HANDBOOK 2017-18 Alma Mater

PLAYing with a Purpose

STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2017-18 Alma Mater

Hail to thee our Alma Mater Colors Green and White MVSU our sons and daughters Always stand for right.

We will love and cherish thee Through all our lives Green and White we will honor Keeping standards high.

When the days of joy and laughter Fade upon our sight, We will love our Alma Mater Dear old Green and White.

Chorus

Grateful, loyal, true and faithful We will be true; May thy name be everlasting Dear old MVSU. STUDENT-ATHLETE AGREEMENT

I acknowledge that I have received a copy of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Student-Athlete Handbook and agree to abide by the policies, rules and regulations as written and established by MVSU, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

I understand that violations of MVSU Student Handbook, Student-Athlete Handbook, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and/or Student-Athlete Honor Code will result in sanctions from the coach, athletic administration or MVSU officials. Sanctions may include loss of playing time, loss of opportunity to dress for games or matches, suspension or dismissal from the team as well as loss or reduction of athletic financial aid.

I understand that athletic financial aid agreements are awarded on a year-to-year basis. Following the conclusion of an academic year athletic financial aid may or may not be renewed. Violations of the MVSU Student Handbook, Student-Athlete Handbook, Team Rules Handbook, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and/or Student-Athlete Honor Code are grounds for athletic financial aid cancellation or reduction.

I understand that to participate in intercollegiate athletics I must maintain academic eligibility per NCAA, SWAC and MVSU rules, including being a full-time student by being registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours each term; however, the Department of Athletics requires student-athletes to register for 15 credit hours to successfully complete a degree program in 4 years. I also understand that I must pass at least 6 credit hours in a term to be eligible the following term. As a football student-athlete, I must pass a minimum of 9 credit hours in the fall to avoid a 4-game suspension for the next season.

I understand that contents of the handbook, including schedules, policies, rules and regulations may change, but that I will be informed of such changes.

Print Name: ______Date: ______

Signature: ______Sport: ______

Sport: ______

Compliance: ______Date: ______

1 MVSU STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT The Department of Athletics is a longstanding and integral part of the University. Partici- pants of the athletic programs--students, coaches, and other faculty and staff (collectively “participants”) --are covered by the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to other members of the University community. In addition, these participants are subject to a wide variety of requirements promulgated by the University, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), sports’ organizations and federal/state government authorities (collectively “requirements”) designed to protect student-athletes, ensure the integrity of the athletic programs, and promote fair competition. The University is committed to full compliance with all of these requirements and will engage in extensive oversight, education, and training to ensure that all participants in the athletic programs understand and comply with them.

The University’s approach, however, reflects a deeper commitment to the spirit of fair, honest, skillful, and civil competition that these requirements are designed to facilitate. This Statement articulates the fundamental principles for the conduct of all student-athletes. This Statement does not replace or modify terms of the Code of Student Conduct, which apply with the conduct of all students of the University. Rather, it reaffirms the values that should permeate those programs and seeks to remind all student-athletes that conduct inconsistent with those values is not appropriate and cannot be tolerated.

1. Student-athletes should always conduct themselves so as to maintain the highest principles, integrity, and dignity of MVSU in particular and the sport in general. 2. The student-athlete should always adhere to the spirit and letter of all rules established by the NCAA, MVSU, the SWAC, and the community at large. 3. The student-athlete will accept the authority of all game officials. At no time is it appropriate to demonstrably question the decisions and actions of game officials. 4. The student-athlete’s actions will never deliberately jeopardize the safety and well-being of opponents, teammates, officials, or spectators. 5. The student-athlete realizes that a change in their amateur status can occur if they accept payment for using their skill for pay; agree to a professional contract, or play/tryout for a professional team. Any such violation should be immediately reported to the Director of Compliance. 6. The student-athlete will accept that their academic responsibilities supersede their athletic responsibilities. 7. Violation of this code will result in suspension, dismissal, expulsion, and/or fines assessed by the NCAA and SWAC. All fines assessed to the University for a student-athletes’ non-compliance of NCAA and SWAC rules and regulations will be billed and appear on the student’s account at the University for re-payment (i.e., unsportsmanlike conduct).

Your signature indicates that you have read and will uphold MVSU Student-Athletic Code of Conduct and realize that failure to adhere to the Code can result in NCAA, SWAC and University penalties.

______Print Name Signature Date

2 MVSU ANTI-HAZING POLICY MVSU and the Department of Athletics define hazing as any action or activity that recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of a person, or that violates the dignity of another person. Hazing is further defined as any activity that is expected of someone to join a team or group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of intention or willingness to participate. Initiation activities and initiation parties fall into this category.

Hazing is prohibited in the State of Mississippi and any person who causes or participates in hazing commits a misdemeanor [M.S.] § 97-3-105. The enforcement of the anti-hazing policy will prevail regardless of whether it is conducted on or off the campus premises.

The following are disciplinary actions for any and all acts of hazing: 1. University Judicial Hearing; 2. Suspension, probation, or expulsion from team and or University; 3. Withholding of degree and/or transcripts; 4. Contest and/or season may be cancelled; 5. Team disbanded; 6. Financial penalties; 7. Prosecution; and/or 8. A combination of above.

Hazing policies apply to all members of the Department of Athletics and MVSU Community. Student-athletes are expected to report incidents of hazing to: 1. Dr. Abigail Newsome, Faculty Athletic Representative; 2. K. Renia Edwards, Sr. Associate AD for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA; or 3. Dianthia Ford-Kee, Director of Athletics 4. Raynaldo Gillus, Dean of Students

I have read the policy about hazing and understand the following:

(Initial) �� I will be held accountable for the Hazing Policy and Student-Athlete Code of Conduct as established by the Department of Athletics pertaining to hazing. (Initial) �� I agree and promise not to participate in any activity deemed to be hazing. I have read the State of Mississippi Hazing Law and understand the consequences for participating in any form of hazing activity. (Initial) �� I understand that if I am in violation of this policy I will be subject to disciplinary actions that may include, but is not limited to, Departmental and/or University sanctions and penalties such as probation, suspension, or expulsion from the team and/or University. In addition, I am aware that the team may be subject to group disciplinary actions that can include, but not limited to, cancellation of contests and/or cancellation of the entire season or team disbanded. I also understand that financial penalties and withholding of my degree and/or transcripts if I am in violation of this policy.

3 I understand that I am required to know, understand and follow the rules, policies and procedures related to hazing as established by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and MVSU. I understand that I must read and sign the Anti-Hazing Policy document provided by the Department of Athletics on an annual basis to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team (s).

______Sport(s)

______Print Name

______Signature of Student-Athlete

______Date

4 MVSU STUDENT-ATHLETE HONOR CODE The Department of Athletics and MVSU is committed to providing opportunities that promote the overall success of student-athletes and their general well-being. Therefore; MVSU & Departmental policies are established to promote a positive and safe learning environment. As a student-athlete, you are responsible for your actions (positive or negative) and will be held accountable accordingly.

Various officials of MVSU enforce the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct (Appendix A). These officials include, but are not limited to: The President and his Executive Cabinet, Department of Athletics Staff, Residence Life Directors, faculty and other authorities of the University.

Like all students who attend MVSU, you are expected to obey the rules and policies established in the MVSU Student Handbook. You are subject to penalties for non-compliance. MVSU has the right to impose penalties separate from those that might be imposed by the judicial system. MVSU penalties range from reprimand to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense.

Remember you are a member of the MVSU community, which resides by neighboring communities (Itta Bena, Greenwood, and Indianola). It is essential that you act in a responsible manner to obtain maximum results from your collegiate experience. Your personal conduct should demonstrate good judgment and ethical behavior. Refrain from engaging or participating in activities that do not represent a positive image of yourself or MVSU always, during and after your seasons ends. You are expected to conduct yourself both on and off campus in a manner that brings credit to MVSU and your team. You should establish sound objectives and priorities, exercise self-discipline and budget your time wisely. Remember you will be held accountable for your actions. Therefore, it is your obligation to respect and obey the policies, rules and laws established by MVSU and the neighboring communities.

It is expected that student-athletes shall conduct themselves as positive role models and will represent MVSU in a manner that exhibits the principles of sportsmanship. Conduct of student-athletes immediately preceding, during and following athletic events is: 1. exhibiting respect and courtesy towards all participants, including the coaches, student-athletes and officials; 2. exercising restraint in your actions, both physical and verbal, toward other participants, teammates, officials and coaches; 3. commenting about other institutions, coaches and student-athletes in a positive manner; and 4. refraining from making public comments critical of officials or the quality of their work.

Your signature indicates that you have read and will uphold MVSU Student-Athlete Honor Code and realize that failure to adhere to the Code can result in NCAA, SWAC and University penalties.

______Print Name Signature Date

5 6 Mississippi Valley State University

2017-2018 Student-Athlete Handbook

Property of:______Address:______Phone #:______Email:______In case of emergency, please notify: Name:______Phone #:______

The information in this book was the best available at press time. Watch for additional information and changes.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without getting prior written permission of the publisher. ©2017. SDI Innovations. All Rights Reserved.

