of any such record will be made available to the student upon written request after the hearing. Otherwise, each party shall have the opportunity to present their points in accordance with the following: (Please note: the panel may, at any time, upon its own motion and a majority vote amend or revoke any rules contained herein.)

 • Introduction and review of the appeal hearing's purpose and format by the Director of Financial Aid who shall serve as chair.

 • The DIA spokesperson will present relevant information in support of the action taken concerning the student-athlete's grant. As part of its presentation, the DIA may submit written statements or other documentation which corroborate or otherwise clarifies points presented. If written statements or other documents are submitted, at least three copies of each document must be made available. The DIA spokesperson will have a maximun of 15 minutes to present his/her information. While the DIA may not be represented by legal counsel, the DIA's spokesperson may elect to be accompanied by a consultant (e.g., a member of the DIA staff) with whom he/she may consult during the hearing. Other than to counsel with the DIA spokesperson, the consultant shall have no formal role in the hearing and will not be permitted to address the panel or other parties.

 • The DIA spokesperson will have a maximum of 10 minutes to question points presented by the student. The DIA spokesperson will be permitted one question at a time and must allow adequate time for a response before going on to the next question. If necessary, the chair will rule on the appropriateness of a question or line of questioning.

 • Members of the hearing panel will have an opportunity to question both parties.

 • The DIA spokesperson shall have a maximum of 5 minutes for closing remarks.

 • The student shall have a maximum of 5 minutes for closing remarks.

 • Following the above, the hearing shall be terminated and the hearing panel will move to a closed session.

 • A decision regarding the student's appeal shall be provided in writing to the student and the DIA within seven working days following the conclusion of the hearing.

The decision shall be final and the members of the hearing panel, other than the Director of Financial Aid, will not be available for questions by either party or others who might express an interest in the hearing. The Director of Financial Aid will only be available to the student, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Provost and the President to respond to questions related to the appeal process or the decision rendered.

Intercollegiate Athletics Appeals Committee
All students enrolled at Bowling Green State University, including student-athletes, are subject to the provisions of the Student Code, which provides the student with avenues of appeal against circumstances which he or she finds unfair or unjust. Specific procedures are specified for grade appeals, appeals regarding financial aid, and appeals from disciplinary actions.

Due to the special circumstances and extra burdens placed upon the student-athlete by intercollegiate athletics participation, however, a subcommittee of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee (a standing University committee at BGSU) is charged with monitoring student-athletes welfare and appeals. Thus, whenever a student-athlete at BGSU feels he/she may have a grievance subject to appeal, the student-athlete may choose to utilize this "extra" appeals opportunity by filing an appeal to the Intercollegiate Athletics Appeal Committee (IAAC).

What is Appealable Via the IAAC?
The intercollegiate Athletics Appeal Committee may agree to consider cases in which a student-athlete asserts one or both of the following:

 • Any representative(s) of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has taken an action which seriously interferes with the ability of the student-athlete to fulfill his/her primary role as a student;

 • He/She has been treated inequitable or unfairly with regard to the benefits and opportunities associated with athletics participation.

What is Not Appealable Via the IAAC?
The Intercollegiate Athletics Appeal Committee will not consider cases involving:

 • normal coaching decisions, such as who will start or get playing time;

 • any disagreement between or among two or more student-athletes;

 • any NCAA, MAC, CCHA, or University regulations;

 • matters for which BGSU provides University students with available mechanisms of appeal, such as grades; the loss or reduction of financial aid; or sexual, racial, or ethnic harassment.

A student-athlete is advised, whenever in doubt about whether an issue is appealable, to submit an appeal form; in each such case, the Student-Athlete Welfare and Appeals Committee will determine whether a hearing on the issue will be held. If a hearing is to be held, a five-member Intercollegiate Athletics Appeals Committee will be formed to hear the case.

Academic Eligibility Requirement
Student-athletes must comply with NCAA, MAC, CCHA and University rules regarding academic eligibility. While the Athletic Academic Affairs Office will monitor your academic progress, it is your responsibility to know and understand the rules that govern your eligibility.

NCAA Academic Continuing Eligibility Requirements

 • A student-athlete must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of not less than 12 hours to be eligible for practice and competition.

