STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
President’s Bio………………...... 3 Athletics Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………….……………..4 Bradley Tradition...……………………………………………………………………………………….…………5 Fight Song and Alma Mater.………………………………………………………………………………….……..5 Braves Club……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…6 Varsity Club…………………………………...……………………………………………………………….……6 Organizations and Administration……………………………………………………………………………….….6 Rules Compliance……………………………………………………………………………………………….…..8 Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………………………………….…9 Discipline Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………...12 S-A Evaluation……………………………………………………………………………….…………………….14 Conflict Resolution Policy…………………...………………………………………………….…………………15 NCAA Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………….16 NCAA Academic Requirements…………………………………………………………………….……………..17 Academic Progress and Graduation Rates…...………………………………………………………….…………18 Playing and Practice Rules………………………………………………………………………………….…...…19 Student Hosts………………………………………………………………………………………………………20 Academic Assistance………………………………………………………………………………………………21 B.O.L.D. for Life…….……………………………………………….……………………………………………24 Policies and Procedures……………………………………………………………………………………….……25 Financial Aid…………………………………………….…………………………………………………………26 Athletic Training Room…………………………………………………………………………………………....32 Sport Performance……………………………………..…………………………………………………………...34 Equipment/Laundry Room…………………………………………………………………………………………35 Athletics Communications…………………………………………………………………………………………36 Awards……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..37 Competition Sites………………………………………………………………..…………………………………39 Athletics Senior Staff……..……………………………………………………..…………………………………39
BRADLEY UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT STEPHEN STANDIFIRD
Stephen Standifird began his tenure as president of Bradley University in May 2020. Prior to joining Bradley, he served as dean of Butler University’s Andre B. Lacy School of Business since 2014. Previously, Standifird served as the dean of the business school at the University of Evansville. Earlier positions include associate dean of graduate and professional programs and director of undergraduate programs, both at the University of San Diego.
Standifird earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from Purdue University before graduating with an BMA from Northwestern University and a doctorate in organizational studies for the University of Oregon. During his career in higher education, he served as a visiting lecturer at the Academy of Entrepreneurship and Management in Warsaw, Poland, published more than two dozen times in nearly as many publications, and presented at numerous conferences. He serves on the editorial board of Corporate Reputation Review and has served as chair of. The Speakeasy Downtown advisory board and on the board of the Julian Center.
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BRADLEY UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
Bradley University empowers students for immediate and sustained success in their personal and professional endeavors by combining professional preparation, liberal arts and sciences, and co-curricular experiences. Alongside our dedication to students, we embrace the generation, application, and interpretation of knowledge.
BRADLEY UNIVERSITY CORE VALUES
At the heart of Bradley University is a community built upon the valued relationships we find in each other as students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni. At the core of these relationships are the values of student success, knowledge and discovery, inclusiveness and connectivity, and excellence.
BRADLEY ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT
We are aligned with the leadership, educational mission and core values of Bradley University and are integrated into the campus community. We lead and support our student-athletes in the pursuit of excellence in the classroom and in competition. We energize and engage with the community and partner with it in every way.
The Bradley Intercollegiate Athletics program upholds the importance of the intellectual, physical and mental well-being of its student-athletes. The institution monitors the academic progress of its student-athletes consistent with the University’s mission to provide maximum educational opportunities for the entire student body. Also, in addition to the training programs and professional medical services available to all student-athletes, other 3 counseling services are available.
The potential to earn an undergraduate degree from Bradley is the expectation in recruiting prospective student- athletes. The Department is committed to recruiting and retaining student-athletes who reflect the diversity of society. In this regard, the Department of Athletics is committed to identifying and presenting prospective student-athletes who will benefit from and thrive in the Bradley educational environment to Admissions.
The Department of Athletics supports the University’s objective of creating a community enriched by men and women of diverse backgrounds. It does so by efforts to attract and retain a staff where women and minorities are well represented. The Bradley Intercollegiate Athletics program offers equitable opportunities for participation and provides support for students without regard to gender, race, national and/or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability and works to attract and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to excellence.
The Department of Athletics administration will periodically assess its policies, procedures, programs, and activities to ensure the continued fulfillment of its mission.
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BRADLEY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS… A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE Bradley’s student-athletes belong to a proud tradition…a tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Our success on the field and in the classroom will continue because Bradley’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 Bradley’s athletes are students first. As such, Bradley University student-athletes have a responsibility to fulfill clear expectations which include: • Earning a baccalaureate degree. • Meeting all academic responsibilities: attending class regularly, turning in assignments, interacting with faculty, meeting with college and faculty advisors, and taking advantage of University resources. • 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 through the Academic Success Center; 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. Upperclassmen must understand that it is their responsibility to serve as exemplary role models for new student-athletes. • Making a commitment to academic integrity.
FIGHT SONG: CHARGE ON
“Charge on, charge on, Bradley, March right down the field, Foes may press you, Foes may even stress you, But we’ll never yield, Fight for Alma Mater, Plunge right thru to victory, Fight on, Fight on Bradley, And fight for varsity!”
THE ALMA MATER: HAIL, RED AND WHITE
“Lift up your hearts and sing! Lift up Thy light! Let all your voices ring! HAIL, RED AND WHITE! Red, four Courage, Strength and Right White, for Purity! Shining, as a beacon light, For the University! Go onward, ever onward, Let Courage and Truth prevail! To Bradley University All Hail, Hail, Hail!”
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THE BRAVES CLUB The primary goal of the Braves Club, established in 1969, is to raise funds in support of the Bradley University Athletic program. The Club supplements the operating budgets of all 15 team sports. Additionally, Braves Club fund-raising activities have given the Athletic Department the flexibility to expand and improve the academic services offered to student-athletes. This body also plays a major role in supporting the B.O.L.D. for Life program that is designed to enhance the development of the total student-athlete from orientation to graduation. The need for a sound recruiting budget, improved facilities and the continuation of academic services to student- athletes remains as the primary focus of the Braves Club.
THE VARSITY CLUB The Varsity Club is an organization comprised of former Bradley varsity athletes who continue to support and promote Bradley Athletics through financial contributions and volunteer service. The Varsity Club supports the student-athlete tutoring program, the student-athlete planners and special requests from the Athletic Department. The Varsity Club continues to be the financial sponsor of the Framed “B” award for graduating seniors.
ORGANIZATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS 1. NCAA and Conference Affiliation a. Bradley University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Missouri Valley Conference (Valley). b. The NCAA is the primary association that governs and controls intercollegiate athletics on the national level. Bradley University is a Division I member with a classification of I-AAA which designates the Valley as a non-football conference. c. Valley Members Bradley University Drake University University of Evansville Illinois State University Indiana State University Loyola University Missouri State University University of Northern Iowa Southern Illinois University Valparaiso University
Affiliate members for Baseball: Affiliate members for Women’s Tennis: Dallas Baptist Stony Brook
2. Bradley University Intercollegiate Athletic Committee a. Purpose 1. Responsibility for oversight of the intercollegiate athletic program so that it supports the University as a whole by providing opportunities for its students and other members of the University Community through programs consistent with the purpose and policies of NCAA Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. 2. Responsibility for oversight of the Intercollegiate Athletic Program so that it conforms to the University Mission Statement and philosophy of the Bradley University Intercollegiate Athletic Program. 3. Responsibility for oversight of the Intercollegiate Athletic Program so that is conforms to the standards and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Missouri Valley Conference. 4. The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the University President. b. Membership 1. All appointments are made by the President of the University on an annual basis. a. Five or six full-time faculty members b. Two or three university administrators c. Two full-time students i. One current student-athlete recommended by the President of the Braves Council
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ii. One current non-athlete student recommended by the Student Body President d. Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator as ex-officio non-voting members e. NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative who serves as chairperson of the committee c. Committee Functions 1. Advise and make formal recommendations to ensure that the Intercollegiate Athletic Program is consistent with the highest educational objectives of the University 2. Oversee policies of the University, the Missouri Valley Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association regarding: a. Student-athletes i. Initial and continuing eligibility ii. Scholarships iii. Awards b. Decorum and conduct of participants c. Examination and approval of Intercollegiate Athletic competition schedules 3. Special Committees a. Standing Committees i. Reinstatement Appeals Committee ii. Transfer Release Appeals Committee iii. Ethnic and Diversity Athletic Committee (IAC Member) iv. Gender Equity Committee (IAC Member) b. Ad Hoc Committees 4. When requested by the President of the University or the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, provide general recommendations on: a. Fiscal matters i. Intercollegiate Athletic budgets ii. Ticket prices iii. Other appropriate issues b. Personal matters i. Employment, promotion or release of athletic staff ii. Support and promote the Intercollegiate Athletic Program with University constituencies 5. Meetings a. The Intercollegiate Athletic Committee will meet on a monthly basis during the academic year b. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson. 6. NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) a. The FAR acts as an official delegate for the University at meetings of the MVC and NCAA b. The FAR is appointed by the President of the University. The FAR is directly accountable to the President on appropriate matters dealing with the Intercollegiate Athletic Program
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STUDENT-ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RULES COMPLIANCE
Under the direction and guidance of the NCAA and the Missouri Valley Conference, Bradley University will comply with the standards and regulations as set forth by the NCAA. It is the responsibility of each student- athlete to adhere to all rules as well as to report any potential rules violations. Procedures for Reporting Rules Violations: a) Student-athletes should understand that potential rules violations should be reported immediately and that any delay could cause the situation to become more complicated and thus any potential penalties imposed on the student-athlete or team more severe. b) In all cases of potential rules violations, student-athletes should consult with their head coaches and/or the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance. c) In the event the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance or head coach is not available student-athletes should contact the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator or the Faculty Athletics Representative. d) If the rules violation affects the eligibility of a student-athlete, the violation, if secondary in nature will be reported to the NCAA office in order to commence the reinstatement process. e) Typically, Bradley will self-impose a penalty as determined by the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and/or the Faculty Athletics Representative and/or the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics following a review of NCAA case precedent. f) Student-Athletes should note the following NCAA Administrative Bylaw: 32.2.1.2 Self-Disclosure by an Institution. Self-disclosure shall be considered in establishing penalties, and, if an institution uncovers a violation prior to its being reported to the NCAA and/or its conference, such disclosure shall be considered as a mitigating factor in determining the penalty. g) Appeals – Student-athletes should know that they have the right to appeal decisions made by the University, Conference or NCAA. Proper procedure includes contacting the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance or Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. If an appeal or question cannot be satisfied, the Faculty Athletics Representatives and committee of outside constituents will be contacted to review any mitigating circumstances.