2880 U.S. Hwy. 231 S. • Lafayette, IN 47909 • 765.471.8883 http://www.schooldatebooks.com • [email protected] 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter From the President...... 10 Procedures for Awarding Letter From the Directors of Athletics...... 11 Athletic-Related Financial Aid...... 22 Refunds Resulting From Athletic Athletic Acronyms...... 12 Financial Aid...... 22 Introduction...... 12 Fifth Year Student-Athletes...... 22 Purpose of This Handbook...... 12 MVSU Work-Aid/Work Assignments...... 22 General Information - Mississippi Valley NCAA Division I Degree Completion State University...... 12 Awards...... 23 Sponsored Sports...... 12 Other Grants and Scholarships...... 23 History of MVSU Athletics...... 13 Renewals and Non-Renewals...... 23 The Delta Devils and Devilettes...... 13 Athletic Financial Aid Appeal Policy...... 23 Southwestern Athletic Conference Athletic Financial Aid Appeals (AFAA) (SWAC)...... 13 Committee...... 24 Southwestern Athletic Conference...... 13 Procedures...... 24 Athletic Director Awards...... 14 Procedure for Reductions and President’s Award of Academic Non-Renewal of Athletic Excellence...... 14 Financial Aid...... 25 SWAC/NCAA/Other Awards...... 14 Athletic Compliance...... 26 2016-17 Year End Sports Review...... 15 Athletic Eligibility...... 26 Football...... 15 Amateurism...... 26 Volleyball...... 15 Gambling...... 27 Women’s Soccer...... 15 Agents...... 27 Cross Country...... 15 Countable Athletically Related Activity....27 Women’s Basketball...... 16 Transfer Policies...... 28 Men’s Basketball...... 16 Transfer Out of MVSU Policy...... 28 Indoor Track & Field...... 16 Process to Appeal Denial...... 28 Baseball...... 16 Transfer Out of MVSU to SWAC Outdoor Track & Field...... 17 Institution...... 29 Softball...... 17 Exit Interviews...... 29 Tennis...... 17 Transfer to MVSU...... 29 Cheerleaders...... 17 Seasons of Competition...... 30 Mississippi Valley State University Ten-Semester/15 Quarter Rule...... 30 Department of Athletics...... 18 Academic Commitment...... 30 Mission Statement...... 18 Athletic Schedules/Missed Class Time...... 30 Goals...... 18 Class Attendance...... 30 Philosophy...... 18 Class Attendance Policy...... 30 Core Values...... 18 Official University Excuse...... 31 Student-Athlete Code of Conduct...... 19 Athletic Academic Eligibility...... 32 Hazing...... 19 Full-Time Enrollment (12 Hour Rule)...... 32 Sexual Harassment...... 20 Declaring a Major...... 32 Student-Athlete Honor Code...... 20 Schedule Adjustments...... 32 MVSU Policies and Procedures on Adding a Course...... 32 Cheating and Plagiarism...... 20 Dropping a Course...... 32 Student-Athlete Grievance Procedure...... 21 Initial Eligibility - Freshmen...... 32 Division I Initial Eligibility Requirements.... 33 Athletic Financial Aid Policies...... 21 Continuing Eligibility Financial Aid Policies/Procedures for - Academic Progress...... 33 Awarding Athletic-Related Six Hours or Nine Hours Earned Financial Aid...... 21 (Six/Nine Hour Rule)...... 34 Athletic Financial Aid Process...... 21 Academic Yearly Progress (18 Hour & 24 Hour Rules)...... 34 8 Progress-Towards-Degree Conditioning and Training...... 45 (40/60/80 Rule)...... 34 Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Policies...... 46 Minimum Grade Point Average...... 34 NCAA and MVSU Department of Summer Course Work...... 35 Athletics Drug Policy...... 46 Spirit Groups, Team Managers Volunteers, NCAA Banned-Drug Classes...... 46 and Work Study Students...... 35 Media Relations...... 47 Athletic Academic Support Services...... 36 Policy on Student-Athlete Social University College...... 36 Networking and Media Use...... 48 First Year Experience (FYE)...... 36 Guidelines...... 48 Early Monitoring Alert Program (EMAP).... 36 Monitoring and Consequences...... 48 Services for Students with Disabilities...... 37 Promotional/Charitable Appearance...... 49 Tutoring...... 37 NCAA Permissible Benefits...... 49 Tutorial Services...... 37 Athletic Awards...... 49 Tutors...... 37 Athletic Graduation Award...... 51 Appointments...... 37 Occasional Meal...... 51 Tutoring “No Show” Policy...... 38 Occasional Ride...... 51 Academic Advising...... 38 Complimentary Tickets...... 52 Academic Advisors...... 38 NCAA Non-Permissible Benefits...... 52 Athletic Academic Counselor...... 38 University Housing & Meal Plan...... 53 Web Registration Instruction...... 38 Schedule Changes - Drop/Add...... 39 Appearance...... 53 Individual Conference...... 39 Athletic Facilities...... 53 Academic Monitoring...... 39 Athletic Equipment & Apparel...... 53 Academic Progress Reports...... 39 Study Table...... 39 Athletic Staff Directory...... 54 Study Table Policy...... 39 Campus Departments...... 56 Procedure...... 39 Appendix A - MVSU Student-Athlete Study Table Conduct Policy...... 40 Code of Conduct...... 57 Consequences of Violations...... 40 Appendix B - MVSU Anti-Hazing Policy.....58 Study Table Forgiveness Policy...... 41 Appendix C - MVSU Student-Athlete Student-Athlete Affairs/Life Skills Program..... 41 Honor Code...... 60 Office of Career Development...... 41 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship/ Appendix D - MVSU Athletic Financial Internship Programs...... 41 Aid Agreement...... 61 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Appendix E - NCAA Countable (SAAC)...... 42 Athletically Related Activites...... 64 Sports Medicine...... 42 Appendix F - Parent Health Insurance Medical Care...... 42 Information...... 65 Hours of Operation - R.W. Harrision Appendix G - Student-Athlete Agreement.....67 HPER Complex & Devils Den...... 42 Athletic Training Room Rules...... 43 Physical Examination...... 43 Open Try-Outs...... 43 Evaluation of Injury and Illness...... 43 Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation...... 44 Medical Expenses...... 44 Injury and Illness Verification Forms...... 44 Dental Care...... 44 Optical Care/Prescription Drugs...... 44 Insurance Coverage...... 44 Health Policies...... 45

9 Greetings Student-Athletes,

I am extremely proud, honored and blessed to be the Acting President of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). It is my sincere desire and commitment to move The Valley forward as we endeavor to fulfill our vision of One Goal • One Team • One Valley, and yes, indeed, Valley’s In Motion.

The One Goal is Student Success, a laser-like focus on put- ting students first and foremost. The One Team is University and Community Stakeholders working together so that The Valley thrives, and not just survive. And the One Valley is School Pride Second to None!

When we say “Valley In Motion”, we are referring to the recent good news that our university can speak to, such as; enrollment growth, financial stability, and establishing new academic programs. These successes show that our university is moving in the right direction and we will continue to capitalize on our momentum.

Athletics is a vital part of the MVSU experience given that almost 20% of our undergraduate students are student-athletes. As an avid Valley sports fan, I understand the amount of time and effort that you put into your individual sports teams and the commitment you make to this University. During my time, thus far at MVSU, I have supported our Department of Athletics staff, coaches and student-athletes to the best of my ability given our current resources. I pledge to you that I will continue to work with our Athletic Director and MVSU Friends of Athletics to provide more resources each and every year I am here so that we can annually enhance our student-athlete experience.

As a student-athlete, I ask that you be leaders on campus and help set the tone for the entire University and student body. I look forward to attending your games and meets and continuing to be a true supporter of Athletics on this campus.

Until we meet, I pray for peace and continued blessings.

Valley In Motion

Jerryl Briggs, Ed.D. Acting President

10 Dear Student-Athletes:

Welcome to the 2017-18 Academic Year. The staff and I are excited to welcome each of you back to our beautiful campus. So many great things are happening at The Valley. We returned to the R.W. Harrison HPRE Complex with exciting basketball and volleyball in front of our home crowd. We will complete the renovations of the Devil’s Den which will provide academic study space for our football team along with a new look in the facility.

To our new student-athletes, we look forward to working with you on and off the playing surface. The teams you will join are rich in athletic traditions. We believe your decision to attend MVSU and participate in our athletics program will add to those traditions. You have a bright future ahead of you if you are focused and committed to hard work in the classroom and in competition. We look forward to you continuing the legacy of excellence in athletics.

Returning students, you all have reached new milestones and we are sure you are excited about what lies ahead during the 2017-18 athletic season. You continue to raise the bar in our pursuit of building a premier NCAA Division I FCS athletics program. In building on this legacy, take a new student-athlete under your wings to assist them in adapting to collegiate life and their new-found independence. You must model the way.

We do not want our athletes on the cutting edge; we want you to cut the edge! Therefore, our staff is prepared to assist each of you to reach your goals as a student and athlete. We will seek to CHAMPION you in the classroom and in competition.

We challenge each of you to take your academic responsibilities seriously and develop good study habits. We encourage you to develop good relationships with your professors and your fellow classmates that will foster the academic ties needed to be successful here at MVSU. Take advantage of all the academic support services available to you (study table, study groups, and tutorials). It is through this network you will maintain academic success. The athletic administrative staff and the faculty are here to assist you in meeting your academic goals, exploring your career options and guiding you towards your PURPOSE for attending MVSU, your undergraduate degree.

Remember, as a student-athlete you are an ambassador for MVSU and the Department of Athletics. Much more will be expected of you than is expected of other students. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you think before you act and take serious the honor of being a MVSU student and athlete.

In closing, read the Student-Athlete Handbook. This handbook provides guidance for your success as a student and athlete. We are committed to your well-being and are here to assist you in achieving the goals you have set as a Student First.

ONE TEAM • ONE DREAM PLAYING WITH A PURPOSE

Dianthia Ford-Kee Director of Athletics

#UrPurposeMattersMvsuSports

11 ATHLETIC ACRONYMS AD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SWA SENIOR WOMAN ADMINISTRATOR FAR FACULTY ATHLETIC REPRESENTATIVE SID SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR SAAC STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SWAC SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE NCAA NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a time-management tool and a resource guide for student-athletes at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU). In providing you the support necessary to succeed at MVSU, it is the Department of Athletics’ intention to adhere, both in principle and in fact, to the rules and regulations of MVSU, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This handbook will provide contact information for various departments on campus, a summary of NCAA rules concerning eligibility, expectations of student-athletes, University important dates, and sports schedules. Make sure to take advantage of this resource. GENERAL INFORMATION – MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY Founded: 1950 Address: 14000 Hwy 82 West MVSU 7246 Itta Bena, MS 38941 Nickname: Delta Devils/Devilettes Colors: Forest Green and White Athletic Affiliations: NCAA Division I - www.ncaa.org Conference: SWAC - www.swac.org Eastern Division Department of Athletics Phone: 662-254-3550 Department of Athletics Fax: 662-254-3639 Department of Athletics website: www.mvsusports.com SPONSORED SPORTS The Mississippi Valley State University competes in the following varsity sports: Women’s Sports Men’s Sports Basketball Baseball Cross Country Basketball Indoor Track & Field Cross Country Outdoor Track & Field Football Soccer Indoor Track & Field Softball Outdoor Track & Field Tennis Tennis Volleyball

12 HISTORY OF MVSU ATHLETICS Intercollegiate athletics at MVSU began in the fall of 1953 with three sports: Basketball, Baseball and Football. Over the years, Women’s Basketball, Tennis, Cross Country, Softball, Volleyball and Track were added. In 1975, the University competed at the NAIA level, while moving to Division I in 1981. The move to Division I began in 1981 with full membership approval in 1982. We currently sponsor 15 sports which consist of seven men’s and eight women’s team. Another moment in MVSU Sports History the Men’s Track and Field Team, under the guided eyes of Head Coach William Brown and his Assistant Coach Charles Barron, have accumulated two National NAIA Championships in the 1980’s. During the period of Archie Cooley, MVSU football team was nationally recognized for its point a minute offense. Jerry “World” Rice, who was a member of the famous 1984 football team and became the first MVSU athlete to be drafted by the National Football League in the first round (1985). THE DELTA DEVILS AND DEVILETTES In the early 1950’s, Dr. Cleotha Hatcher, Athletic Director and Head Football Coach are credited with giving Mississippi Vocational College (MVC) their nickname and mascot. The original concept of the nickname was in a conversation with founder Dr. J.H. White (MVC’s First President), Coach Hatcher said, “Dr. White told me on a very hot day to come up with a mascot and a nickname for MVC. I said to him, “It’s Hot as the devil today.” That’s where the Devils came into the picture. The Devils got the prefix “Delta” from Mississippi Vocational Delta location; and besides, Delta Devils has a good ring to it. Since that time, MVSU has been honored by such publications as USA Today and Sports Illustrated for having an ordained minister serving as their mascot. GO DEVILS! SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SWAC) Member institutions include (by Division): Eastern Western Alabama A&M University Grambling State University Alabama State University Prairie View A&M University Alcorn State University Southern University Jackson State University Texas Southern University Mississippi Valley State University University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE In 1920, eight men representing six colleges from the state of Texas met to discuss collegiate athletics and the many challenges that face their respective institutions. By the time the session in Houston had concluded, they had founded an athletic league that has slowly became one of the leading sports associations in the world of collegiate athletics, the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The founding fathers of the original “Super Six” were C.H. Fuller of Bishop Col- lege, Red Randolph and C.H. Patterson of Paul Quinn, E.G. Evans, H.J. Evans and H.J. Starns of Prairie View A&M, D.C. Fuller of Texas College and G. Whitte Jordan of Wiley College.