 • A student-athlete must complete 24 semester hours of credit a year (fall-to-fall) to be eligible for competition the following academic year. The 24 hours are considered as the hours countable towards satisfactory progress.

 • A student-athlete must earn at least 75% of the hours required for satisfactory progress during the regular academic year. No more than 35% of the hours required for satisfactory progress can be earned during the summer.

 • Example:

 • 24 hours counted towards satisfactory progress each academic year.

 • Minimum of 18 hours must be completed during the academic year (fall and spring semester).

 • Maximum of 6 hours can be complete during summer school.

 • If a student-athlete earns 24 hours or more during the academic year he/she has met the satisfactory progress requirements for the following academic year and is not held to a minimum number of hours that can be taken during summer school.

 • A student-athlete must declare a major (i.e. designate a degree program) by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (or fifth semester).

 • A student-athlete who entered BGSU on or after August 1992 must comply with the 25/50/75 rule (i.e. the fulfillment of percentage of degree requirements). A student-athlete who is entering his/her third year of enrollment shall have successfully completed at least 25% of the course requirements in the student's specific degree program. A student-athlete who is entering his/her fourth year of enrollment shall have successfully completed at least 50% of the course requirement in the student's specific degree program. A student-athlete entering his/her fifth year of enrollment shall have successfully completed at least 75% of the course requirements in the student's specific degree program.

Mid-American Conference Grade Point Average Requirement
To be eligible for competition a student-athlete must achieve the following cumulative grade-point average, based on the maximum 4.00:

 • During each term of the first and second year of enrollment: 1.80

 • During each term of the third, fourth, and fifth year of enrollment: 2.00

University Academic Requirements
Students who maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average are considered to be in good academic standing. Also, a 2.00 is required to graduate from the University.

SUPPORT SERVICES
Study Skills Laboratory
The Study Skills Lab, located at 213 Moseley Hall (Telephone 372-8840) helps students to learn effective study skills and textbook reading skills and to apply them to their coursework.

HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 AM - 5 PM

Mathematics Laboratory
The Mathematics Laboratory, located at 101 University Hall (Telephone 372-8347), helps students to understand basic as well as more advanced concepts in mathematics.

Hours: M-T-W-R 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Writing Laboratory
The writing Lab, located at 303 Moseley Hall (Telephone 372-2221), shares successful composing strategies with writers from all departments on campus and helps those writers apply more effective strategies when writing essays, research papers, lab reports, and other writing projects.

HOURS:
Mon-Wed. 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Academic Success
Setting Priorities
The first major step in developing a plan for success is deciding exactly what you want out of college. How important is college to you? How important are good grades to you? How important is your sport to you? How important is an active social life to you? These questions need to be answered in order to begin to develop your plan. How you answer these questions will begin the structuring of your plan.

Analyzing situations in relation to your list of priorities will direct your decision in a positive manner. Your decisions need to be consistent with your set of priorities. You cannot allow yourself to make decisions that do not align themselves with the priorities. Do not say grades are very important to you if you are not willing to dedicate the amount of time that is needed to be academically successful.

It is important to realize that while you are trying to develop a plan for success or establish a list of priorities you should utilize all of the resources and/or people who are available to help. Do not think you have to do everything by yourself! There are thousands of professional people on campus who would be delighted to assist you with your academic pursuits. Talk to your Academic Coordinator (who can be a wealth of information) and see what specific services are available and then follow through on all recommendations. You will find the faculty and staff at Bowling Green State University are committed to excellence in all academically related endeavors.

Managing Your Time
During your initial semester of enrollment, you are going to be overwhelmed with all of the commitments on you time. You will feel like you have no control over your time. This key component, time, must be managed in order to be successful. The sooner you get a handle on your time management skills, the sooner all of the pieces of the academic puzzle will fall into place.

College life will present a tremendous demand on you time. Being able to organize and manage your time will enable you to maximize your opportunities for success. Developing a list of scheduled time commitments (i.e. classes, practice, meals, sleep, studying, etc.) will help you plan your complete schedule.

It is important to remember that no matter how well you plan your schedule, there will always be something that arises that will alter your perfect plan. But, if you have adhered to your schedule religiously, a crisis will not have as drastic an effect as it could have. You will have put yourself in a situation where one setback will not be devastating.