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STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT Bradley University student-athletes have a special responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well on the University, the athletic department, and themselves. Student-Athletes are expected to comply with the Standards of Conduct as outlined in the University’s Student Handbook and their respective team rules as established by their Head Coach.
Sanctions for Student-Athlete Misconduct: The enforcement of NCAA regulations, Missouri Valley Conference regulations, Department of Athletics policies and team rules fall under the jurisdiction of the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Student-athletes who violate any of these policies may be subject to disciplinary action as described in the Bradley Athletics Discipline Policy (found on page 12 of this handbook and on www.bradleybraves.com). Each case will be reviewed by the Head Coach and/or Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics on an individual basis. Examples of athletic sanctions include, but are not limited to the following; verbal reprimand, verbal or written warning, parent notification, suspension from competition, loss or reduction of athletic aid or dismissal from the team. Academic Misconduct: Student-athletes are expected to adhere to the standards of conduct set forth by the university, including the expectation for academic integrity at all times. The academic misconduct policy at Bradley University is called the “Cheating and Plagiarism Policy” and can be found in the student handbook online at: http://bradley.edu/campuslife/studenthandbook/policies/violations/cheating/
Violations of the academic misconduct policy will be reported to the Executive Director of the Center for Residential Living and Leadership, who will notify the Associate Athletic Director for Academics and Student Development in cases involving a student-athlete. Student-athletes will be held to the same standards as the general student body for the consideration and implementation of sanctions. In addition, student-athletes will be subject to additional sanctions per the Student-Athlete Discipline Policy.
Team Rules: Each Head Coach is required to establish conduct and participation standards for their team. The standards (or team rules) must be in writing and distributed to student-athletes on an annual basis. The standards cover appearance, practice, classroom attendance, academic responsibility, punctuality, dress code, conduct on team trips and general expectations of behavior. Student-athletes are expected to comply with the team rules as outlined by the Head Coach.
Head Coaches are required to annually submit a copy of their team rules to the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Further, coaches are required to clearly define the acceptable standards of conduct to their respective student-athletes and the appropriate disciplinary action that will be taken when the standards are not observed.
Online Social Networking: Online social networking has become a regular form of communication today. Posting personal profiles and photographs on Facebook and the other online social networks is permitted by Bradley University’s Department of Athletics; however, student-athletes are responsible for the information they voluntarily post on these websites. Bradley University student-athletes are representatives of the University and are always in the public eye. Student-athletes should not post information, pictures and statements which would embarrass themselves, their families, their team, the Bradley Department of Athletics and the University. Student-athletes should also consider how information posted on their personal profiles can be used without their prior consent or knowledge. What may seem like harmless, college “fun” today may have serious negative consequences in the future. The posting of inappropriate material, as determined by the head coach and/or Athletic Administration may invoke the sanctions cited above.
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs: The Department of Athletics expects each student-athlete to adhere to a set of standards that positively represents the Department and the University. The Department of Athletics has established guidelines regarding unacceptable behaviors regarding alcohol use. It is the personal responsibility of student-athletes to follow all 9
Federal, State, University and Department of Athletics guidelines pertaining to alcohol use. The Student-Athlete Alcohol Policy establishes minimum guidelines; however, each head coach has the option of establishing more stringent standards for their specific team. Student-athletes are advised that the legal drinking age in the State of Illinois is 21 years of age. Details of the Bradley Athletics Alcohol Policy is found on the Bradley Athletics website.
The NCAA tobacco policy prohibits the use of tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) by student- athletes and athletics personnel during any intercollegiate team function. Penalties include disqualification from practice and/or competition.
Bradley University embraces the proposition that use of illegal drugs can have a negative effect on the health and performance of student-athletes with consequences both in the classroom and in your particular sport. It is for this reason that, in addition to those conducted per the NCAA Bylaws and attested to by student-athletes in the annual NCAA Drug-Testing Consent form, random tests for illicit drugs are conducted at Bradley University. Details of the Bradley Athletics Drug Testing Policy can be found on the Bradley Athletics website under Sports Medicine.
NCAA Banned Substances & Drug Testing: Bradley University student-athletes are subject to drug testing by the NCAA and Bradley University Athletics. The penalties for a positive test and the substances tested differ dependent on the testing agency. The NCAA’s list of banned-drug classes is subject to change; however, the current list can be found online at http://www.ncaa.org/health-safety. A first positive drug test in NCAA Drug Testing results in a one-year (365 days) competition suspension which includes all post-season competition. All student-athletes are subject to year round NCAA testing in addition to testing at any NCAA Championship.
Sportsmanship: Bradley student-athletes bear the responsibility of displaying good sportsmanship during games and competition. Behavior at all times must reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that should characterize participation in competitive intercollegiate sports. Student-athletes shall conduct themselves in a manner reflecting positively on the reputation of Bradley University both on and off the “field of play”, in pre-game and post-game comments to the media and when traveling to or competing at other institutions.
The Missouri Valley Conference is committed to establishing sportsmanship and developing healthy environments for competition. Education through sports includes teaching all persons associated with MVC programs to conduct themselves with sportsmanship and respect for opponents. The Valley sets forth a code of sportsmanship to maintain intercollegiate athletics in harmony with the educational purpose of its member institutions. For the complete MVC Code of Sportsmanship, visit: http://www.mvc.org/mvc/code_of_sportsmanship.pdf
Student-athletes are expected to maintain an attitude of dignity and respect toward opponents. Student-athletes displaying unsportsmanlike behavior will be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Head Coach and/or Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics.
Gambling: The NCAA has adopted specific rules prohibiting athletics department staff members and student-athletes from engaging in gambling activities as they relate to intercollegiate athletics and professional sporting events.
The NCAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports wagering. Sports wagering has the potential to undermine the integrity of sports contests and jeopardize the welfare of student-athletes and the intercollegiate athletics community. Sports wagering demeans the competition and competitors alike by a message that is contrary to the purposes and meaning of “sport”. Sports competition should be appreciated for the institutions in fair contests, not the amount of money wagered on the outcome of the competition. The NCAA will impose stringent penalties on student-athletes and/or athletic department staff members who violate NCAA Bylaw 10.3 (Gambling Activities). If you have any specific questions concerning gambling please feel free to contact the 10
Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance.
Hazing: All forms of hazing on the part of any individual, group of individuals or organizations are subject to disciplinary action. No initiation or other activity shall be undertaken which endangers the health and safety of an individual, or demands an individual to engage in conduct of an unbecoming or humiliating nature, or in any way detracts from an individual’s academic pursuits.
Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; which inflicts or intends to cause physical or mental harm or anxieties; which may demean, degrade, or disgrace any person regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants. Hazing can also be defined as any action of situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student for admission into affiliation with any student organization. The consent of the student/participant or any assumption of risk by the student/participant is not a defense to an action brought pursuant to this policy.
Illinois State Statute and Bradley University Policy, as well as the policies of all national fraternities and sororities prohibit students from engaging in any activity that may be considered hazing. Furthermore, according to the Illinois Statute of Hazing, Section 120-1, anyone who commits the act of hazing could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor.
Bradley University views hazing activities as not contributing to the positive development or welfare of the individual. The University recognizes acts of hazing as irresponsible, intolerable and inconsistent with the principles of higher education and basic human development.
Bradley University Department of Athletics policy states that hazing activity by a student-athlete may lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from your team and possibly from the University. Additionally, if a hazing incident is found to be pervasive within a particular Bradley athletic team the sport may be suspended or terminated. If you feel you have been subjected to hazing or know that hazing is happening within your team, contact your coach or a member of the Athletics Administration.
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STUDENT-ATHLETE DISCIPLINE POLICY The Department of Athletics is committed to providing student-athletes with a championship experience and a distinctive educational experience. Student-athletes are expected to perform to the best of their abilities, while always conducting themselves appropriately and respectfully as representatives of Bradley University.
The enforcement of NCAA regulations, Missouri Valley Conference regulations, and Department of Athletics policies fall under the jurisdiction of the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and the Senior Athletic Administrators. When behavior violates this Policy, the case will be reviewed on an individual basis and specific sanctions will be applied with the intention of addressing the incident, identifying the next course of action and preventing further disrepute.
Each Head Coach is required to establish conduct and participation standards for his/her team. The standards (or team rules), must be in writing and distributed to student-athletes on an annual basis. This Policy is intended to affirm the authority of the Head Coach while establishing a base of minimum likely outcomes for student-athletes who commit violations covered by this Policy. It is not designed to be used for violation of team rules, which falls under the purview of the head coach.
Violations subject to this Policy are classified as minor or major. Categorization of offenses under the law is a guide under this Policy, but such categorizations are not binding on the Department.
A minor violation is considered to have occurred in any situation involving: • Charge of violating the University’s Standards of Conduct, and upon review it is reasonable to believe the student committed the act (e.g. false ID, underage possession of alcohol, provision of alcohol to minors, etc.) • Any conduct that is deemed inappropriate, reckless, instigating or malicious, but does not rise to the threshold of a major violation A major violation is considered to have occurred in any situation involving: • Charge of serious misdemeanor under Illinois criminal law (e.g. DWI, assault, theft, etc) • Charge of felony under Illinois criminal law • Any drug-related offense • Any conduct that is deemed inappropriate, reckless, instigating or malicious (e.g. destruction of University property, vandalism, etc.)
When a Head Coach or Senior Athletic Administrator becomes aware of an alleged violation of this Policy, steps will be taken to verify the accuracy of the alleged violation. In the case of arrest, the student-athlete may be placed on immediate suspension until the facts of the incident are reviewed by the Head Coach, Assistant AD for Academics and Student Development, and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. During this period of review, at the discretion of the Department, the student-athlete may be suspended from participation in any athletically-related activity, including but not limited to, team meetings, team travel, practice or competition.