13 ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AWARDS Male/Female Rookie of the Year Stephany Adomako (Soccer) John Akakeya (Men’s Track and Field) Sportsmanship Award Ashley Beals (Women’s Basketball) Brandon McCall (Men’s Track and Field) Male/Female Athlete of the Year Laadi Issaka (Soccer) Isaac Williams (Men’s Basketball) Highest Team GPA Women’s Soccer Men’s Cross Country PRESIDENT’S AWARD OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Male/Female Highest GPA Heather Craddock (Soccer), Stormy Green (Women’s Basketball) & Laadi Issaka (Soccer) Eric Berry (Football) SWAC/NCAA/OTHER AWARDS

2016 Co-Offensive Player of the Year/ 1st Team All SWAC/NCAA Statistical Laadi Issaka Soccer Champion for Points Per Game and Goals Per Game

Scholasticah Kemei Women’s Cross Country 1st Team All SWAC

Derica Pitters Women’s Cross Country 2nd Team All SWAC

Aaron Albert Men’s Cross Country 1st Team All SWAC

John Akakeya Men’s Cross Country 1st Team All SWAC

Ashley Beals Women’s Basketball 1st Team All SWAC/Freshman of Year

Rebekah Clinton Softball 2nd Team All SWAC

Marcus Romain Men’s Basketball 1st Team All SWAC

14 2016-17 YEAR END SPORTS REVIEW FOOTBALL The 2016 Delta Devils finished the season with 172 first downs – 117 passing and 35 rushing. MVSU’s passing game soared, completing the season with 2451 passing yards. With several players receiving controlling the pace of the game, the quarterbacks finished 392-219-19, averaging 222.82 yards per game. Charlie Crenshaw concluded his junior year with 84 net yards rushing. Senior Khalil Young paced the defensive attack with 69 total tackles – 33 solo, 8.0 tackle for a loss of 43 yards, 4.0 sacks for 40 yards, three breakups, two quarterback hurries, and five forced fumbles.

VOLLEYBALL Kalin Barnes paced the team with 91 sets played, 239.5 points, 222 kills, 19 assists and 14 service aces, while Cynthia Richardson tallied 206.0 points, 167 kills and five assists in 93 sets played to pace the Devilettes. Richardson provided leadership both on and off the court as the only senior on the team during the 2016 campaign. Brianna Watkins served up 14 service aces. WOMEN’S SOCCER Soccer continues to make great strides and the awards continue to pour in. Laadi Issaka was named 2016 Co-Offensive Player of the Year in route to making MVSU soccer history. Issaka is the first Devilette in history to finish first in multiple categories in the national rankings, back-to-back seasons. She is the 2016-17 NCAA Division I statistical champion for Points Per Game and Goals Per Game. She tallied 19 goals and three assists during the season. MVSU entered the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament ranked fifth. Mariana Balbao, a 2017 graduate, completed the season with four goals and five assists. CROSS COUNTRY Women’s Cross Country finished second overall. Scholasticah Kemei finished second overall and first for the Devilettes, while the men finished sixth in the SWAC Championship. Aaron Albert and John Akakeya were named to the All-SWAC First Team. Kemei (first) and Derica Pitters (second) were each named to the All-SWAC Cross Country teams.

15 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Ashley Beals was named SWAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for her athletic showmanship three weeks during the 2016-17 season. Christina Reed, a senior, was named SWAC Player of the Week once. Beals was also named to the 2016-17 All-SWAC First Team. Beals and Reed became the seventh active duo in the nation to reach 1000 career points. Beals finished her career with 1,521 points and 884 rebounds. Kenya Hailey finished an illustrious career at MVSU with 263-points, 120-rebounds, 47 assists and 17 blocks. MEN’S BASKETBALL Marcus Romain was named to the 2016-17 All SWAC First Team and to the Boxtorow Division I All-America team. Isaac Williams reached the 1000 career points milestone, finishing his three-year career at MVSU with 1,156 points. Ta’Jay Henry was named SWAC Player of the Week for his performance the week of January 24, 2017. Henry finished the season with 223 points after appearing in 21 contests for the Delta Devils. Amos Given made his presence known for the Delta Devils, scoring 131 points. He also pulled down 67 rebounds. INDOOR TRACK & FIELD When Mississippi Valley traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, to compete in the Vulcan Invitational early in the season, Derris Cleaver took the top finish in the 200m run with a time of 22.53. Scho- lasticah Kemei cracked the top 10 with a time of 19:41.94 in the 5000m run (Vulcan Invitational). John Akakeya took third place in the one mile run for the Delta Devils at the Indoor SWAC Championship; while Cleaver finished in fourth with a time of 6.89. The Devilettes recorded a fourth-place finish at the 2017 Indoor SWAC Championship. Kemei was named Co-Most Outstanding Women’s Track Performer. Kemei placed first in the 5,000 and 3,000 meter runs. BASEBALL The Delta Devils upset the Red Wolves of Arkansas State University 10-9 during the season. They also won their series against the Bulldogs of Alabama A & M University, in Huntsville, Alabama. Aaron Barkley recorded a .314 average in 34 appearances for the Delta Devils. He tallied 27 hits and eight runs. Alex Bravo was no stranger to the MVSU fans as he played in 31 contests. Bravo rotated position, one of which was pitcher. In the batter’s box, he recorded 22 hits, nine runs, one double, and one homerun.

16 OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The 2016 Outdoor Track and Field season started with a bang for the Delta Devils and Devilettes, when they traveled to Clinton, Mississippi, to compete in the Mississippi College Invitational. In the 200m, Najee Green outpaced everyone for a first-place finish (24.94). In the 1500m run, Scolasticah Kemei finished in second with a time of 4:53.51. Ki’ana Thomas raced to a first-place finish in the 400m hurdles with a time of 1:01.82. Green finished in fourth in the 200m and third in the 400m dash at the Outdoor SWAC Championship. Kemei finished in third in the 1500m run and took the top place in the 5000m with a time of 19:02.56. Derris Cleaver finished in first with a time of 10.74 in the 100 meters’ final at the Mississippi College Invitational, starting the outdoor season, in a grand fashion. In the 200m, Reid finished first with a time of 21.76. John Akakeya finished in third in the 1500m run, while Timothy Misoy took fifth in the 5000m at the SWAC Outdoor Championship. SOFTBALL It was a historic season for the Devilettes, as they propelled Head Coach Lee Smith into Mississippi Valley State history as the winningest coach with record with 381 victories. MVSU defeated Coppin State in the second game of the season 7-3 and won their series over Alcorn State University. Rebekah Clinton was named 2nd Team All-SWAC. Holly Brown finished her tenure as a Devilette with 25 runs on 44 hits and 13 RBIs for a .371 slugging percentage. She also had a .857 fielding percentage. Returning catcher Alexandra Dobbins finished the season with .914 fielding percentage. TENNIS The Department of Athletics breathed new life into the tennis program. Head Coach Riley Murry and his dynamic team of men and women started the season with a win over Rust College. With individual achievements from Shaneka Hubbard, Rita Gyasi and Mariana Balboa, the tennis program experienced superseded expectations for the first year back. On the men’s side, Roderious Turner, John Sansing, and James Johnson performed with fluid motions, dishing out unreturnable balls. CHEERLEADERS The MVSU cheerleaders provided the Delta Devils and Devilettes with innovative cheers and first-class fans at home and on the road. Football and Men and Women’s Basketball benefited from the squad being on the sideline. The squad did not have any seniors so the leadership returning will be an added bonus. From the first practice through the last game at the SWAC Tournament, the MVSU Cheerleaders supported our teams.

17 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) considers athletics as an integral part of the University. The Department of Athletics strives to sponsor athletic programs that exemplify the same standard of excellence that exist in its academic, research, and public service programs. The Department of Athletics is committed to sponsoring a diverse, inclusive and equitable athletics program within the guidelines of its governing bodies embracing the concept that the student is first and foremost a student possessing individual rights as the general student body. GOALS 1. To recruit student-athletes that demonstrate they are academically prepared for the University experience. 2. To maintain a student-athlete retention and graduation rate equal to, or better, than the general student body. 3. To conduct an intercollegiate athletics program with the highest ethical standards and sportsmanship. 4. To subscribe to fair and equitable treatment of male and female student athletes, with regards to athletic financial aid, resources and opportunities. 5. To maintain facilities and medical personnel that will enhance the physical fitness and skill sets of the student-athlete as well as improve injury and illness recovery time. 6. To encourage and promote diversity and inclusion amongst our staff and student-athletes and to provide an environment for understanding of, respect for, and sensitivity to all. 7. To market the University through athletic competition while maintaining a strong commitment to its established compliance policies and procedures, rules and regulations. 8. To be committed to a philosophy of firm institutional control of athletics, and to the academic and financial integrity of our athletics program. 9. To employ coaches and administrative staff who are high performing professionals with a commitment to excellence in the education community through sport. 10. To provide support services to our student-athletes to reach their fullest potential in academics and sport. PHILOSOPHY Success of the MVSU Department of Athletics is assessed in part by the matriculation of the student-athlete from initial enrollment through graduation. Secondly, success is measured though accolades bestowed upon our student-athletes, staff and programs. The University is committed to governing policies of the NCAA and SWAC as it relates to maintaining institutional control of the athletics program. All athletic booster organizations, alums, and other representative of athletic interest are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations established by the NCAA, SWAC and University as it relates to the delivery of the athletics program. CORE VALUES 1. Service to our Students-Athletes, University, Community and Donors. 2. Winning with Sportsmanship and Valley Pride - Second to None. 3. Accountable for Student-Athlete Academic Success and Graduation. 4. Commitment to the Ethical Standards of all Governing Bodies.