During the course of your day, you will find yourself with additional small blocks of free time. You may find that you consistently have ten minutes while waiting for class to begin. It is imperative that you utilize theses blocks of time effectively. Prepare yourself to handle "mini" projects that can be done quickly.

Studying Effectively
If you have managed to set a firm list of priorities and have the concept of time management under control, you are now ready to actually attack your coursework and get the grades that you want to achieve. Your preparation for exams needs to be more thorough than most of your high school experiences. The quality of your studying needs to be at a level that will allow you to achieve your maximum grade.

Staying current (even slightly ahead) of reading assignments is critical to effective studying. A key idea to keep in mind is that it is not the length of time that you study, but the quality of studying that count. Begin test preparation early enough to allow yourself enough time to prepare thoroughly. Don't allow yourself to fall behind with the reading and try to do everything the night before the exam. By reading ahead on the syllabus you will have the opportunity to draw a direct correlation between the reading and the lecture information. The information you hear in class will not be new to you and key vocabulary terms will not sound so foreign.

Another concept that differs from the high school theory of studying centers around the text and other outside reading assignments. You are responsible for all of the text and other books listed on the syllabus. Your instructor may not draw from those sources during the lecture but you are still responsible for the information in those books. You should not allow yourself to be surprised by a question that comes from a source listed on the syllabus. By preparing early you will be able to take advantage of all your information and resources. Comparing your class notes, with notes or highlights from the text or other books, will allow you the opportunity to chart common information. It allows you to draw correlations and relationships with the information. Working in study groups allows you to also hear different interpretations and viewpoints regarding the information. It is healthy to hear other perspectives. Some students may be more objective or may just have a different slant or view of the subject.

Your class instructor is a valuable source if you feel uncertain about class material or test format. Do not be hesitant about meeting your instructor during his/her posted office hours. If you are unclear at all, go to the source to clear things up. Your instructor will not think less of you for not knowing something. As a matter of fact, this level of maturity is looked upon favorable and you will have also made personal contact and no longer will be just an identification number.

Developing a Sense of Responsibility
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, you are responsible and accountable for your grades. By setting your priorities, managing your time and studying effectively, you have put yourself in a position to be very successful academically. The final piece of the academic plan is accepting ownership, or responsibility, for your achievement.

Your Grades Are Your Grades!
It is important to realize that you and you alone are responsible for your academic record. You may have several people working with you and for you but you are responsible for producing on the actual exams, papers and projects. Do not make excuses. If your grade on an exam is not as high as you would like, find out why. Find out what went wrong. Find out what questions you missed and where those questions came from. Use the exam as a learning tool for your next exam. Meet with the instructor to gather additional information and suggestions on how to better prepare for the next exam.

Developing a sense of responsibility entails more than just accepting the responsibility for your grades. You need to accept the responsibility for all of the decisions you make, good or bad. College life is challenging and exciting. You will need to stand by these decisions and learn from them.

Developing and implementing a plan for success is instrumental in setting parameters and limits on these crucial decisions. You will have already established guidelines that will allow you to make the appropriate choices as they relate to your academic life or plan. All of your academic decisions can be weighted against the plan. To be true to your priorities, all of your decisions have to be in your best interest academically. Being able to fall back on a plan should allow you to begin your academic career with confidence.

Talk to your professor if you are confused about the course material, or want to improve some aspect of your performance. If you are doing well and enjoying a course, you may want to visit your professor to either discuss the topic in more detail or to ask for advice on career opportunities in the field. They can serve as important resources for you as you continue your education or begin your career search.

General Academic and Study Tips

 • Attend all of your classes. Do not create a situation where you will have to rely on others to find out what you missed during a class period. Second-hand information is ALWAYS incomplete, and OFTEN inaccurate. When you have to miss class because of a competition, be sure to arrange in advance with a student who you know is doing well to copy the notes.

 • Agree with your roommates about study time and sleep time. Discuss the subject and your expectations clearly and openly and set rules and boundaries you can both agree on.