Each case will be reviewed in a timely manner, and factors considered will include: • Classification as major or minor offense • Involvement of drugs/alcohol • Previous behaviors (including any sanctions) • Timing of incident (academic year vs. summer, time elapsed from any previous offense) • Student-athlete demeanor (including self-disclosure of offense) • Student-athlete cooperation and communication during investigation
Typical consequences of violations are set forth in the following chart. The facts and circumstances of each violation, however, are unique and the Department retains the discretion to impose more or less severe sanctions in any case.
In the event that court proceedings are or may be pending with respect to a violation, the Department retains
12 discretion to impose sanctions prior to the completion of those proceedings or to defer action until those proceedings are concluded. Any sanctions imposed by a court are in addition to, and not in lieu of, sanctions imposed under this Policy. MINOR MAJOR Coach implements appropriate sanctions per Minimum suspension of 10% of scheduled team rules and notifies Senior Administrators First competitions. Parents sent written notification of action. Parents may receive written of violation and sanctions. notification of violation and sanctions. Minimum suspension of 10% of scheduled Minimum suspension of 30% of scheduled Second competitions. Parents sent written notification competitions. Parents sent written notification of violation and sanctions. of violation and sanctions.
Minimum suspension of 30% of scheduled Dismissal from team. Parents sent written Third competitions. Parents sent written notification notification of violation and sanctions. of violation and sanctions.
Dismissal from team. Parents sent written Fourth ------notification of violation and sanctions.
Minor offenses will be considered as part of a two-year rolling cycle in determining which offense (first, second, etc.) has been committed. Major offenses have no rolling cycle and are always counted.
Coaches retain the ability to provide additional sanctions as they deem appropriate, including suspension from additional contests and/or immediate dismissal from the team. Egregious offenses may result in immediate dismissal from the team, regardless of any prior disciplinary record.
Sanctions for violations involving misuse of alcohol will be in addition to those imposed through the University’s Alcohol Protocol Matrix, which is found online as part of the Comprehensive Alcohol Action Plan: http://www.bradley.edu/alcoholplan
Sanctions for violations involving cheating and plagiarism will be in addition to those imposed through the university’s academic misconduct policy, which is found in the student handbook under Conduct and University Policies/Policy Violations: http://www.bradley.edu/campuslife/studenthandbook/policies/violations/cheating/
Updated Fall 2020: Violations of the Covid compliance guidelines (including wearing masks and physical distancing) may also result in disciplinary sanctions. Student expectations and guidelines can be found at https://www.bradley.edu/sites/coronavirus/return-to-campus/return-to-engagement/student-expectations/.
Felony Charge Any student-athlete arrested and charged with a felony, excluding extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration, may be immediately suspended from practice and competition until the charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved.
Felony Conviction A student-athlete convicted of, or pleading guilty or no contest to any felony charge, excluding extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration, may be permanently dismissed from the team.
To appeal a sanction imposed under this Policy, the student-athlete must make a written request to meet with the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics within ten business days of the disciplinary notification. Appeals are allowed in the discretion of the Department. Once a request for an appeal is granted, a meeting between the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Assistant AD for Academics and Student Development, Head Coach and student-athlete will be scheduled as soon as possible. 13
STUDENT-ATHETE EVALUATION OF ATHLETICS PROGRAM
Annual Undergraduate Student-Athlete Survey: All undergraduate student-athletes are encouraged to fill out and return the annual departmental survey on issues pertinent to your particular sport and/or general program aspects. The survey is distributed to all undergraduate student-athletes at the end of the academic year. The purpose of the survey is to provide the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator and Faculty Athletic Representative with candid student-athlete perspectives as to the quality of their student-athlete experience at Bradley University and recommendations for improvement. All surveys are confidential.
Student-Athlete Exit Interviews: The senior athletic administrators will conduct exit interviews each year with senior student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. The purpose of the exit interview is to provide the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics with candid student-athlete perspectives as to the quality of the student-athlete experience at Bradley University. All exit interviews are confidential.
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DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS STUDENT-ATHLETE CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY
The Department of Athletics is committed to providing an atmosphere in which conflicts can be addressed in a constructive manner through open and honest communication. The following procedures are designed to help student-athletes resolve issues that arise as a result of their participation in intercollegiate athletics, while also providing coaches and staff due process.
General Appeal Procedures: A student-athlete may report an incidence of mistreatment or appeal a decision made by a coach or other Athletic Department staff member as follows: Step 1: Discuss the issue directly with the coach or staff member involved in an attempt to resolve the conflict. Step 2: If the issue is not resolved, the student may request a meeting with the coach or staff member and an the sport coordinator (senior staff member). Notice of this meeting must be given to the Athletic Director. Step 3: If necessary, the student may then request a meeting with the coach or staff member, Athletic sport coordinator (senior staff member), and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. The Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics will notify the student-athlete in writing of the decision made and any resulting action taken.
*Student-athletes are encouraged to utilize the appeal procedure when they believe they have been unfairly treated; therefore, it is critical there be no retaliation against an individual who initiates the procedure. Retaliation will not be tolerated and will be subject to University disciplinary procedures.
Specific Appeal Procedures: Reduction or Cancellation of Athletic Aid If the institution decides not to renew or decides to reduce financial aid for the upcoming academic year, the institution shall inform the student-athlete of the financial aid appeal procedure in writing. Any appeal of a financial aid award must first be made through the head coach and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. If the appeal cannot be resolved, the student-athlete may request a hearing by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Request for appeals must be presented in writing to the Chair of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee within 30 days of the date of issuance of the reduction or non-renewal. A student-athlete must appear in person at any Appeals Hearing. Hearings will be conducted on Bradley University’s campus.
Denial of Request for Transfer Release or Permission to Speak to Another Institution If a request for a transfer release or permission to speak to another institution regarding a transfer has been denied, the student-athlete may request a hearing by the Student-Athlete Appeals Committee. For the complete Student- Athlete Appeal Committee policy, refer to the Bradley Athletic Compliance website.
Note: Any Grievances stemming from sexual harassment, racial discrimination, or any other act that is derogatory or discriminatory in nature should be addressed through the University Student Grievance Policy as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.
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NCAA RULES REGARDING NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER & REQUESTS TO USE THE ONE- TIME TRANSFER EXCEPTION
13.1.1.3.1 Notification of Transfer. A student-athlete may initiate the notification of transfer process by providing his or her institution with a written notification of transfer at any time. The student-athlete's institution shall enter his or her information into the national transfer database within two business days of receipt of a written notification of transfer from the student-athlete. [D] (Adopted: 8/8/18 effective 10/15/18) *A student-athlete’s athletic aid may be cancelled after the end of the term in which he or she provides Bradley University with notification of transfer (i.e. if notification is provided during the fall 19 term, athletic aid may be cancelled after the fall 19 term ends). Further, if a student-athlete provides notification to transfer between terms, the student-athlete’s athletic aid may be cancelled for the upcoming term (i.e. if notification is provided between the fall 19 and spring 20 term, athletic aid may be cancelled prior to the spring 20 term).
13.1.1.3.2 Written Policies. An institution shall have written policies related to the implications of a student- athlete providing written notification of transfer, including a description of services and benefits (e.g., academic support services, access to athletics facilities) that will or will not be provided to a student-athlete upon receipt of notification. Such policies shall be published and generally available to student-athletes (e.g., student-athlete handbook, institution's website). (Adopted: 4/28/16 effective 8/1/16, Revised: 8/8/18 effective 10/15/18)
In compliance with this legislation, Bradley University's policy on what services and benefits will or will not be provided to a student-athlete who has provided notification of transfer shall be decided on a case by case basis by the head coach and/or the vice president for intercollegiate athletics. In most, but not all cases, the student-athlete will retain access to academic support services and the athletic training room at a minimum.
14.5.5.2.10 One-Time Transfer Exception. The student transfers to the certifying institution from another four- year collegiate institution, and all of the following conditions are met (for graduate students, see Bylaw 14.6.1): (Revised: 1/16/93 effective 8/1/93, 1/11/94, 1/10/95, 1/9/96, 1/11/97, 11/1/00 effective 8/1/01, 4/26/01, 4/28/05 effective 8/1/05, 4/27/06 effective 10/15/06, 12/15/06, 4/27/07 effective 8/1/08, 4/29/10 effective 8/1/10, 4/22/11)
(a) The student is a participant in a sport other than baseball, basketball, bowl subdivision football or men's ice hockey at the institution to which the student is transferring. A participant in championship subdivision football at the institution to which the student is transferring may use this exception only if the participant transferred to the certifying institution from an institution that sponsors bowl subdivision football and has two or more seasons of competition remaining in football or the participant transfers from a Football Championship Subdivision institution that offers athletically related financial aid in football to a Football Championship Subdivision institution that does not offer athletically related financial aid in football;
(b) The student has not transferred previously from one four-year institution unless, in the previous transfer, the student-athlete received an exception per Bylaw 14.5.5.2.6 (discontinued/nonsponsored sport exception);
(c) At the time of transfer to the certifying institution (see Bylaw 14.5.2), the student would have been academically eligible had he or she remained at the institution from which the student transferred, except that he or she is not required to have fulfilled the necessary percentage-of-degree requirements at the previous institution; and
(d) If the student is transferring from an NCAA or NAIA member institution, the student's previous institution shall certify in writing that it has no objection to the student being granted an exception to the transfer-residence requirement. If an institution receives a written request for a release from a student-athlete, the institution shall grant or deny the request within seven business days. If the institution fails to respond to the student-athlete's written request within seven business days, the release shall be granted by default and the institution shall provide a written release to the student-athlete.
14.5.5.2.10.1 Hearing Opportunity. If the student's previous institution denies his or her written request for the release or enters a denial of the release in the NCAA Transfer Portal, the institution shall inform the student- 16 athlete in writing that he or she, upon written request, shall be provided a hearing conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside the athletics department (e.g., the office of student affairs; office of the dean of students; or a committee composed of the faculty athletics representative, student-athletes and nonathletics faculty/staff members). The institution shall conduct the hearing and provide written results of the hearing to the student-athlete within 15 business days (see Bylaw 14.02.4) of receipt of the student-athlete's written request for a hearing. The student-athlete shall be provided the opportunity to actively participate (e.g., in person, via telephone) in the hearing. If the institution fails to conduct the hearing or provide the written results to the student-athlete within 15 business days, the release shall be granted by default and the institution shall provide a written release to the student-athlete. (Revised: 1/11/94, 4/26/01, 4/29/10 effective 8/1/10, 4/19/19)
NCAA ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
As a student-athlete you are required to meet specific University and NCAA academic requirements to maintain your eligibility throughout your tenure at Bradley. It is your responsibility to know and understand the rules that govern your eligibility.