18 STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT The Department of Athletics and MVSU is committed to providing opportunities that promote the overall success of student-athletes and their general well-being. Therefore; MVSU & Departmental policies are established to promote a positive and safe learning environment. As a student-athlete, you are responsible for your actions (positive or negative) and will be held accountable accordingly. Various officials of MVSU enforce the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct (Appendix A). These officials include, but are not limited to: The President and his Executive Cabinet, Department of Athletics Staff, Residence Life Directors, faculty and other authorities of the University. Like all students who attend MVSU, you are expected to obey the rules and policies established in the MVSU Student Handbook. You are subject to penalties for non-compliance. MVSU has the right to impose penalties separate from those that might be imposed by the judicial system. MVSU penalties range from reprimand to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. Remember you are a member of the MVSU community, which resides by neighboring communities (Itta Bena, Greenwood, and Indianola). It is essential that you act in a responsible manner to obtain maximum results from your collegiate experience. Your personal conduct should demonstrate good judgment and ethical behavior. Refrain from engaging or participating in activities that do not represent a positive image of yourself or MVSU always, during and after your seasons ends. You are expected to conduct yourself both on and off campus in a manner that brings credit to MVSU and your team. You should establish sound objectives and priorities, exercise self-discipline and budget your time wisely. Remember you will be held accountable for your actions. Therefore, it is your obligation to respect and obey the policies, rules and laws established by MVSU and the neighboring communities. It is expected that student-athletes shall conduct themselves as positive role models and will represent MVSU in a manner that exhibits the principles of sportsmanship. Conduct of student-athletes immediately preceding, during and following athletic events is: 1. exhibiting respect and courtesy towards all participants, including the coaches, student- athletes and officials; 2. exercising restraint in your actions, both physical and verbal, toward other participants, teammates, officials and coaches; 3. commenting about other institutions, coaches and student-athletes in a positive manner; and 4. refraining from making public comments critical of officials or the quality of their work. Failure to comply with the above may result in suspension, dismissal, expulsion and/or fines assessed by the NCAA, SWAC and/or MVSU. Fines assessed to the University for a student-athletes’ non-compliance of NCAA and SWAC rules and regulations will be billed to the student-athlete (i.e., unsportsmanlike conduct). Failure to pay the fine will result in suspension or dismissal from the team. HAZING MVSU has a zero-tolerance policy on hazing, and the consequences of such acts can be severe. Hazing is a fundamental violation of human dignity. Participation in hazing activities may lead to the individual and/or team disciplinary action as well as termination of the team or student group (athletic organizations and/or spirit groups, etc.). (Appendix B) 19 SEXUAL HARASSMENT The MVSU community will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, abuse, or other behaviors that offend the dignity of any human being of that undermine the integrity of the values of the institution. All students and guests are subject to and responsible for complying with the University’s Sexual Harassment policy. Sexual Harassment is unacceptable at MVSU and may be subject to disciplinary action. The intimidation, harassment, or abuse of any person based on gender or sexual orientation is a violation of the fundamental principles of the University community. The issue in sexual harassment is not sexual practices in themselves, but coercion and the inappropriate use of power. Students who believe that they have been sexually harassed in an employment or an academic setting should refer to the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment. For additional information regarding Sexual Harassment, refer to the policy on Sexual Harassment in the Anti-Harassment Policy Section of the MVSU Student Handbook. Complete copies of the University’s Policy on Sexual Harassment can be obtained at the Office of Human Resources, Office and Dean of Students, Student Government Association, University Health Services, and other areas that maintain copies of the official University Policy Manual. STUDENT-ATHLETE HONOR CODE The Student-Athlete Honor Code is to protect the academic integrity of MVSU, to encourage consistent ethical behavior among student-athletes and foster a climate of fair competition. While a student-athlete’s commitment to honesty and personal integrity is assumed and expected, this Code is intended to provide an added measure of assurance that is fulfilling the MVSU requirements. The student-athlete will never engage in cheating, collusion, falsification, plagiarism, and misrepresentation of experimental data or other deception regarding the true nature of the materials presented. Each student-athlete is responsible for completing the academic requirements of each course in the manner indicated by the faculty member’s course syllabus. All students are subject to severe disciplinary action for academic dishonesty. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to read, understand and uphold the Student-Athlete Honor Code (Appendix C). MVSU POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM When a faculty member, responsible for a course, has reason to believe that an action of a student falls within one or both definitions, the faculty member should initiate a conference with the student to present the student with the charge and the evidence. If the student admits to the wrongdoing, the instructor shall impose an academic sanction. The instructor has the prerogative of lowering the grade, assigning a grade of “0” or “F” for the work submitted, assigning a “F” for the entire course, or recommending another penalty, including dismissal from the University. In the advent that the student does not admit wrongdoing or that no mutu- ally agreeable settlement is reached as a result of the faculty-student conference, the faculty member will consult the department chair. (MVSU Student Handbook) Any breach of this policy that results in the alteration or falsification of transcript or academic record that leads to erroneous declaration of eligibility can be considered an NCAA Academic Misconduct Violation. Please see the Office of Compliance for further information.

20 STUDENT-ATHLETE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE If a student-athlete has an issue, grievance or complaint concerning his or her personal rights or team rules, the Department of Athletics has established the following protocol: Team rules and/or team issues, grievance or complaint: 1. Discuss the issue with your team captain; 2. If the issue is not resolved, meet with the head coach; or 3. If the issue continues to be unresolved, contact a member of the Athletic Administrative Team (Director of Athletics, Faculty Athletic Representative, or Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator) in person and in writing. All other athletic/personal issues, grievance or complaints: 1. Contact a member of the Athletic Administrative Team in person and in writing; 2. The Athletic Administrative Team or member will listen to the issue, investigate the facts surrounding the issue and attempt to objectively make recommendations to resolve the issue; 3. The Athletic Administrative Team or member will remain impartial and consider the rights and interests of all parties concerned and advocate for a fair resolution; 4. The issues presented will remain confidential (if requested by the student-athlete); and 5. The final resolutions will be represented in writing to all parties involved. The Athletic Administrative Team or member will encourage student-athletes to follow the proper protocol at all times in order to ensure all parties have been given due process to resolve the issue, grievance or complaint prior to their involvement. ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID POLICIES Financial Aid at MVSU consists of scholarships, grants, loans and work-study awarded singly or in the form of a “package” to meet a student’s financial need. The financial aid program is designed to provide financial assistance to qualified and deserving students who, without it, would not be able to attend or remain in school. FINANCIAL AID POLICIES/PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING ATHLETIC- RELATED FINANCIAL AID An award of athletic financial aid is a commitment from to a prospective student-athlete or returning student-athlete that contractually binds the institution in providing resources to assist in paying for the student’s education while they participate in the athletic program at MVSU. As such, no coach will commit the institution to any agreement without the execution of the required documents to ensure each prospective student-athlete or returning athlete has met NCAA, SWAC and MVSU compliance to compete. All recruited student-athletes must complete an Athletic Financial Aid Commitment Form indicating any financial commitments promised during recruitment of the student-athlete or parents. All awards must meet the approval of the Director of Athletics and Director of Financial Aid. Guidelines have been established to protect the institution and the student-athlete in the awarding of Athletic Financial Aid. These guidelines are listed on the back of the “National Letter of Intent” and “MVSUs Athletic Financial Aid Agreement (Appendix D).” ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID PROCESS To be considered for any financial aid at MVSU, all students (including student-athletes) are required to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. The FAFSA application can be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To be eligible for an Athletic Financial Aid Agreement, continuing student-athletes must complete and submit all financial aid forms required by MVSUs Financial Aid Office on or before April 1st and “new students” March 1st. Forms and applications may be secured from the Financial Aid Office or online at www.mvsu.edu.

21 PROCEDURES FOR AWARDING ATHLETIC-RELATED FINANCIAL AID All documents required by the Financial Aid Office must be on file in the Financial Aid Office for a student to receive a Financial Aid Award Letter. If the student-athlete received a renewal letter, the amount awarded will be posted to the student-athletes Financial Aid Award Letter. If the Athletic Financial Aid Award exceeds the student’s need and/or financial aid budget or exceeds the cost of attendance, the Financial Aid Office will reduce the Athletic Financial Aid Award within the limits. It is permissible to award summer athletic financial aid if the student-athlete has not exceeded his/her financial aid budget. REFUNDS RESULTING FROM ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID In determining a student’s financial aid award, the University takes into consideration any funds that are available to cover the cost of the student’s education including financial assistance. It is the student’s obligation to report to the Financial Aid Office any outside funds that are awarded to the student through organizations unaffiliated with University financial resources (i.e., church scholarships, grants, stipend, work or change in financial condition that is not specifically listed on the original award notification) to insure the student is not over awarded. The University will adjust the student’s financial aid award, if funds received by outside sources exceed the student’s financial need or cost of attendance budget. The University will not allow refunds that result from athletic financial aid and/or University financial aid awards. All refunds to student-athletes who receive athletic financial aid must: (1) result from the student-athlete applying for and receiving a student loan or (2) be approved by the Director of Athletics to receive all or a portion of the federally awarded Pell Grant. FIFTH YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETES Student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility may be funded during their 5th- year of education at MVSU. Head coaches are to review their athletic financial aid funding to determine if resources will be available to assist those student-athletes who require a 5th year to meet graduation requirements. However, the student-athlete is required to have maintained good academic standing while attending MVSU. Listed below are alternatives in assisting the 5th year student-athlete. MVSU WORK-AID/WORK ASSIGNMENTS Student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and receive athletic related financial aid during their 5th year from MVSU within the normal academic year are required to fulfill a work assignment commensurate with the athletic financial aid received. This work assignment may be in the administrative area or with a sport team in the Department of Athletics. Coaches may request that certain 5th year seniors work with their sport. 22 NCAA DIVISION I DEGREE COMPLETION AWARDS MVSU athletic staff is committed to the educational pursuits of all student-athletes and will assist qualified student-athletes through the NCAA Division I Degree Completion Scholar- ship Application for funding to assist the student-athlete who has exhausted their athletic eligibility and require a 5th year to complete their undergraduate degree. The student-athlete must complete the application, meet all eligibility criteria, and submit the application by the requested deadline for consideration. The NCAA does not guarantee that each institution within the membership will be awarded a scholarship. Awards will not exceed a full athletic grant-in-aid (tuition, room and board, book and supply allowance as defined by the institution for NCAA student-athletes). OTHER GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Head coaches are encouraged to seek outside funding to supplement athletic financial aid equivalencies. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional assistance. RENEWALS AND NON-RENEWALS All student-athletes receiving athletic financial aid will receive an Athletic Financial Aid Agreement from the Office of Financial Aid stating the award amount and terms of the agreement. All athletic financial aid awards are awarded for a maximum period of one academic year or by semesters. Athletic financial aid awards are not guaranteed for four years. The head coach or, in the absence of a head coach, the Director of Athletics will make a recommendation to renew, increase, reduce and/or cancel an athletic financial aid award by June 1st, via correspondence by the Office of Financial Aid. The Office of Financial Aid will forward a correspondence to the student-athletes regarding their athletic financial aid status by July 1st. Upon receipt of this correspondence, all student-athletes will have the opportunity to appeal unfavorable renewals or non-renewals. Head coaches are encouraged to make renewal and non-renewal decisions in a matter that will allow the student-athlete the opportunity to seek out other opportunities to receive athletic aid from other colleges and universities. After each season, or sometime thereafter prior May 1st, head coaches will be asked to complete the Athletic Financial Aid Renewal/Nonrenewal/ Reduction Form that identifies all student-athletes on the sport team receiving athletic financial aid. If a coach decides to reduce or cancel a student-athlete’s award, the head coach is required to indicate the reason for the reduction or cancellation of the award. The Compliance Office and the Director of Athletics will review for final approval. This information will be provided to the Athletic Financial Aid (AFAA) Committee for review if a student-athlete requests an appeal of the coach’s decision to cancel or reduce the student-athlete’s athletic financial aid award. ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID APPEAL POLICY A student who wishes to appeal any decisions related to his or her athletic financial aid reduction or cancellation shall submit a written request to the Director of Financial Aid. The request should include the following information: 1. The student’s name, student MVSU ID number, year in school, and sport(s); 2. Type and amount of previous athletic financial aid; 3. Reasons for believing that the decision was unfair, including names of institutional staff members (e.g., coach, financial aid officer) with whom the student has discussed the aid; and 4. Copies of any relevant documents (e.g. letter regarding initial award of athletic financial aid). The student should submit these materials to the Financial Aid Office within 10 business days after the student receives notification that the athletic financial aid is being reduced or canceled. Please note: if the student is 18 years old, he or she is responsible for submitting the appeal letter under his or her signature. The student may request an in-person hearing before the committee. The appeal is reviewed by the committee, and its decision is final. There is no appeal beyond the AFAA Committee. The student receives a written response within two weeks after the AFAA Committee renders a decision. 23 ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID APPEALS (AFAA) COMMITTEE The AFAA Committee consists of two faculty members, Registrar, Director of Financial Aid, and Dean of Students. The chair is elected by the committee. PROCEDURES The student submits a request to the Financial Aid Office for a hearing before the AFAA Committee. A hearing is scheduled. The student-athlete, coach, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA, Faculty Athletic Representative and Director of Athletics will be notified of the time and place. Each side presents its arguments to the AFAA Committee. Within 10 business days, the Committee reaches a decision and sends it in writing to each party. The Committee’s decision is final. Or If the student chooses not to have an in-person hearing, the student submits a written appeal to the Financial Aid Office. The appeal includes the four items listed in the Athletic Financial Aid Appeal Policy above (student identifying information, type and amount of aid, reasons for appeal, and copies of relevant documents). The appeal is presented to the AFAA Committee for a decision. The Committee’s decision is final. One of two actions is taken: 1. If the AFAA Committee finds that the decision to reduce, cancel or not renew aid is not in violation of the rules, regulations or institutional policies and no extenuating circumstances are present, the appeal is immediately denied; or 2. If the AFAA committee finds that the decision to reduce, cancel or not renew aid is a violation of the rules, regulations and institutional policies, the appeal is immediately approved. The athletic financial aid award is then made available to the student providing all other eligibility criteria are met. In any case, the Chair of the AFAA Committee (or designee) notifies the student in writing no later than 10 business days after the final decision is rendered. If the student does not have an in-person hearing and wishes to discuss the result of the appeal, a meeting with the Chair or a designated member of the Committee is arranged.