 • Make the most of waiting or traveling time. Plan to use traveling time to review your notes, study vocabulary, formulas, or anything which needs to be memorized. Putting information on notecards will give you less to carry and maximize your ability to study on the run.

 • Get ready for the next day the night before. Pack your backpack and think about what you have to get done tomorrow. Write goals for the next day in a daily planner, an index card, or a scrap of paper to carry around and throw away when you are done. Put your thoughts on paper so you don't waste time wracking your brain trying to recall them.

 • Get enough sleep. If you are tired it will take you twice as long to accomplish anything. It takes energy to study. Be rested so that you can be an active and efficient studier.

 • Study two hours for every hour in class as a general rule. Most of your professors will give you at least that much reading or assignment time for each class session. Many will give you more, so be aware and do not fall behind.

 • Take complete class notes, and then look them over as soon as possible after class. Reading them over periodically, rewriting them, or summarizing them will help you learn the material thoroughly and do well on your exams.

 • Complete all assignments prior to each class meeting, especially for classes in which discussion is expected. Once you fall behind, it becomes very difficult to catch up.

 • Check over all assignments thoroughly before handing them in and have someone else proofread it for you. Keep copies of everything you hand in because assignments sometimes do get lost.

 • If you are having academic difficulty on any level, be sure to talk to your professor. Professors at Bowling Green State University are very student-oriented and offer office hours or appointments to offer assistance on an individual basis. Call your professor for an appointment if the professor's office hours conflict with practice or contests. If you are having problems and you do not seek out extra help, your professor may assume you do not care.

Athletic Injuries
Forms
All students desiring to participate in intercollegiate athletics must have proof of a physical examination and insurance before being permitted to workout with any team.

 • Students must report to the Athletic Trainer and/or Team Physician all injuries, illnesses, or conditions sustained prior to becoming a team member.

 • Failure to report such injuries, illnesses and conditions relieves the University of all liability in the event that the athlete sustains a subsequent injury or re-injury to the affected part.

Liability
The University's liability for medical expenses resulting from acute accidental injuries and illness sustained by athletes is defined as follow:

 • Liability is extended to cover only those acute accidental injuries reported to the Athletic Trainer within 48 hours from the injury-producing accident. Liability is further restricted to those acute accidental injuries and illnesses received during the athlete's formal competitive season which in the opinion of the team physician, athletic director, and athletic trainer are directly attributable to participation in intercollegiate athletics while a full-time student at Bowling Green State University. No liability is assumed by the University for the treatment of such illnesses as common colds, sore throats, respiratory infections, or gastrointestinal disorders. No liability is assumed by the University for any non-accidental injuries or pre-existing conditions, the determination of which shall be made by the team physician and/or the attending physician.

Authorization for Medical Services
Authorization for medical services needed as a result of an acute accidental injury or illness attributable to participation in intercollegiate athletics must be obtained in advance of such services. Arrangement for the care of injuries requiring medical attention following the athlete's drop-out or graduation. Authorization is obtained by procuring from the athletic trainer or team physician a referral slip, authorizing the needed medical services. In instances of emergency and when the team physician or athletic trainer cannot be contacted, the athlete may obtain medical attention on their own; however, the team physician or athletic trainer must be notified by the athlete within 48 hours of obtaining such services.

The athletic department will not be responsible for injuries when the student-athlete is not actively engaged in a formal practice or game under a coach's supervision during a competitive season. The competitive season shall be determined by the NCAA and the athletic department.

Referral to Medical Specialist
If, in the opinion of the team physician, the head athletic trainer, and/or assistant athletic trainers, an athlete should be referred to a medical specialist for x-ray and/or consultation due to an athletic injury, the following procedure will be followed:

 • A referral slip will be filled out by the staff athletic trainer.

 • The Team Physician or the Staff athletic Trainer will make an appointment with the consultant.

 • Arrangements for transportation to the consultant will made by the individual sport. The Athletic Department will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by the examination of a consultant if this procedure is not followed.

Insurance Coverage
Injuries do occur, and we attempt to provide our athletes with the very best possible care. Medical bills are incurred when an athlete is treated whether it be locally, during a road trip or by a medical provider in his/her home area.

The NCAA does not permit any college or university to provide coverage or pay the bills incurred for expenses related to illness or conditions which are not sustained while participating in an intercollegiate spots program.