Student-athletes must maintain a course load of at least 12 hours to remain eligible. The registration system will not allow students coded as “student-athletes” to drop below 12 hours. Student-athletes who wish to drop below 12 hours must get permission from their coach and the Senior Associate Athletic Director (AD) for Academics and Student Development prior to the last day to drop classes. Once the proper approval procedure has been completed, a memo will be sent to the Registrar’s Office and the course will then be dropped. Student-Athletes who drop below 12 hours are immediately ineligible to practice, compete, or participate in team-related activities (i.e. individual workouts, team conditioning, etc.). Competition while ineligible will result in the forfeiture of any competition in which you compete.
You are eligible for competition if you meet Progress Towards Degree Requirements (PTD). Exceptions: If you are enrolled in the last term of your degree program and are carrying the credits necessary to finish your degree, you may be enrolled in less than 12 hours to either practice or compete. Proper documentation from your college dean must be on file in the Registrar’s Office.
Progress Towards Degree Requirements: Student-athletes must meet progress toward degree requirements to maintain their athletic academic eligibility. Please see the specific requirements below:
a. You must pass a minimum of 24 hours prior to your third semester of enrollment. b. You must satisfactorily complete 18 semester hours per academic year, including January interim, to be eligible for competition the following academic year. c. You must pass a minimum of 6 hours each regular academic term (fall and spring) to be eligible for competition the next regular academic term (including post-season competition). d. If you are entering your second year of collegiate enrollment, you must present a cumulative grade-point average (based upon maximum of 4.00) that equals 90% of the cumulative minimum grade-point average required for graduation (1.80). e. By the beginning of your third year of collegiate enrollment, you must declare a major. f. If you are entering your third year of collegiate enrollment, you must have successfully completed 40% of the course requirements in your specific major and you must present a cumulative grade-point average (based upon a maximum of 4.00) that equals 95% of the cumulative minimum grade-point average required for graduation (1.90). g. If you are entering your fourth year of collegiate enrollment, you must have successfully completed 60% of the course requirements in your specific major and you must present a cumulative grade-point average (based upon a maximum of 4.00) that equals 100% of the cumulative minimum grade-point average 17
required for graduation (2.00). h. If you are entering your fifth year of collegiate enrollment, you must have successfully completed 80% of the course requirements in your specific major and you must present a cumulative grade-point average (based upon a maximum of 4.00) that equals 100% of the cumulative minimum grade-point average required for graduation (2.00).
Grade point averages will be certified each semester for student-athletes who are required to meet the GPA requirement.
Eligibility between terms: To be eligible for competition between terms, a student-athlete must have been registered as a full-time student at the conclusion of the preceding date of competition or be accepted for enrollment as a regular full-time student for the regular term immediately following the date of competition.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS RATES AND GRADUATION RATES
Academic Progress Rate (APR) The APR provides a real-time “snapshot” of a team’s academic success each semester by looking at current academic progress of every student-athlete by including eligibility, retention, and graduation as factors in the rate calculation for each sport. The APR awards two points each term to student-athletes who meet academic- eligibility standards and who remain with the institution. A team's APR is the total points earned by the team at a given time divided by the total points possible. The NCAA’s minimum acceptable level for each team and institution is 930; loss of scholarships may result for those teams not achieving minimum standards.
Federal Graduation Rates The federal graduation rate is calculated for student-athletes receiving athletically-related aid during their first year of collegiate enrollment. This rate indicates the percentage of freshmen who entered during a given academic year and graduated within six years.
Graduation Success Rates (GSR) The GSR is a graduation rate compiled by the NCAA and is used to supplement the Federal Graduation Rate report. The rate credits institutions for transfers -- both incoming and outgoing -- as long as they are academically eligible, unlike the federal graduation rate. The GSR also accounts for midyear enrollees and is calculated for every sport.
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PLAYING & PRACTICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Five Year Rule: Once a student-athlete enrolls at a college or university on a full-time basis, the student-athlete has only five calendar years in which to complete four years of competition. This rule allows him/her, for example, to miss a year of competition but still use all four seasons of eligibility. The redshirt process involves a conscious decision not to compete during a specific year of competition (within your five years). Should an injury, illness or personal hardship intervene in your ability to complete a season of competition, a NCAA waiver may be submitted on your behalf. Specifically, if a student-athlete meets the minimum criteria for a hardship waiver defined by the NCAA, then he/she may apply for a waiver to gain an additional year of eligibility.
Practice Time Limitations: A student-athlete’s participation in countable athletically related activities shall be limited to four hours per day and 20 hours per week during the playing season and 8 hours per week outside of the playing season. The head coach must submit a countable athletically related activity log to the Compliance Office on a monthly basis and a team representative will be asked to verify those hours on a periodic basis throughout the academic year. “Countable athletics related activities” shall be defined as under NCAA legislation – i.e., any required activity with an athletics purpose that are countable against daily and hourly limitations. Examples include practice, required strength/conditioning activities, film study, walk-throughs, etc. “Required athletics related activities” include any activities (countable or non-countable) that are required of a student-athlete. Examples include compliance meetings, organized team promotional activities, recruiting activities (including student host duties), media activities, fundraising, community service, team-building activities, and team travel. For any athletically related activity to be considered “voluntary,” all of the following must be met: • The student-athlete must not be required to report back to a coach or other athletics department staff member (e.g., strength coach, trainer, manager) any information related to the activity. • No athletics department staff member who observes the activity (e.g., strength coach, trainer, manager) may report back to the student-athlete’s coach any information related to the activity • The activity must be initiated and requested solely by the student-athlete. • Neither the institution nor any athletics department staff member may require the student-athlete to participate in the activity at any time. However, it is permissible for an athletics department staff member to provide information to student-athletes related to available opportunities for participating in voluntary activities (e.g. times when the strength and conditioning coach will be in the weight room or on the track). • For students who have initiated a request to engage in voluntary activities, the institution or an athletics department staff member may assign specific times for student-athletes in advance, the student-athlete’s attendance and participation in the activity (or lack thereof) may not be recorded for the purpose of reporting such information to coaching staff members or other student-athletes and the student-athlete may not be subjected to penalty if he or she elects not to participate in the activity. • Neither the institution nor any athletics department staff member may provide recognition or incentives (e.g., awards) to a student-athlete based in his or her attendance or performance in the activity. CARA Activities – Outside the Playing Season: Outside of the playing season during the academic year, only a student-athlete’s participation in a countable athletically related activity (required strength and conditioning activities supervised by the institutional staff member or skill-related instructions) shall be permitted. A student-athlete’s participation in such activities shall be limited to a maximum of eight hours per week. A student-athlete may not participate in any countable athletically related activities outside the playing season during any institutional vacation period (i.e. summer, academic year). EXCEPTION: In men’s and women’s basketball, coaches are allowed to have access to their team members during summer months for eight hours per week for up to eight weeks. Those S-As must be either enrolled in summer classes or meet the minimum academic requirements to opt out of taking those classes. 19
STUDENT-HOST POLICIES
Bradley University Athletics is committed to providing an informative and safe environment for prospective student-athletes while visiting campus on official and unofficial recruiting visits. The following policies have been established to ensure that prospective student-athletes, and student-athletes who will be serving as campus hosts, conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with NCAA and Bradley University regulations. Furthermore, as a host, it is expected that you will conduct yourself in a manner that represents yourself, your team and Bradley University in a positive way.
Per NCAA regulations, you, as a student-host, must acknowledge that you have read and understood guidelines and policies pertaining to official visits. Therefore, you will be required to sign off on the “Student-Host” form during your beginning of the year eligibility meeting and that will be kept on file in the Compliance Office.
Your signature on this form indicates that you are aware that you may not transport the prospect more than 30 miles from campus, you may not use an automobile for the prospect or yourself that has been provided by the University, coaching staff or one of the boosters, you may not provide the prospect with material gifts (i.e., souvenirs or clothing items) or purchase them with the entertainment money provided to you and you cannot allow any in-person recruiting conversations between the prospect and a booster of Bradley University. If an unplanned meeting occurs, an exchange of greeting is permissible, but in a polite manner do not allow the contact to go beyond a greeting. At the conclusion of the prospect’s visit, the student-host must report activities/entertainment to the coach so that this information can be included in the official visit report.
The Athletic Department can provide a maximum of $30 to a student-host each day of a prospect’s visit to cover entertainment costs. The entertainment money may not be used to purchase souvenirs (i.e., T-shirts). It is permissible for the Athletic Department to purchase three meals per day for a prospect and his/her parents. The student-host who is accompanying the prospect is also permitted to receive complimentary meals. However, only one host per prospect may be provided a free meal if restaurant facilities are used. If a student-host is host to more than one prospect, the host can receive an additional $15 per day for each additional prospect.
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ATHLETIC ACADEMIC SERVICES
Registration Procedures: 1. Incoming freshmen and transfers register for classes during summer orientation prior to their first semester. Continuing students typically register in late April for the summer and fall sessions and early November for January interim and the spring semester.
2. Freshmen and transfer students who are registering for the spring semester must have their physical examination form and immunization history on file at the Bradley University Health Center. If this information is not on file, you will have a registration hold. Likewise, any students owing fees for parking, library, telecom, etc. will also have a hold on their registration.
3. The list of classes offered can be found online at www.bradley.edu/classes or with “seat availability” on Webster. Students should make an appointment to meet with their advisors during advisement week. Student-athletes have priority registration; therefore you will register at 7:45 a.m. on the first day of registration.
Dropping Classes: Do not drop any classes without first consulting your head coach and the Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development. Prior to dropping a course, you are responsible for completing a “Student-Athlete Request to Drop a Course” form, which is found on the Academics & Student Development website. The form requires signatures from your coach, advisor, and the Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development, in addition to instructor notification via email. You may drop classes by logging into Webster and clicking on the drop button. The last day to drop classes is typically the Wednesday of the third full week of November for the fall semester and the Wednesday of the third full week of April for the spring semester.