24 PROCEDURE FOR REDUCTIONS AND NON-RENEWAL OF ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID Student-Athlete (SA) must be notified, by If SA wishes to exercise right to appeal per July 1 (NCAA Bylaw 15.3.7), of renewal, NCAA Bylaw 15.3.2.3: non-renewal, or reduction. If athletic aid is reduced or not renewed: ▼ ▼ Renewal, reduction or non-renewal is SA contacts the Director of Financial Aid, in given to the Office of Compliance by writing, to indicate desire to appeal decision head coach or the AD in the absence of and a right to a hearing. the head coach. ▼ ▼ Notification letter is generated and signed The appeal request can be faxed, (662) by the Director of Financial Aid. Letter 254-7900, or Emailed to the Director of indicates SA right to a formal hearing. Financial Aid. The request must include the reason(s) for the appeal. ▼ ▼ Signed letter sent by Director of Financial Director of Financial Aid notifies the AD, Aid to the SA via mail with a copy sent to SWA, FAR, and the head coach of the SA the head coach. request to appeal. ▼ ▼ Letter will indicate the time limitations The Director of Financial Aid will form a on the right to appeal to the Director of non-biased committee to review the appeal Financial Aid, ten (10) days from the and set a hearing date. receipt of the reduction or non-renewal. ▼ All parties will be notified of the hearing date and location by the Director of Financial Aid. ▼ Hearing information and summary is prepared by the Director of Financial Aid and distributed to the Committee members. ▼ SA hearing is conducted with final decision binding in regards to Financial Aid administered. The SA will be notified in writing within 10 business days after the decision is rendered.

25 ATHLETIC COMPLIANCE Athletic compliance is essential to assure that all student-athletes are afforded a well-rounded athletic experience. The objective of the Office of Compliance at MVSU is to inform student-athletes of the rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics to ensure that students-athletes will be well informed of their rights and responsibilities. This section will provide the student-athlete with basic knowledge of rules and regulation that govern participation in MVSU’s intercollegiate athletics program. Take time to read this section thoroughly. ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY A student’s eligibility to participate in the athletics program is governed by the rules and regulations established by the NCAA, SWAC and MVSU. Each body has its own governing standards, with the NCAA setting the minimum standards. It is imperative that student-athletes adhere to the rules and regulations established by these governing bodies to ensure opportunity to compete in a collegiate athletic program. Failure to abide by rules and regulations may result in indefinite loss of athletic eligibility, athletic financial aid and/or dismissal from the University. Any questions regarding the interpretation of NCAA, SWAC and MVSU rules and regulations that governs the intercollegiate athletics program, contact the Office of Compliance, Faculty Athletic Representative, Director of Athletics or by visiting the NCAA website (www.ncaa.org). AMATEURISM Only amateurs may participate in intercollegiate athletic programs. If it is found that you have been involved in any of the activities listed below, then you will lose your amateur status and be declared ineligible for further intercollegiate athletic competition. The NCAA requires all freshman and transfer student-athletes to complete amateurism questionnaire for each sport with the NCAA Eligibility Center. The following are NCAA guidelines for maintaining athletic amateur eligibility: Within your sport, you cannot: 1. Accept pay or promise of pay in any form for using athletic skills (directly or indirectly); 2. Sign a contract or commitment of any kind to play professional athletics; 3. Receive a salary, expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization; 4. Compete on any professional team, even if no pay is received; 5. Enter a professional draft or agreement with an agent; or 6. Participate on outside teams in your sport during the academic year. This includes exhibition or tournament games. In a sport, other than your own, you cannot: 1. Agree to have your picture or name used to promote a commercial product; 2. Accept such things as gifts, money, cars or loans from any individual other than your relatives; 3. Be represented by an agent or organization to market your skills or reputation; 4. Receive any benefit that is not available to other students at MVSU and is given to you because you are a student-athlete; 5. Participate in a summer league not approved by the NCAA. You must have written permission from the Director of Athletics or designee for summer league participation; or 6. Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional sport teams/athletes.

26 GAMBLING All gambling activities are prohibited to include any type of Fantasy Sports Gaming. It has been well publicized the occasions of student-athletes around the country becoming involved with organized gambling operations. Any student-athlete involved in any activities listed below will be subject to NCAA sanctions, which may include indefinite loss of athletic eligibility. Student-athletes shall not knowingly: 1. Participate or provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate or professional athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling; 2. Solicit a bet on any collegiate or professional sport team/athlete; 3. Accept a bet on any team/athlete representing MVSU; or 4. Solicit or accept a bet on any collegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has a tangible value. Remember, your participation in any gambling activity, even in the most minor fashion, may jeopardize your eligibility and/or your athletic career. If you are approached to be involved or know of anyone involved in organized gambling activities listed above, you are required to report these individuals to the Office of Compliance, Faculty Athletic Director or the Director of Athletics. AGENTS An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she agreed (orally or in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletic ability or reputation in that sport. Furthermore, an agency contract (not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports) shall be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual shall be ineligible to participate in any sport. COUNTABLE ATHLETICALLY RELATED ACTIVITY What are countable athletically related activities (CARA)? Institutions are to limit its organized practice activities, length of seasons, and number of scheduled contest to minimize interference with academic programs of its student-athletes. Coaches must monitor in regards to the number of Countable Athletically Related Activities (CARA) they have with their student-athletes weekly. CARA includes activities required by coaches with an athletics purpose. All head coaches are required to record daily all countable athletically related activity on a monthly calendar and forward the calendar to the Office of Compliance at the end of each month. Appendix E provides NCAA rules compliance for countable athletically related activity.