The athletic accident insurance at BGSU provides coverage for the student-athlete for accidental injuries sustained while participating in the play or official practice of intercollegiate sports or official travel to or from play or practice. The policy purchased by BGSU is an excess policy designed to cover medical bills for accidents incurred while participating in intercollegiate athletics within one year from the date of the accident. Benefits are payable only in excess over all other insurance's, whether it be an individual or an employee group policy or plan which must contribute its maximum first. After all other insurance plans have provided their maximum benefit, the University's insurance carrier will then consider the balance of the bills remaining.

Because the NCAA does not permit the athletic department to cover expenses unrelated to accidental injuries, it is strongly encouraged that student-athletes secure their own insurance.

Important Notice

Upon a student-athlete's entrance to BGSU, parents/guardians will be required to complete a family insurance information form for our files. It will be the parent's/guardian's responsibility to notify the athletic department of any change in family or employer group insurance plans. This is extremely important, and we must be notified of any subsequent insurance changes. Bowling Green State University will not be responsible for a claim if the student-athlete changes insurance plans and the Athletic Department is not notified.

Training Room Services

 • Ice Arena

 • Hockey, Baseball, M/W Tennis

 • Memorial Hall

 • Volleyball, M/W Basketball

 • Stadium North

 • Football, M/W Soccer, M/W Golf, M/W Swimming/Diving, M/W Tennis

 • Morning Clinic - 8:00 a.m. - Noon

 • Rehab Clinic 2:00 - 5:30 p.m. daily

 • Stadium South

 • M/W Cross Country, M/W Track, M/W Soccer, Softball

 • Eppler

 • Gymnastics

Athletic Fitness Center
The Athletic Fitness Center is a 5,800 square foot facility staffed by one certified strength and conditioning coach. The facility and staff is centered around the philosophy of developing our athletes physically into the best possible athletes they can be. This is done within the framework of the team concept first, followed by individualization second.

Duties of Staff
The head strength coach is responsible for designing and implementing strength programs for all 20 athletic teams. The strength coach also schedules all team block times and monitors/evaluates and administers all the programs during these team blocks. All programs designed are for the particular sport which it applies to and the time of year that sport is in. There is no one general program used by each team. These programs are designed to be as sport-specific as possible.

Media Relations
The Bowling Green State University Sports Information Office handles most requests from members of the media for interviews and information. The office is located on the east side of Doyt Perry Stadium in the Athletic Department offices on the second floor. The staff consists of a director and two assistants.

You may be called upon to interact with the media at some time during your career at Bowling Green. You have a responsibility to the university, your coaches and your teammates to have a positive relationship with the media. It is an opportunity to develop and refine your communication skills which can be beneficial in the classroom, with yourfellow athletes and in future business and professional careers.

Since this is a learning experience for you, the following hints may provide some guidance I developing a successful relationship:

 • Members of the Sports Information Office will always check with you concerning day, time, and location of an interview (personal or via telephone) before it is scheduled.

 • Be on time for scheduled interviews. If a problem arises please contact the Sports Information Office as soon as possible so other arrangements can be made.

 • Look the interviewer in the eye. Do not be afraid to stop and have the question repeated. Do not be afraid to use "no comment" to answer a question you do not want to answer. Be honest with your responses to questions.

 • IF you do not want to read, see, or hear it in the media, don't say it.

 • Be courteous with the media. They are professional journalists and should be treated in that manner. As a result, they should treat you with professional courtesy.

 • Dress appropriately for appointments. If you are unsure, check with the member of the Sports Information Office who set up the interview.

If you have any questions about interviews, or have problems in handling media requests, please contact a member of the Sports Information Office. Be appreciative of the job the media has to do, and the media, in turn, will be fair with you.

Sports Information Director - Steve Barr
Football, M-Basketball, W-Gymnastics, M & W Track and Field

Assistant - Jeff Weiss
M-Soccer, M-Baseball, M-Ice Hockey, M & W Golf, M & W Swimming

Assistant - Mike Cihon
W-Volleyball, W-Basketball, W-Softball, M & W Cross Country, M & W Tennis, W-Soccer