Students who cancel their class registration up to the end of the second week of classes will not have the class recorded on their transcript. From the third week through the twelfth week, any classes that are dropped from a student’s schedule will be recorded on the transcript with the grade of “W” along with the withdrawal date.
Class Attendance: Team Travel You are expected to attend all of your classes unless you are traveling with your team. The Administrative Assistant for the AD will email travel excuse forms to student-athletes at the beginning of the semester. You must print the forms and give them to each of your instructors. You should also remind your instructor of upcoming absences throughout the semester, and make arrangements for makeup quizzes/exams well in advance of your absence. If you encounter problems related to missing class due to university-sanctioned activities, contact the Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development. Illness/Family Emergency If you must miss class due to illness, please contact your Athletic trainer and then email your instructors prior to missing class. You must then bring a note from your doctor to all your classes upon your return. In the case of a family emergency, please contact the Center for Student Support Services in Sisson Hall for the notification procedures: 309-677-3658. Class Attendance Policy Excessive unexcused absences may result in suspension from practice and/or competition. Please refer to the Academics & Student Development website for the complete policy.
Claiming Classes: Bills for the fall and spring semesters are found on MyBU. You will receive an email from the controller’s office when the bills are available. You must claim your bill online via MyBU or in the Controller’s Office even if there is a zero balance. Your bill will not reflect any financial aid that has been awarded unless you are registered for a minimum of 12 hours. Students who have pre-registered but have not paid their bills by the deadline 21
(communicated to students via email by Financial Services) will be dropped from all classes.
Textbook distribution: If you receive a book loan as part of your athletic scholarship, you may pick up your book slip from the Coordinator of Academics and Student-Athlete Services in 142A and bring it to the bookstore. The bookstore staff will assist you in selecting your books for the semester. At the end of the semester, you must return all books to the bookstore. Any books deemed a “$0 value” book must then be brought back to room 142A. Please refer to the Academics and Student Development website for the complete book loan policy.
Tutors: Tutors may be obtained by accessing the Academic Success Center’s website: https://www.bradley.edu/offices/student/asc/support/tutoring/ There is group tutoring through the ASC and private tutoring through Tutor Matching Service. Tutoring for student-athletes is partially funded through Bradley’s Varsity Club.
Study Tables: The coaches and Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development will determine which students must attend study tables each semester. Study tables are open Sunday 5:00 – 10:00 pm, Monday through Thursday 8:30 am-10:00 pm and Friday 8:30-3:00 pm. Study tables typically start the Sunday following the opening day of classes. A weekly report is sent to each coach on Friday afternoon, notifying him/her of the progress of the student-athletes on the team. Please refer to the Academics and Student Development website for the complete guidelines. (Fall 2020 update: Due to Covid room capacities and required risk mitigation, there will be no required study tables in the RC Academic Room for the fall semester. Updates are expected prior to spring 2021.
Declaring or Changing Majors: According to the NCAA, each student must declare a major by his/her 5th semester. For AEP students who need to declare a major, the student must meet with the Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development to obtain a “Change of Major or Minor” form.
If you are in a major and wish to change into another major, you must go to the advisor of the major you wish to transfer from to request a “Change of Major and minor” form (or go online to the Registrar’s Office website and click on the “forms” tab) and obtain the necessary signatures on the form. Before a major change is done, you should check with the Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development to ensure athletic eligibility.
Repeating Classes: You may wish to repeat courses in order to improve your grade point average. However, only those courses repeated at Bradley will be calculated in your grade point average. You may not receive credit for the same course twice unless the course is approved by the University Senate as repeatable. The last grade and credits earned for each course shall be the only ones used in computing the grade point calculations and in satisfying graduation requirements. The entry on the permanent record for both enrollment remains.
NCAA rules (14.4.3.4.8) indicates that a course repeated due to unsatisfactory initial grade may be utilized only once and only after it has been satisfactorily completed. If you have questions regarding this rule, contact the Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development.
Scholastic Probation/Dismissal: Students must maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 to remain in good standing. Those students whose GPA drops below a 2.00 are on academic probation for the following semester. Students who are on probation for the first time are required to participate in AEP 115, the Turning Point Retention Program. A student’s probationary status will be changed to “good standing” as soon as the student’s cumulative grade point average reaches 2.00 or higher.
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A student who is enrolled on probation who does not achieve either a cumulative average of 2.00 or a fall/spring semester grade point average of 2.25 will be dismissed. (Summer school and winter interim sessions are excluded.)
Petitions for Scholastic Reinstatement: Any student dismissed for poor scholarship has the right to appeal for reinstatement. Petitions for reinstatement should be directed to the Academic Review Board. The necessary paperwork can be picked up from the Academic Review Board Office located in Sisson 115.
Complete Withdrawal from the University: Undergraduate students registered for less than nine semester hours who wish to withdraw from all classes in which they are registered should initiate a Change of Registration with their academic advisor.
Undergraduate students registered for more than nine semester hours who wish to withdraw from all classes should initiate a Request to Withdrawal at the Center for Student Support Services located in Sisson Hall. The need for exit interviews will be determined, and the Center will complete the processing of the withdrawal through appropriate administration offices.
A student who does not officially withdraw from the University by following the procedure outlined above and fails to complete the semester is not entitled to a refund of any kind, and the instructor in each course is required to report a final grade of an “F” to the Registrar.
Summer Interim Some students wish to take summer course work at another institution. A student may transfer in course work from both two-year and four-year institutions. The student must pick up a Transfer Work Approval form from his/her advisor or online via the Registrar’s Office website. This form must be signed by the Department Chair of the student’s major and the Dean of the College. The student may be required to provide a course description of the course he/she wants to transfer in to Bradley.
If the course is approved for transfer to Bradley, the credits will transfer to Bradley, but the grade will not be calculated into your Bradley GPA. Also, if you are retaking a class at another school that you originally took at Bradley, the new grade will not replace the grade earned at Bradley. In order to transfer in summer school work, you must earn a C average or better on your transcript.
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B.O.L.D. for Life: Bradley Outreach & Leadership Development
The mission of the B.O.L.D. for Life program is to support student-athlete development initiatives and enhance the student-athlete experience through service and leadership opportunities. Commitment to Outreach All student-athletes engage in service activities on campus and in the surrounding communities through team projects, campus collaboration and community initiatives. In the past three years, Bradley student-athletes have donated over 10,000 hours of their time to community agencies and organizations. The annual department-wide initiatives include: Megan Fong Blood and Bone Marrow Drive • Named in honor of former Bradley tennis player, Megan Fong, who passed away from leukemia, student- athletes and athletic department personnel coordinate and staff the annual event. Student-Athlete Day and Local Schools’ Visit Days • Student-athletes visit local schools in April to interact with the local youth and teach lessons on the importance of overall wellness, teamwork, and academics. Local and International Donations • Food, toiletries, and materials are collected and donated by staff and student-athletes throughout the year to local and international organizations. Team Service Projects • Each coach/community service representative identifies service opportunities throughout the year in which the team will participate.
Commitment to Leadership Development Bradley provides leadership opportunities and educational programming to support the student-athletes’ personal and career development. Leadership Lecture Series • Presentations by guest speakers each year focus on the themes of “opportunity” and various leadership lessons. Social Events • The Welcome Back Picnic provides an opportunity for student-athletes to interact and develop connections with each other and staff, while the All About the B Awards honors seniors for their commitment to Bradley Athletics, along with all other student-athletes who have excelled in athletics & service. Student-Athlete Media Training • Training is provided by sports information staff and local media to enhance student-athletes' interview skills. Awareness Programming • Annual programming aimed at awareness has included Sexual Assault Awareness, Step Up Bystander Intervention Program, Small Group Social Norms, and Social Media Training. Athletics often partners with other campus organizations for “hot topic” programming related to national issues. Career Services Student-athletes are prepared for their professional pursuits through networking opportunities, job search and placement assistance, and special event programming:
Braves Council (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) Braves Council consists of representatives from each of the 15 sports. The mission of Braves Council is to provide student-athletes with opportunities for involvement in shaping intercollegiate athletics policy and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
President: Emma Raleigh, Volleyball Vice President: Natalia Barbery, Women’s Tennis Secretary: Nikki Perlwitz, Women’s Tennis 24
ATHLETICS POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Complimentary Tickets: Student-Athletes are allowed to receive up to four complimentary admissions per home or away contest in his/her sport. These tickets shall be provided through a pass list for those individuals designated ahead of time by the student-athlete; hard tickets shall not be issued.
At Bradley, this policy is sometimes affected by availability of tickets and budget considerations, particularly when it concerns away from home contests.
Tickettaker.net is an interactive website that Bradley uses for its student-athletes to make their own guest entries for each eligible athletics contest. Signatures and ID are required at the pass gate.
Travel Policies: When traveling as official representatives of Bradley University, student-athletes’ actions should reflect favorably on the University, their team and themselves. All student-athletes are expected to depart and return with their team/coach unless they are officially released to their parent or legal guardian (or other designee) through a team travel waiver or release. The waiver must be signed by the student-athlete’s parent or legal guardian prior to releasing the student-athlete from the team.
Occasional Meals: A student-athlete or the entire team in a sport may receive an occasional meal from an institutional staff member or from a representative of the institution’s athletic interest (booster) under the following conditions:
1. Bradley University defines “occasional” as once per month during the academic year. Additional celebratory events may be requested. 2. Bradley University staff members may provide an occasional meal to student-athletes in their home or in a restaurant in the locale of the university. 3. Boosters may only provide an occasional meal to student-athletes in their home (which may be catered), on campus or in a facility that is regularly used for home competition. 4. A Bradley University staff member or booster may provide reasonable local transportation to student- athletes to attend such a meal. 5. During an official visit, a prospect may attend an occasional meal, provided the meal does not occur at a booster’s home or at a local restaurant. This meal must count as one of the three permissible meals per day. You must submit the “Occasional Meal” form to the Compliance office for approval prior to the meal occurring. The form can be found on the Bradley Athletics Compliance website.
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FINANCIAL AID
Athletic grants-in-aid, along with other forms of financial assistance, are available to qualified student-athletes to assist with school expenses.