27 TRANSFER POLICIES TRANSFER OUT OF MVSU POLICY MVSU and the Department of Athletics are committed to the fair treatment of student-athletes who are interested in discussing a possible transfer or have decided to transfer to other institutions. The decision to transfer from MVSU requires careful consideration. Therefore, it is highly recommended that student-athletes do their due diligence in researching the policy thoroughly prior to making a decision to transfer. If a student-athlete that is not on athletically related aid wishes to transfer from MVSU to another institution, the student-athlete must comply with certain requirements before a release is granted. Before a student-athlete that is on athletically related aid receives a released from MVSU to participate at another institution, the student-athlete must be in compliance with all of the following requirements to protect each sport team’s Academic Progress Rate (APR): 1. Transfer immediately to another four-year institution. 2. Provides documentation of the transfer. 3. Attend MVSU for at least one full academic year if under NLI regulations; if transferring at mid-year, only a permission to speak will be granted until enrollment verification is obtained from the next institution and the eligibility and GPA requirements are met per item 5. 4. Meets all academic eligibility requirements to transfer. 5. Has a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher at the time of transfer to another 4-year institution or 3.3 or higher at the time of transfer to a junior college. Note: This may not be determined until final grades are posted at the end of the semester and the PTD Committee completes review of meeting academic benchmarks related to continuing eligibility. MVSU has the right to grant, deny, or place limitations in granting a transfer release as well as a one-time tranfer exception (sit one year in residency). PROCESS TO APPEAL DENIAL If MVSU’s coach or a member of the Compliance staff denies a student-athlete either permission to contact and/or a release, the student-athlete will receive a written notification of the denial with an explanation. A student-athlete wishing to appeal the decision to not grant permission to contact and/or a release shall submit a written request to the Office of Compliance indicating their intent to appeal the decision to the Athletic Transfer Appeals (ATA) Committee. The written request must include the following information: 1. The student-athlete’s name, MVSU ID number, e-mail address, mailing address, year in school and sport. 2. The student-athlete’s reason for requesting the appeal. 3. The student-athlete’s reason for believing that the Department of Athletics’ decision was unfair. The student-athlete should also include the names of institutional staff members with whom the student-athlete has discussed the transfer. 4. The name of the institution to which the student-athlete wishes to transfer. The student-athlete must submit this information to the Office of Compliance no later than 10 business days from the date of the letter notifying the student-athlete that their permission to contact and/or release was not granted. The appeal process will be governed by the following process: 1. Prior to the committee meeting, both parties (the student-athlete and the coach) may provide written information and documentation to the Chair of the ATA Committee for review. 2. Both parties will be entitled to present their respective rationales in-person to the ATA Committee. Each presentation will be delivered at separate times which will be determined by the ATA Committee. However, either the student-athlete or the coach may submit written documentation outlining its position on the matter, if either party is unable to attend the in-person meeting. 3. At the meeting, the student-athlete may be accompanied by one advisor. However, this individual will not be permitted to address the ATA Committee, but may advise the student-athlete. 28 4. After hearing both parties and asking questions, the ATA Committee will deliberate in private and will render a decision on the matter. The ATA Committee may decide to uphold or to reject the coach’s decision. 5. Once a decision is rendered, the Office of Compliance will be notified of the ATA Committee’s findings, and the appropriate paperwork will be completed. The Office of Compliance will promptly communicate the decision to the student-athlete. The ATA Committee’s decision will be final. 6. All copies of relevant documents (e-mails, medical records, etc.) related to the case will be kept on file in the Office of Compliance. Any student-athlete receiving a release from MVSU or given permission for another institution to contact them will receive a letter from the Office of Financial Aid stating the following: prior to July 1st, the students athletic financial aid will not be renewed or has been cancelled for the upcoming academic year. TRANSFER OUT OF MVSU TO SWAC INSTITUTION Any student-athlete interested in transferring to a SWAC member institution and participate in athletics may be subjected to the SWAC “Two-Year Rule” (football, basketball, and baseball) or SWAC “One-Year Rule” (all other sports). The rules stipulate that a student that transfers to a SWAC Conference member institution must sit out of intercollegiate athletic competition for two years or one year prior to participation in the respective sport. If you are interested in transferring, contact the Office of Compliance for additional information. EXIT INTERVIEWS Exit interviews are conducted with all student-athletes graduating, exhaust- ing eligibility or leaving the team or MVSU. The interview helps assess student-athletes’ experience at MVSU. The interviews consist of completing a questionnaire with the FAR to identify strengths of the athletics programs and areas to strengthen. This process takes place at the end of each sport season or when an athlete exits the program if during the season. TRANSFER TO MVSU All transfer student-athletes will be required to meet NCAA DI transfer-rule requirements. The Department of Athletics will review student-athletes on a case by case basis if the transfer student doesn’t have a minimum of two seasons of eligibility remaining in the sport or a minimum of 2 years of enrollment to complete 4 seasons receiving athletic financial aid. Graduate student transfers must have been eligible to receive athletic related financial aid. All transfer students from a two-year institution are required to transfer in a minimum of 12 credits from each full-time term in school with a 2.6 grade point average. In addition, any two-year transfer classified as a non-qualifier has to transfer in a minimum of six semester hours of English credits, three semester hours of math and three semester hours of science. Remedial English and Math courses may not be used to satisfy this requirement. Four-year college transfers are required to meet satisfactory progress at their previous school and meet the exception to transfer residence requirement in order to be eligible at MVSU. Additionally, both two-year and four-year transfers must have earned six transferable credits their last full-time semester in order to be immediately eligible at the certifying institution. All transfer students must return to the NCAA Eligibility Center website and answer the questions related to amateurism. All transfer students must obtain a final certification within 45 days of the first practice date or the student-athlete will be declared ineligible to practice with any sport team until a final certification of eligibility status is determined. 29 SEASONS OF COMPETITION Student-athletes are afforded four seasons of competition in any one sport. The NCAA reserves the right to take away this right if the student-athlete becomes involved in any NCAA infractions that warrants the loss of eligibility. TEN-SEMESTER/15 QUARTER RULE A student-athlete shall complete athletic participation during the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which the student-athlete is enrolled in a collegiate institution in at least a minimum fulltime program of studies, as determined by the regulations of that institution. ACADEMIC COMMITMENT The commitment of MVSU to the academic well-being of student-athletes is unwavering. A student-athlete’s first responsibility at MVSU rests in the classroom, not on the playing surface. The academic programs, support services and regulations established are designed to encourage and insure that each student-athlete fulfill their academic responsibilities. It is important that each student-athlete successfully pursues a course of study that leads to a timely graduation from MVSU. ATHLETIC SCHEDULES/MISSED CLASS TIME The Department of Athletics will work to minimize the amount of class time a student-athlete misses due to scheduled contests. However, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to notify professors, in a timely manner, when they will be absent from class due to a scheduled athletic contest. It is recommended that student-athletes review their athletic schedules with their professors within the first week of the semester. Thereafter, on a weekly basis, student-athletes shall review with their professors what days they will miss due to athletic competition. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to meet the deadlines as outlined in the course syllabus. CLASS ATTENDANCE Class attendance is required for all MVSU students. A student is expected to attend all classes and not to be absent without adequate cause. Student-athletes participating in the intercollegiate athletics program are expected to attend classes daily. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to make up scheduled work missed because of class absences due to athletic competition. Absence from unannounced tests and other assignments may be made up at the discretion of the professor. Students who exceed the maximum number of absences may receive a failing grade for the course. Student-athletes who disregard this responsibility are subject to immediate suspension of eligibility for athletic participation and possible loss of athletic financial aid. CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY 1. All student-athletes are expected to attend classes, to complete all assignments, to take all exams, and to act appropriately in class. Definition of “acting appropriate” – Acting appropriately includes: dressing in suitable attire for classes; being on time to class and remaining in class until you have been dismissed by the instructor; arriving to class prepared to work with pencils, pens, books, notebooks, paper and other required materials; being awake and paying attention during class (not reading newspapers, sleeping, talking); treating classmates and instructors with the same respect with which you would like to be treated. 2. All student-athletes are responsible for informing their professors of upcoming excused class absences and for arranging to make-up for any exams or assignments missed. Per the University Catalog, the attendance policy consists of the following: • Four (4) absences may result in the automatic failure in the course. • Three (3) tardy arrivals may be counted as one (1) absence. • Absences will be counted starting the first class meeting following the last day of official registration as per the MVSU calendar.

30 • In case of illness, death in the family, or other extenuating circumstances, the student must present documented evidence of inability to attend classes to the Dean of Students and potentially the Vice-President for Student Affairs. However, in such cases, the student is responsible for all work missed during those absences. • Students representing the University in athletic events or other University sanctioned activities will be excused from class with the responsibility of making up all work and examinations. A. Status: 1. Warning – 1st unexcused absence from class • Letter (email) to student-athlete and Head Coach. 2. Final Warning – 2nd unexcused absence from class • Meeting with student-athlete, Head Coach, Assistant Athletic Director of Student- Athlete Academic Support Services and Faculty Athletic Representative. 3. Suspension – 3rd unexcused absence from class • Student-athlete will meet with the Director of Athletics to discuss non- compliance of class attendance policy. During the meeting the Director of Athletics will inform the student-athlete that he/she will be suspended from the next eligible competition. B. In any semester, a student-athlete who is found to have three unexcused absences in any class, the student-athlete will be ineligible to compete for the following number of contests based on 10% of their sport scheduled athletic contest: • Football, Golf...... 1 Contest • Basketball, Soccer, Cheerleading, Cross Country/Track, Volleyball...... 2 Contests • Baseball, Softball...... 3 Contests C. Class attendance will be monitored by communication with faculty, personal visits to class, and monitors. D. Appeal Policy - If the student-athlete believes the recorded absences are not accurate, he/she has five academic days (class days) from the date of the letter to appeal in writing to the Director of Athletics. The appeal must state all pertinent facts and provide any other proof to support the student-athlete’s position. The decision of the Director of Athletics, or designee, is final. E. Individual coaches may impose stricter policies than those above. They should advise the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA, Faculty Athletic Representative and the Director of Athletics of their policies. 3. All student-athletes are required to attend all classes regardless of professor’s attendance policy. 4. It is your responsibility to notify the professor a week before you will be out of the class to make up any work. 5. Monitors are subject to check class attendance at any time during the class period. If a student is not present once class has begun or at any time during the class period, he/she is considered absent. You are required to attend class and stay for the duration of the class period regardless of the instructor’s class attendance policy. OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY EXCUSE Faculty will receive via email an official University excuse from the Department of Athletics weekly for missed classes due to athletic contest. Prior to the date of competition (48 hours), each head coach will submit the names of student-athletes and student support staff who will be absent from class. It is advised that all student-athletes and student support staff obtain and maintain copies of all official excuses in case of any discrepancies regarding excused absences for athletic competition.

31 ATHLETIC ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY The following are important NCAA rules regarding your academic eligibility to which you must adhere. All student-athletes are responsible for understanding academic eligibility and their individual eligibility status; full explanations of the NCAA eligibility guidelines are in the NCAA Division I Manual which is available via hard copy through all MVSU Department of Athletics staff or via www.ncaa.org. The MVSU Department of Athletics strongly encourages all student-athletes to enroll in and pass a minimum of fifteen (15) degree hours each semester recommended by the Athletic Academic Counselors; this will assist with continued eligibility and degree completion within four years. Student-athletes with questions regarding their status should immediately contact the Office of Compliance and Department Chair. A student-athlete failing to fulfill any of the following academic requirements will be ineligible for competition. FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT (12 HOUR RULE) All student-athlete must maintain full-time enrollment (12 hours) at all times to practice or compete in any sports program sponsored by the Department of Athletics. In the case of a graduating senior in his/her final semester of a baccalaureate degree, the student-athlete must receive approval from the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA to enroll in fewer than 12 semester hours; when a student-athlete is in graduate school, he/she must carry a full graduate load which is usually nine hours. DECLARING A MAJOR A student-athlete must declare a major by the end of their sophomore year, or before the first day of class of their junior year (student-athletes must declare a major before the start of the fifth full-time semester of enrollment). When changing a major, the student-athlete must first verify that the hours earned towards the original degree are applicable towards the new degree choice and then file the Major Declaration form with Registrar’s Office. The Office of Compliance and a staff member from the Student-Athlete Academic Success (SAAS) Center must sign the change of major form. Note, the appropriate number of hours earned must be acceptable toward the new degree being pursued for the student to maintain eligibility and compete in athletic competition. Earned hours considered for eligibility must be applied to the degree in which the student-athlete has declared. SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENTS Students may make adjustments to their course schedule after completing the registration process; however, student-athletes must follow the following procedures prior to adding or dropping any courses from their schedule. ADDING A COURSE Course may be added to a student’s schedule only during the first two days of the semester. After meeting receiving the advisor’s approval, a student may register for additional courses by logging into their My Valley Account or by completing the Drop/Add Form and submitting it to the Registrar’s Office. The student should later check their My Valley Account to ensure that the course adjustment is applied to the student schedule. DROPPING A COURSE Student-athletes must receive permission to drop (withdraw from) a course from a staff member of the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center (Athletic Academic Counselor). INITIAL ELIGIBILITY – FRESHMEN All freshmen student-athletes (recruited and non-recruited) must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center prior to participation in collegiate competition. To be eligible to compete in the NCAA during your first year at a Division I school, you must meet academic requirements for your core courses, grade-point average (GPA) and test scores. All prospective student-athletes must send their high school transcript and test scores (ACT or SAT) to the NCAA Eligibility Center to determine their status as a potential student-athlete. The students will also be required to answer questions to verify their amateur status. Students are encouraged to complete amateurism questions for each sport of interest. This will reduce the wait time for eligibility certification clearance. Please visit www.eligibilitycenter.org for more information on NCAA College-Bound Student-Athletes. In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 14.3.1 certain requirements must be met to determine a student-athlete’s status for financial aid, practice and competition. 32 DIVISION I INITIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 1. High school graduate, minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 (based on a maximum 4.000) in a successfully completed core curriculum of at least 16 academic core courses: English...... 4 years Mathematics...... 3 years Natural or physical science (including at least on laboratory course, if offered by high school)...... 2 years Additional courses in English, mathematics or natural or physical science...... 1 year Social science...... 2 year Additional academic courses (in any of the above area or foreign language, computer science, philosophy or non-doctrinal religion e.g., comparative religion courses)...... 4 years 2. A minimum SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching your core-course GPA on the Division I sliding scale, which balances your test score and core-course GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher core-course GPA to be eligible. If you have a low core-course GPA, you need a higher test score to be eligible. The required SAT or ACT score must be achieved under national testing conditions on a national testing date {i.e., no residential (campus) testing}. 3. A freshman student-athlete will fall under one of three categories: A. Qualifier - based on the high school transcripts, the student has met the required criteria set forth by the NCAA for freshman eligibility. As a qualifier, the student may receive athletic financial aid, practice, and compete in the first year. B. Academic Redshirt - an academic redshirt may receive institutional athletically related financial aid but may not compete during the first academic year in residence. An academic redshirt may practice only on campus or at the institution’s regular practice facility during the first regular academic term in residence. An academic redshirt must successfully complete nine semesters or eight quarter hours of academic credit in each applicable regular academic term in order to be eligible for practice in the immediately subsequent term of the first academic year. At MVSU, an Academic Redshirt may not qualify for athletic financial aid during the first year. C. Non-qualifier - based on the high school transcripts, the student has not met any of the required criteria set forth by the NCAA for freshman eligibility, and thus the student cannot receive any athletic aid or any other institutional aid that may be based on athletic ability. The student cannot practice, nor compete in the first year. Likewise, the student is not permitted to travel in any capacity (e.g., server as a team manager) and/or receive expenses for away contest. Also, the student may not be in attendance or any practice and/or workout sessions. Any freshman that has not received a confirmation of eligibility status from the NCAA Eligibility Center within 45 days of the first practice date will be declared ineligible to practice with any sport team until a final certification of eligibility status is determined. It is important to know that if a student is not certified to compete and participates in a collegiate contest, the student and the coach will be subject to NCAA and SWAC infractions. Infractions will be imposed if a student continues to practice beyond the 45-day period of a final certification. CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY – ACADEMIC PROGRESS The following information is critical to satisfy continuing eligibility requirements. It is important that the student-athlete meets regularly with his/her Athletic Academic Counselor and Academic Advisor to insure the following rules are met.