Each athletic team is provided with a specific number of scholarship dollars in accordance with Bradley University policies and NCAA rules and regulations. These grants are awarded by the Financial Aid Office following recommendation by each head coach. Student-athletes should be aware that other aid received may be affected by the acceptance of athletic-related financial aid (athletic scholarship) as determined from the financial aid application form.
Athletic aid is specifically restricted to educational expenses. (The expenses listed below are those that may be covered by a written scholarship.) 1. Tuition (16 credit hours)* 2. Health and Activity fees* 3. Room 4. Board (meals) 5. Cost of Attendance Stipend 6. Loan of course related books
A full grant-in-aid scholarship is defined as aid that covers all of the above areas. A partial scholarship is any aid that does not cover in full the above educational expenses. Athletic aid does not cover the following (partial) list: 1. Application fee 2. Parking fines 3. Parking permit fees 4. Lab Supplies 5. Residence hall deposit/damage fees 6. Class supplies, other than books (paper, pens, etc.) 7. Health Center expenses (beyond annual fee) 8. Extra costs for single rooms 9. I.D. replacement fees 10. Library fines 11. Lost keys
*Additional course fee may be paid if it is part of your written scholarship. Hours above 16 credits may be paid at the discretion of each head coach.
Student-Athletes who are on full-tuition scholarship may not have to pay the $200 enrollment fee. (Head coaches should file the proper form.) All partial scholarship athletes must pay the $200 fee.
Fifth Year Aid: Student-athletes should understand that athletic aid is not guaranteed for the 5th year when a student has a redshirt of hardship year. (See policy and application on bradleybraves.com under the “Student-Athletes” tab; Academics & Student Development; Policies/Forms.)
Institutional Financial Aid (Non-Athletic): All financial assistance received by a student-athlete must be reported annually to comply with NCAA and Valley rules and regulations. It is important that a student-athlete who is receiving athletic aid notify the head coach or athletic administration before accepting any additional financial assistance.
Need based Financial Aid: All students are encouraged to apply for need based financial assistance by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 1st. All student-athletes are required to file the FAFSA prior to their first 26 semester of enrollment. Returning students who file late, resulting in lost aid opportunities (e.g. MAP Grant) are at risk of having their financial aid adjusted. The FAFSA is a comprehensive application and may also be used to apply for some state and private aid. At Bradley it is used to determine eligibility for the following programs: 1. Federal Pell Grants 2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants 3. Federal Work Study 4. Federal Perkins Loan 5. Federal Direct Student Loans 6. Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award Program Grants (MAP) 7. Bradley University Scholarships and Grants
Outside/External Scholarships: Any student-athlete receiving additional financial assistance without proper approval may forfeit all athletic aid. It is important to know that all external/outside scholarships should be administered through Bradley University’s Financial Aid Office. Checks should not be issued in the student-athlete’s name. It is a violation of NCAA rules for a student-athlete to receive an outside scholarship directly in his or her name.
Academic Scholarships: Certain academic scholarships are exempt from team limits so long as the student-athlete maintains a minimum 3.00 GPA. It is important that you discuss with your head coach the impact that your academic scholarship has on your team NCAA limits for most programs. Academic scholarships are only guaranteed for 4 years.
In accordance with NCAA rules, financial aid will be immediately terminated if a student-athlete acquires an agent or is under contract with a professional sports organization.
Avoiding “Extra Benefits”: An “extra benefit” is defined as any special gift or arrangement provided to an enrolled student-athlete or a student-athlete’s parent, relative, or friend that is not available to the general student body at Bradley University. “Extra benefit” legislation also may apply to gifts or arrangements following a student-athlete’s graduation (other than legitimate employment).
If a student-athlete accepts any benefit based on his or her athletic ability, that student-athlete forfeits all eligibility for NCAA intercollegiate athletic participation. If the student-athlete has completed eligibility, the institution is still responsible and may have penalties applied to its athletics program.
Some examples of “extra benefits” to enrolled student-athletes which are prohibited by NCAA rules include receiving: • Any type of gift, gift-in-kind, or money. • Any special discount, credit or special pay arrangements on any type of service (e.g., use of a credit card, free haircuts, etc.). • Typing services or other expenses paid for course related papers or projects. • Use of a vehicle. • A complimentary ticket to any athletics, institutional or community event for which a fee is normally charged. • A special arrangement for or co-signing a loan involving a donor. • Any entertainment provided by a donor.
Student-athletes are strongly cautioned to “ask before acting” in these situations by contacting their head coach, the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics or the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance with any questions involving extra benefits.
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Student-Athlete Employment: Earnings from a student-athlete’s on- or off-campus employment that occurs at any time is exempt and is not counted in determining a student-athlete’s full cost of attendance or in the institution’s financial-aid limitations, provided: • The student-athlete’s compensation does not include any remuneration for value or utility that the student- athlete may have for the employer because of the publicity, reputation, fame or personal following that he or she has obtained because of athletic ability; • The student-athlete is compensated only for work actually performed; and • The student-athlete is compensated at a rate commensurate with the going rate in the locality for similar services.
Student-athletes who have their employment arranged by an athletic department staff member or who will be working for a representative of athletics interests (e.g., Bradley fan or booster) must receive prior permission to work from the compliance office. A “Student-Athlete Employment” form must be completed and signed prior to permission being granted. The “Student-Athlete Employment” form can be found on the Bradley Athletics Compliance website.
Off-Campus Housing Where our sports allow, many of our student–athletes choose to live off campus during their junior and senior years and request a refund of their financial aid surplus when it exceeds tuition and fees, and we will continue to allow these refunds following the procedures listed below.
If a student-athlete’s total aid package exceeds tuition, fees, and the value of a commuter/non-residential meal plan, the student-athlete will be required to purchase a commuter/non-residential meal plan prior to receiving a refund if they live off-campus. Housing options that are considered on-campus are the on-campus residence halls, the student apartment complex, Bradley University-Owned Houses, St. James Apartments - Cambridge and Bradley University Supported Housing (this includes Main Street Commons).
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NCAA STUDENT-ATHLETE ASSISTANCE FUND The NCAA, in an ongoing effort to address student-athlete welfare issues, has created a student-athlete assistance fund for specific student-athletes.
Institutional Responsibility in Administration: Institutions are responsible for ensuring that SAF funds are expended in a manner consistent with applicable NCAA legislation and MVC policies and verifying the validity of the expenses for which funds are provided. Any expenses that are not clearly within the SAF approved uses are required to be pre-approved with the conference office. SAF Guiding Principle: The Student Assistance Fund (“SAF”) is intended to provide direct benefits to student- athletes or their families. As a guiding principle, the fund shall be used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics or enrollment in an academic curriculum or that recognize academic achievement. In addition, inasmuch as SAF is intended to provide direct benefits to student-athletes, the fund is not intended to be used to replace existing budget items. Eligibility to Receive SAF Funds: While SAF was initially created to address financial need, all student-athletes are eligible to receive SAF benefits, regardless of whether they are grant-in-aid recipients, have demonstrated need, have exhausted eligibility, or no longer participate due to medical reasons. Prospective student-athletes may not receive SAF benefits (note: benefits may be provided to summer school enrollees who are no longer considered prospects for Bylaw 16 purposes pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 13.02.12).
Examples of Prohibited and Permissible Uses (neither list is exhaustive): Prohibited Uses: 1. Salaries and benefits; 2. Stipends; 3. Grants-in-aid (other than summer school) for student-athletes with remaining eligibility; 4. Capital improvements; 5. Competition-related travel expenses for student-athletes who are not eligible to receive such expenses under NCAA legislation; and 6. Outside athletics development opportunities (e.g., participation in sports camps/clinics, private sports-related instruction, greens fees, batting cage rental, outside foreign tour expenses) for student-athletes with remaining eligibility.
List of Permissible Uses with Previously-Approved Examples: Notes: • List is subdivided by NCAA reporting category • Examples are provided as a resource; all uses must be consistent with the guidelines above and institutions must pre-approve any uses that are not clearly approved per the guidelines.
1. Educational Expenses and Fees Category a. Summer school or interim term financial aid b. Exhausted eligibility financial aid: e.g., fifth-year, sixth-year, seventh-year aid c. Tutoring services for student-athletes d. International student fees and taxes: all expenses must be consistent with institutional and federal guidelines; if taxes may be paid consistent with those guidelines, a student-athlete may not have their full tax bill paid and also receive the corresponding refund e. Professional program testing: e.g., GRE test fees, outside prep courses, student-athlete disability testing f. Educational supplies: e.g., laptop computers or tablets for academic coursework; cameras for academic work; expendable course supplies g. CHAMPS/Life Skills/SAAC programming: specific uses must provide direct benefits to student- athletes and not be otherwise prohibited by fund guidelines
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h. Other educational and professional development expenses: e.g., expenses to attend a career event, expenses to participate in a professional tryout (e.g., WNBA Combine) after exhausting intercollegiate eligibility
2. Health and Safety Expenses Category a. Insurance premiums b. Medical, dental, vision expenses (not covered by another insurance program): travel expenses for a student-athlete to receive medical treatment and/or for immediate family members to accompany the student-athlete for this purpose have been routinely approved
3. Personal or Family Expenses Category a. Essential expenses (e.g., clothing allowance) b. Emergency travel: travel expenses for student-athletes to attend funerals has been routinely approved
4. Institutional Academic or Programming Enhancements Category a. Academic achievement or graduation award programs b. Academic support services c. Other academic or programming expenses: expenses related to student-athlete recognition events; awards celebrating student-athlete special achievements; enhancement of awards provided to student- athletes
5. Cost of Attendance: a. “Other expenses related to attendance.” b. If such expenses are being provided within an athletics aid agreement (e.g., “other expenses related to attendance” is a component of the agreement) or in a functionally equivalent manner (e.g., SA is provided a full or partial “other expenses related to attendance” increment out of SAF), then such aid is considered athletics aid that counts against team limits. c. Individual SAF expenses that are not provided within an athletics aid agreement or in a functionally equivalent manner generally will not have to be counted against team limits. Examples: walk-on receiving clothing allowance; partial GIA student-athlete receiving a single trip home. In other words, SAF may continue to be used to fund specific student-athlete needs as it has been used historically without there being new consequences for team financial aid limits. d. An institution may not provide funding for the same expense twice. For instance, if a student- athlete receives “other expenses related to attendance” as part of a grant-in-aid and that amount includes a trip home, the SA may not also have the same trip home funded by SAF. However, it would be permissible for a different trip home (i.e., a trip home that is not provided as part of the student-athlete’s grant-in-aid) funded by SAF.
6. Summer Access Room and Board: Room and board expenses for student-athletes who meet certain exceptions to participate in summer access without being concurrently enrolled.
Interim and Summer Session Aid Application: Interim and summer term financial assistance may be granted depending upon the individual sports budget. All requests for interim and summer athletic aid must be made to each individual head coach, who in turn request approval from the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Unless an agreement is made prior to the start of the academic year, summer and interim awards must be consistent with the countable financial aid awarded during the school year. (i.e., if 35% of a full grant-in-aid is awarded during the school year, then a maximum of 35% can be awarded for interim or summer school courses.) Approval for interim and summer session will be based on the following:
1. Student must have received athletic aid during the previous school year. 2. January interim is available to those receiving athletic aid during the fall semester immediately 30
preceding. 3. Course work must be needed to meet eligibility or graduation requirements. 4. Aid will only be provided to a student-athlete who has been enrolled for a minimum of 12 academic hours for each of the previous two semesters. 5. Aid will be provided only to student-athletes who have made a conscientious effort to pursue degree requirements. 6. Student-athletes must sign a form that they may be responsible for the full cost of the summer/interim course if they drop or fail the course.
Student-athletes must first contact their coach to request summer/interim funds. If a specific sport does not have funds available for summer/interim courses, student-athletes may apply by using the Application for Summer/Interim Athletic Aid which can be found on the bradleybraves.com website under “Forms” or on the Compliance website. Your coach must sign and submit this form by May 1 for summer/May interim and December 1 for January interim. Summer/Interim Athletic Aid will be awarded based on available financial resources.
Student-athletes receiving interim or summer athletic aid are required to satisfactorily complete the course(s). If a student-athlete fails or drops a course(s), he/she is responsible to reimburse the Athletic Department. Exceptions to this policy due to extenuating circumstances can be made at the discretion of the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics.
POST-ELIGIBILTY/FIFTH YEAR ATHLETIC AID
Financial aid is potentially available to student-athletes who have completed their athletic eligibility but have not yet earned their Bachelor’s Degree. A head coach must recommend student-athletes for consideration of fifth-year aid to the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. Also, fifth-year aid is not guaranteed, but will be based upon the student-athlete’s academic record and available financial resources. Each student-athlete should understand that dropped or failed classes and reduced academic loads will negatively impact their ability to graduate within a four-year period and, consequently, how one’s application for fifth-year funding is reviewed by the Athletics Administration.
Application Procedure: a. Student-athletes must initially request fifth-year aid through their head coach (and/or academic advisor with approval from the head coach). b. Student-athletes must apply for the aid using the Fifth-Year Financial Aid Application (found online under Academics & Student Welfare on bradleybraves.com or on the Sakai site under Student-Athlete Resources). An approved degree audit must be submitted with the application along with a recommendation from the head coach. c. The athletic academic advisor will complete an academic review and submit the form to the Senior Associate AD for Finance & Administration. d. Availability of funds will be considered. e. The Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics gives final approval. f. Any student-athletes granted 5th year aid will be required to work within the Department of Athletics during the period of the fifth-year aid award. The Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics will assign work responsibilities. The number of hours per week the student-athletes will be required to work will be based on the amount of the financial award for the semester. 1. Full Grant-in Aid – 18 hours per week (252 cumulative hours for the semester) 2. Full Tuition – 13 hours per week (183 hours cumulative hours for the semester) 3. 50% GIA - 9 hours per week (125 cumulative hours for the semester) 4. Half Tuition – 6 hours per week (93 cumulative hours for the semester) 5. 25% GIA – 4 hours per week (63 cumulative hours for the semester) 6. 25% Tuition – 3 hours per week (47 cumulative hours for the semester) 31 g. Total aid received by student-athletes must not exceed 15 hours above what is required for the major degree program. For example, for a student majoring in a degree program requiring the minimum 124 hours, aid must not exceed a total of 139 hours.
Terms and Conditions of Fifth-Year Aid: a. Students must have completed a minimum of 80% of their degree program. b. Students must have achieved 100% of the minimum GPA required for graduation in their degree program. c. Students must meet NCAA satisfactory progress rules during their final year of athletic eligibility. d. The student-athlete’s entire academic record (dropped and failed courses, summer/interim courses, academic course loads) will be reviewed. e. Student-athletes must first attempt to take a summer course prior to enrollment in their ninth semester.
Exceptions: Any exceptions will be at the discretion of the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. The following considerations will also be used to determine which student-athletes will receive fifth-year aid: 1. Number of years in the Athletics program 2. Length of time enrolled in major 3. Number of withdrawals or failed classes that resulted in lost hours 4. Disciplinary record (on file in Bradley Athletics)
Athletics Aid Renewal or Cancellation: Each student-athlete will be notified by July 1 of each year concerning the status of his/her financial aid. If the athletic aid is reduced or discontinued, the student-athlete may appeal the decision through the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics’ office. If the appeal cannot be resolved after meeting with the coach and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, the athlete may meet with the Athletic Grants-In-Aid Review Committee. A request to meet with the Athletic Grants-in-Aid Review Committee must be made within 30 days of the notification of non-renewal of the athletic aid. Any cancellations of or additions to the original grant may be made only by the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, under NCAA legislation. Please also refer to the Appeals section of this Manual.
Reduction or Cancellation of Athletic Aid Permitted: Institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability may be reduced or canceled during the period of the award if the recipient: 1. Renders himself or herself ineligible for intercollegiate competition; or 2. Fraudulently misrepresents any information on an application, letter of intent or financial aid agreement; 3. Engages in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty (misconduct as found by the University’s regular disciplinary authority and department of Athletics Student-Athlete Handbook); or 4. Voluntarily withdrawals from a sport at any time for personal reasons; however, the recipient’s financial aid may not be awarded to another student-athlete in the term in which the aid was reduced or canceled.
Reduction or Cancellation of Athletic Aid Not Permitted: Institutional financial aid based in any degree in athletics ability may not be increased, decreased, or canceled during the period of its award: 1. On the basis of a student’s ability, performance or contribution to a team’s success; or 2. Because of an injury that prevents the recipient from participating in athletics; or 3. For any other athletics reason.
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ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF: Mark Colston (309) 677-2686 Head Athletic Trainer Robert Crull (309) 677-3072 Assistant Athletic Trainer Eric Polomis (309) 677-2686 Assistant Athletic Trainer Jess Kinder (309) 677-2983 Assistant Athletic Trainer Alex Twombly (309) 677-2978 Assistant Athletic Trainer
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM HOURS- Fall 2020: Due to Covid room capacity requirements, the athletic training room (ATR) hours will be coordinated with in-season and off-season practice schedules and communicated to the coaches and student-athletes.
REPORTING AN INJURY OR ILLNESS- 1. If you have any injury or illness which you feel might interfere with your ability to practice or participate, you must see an athletic trainer in the athletic training room by 8:00am. If you do not see an athletic trainer, you will be considered healthy and you will practice. If you have a class or conflict at that time, set up an appointment time with your athletic trainer and report before 8:00 am. 2. Report any illness or injury to the athletic trainer as soon as possible. 3. If you need to see a physician, the athletic trainer will make the arrangements for an appointment. Keep in mind that if you seek medical attention on your own, the athletic department cannot assume any financial responsibility for the costs of such treatment.
PROCEDURES DURING PRACTICE WHEN INJURED- 1. All injured athletes must be on the field or court during practice. No one stays in the athletic training room during practice or workouts without permission from your coach. 2. When injured you will be working with the athletic trainer or strength coach during practice.
REPORTING FOR TREATMENT- 1. Treatments need to be given in the mornings BEFORE activity. The reason is so we can update coaches on your progress and practice/game status early enough for them to make a practice/game decision. 2. If you are assigned for rehabilitation and treatment following an injury, all efforts will be made to arrange for a time compatible with your schedule. Once this time has been set, BE THERE. There will be repercussions upon, and a “NO SHOW” will NOT be tolerated.
PREVENTION OF INJURIES- Here are several things you can do to help prevent injuries: 1. Get enough rest each night. A minimum of 8 hours is necessary for adequate recovery. 2. Stay in good physical condition. You are less likely to get hurt if you are in good condition. 3. Observe good health habits. Shower after each practice or game and change into a clean set of street clothes. 4. Eat three meals per day, selecting proper foods and proper amounts. Drink plenty of fluids and do not diet foolishly. If you wish to diet, see an athletic trainer or sports performance coach, and we will set up a sensible diet for you. 5. DO NOT use any medication other than that given to you by the doctor or the athletic trainer. If you are taking any medications now, please inform your athletic trainer. 6. DO NOT use any salt tablets or vitamin supplements without first consulting an athletic trainer. If they are taken improperly they can do more harm than good. 7. Remove all jewelry during practice and games. 8. Wash all scrapes and cuts thoroughly with soap and water. 9. For minor aches and pains, use only ice and elevation. DO NOT use a heating pad or hot soaks.
EMERGENCY TREATMENT- 1. When the athletic training room is closed and you find yourself in need of medical assistance, contact 33
your athletic trainer at home. 2. In extreme emergencies or if a LIFE THREATENING emergency should arise, call the Ambulance/Rescue Squad (Dial 911) and ask to be taken to a local hospital. Ask the hospital to contact your athletic trainer at home. 3. In a mental health crisis, the Student Counseling on call # is: 309-339-5298. The Peoria County Crisis line is: 309-671-8084.
PERSONAL HEALTH INSURANCE All athletic related injuries to student-athletes during supervised practices, games, and transportation to and from away contests and the subsequent bills resulting from such injuries are covered in total by the coordinated effort of the injured party’s insurance and Bradley’s athletic insurance policy. The athletic department insurance does not cover the following: systematic illnesses (cold, flu, etc.) dental work unrelated to a sports injury, and all injuries incurred outside of sanctioned practices and games.