33 SIX HOURS OR NINE HOURS EARNED (SIX/NINE HOUR RULE) Each student-athlete must earn six hours of degree credits at the completion of each full-time semester. Failure to achieve six hours will render the student ineligible immediately at the completion of that semester. Student-athletes should be mindful that merely achieving the minimal six hours required to sustain eligibility will negatively affect the satisfactory fulfill- ment of other eligibility requirements and eventual delayed degree completion. In the sport of football, each student-athlete must pass a minimum of nine hours or does not earn the Academic Progress Rae eligibility point for the fall term shall not be eligible for the first four contests against outside competition in the following playing season. ACADEMIC YEARLY PROGRESS (18 HOUR & 24 HOUR RULES) Student-athletes are required to earn 18 semester hours during the regular academic year during the Fall and Spring semesters. MVSU student-athletes are required to earn a minimum total of 24 semester hours during the full academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) to be certified for eligibility in the following academic year. Student-athletes may use remedial hours (not to exceed six hours) to satisfy this requirement if mandated by the institution. A grade of “D” earned in English 101 or English 102 cannot be used to satisfy any University progress or NCAA eligibility requirements. PROGRESS-TOWARDS-DEGREE (40/60/80 RULE) Student-athletes are required to take courses that will lead towards a degree from the institution in which they are enrolled and must make regular progress towards the degree while participating in their intercollegiate sports program. Each student-athlete must earn forty percent (40%) of the coursework required for the degree (50 hours) by the start of the Junior year (fifth semester), sixty percent (60%) of the degree (75 hours) by the start of the Senior year (seventh semester) and must complete eighty percent (80%) of the degree (100 hours) by the start of the ninth semester. Each year, the Department of Athletics will regularly monitor each student’s progress towards the declared degree to determine adequate progress based on the degree grid prescribed by the Department of Athletics. MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE Division I student-athletes are expected to be top performers in the classroom, and for this reason the Department of Athletics holds all students participating in any sponsored sports program to standards higher than those expected for the general student body. Eligibility for regular season competition subsequent to the student-athlete’s first academic year in residence or after the student-athlete has utilized one season of eligibility in a sport shall be based upon: 1. Satisfactory completion prior to each fall term of a cumulative total of at least 12 semester hours during each of the previous academic terms in which the student-athlete has been enrolled, or 2. Satisfactory completion of 18 semester hours since the beginning of the previous fall term. 3. The student-athlete shall earn at least 24 semester hours of credit for satisfactory requirements during the regular academic year (fall, winter, spring) and the student- athlete shall earn no more than six semester hours of credit to meet satisfactory progress requirements during the summer. 4. Maintaining a grade point average that places the student-athlete in good academic standing while completing satisfactory progress towards degree. Semester indicates the required standard on the first day of the semester indicated. The Department of Athletics follows all policies and procedures as outlined in the MVSU student catalog. 34 SUMMER COURSE WORK The Office of SAAS Center will notify the head coach of their student-athletes continuing eligibility status as soon as the spring semester grades are evaluated. Student-athletes who need to meet the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements must confirm with the Registrar and Department Chairperson that the proposed course(s) taken at another institution during the summer session that the course(s) will be transferrable to MVSU. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the appropriate paperwork. Forms can be obtained from the Office of SAAS Center or the Registrar’s Office. SPIRIT GROUPS, TEAM MANAGERS VOLUNTEERS, AND WORK STUDY STUDENTS MVSUs Department of Athletics provides numerous opportunities for engagement throughout its administration and various sports programs for students who may not wish to compete in intercollegiate athletics but do wish to support their fellow students in their athletic efforts. Students can serve in logistical and clerical roles or to assist with the sports trainers or to volunteer as team managers, equipment manager assistants, tutors, and in a variety of other support capacities within the Department of Athletics. Interested students should contact head coaches and athletic staff directly for opportunities. Student volunteers and workers are expected to maintain the highest regard for academic excellence. Their focus on academics should serve as a model and motivation for the student- athletes they work with. All students working in athletics, regardless of their capacity, will be held to the same academic and ethical standards prescribed for student-athletes. Below are the guidelines for academic performance: • Must pass a minimum of 6 hours for the preceding semester; • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 hours of course work for the semester they are working unless approved by the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Success Center; • Must pass a minimum of 24 hours in the preceding school year; • Must maintain a minimal 2.0 overall GPA; • Must obtain a minimal 2.0 in the preceding semester; • Must complete 40% of their degree requirements prior to the 5th semester, 60% of degree requirements prior to the 7th semester, and must complete 80% of their degree requirements prior to the 9th semester; and • Must attend 8 hours of study hall if his/her cumulative GPA is less than a 2.6. Study hall hours will be monitored and in team reports. Spirit groups, volunteers and workers are required to exhibit the highest standards of sportsmanship and ambassadorship while assisting in any athletic program at all times, including but not limited to on campus activities, off campus activities, and while on travel with teams. Spirit groups, volunteers and workers are an important part of the success of all sports programs and are also expected to exhibit the highest levels of MVSU spirit and pride at all times. Spirit groups, volunteers and workers are expected to know the MVSU alma mater and fight song and are expected to provide continuous motivation to players. Spirit groups, volunteers and workers are expected assist in maintaining the image and growth of the Department of Athletics and its sports programs. Student workers and volunteers should help maintain equipment, maintain neat and organized venues (playing fields, courts, locker rooms, etc.). All students assisting in athletics (regardless of status) are required to exhibit the highest standards of collegiate behavior as prescribed by the Student Code of Conduct. Students who violate school policy or legal statutes risk being completely removed from assisting the sport team or office and may be subject to certain penalties. The Director of Athletics, senior athletics staff, and/or sports program staff reserve the right to remove any student or student-athlete from assisting their respective program based on any behavior deemed unbecoming of a collegian.

35 Student workers and volunteers are considered young professionals in training and will be treated as such. In certain instances, student workers and volunteers may be privy to conversations, written materials, or other confidential matters considered privileged to MVSU athletic staff and participants in their respective sports program. It is important that all participants maintain the highest regard for discretion regarding the information they discuss with other peers or the public, as any disclosure of privileged information could jeopardize the programs competitive edge or violate policies and laws protecting confidential information. Such individuals could be subject to disciplinary action and possible prosecution. Also, student workers and volunteers are expected to maintain professional relationships with the student-athletes, inappropriate fraternization, dating, and other unprofessional conduct is not allowed and could result in reassignment or possible removal from the support group. Non-coaching staff, including volunteers and team managers are prohibited from the following activities: analyzing film involving team or opponents, scouting, off-campus recruitment, observe practice for evaluation, setting up offense or defense strategy, providing analysis of practice. These individuals are permitted to: sit on bench, file, assign and monitor equipment, coordinate public service activities, tracking academics, film production, keeping play charts and statistics, participate in campus activities, being present in locker rooms and huddles during competition and observe practice (provided they are not coaching). ATHLETIC ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES In an effort to monitor the academic progress of student-athletes, ensure progress towards earning a degree, develop skills necessary to succeed in the non-athletic arena, and meet the University’s and NCAA academic standards, the Department of Athletics has developed partner- ships with the First-Year Experience Program, EMAP (Early Monitoring Alert Program) and various University programs to assist student-athletes in their efforts to succeed academically. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE The University College is responsible for coordinating advising services for first-time entering students, including transfer students. Upon admission, each student is assigned to an advisor who will help them plan their course schedule and register/pre-register them for classes each semester; discuss their academic plans; meet to discuss their academic progress; and direct them to other professionals on campus who can guide them in accomplishing their educational and career goals. They can also obtain information on degree requirements for the different majors offered at the university, declaration of major, summer school (on or off campus), transfer credit evaluation procedures, and general information as it pertains to satisfactory academic progress policies. University College has direct oversight of the First-Year Experience and Early Monitoring Alert Program. FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE) Orientation to MVSU is designed to help prepare students for the freshman and transfer experience. The course content includes study skills, note taking, test preparation, test taking and memorization skills. The course also focuses on personal skills such as: goal setting, health, nutrition and wellness, time management and stress management to name a few. EARLY MONITORING ALERT PROGRAM (EMAP) The mission of the Early Monitoring Alert Program (EMAP) supports the overall arching goals and mission of the University by providing academic enrichment and support to students who are in jeopardy of academic failure and/or academic suspension due to their cumulative grade point average and/or completion rate. EMAP also monitors the academic performance of students on academic probation and provides the Satisfactory Academic Appeals Committee with supporting documentation regarding the student’s enrollment and participation. While there are numerous factors that contribute to a student’s performance academically, such as family issues, school climate, medical issues, financial concerns, or difficulty balancing social and academic responsibilities, EMAP has been designed to promote academic success by assisting students with learning the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies that will enable them to have a successful college experience and to persist through graduation. Students on academic probation and/or students who are on SAP are required to enroll and participate in the program as a condition of their reinstatement. 36 SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students with disabilities are coordinated by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Act Office, MVSU 7232, 14000 Hwy. 82 W., Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400. Services are provided according to the nature and extent of a student’s disability. Please contact MVSU ADA Office prior to enrollment at: (662) 254-3443 or TTY (662) 254-3154; Fax: (662) 254-3003. TUTORING The University provides tutorial services through the TRIO Student Support Services and the Department of Athletics also provides tutorial services at the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center located in the Academic Skills Parlor. Individualized tutorial services are available in reading, writing, mathematics, and content courses to enhance academic performance. These services are offered to all enrolled student-athletes at all academic levels. Tutors are available either by appointment during the day or on a walk-in basis during the operating hours of the SAAS Center. Evening sessions are scheduled on an as need basis. Head coaches should inform a member of the SAAS Staff if additional support services are required. TUTORIAL SERVICES MVSU, in conjunction with the University College and TRIO, has made a substantial commitment to providing our student-athletes with a comprehensive tutoring program. The tutorial program is available to all student-athletes at MVSU. The intent of the tutorial program is to supplement all of the sound education practices (class attendance, note taking, reviewing and preparing properly for quizzes and exams, actively participating in class discussions, and staying current with all assigned readings) that are imperative for academic success. Student-athletes are expected to participate actively in the tutorial sessions. The student-athlete, who attends tutorial sessions well prepared and with an inquisitive mind, will have the best opportunity to greatly affect his or her chances for successful academic endeavors. TUTORS Student-athletes who need one-on-one tutorial assistance may sign up for a specific time. Tutors are located at the SAAS Center located in the Academic Skills Parlor. Drop-In tutoring is also available for some subjects. APPOINTMENTS Students can sign up for an appointment by matching their free time with time that is free in a tutor’s schedule. When signing up, include your name and the number of the course for which you need help. Students are to sign up for one appointment at a time. All appointments must be made 24 hours in advance. Once tutoring appointments are made, student-athletes are expected to attend all tutorial appointments. Students are to come to the session prepared with textbook, special hand-outs, corrected assignments or tests, class notes and a list of questions or problems and be prepared to actively participate in the study process. Remember that the goal of tutoring is to make you a successful independent student. The tutor is not responsible for doing the athletes work for them. Follow through on study ideas and practice problems that the tutor suggests.