It is mandatory that student-athletes who do not have primary insurance coverage for athletic injuries while in Peoria or at away contests purchase primary insurance coverage that the university offers. All athletes are required to possess current personal health insurance, and show proof of it, regardless of the nature of their sport.
Please review the Primary Health Insurance Policy on the Sports Medicine website.
REFERRALS If a team physician or the Athletic Training Department determines that an outside referral or consultation is necessary for a student-athlete, the appointment for such a visit will ONLY be arranged by the team physician or the Athletic Training Department. If a student-athlete refers himself/herself without obtaining prior approval from the Athletic Training Department, the student-athlete shall assume medical and financial responsibility for such outside visit and medical attention. Coaches do not have the authority to arrange medical referrals to any physician or outside medical service without consulting and receiving prior approval through the Athletic Training Department.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS Emergency Action Plans will be hung up in a visible and logical area of each facility. If a mounted AED is available in the facility, the EAP will be laminated and hung up next to it. EAPs will have emergency phone numbers, emergency procedures, and a schematic drawing to show where to direct and meet Emergency Medical Personnel.
APPROVAL FOR PARTICIPATION AT BRADLEY UNIVERSITY The NCAA requires that student-athletes have a full pre-participation physical examination prior to the first year of athletic competition. The NCAA requires that all student-athletes receive a medical recheck screening annually thereafter. Any physical examination performed outside of the Bradley Sports Medicine Team WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The student athlete must be cleared by physicians inside of the Bradley University Sports Medicine Team ONLY!
DRUG TESTING, CONCUSSION, AND ALL OTHER POLICIES Information on Drug Testing and Concussions are presented annually to all student-athletes. Please contact your athletic trainer with any questions.
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SPORT PERFORMANCE
The Strength and Conditioning facility is located in the basement of the Renaissance Coliseum, Room 43 The goals of Bradley Sport Performance: 1. Preventing the likelihood of injury a. For the longevity of their career. b. Lifetime of health 2. Enhancing Performance; providing each student-athlete with: a. Necessary instruction, knowledge, and individualized programming b. Specialized to meet the demands of their sport and position. 3. Creating a success oriented, focused environment a. Encompassing training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. b. Creating an understanding and purpose for their time and efforts c. Developing passion and ownership for their athletic career d. Providing the highest level of care, and a motivational experience.
Rules and Expectations for use of the Bradley Strength and Conditioning facility will be discussed at the beginning of each year; every new student-athlete will adhere to the terms and conditions.
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EQUIPMENT/LAUNDRY ROOM POLICIES
Following are the normal policies; however, due to Covid restrictions, the Laundry Room will be unavailable beginning in the fall 2020 semester until further notice.
The Bradley University Athletic Laundry Rooms are located in the basement next to the Weight Room and on the main level adjacent to the Basketball Practice Court. Each team has their own separate Equipment Storage Room. The Athletics Equipment Manager (AEM) and the Head Coach of each sport work together to establish the procedures each team will follow in the issue, care and maintenance of its uniforms, equipment and apparel. The following policies are in effect for all Bradley student-athletes: 1. Student-athletes are responsible for the care and maintenance of all issued uniforms, equipment and apparel, as agreed upon by their Head Coach and AEM. 2. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to return all issued uniforms, equipment, and apparel at the conclusion of the season. The time and date for equipment check-in will be determined by the individual sport’s Head Coach and AEM. 3. If for any reason a student-athlete is no longer an active member of a team, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to return all issued uniforms, equipment and apparel within 24 hours of receiving notice from the Head Coach. 4. Failure to properly return any issued item will result in charging the cost of the replacement of that item to the student-athlete’s university account and placing a hold on any university requests. 5. It is against NCAA Rules and Regulations for any student-athlete to use the athletic laundering services for personal use. 6. Alterations to issued equipment must have AEM, Coach, and if applicable, Sports Medicine approval.
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ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
The athletics communications office at Bradley is the publicity arm of the Department of Athletics and serves as the liaison to the news media – local, state-wide and nationally. The office promotes Bradley Athletics and student-athletes to the public and publicizes the results through the media and the official website for Bradley Athletics, www.BradleyBraves.com.
The athletics communications office, located in the arena’s suite 145, is responsible for general press releases, web site design and maintenance, statistics (individual, team, seasonal and career) for all sports, brochures, game programs, media requests, interviews with players and coaches, game-night procedures, and various other duties relating to the department.
The Director, Associate Director, and Assistant Directors can usually be found in the office five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however, hours of operation may vary with competition schedules.
Tips for Media Interviews: When dealing with the media, always be courteous. If you must leave early, inform the reporter ahead of time. Most reporters are more than willing to work around the schedules of student-athletes. But remember, the media has a job to do, too. Be on time.
Never criticize a teammate, opponent, coach or official. Be a gracious in losing as in winning. One should control his/her emotions before talking to the media.
It is imperative that you do not participate in any interviews that have not been arranged by the Athletic Communications office or your head coach. If you are contacted by a member of the media without prior notification, please refer them to Athletic Communications.
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AWARDS
Bradley University Academic, Athletic & Service Awards: 1. Charles Orsborn Award – Bradley’s highest athletic department award is highly selective, with criteria including athletic and academic success, along with campus and community involvement. For more information, contact your head coach or The Senior Associate AD for Academics and Student Development. 2. Academic All-American – This award, conferred by the College Sports Information Directors of America, is also based on academic and athletic success. To be nominated, student-athletes must have a 3.20 GPA overall as well as athletic success. Nominations are made by the sports information office. For more information on this award contact the sports information office. 3. Carl Grose Service Award – The Carl Grose Award was established in honor of Carl Grose, Bradley’s long-time equipment manager and “Jack-of-all Trades”. Mr. Grose, a Peoria resident, worked for the Athletic Department for approximately 50 years. He loved Bradley Athletics and working with Bradley student-athletes. This award was established to annually recognize a student-athlete who is committed to volunteerism on campus and in the local community. Service in a student-athlete’s hometown will also be considered. Award recipient will be chosen from nominations by Bradley coaching staff. 4. Athletic Director’s Honor Roll – Each semester, student-athletes who achieve a 3.30 minimum semester GPA will be named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. 5. Megan C. Fong Inspiration Award – the Megan C. Fong Inspiration Award was created in 2003 and is presented, as warranted, to individuals associated with the Bradley Department of Athletics who display perseverance, dedication and determination when confronted with a life-altering event while serving as a role model and inspiration to others. The award was created as a tribute to the late Megan Fong, the Bradley women’s tennis player who died in August 2002 as a result of complications from her eight- month bout with leukemia. 6. Coach Joe Stowell Award – Introduced in 2007, the Coach Joe Stowell Award will be given annually to recognize the male and female student-athletes who best exemplify Stowell’s love for Bradley Athletics, as well as dedication to their teams and teammates.
Bradley University’s Athletic Awards: 1. Sport Specific Awards – Each sport at Bradley has individual awards, ranging from Most Valuable to Most Improved to Inspirational Leader. Contact your head coach for more information. 2. Varsity Club Award – Awarded annually, this award recognizes Bradley’s most outstanding male and female athletes. The student-athlete must be nominated by his/her coach and selection is based upon a vote by all head coaches and full-time administrators in the Bradley athletic department. For more information on this award, contact your head coach.
Missouri Valley Academic/Athletic Awards: 1. Valley Scholar-Athlete Team (formerly All-Academic) - the Valley selects Scholar-Athlete teams for each sport at the end of each season. Student-athletes qualify through a combination of grade point average and athletic performance. The number of student-athletes chosen varies per sport. 2. Valley Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award – Student-athletes must meet the following criteria: minimum GPA of 3.5 in each of the previous two semesters; minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA; participation in athletics (not necessary to be a letter winner). 3. Valley Presidents Council Academic Excellence Award – Student-athletes must meet the following criteria: minimum 3.80 cumulative GPA through the fall semester; participation in athletics a minimum of two years (not necessary to be a letter winner); within 18 hours of graduation at the time the award is to be received. 4. Conference Honor Roll – The Conference Honor Roll is a compilation of all student-athletes who have competed in sports in which the Conference sponsors a championship and who have attained a 3.2 grade point average in either semester. Nomination forms are provided by the Conference office each semester. 5. Academic All-Conference – The Conference shall annually recognize outstanding scholar-athletes in 38
each championship sport through the selection of academic all-conference teams. Nomination and selection procedures are determined by the Conference sports information staff in consultation with coaches groups and with approval of the Athletics Administration Committee. 6. Postgraduate Scholarships – The Conference shall award annually four (4), $5000 postgraduate scholarships, two each to male and female student-athletes. Recipients must demonstrate outstanding achievements on athletics, scholarship and citizenship. 7. Dr. Charlotte West Award – The Conference will present the Dr. Charlotte West Award annually, to one female and one male student-athlete who have complete intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport, to recognize outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. 8. Successful student-athletes can be honored by the Valley. Most often, this award is All-Conference recognition. In addition, the Valley names a Player of the Week in most sports, as well as several other sport-specific awards.
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COMPETITION SITES
Baseball Dozer Park Men’s Basketball Civic Center-Carver Arena Women’s Basketball Renaissance Coliseum Men’s Cross Country Newman Golf Course/Detweiler Park Women’s Cross Country/Track Newman Golf Course/Detweiler Park Men’s & Women’s Golf Coyote Creek Golf Club/Pine Lakes Golf Club Soccer Shea Stadium Softball Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Indoor - The Clubs at River City Men’s & Women’s Tennis Outdoor - David Markin Tennis Courts Volleyball Renaissance Coliseum
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT SENIOR STAFF
Dr. Chris Reynolds Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics 309-677-2670 Nathan Bramwell Associate AD for Marketing & Tickets 309-677-2623 Karen Carty Assistant AD for Marketing & Fan Engagement 309-677-4659 Bre Cross Director of Braves Club Membership & Events 309-677-2667 Craig Dahlquist Senior Associate AD for Finance & Administration 309-677-2673 Senior Associate AD for Academics & Student Jennifer Jones 309-677-2846 Development/Senior Woman Administrator Bobby Parker Associate AD for Communications & Operations 309-677-2624 Grant Escue Associate AD for Compliance 309-677-3801 Dr. Steve Tippett Faculty Athletics Representative 309-677-2855
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