37 TUTORING “NO SHOW” POLICY: • 1st No Show - Email sent to student, Head Coach, and Athletic Academic Counselor. • 2nd No Show - An email sent to the student, Head Coach, Athletic Academic Counselor, and Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA. • 3rd and Final No Show: An email to Head Coach and Athletics Director. All tutoring services will be suspended. In order to reinstate your tutoring support services, you must attend a scheduled meeting with your Head Coach and the Athletics Director. ACADEMIC ADVISING ACADEMIC ADVISORS Just like any other MVSU student, you have an academic advisor assigned to you by your college or department. These professional advisors or faculty members’ help you choose classes each term, make changes in your schedule, and plan your degree program. Your academic advisor will help you set realistic academic and career goals and select courses and experiences that are consistent with those goals. Any student-athlete who fails to meet with their advisor will not be permitted to register. ATHLETIC ACADEMIC COUNSELOR Athletic Academic Counselors will monitor degree progress each semester with regards to institutional, conference and NCAA requirements. They will collaborate with departmental advisors for course selection and credit loads for student-athletes. They will meet regularly with students regarding academic matters and will serves as liaison to faculty on behalf of students when necessary. They will also be the academic recruiting liaison for their respective sport and they will process transcript evaluations for incoming student-athletes, monitoring initial and continuing eligibility. They will be a critical member of the APR Task Force and will report on APR projections and anticipated graduation rates (GSR). WEB REGISTRATION INSTRUCTION https://sutton2.MVSU.edu After meeting with your advisor to discuss course plans, it is your responsibility to register for your courses each semester. If you have any questions about how to register, please contact your advisor. MVSU Web registration opens with the start of Priority Registration which provides the first opportunity for you to register. The available days and times for priority registration are based upon your class standing. To find the specific day(s) and time(s) when you may begin to register, please refer to the web address below: http://www.MVSU.edu/registrar/calendar.htm. Other links that may help you with the registration process are listed below: Web registration instructions - http://www.MVSU.edu/registrar/reg_instruct.htm General Education course requirements - http://www.MVSU.edu/registrar/gened-courses.htm

38 SCHEDULE CHANGES - DROP/ADD Student-athletes are identified as such within the University student database and GradesFirst. In addition, the system is designed to identify student-athletes who drop below 12 hours, and thereby become ineligible. Schedule changes are to be made and approved by the student- athlete’s academic advisor, then confirmed and approved by the Athletic Academic Counselor to ensure that course work will meet the NCAA eligibility and satisfactory progress requirements. INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE Individual conferences can be scheduled with the academic advisors for student-athletes who need to discuss academic concerns. The academic advisors will consider everything confidential discussed during these conferences, but with the student-athlete’s permission, will feel free to share information with professors, chairs, counselors, coaches, and/or tutors when this sharing is in the best interest of the student-athlete. ACADEMIC MONITORING The Department of Athletics will monitor the academic progress and class attendance of student-athletes throughout the semester through the SAAS Center. Progress reports will be distributed to faculty from the SAAS Center staff. Upon the return of progress reports, an academic assessment of each student-athlete will be made by the team’s Athletic Academic Counselor. Students who are performing unsatisfactory and/or who have numerous absences will be subject to increased tutorial sessions, study table hours or suspension from competition as recommended by the Athletic Academic Counselor, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA, and the Faculty Athlete Representative. ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS Approximately twice each semester, each of your course instructors receives a Student-Athlete Academic Progress Form. It is a good idea to introduce yourself to your professors at the beginning of the semester. On the Student-Athlete Academic Progress Form, faculty comment on your attendance, grades, and class participation. This information is shared with you and your coaches and is used to track your academic progress throughout the semester. You may obtain Progress Reports from your GradesFirst Account. STUDY TABLE All freshmen and transfer students are required to attend and participate in a minimum of 8 hours of study table and/or tutorial sessions on a weekly basis. Each student-athlete required to attend study table will receive a copy of study table policies and procedures. Failure to comply will result in the loss of athletic participation and possible loss of athletic financial aid. STUDY TABLE POLICY A. All freshman/transfer student-athletes must attend 8 hours of structured study table/tutoring per week both semesters of their first year, unless otherwise arranged by the head coach and the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA. B. All returning student-athletes whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.6 are required to attend 8 hours of study table and/or tutoring per week unless otherwise arranged by the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA. PROCEDURE 1. Student-athletes placed on study table will be notified of their required attendance. 2. Student-athletes required to attend study table must complete their assigned hours per week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Friday afternoon. During travel weeks, it is upon the discretion of the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/ SWA to determine minimum number of hours. Student-athletes must complete a minimum of one (1) hour in one study session and a maximum of three (3) hours in one study session. 3. In the event, a student-athlete misses the minimum study table requirements for a total of three weeks in any semester they will be ineligible to participate in their next eligible competition.

39 4. Study table hours can be fulfilled in the following ways (Sunday-Thursday): a. Individual study table located in the Student Athlete Academic Success Center. b. Tutorial Meetings (Outside regular study table hours - Tutor Form) – prior to meetings. c. Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA must approve other locations such as subject labs (Examples: math, physics, business, foreign language). d. Other University Computer Labs – Use of other approved University labs must be pre-approved. 5. No Tolerance Policy – Students not prepared for serious studying will be removed from study table. No questions, no tolerance! 6. Students may use study table hours obtained on Friday’s toward the following week’s hours only after completing the week’s hours by Thursday. 7. If students do not sign in/out they will not receive credit for hours. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in/out! 8. Students are required to enter their Student ID # into GradesFirst Kiosk. All hours must be obtained by Friday at 1:00 pm! STUDY TABLE CONDUCT POLICY The study table is to be used for academic purposes only. Any abuse of the following rules will have consequences and continued abuse may result in disciplinary actions. 1. No books, no hours (non-academic related material is unacceptable). 2. You must sign in and out through GradesFirst Kiosk. Leaving without signing out will result in loss of hours. 3. No uncooperative or disrespectful behavior. 4. No use of cell phones. They must be turned off & put away. No Exceptions! 5. No disruptive behavior (loud talking, casual socializing or horse playing). 6. Inappropriate attire (tanks- sleeveless, strapless, backless, mid-drift, tights). 7. No food or drinks (water only). 8. No sleeping. 9. Viewing of sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate websites on laptops will not be tolerated; they will be held until your hours are completed at the time of violation. 10. No electronics games or playing games on laptops or cell phones. 11. Please clean-up your area before you leave study tables. The rules above will be enforced and any violation will be recorded, tracked, and all student- athletes will be subject to the consequences. CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS 1. First Offense- Warning • Written notice to student-athlete and coach upon meeting with Athletic Academic Counselor. • Loss of study table time during the period in which the violation occurred. 2. Second Offense- Final Warning • Loss of study table time during the period in which the violation occurred. • 2nd written notice will serve as a mandatory appointment date with the student-athlete, Coach, and Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA. 3. Third Offense- Suspension • Loss of study table time during the period in which the violation occurred. • 3rd written notice will serve as a mandatory appointment with student-athlete, Coach, and Director of Athletics. • Additional disciplinary actions will be determined by the Director of Athletics if necessary.

40 STUDY TABLE FORGIVENESS POLICY Study Table Members may utilize the Study Table Forgiveness Policy with the following conditions: 1. Student-athletes can only be an hour delinquent during the previous study table week. 2. The Forgiveness Policy can only be utilized for the subsequent study table week (exceptions given to shortened weeks due to University holidays or extended team travel) Ex: Requirement 8 hours: only 7 hours were completed on week 1 - meet with academic advisor Requirement 8 hours + 2 hours for a total of 10 hours: 10 hours were completed on week 2 3. Successful completion of hours can remove any level of warning status given due to delinquent hours for that week only. 4. The Forgiveness Policy can only be used twice per semester per student-athlete. 5. Student Athletes will be able to make up missed Study Table time by doing community service. Example: 5 Community Service Hours=1 Study Table Hour. This arrangement needs to be approved by the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance & Student- Athlete Affairs. STUDENT-ATHLETE AFFAIRS/LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM The Student-Athlete Affairs/Life Skills Program at MVSU will support the intellectual development and enhance the quality of the student-athlete’s experience within the University setting. The program is committed to academic excellence, athletic excellence, personal development and career development. The program works closely with the Office of Sports Medicine, Career Development Office, Male Center and Academic Advising Center to obtaining program goals. Annually, student-athletes will be nominated to attend the NCAA Leadership Conference to enhance student-athlete leadership on campus. The SAAS Center Staff will assist with the orientation process for freshmen, transfer student-athletes and parents/guardians to MVSU and the Department of Athletics. OFFICE OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT The Office of Career Development focuses on assisting students as they plan and develop their career path. Students-athletes are encouraged to explore options through the use of various services offered and activities sponsored such as Career Day, Graduate School Day, Career Development Task Force, and various career development workshops and seminars planned throughout the academic year. Note: At the conclusion of your sophomore year, you must register with Office of Career Development. NCAA POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP/INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS The NCAA award postgraduate scholarships and internships to student-athletes and students who serve as volunteer support to Department of Athletics (i.e., student trainers, SID’s and announcers). The scholarships are awarded to students who excel academically and athletically and are in their last year of intercollegiate athletic competition or support service to the Department of Athletics. For more information on any of the above scholarship programs, visit the NCAA website (www.ncaa.org).

41 STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) The NCAA requires all member institutions to have an active Student-Athlete Advisory Com- mittee (SAAC). SAAC is an official organization of MVSU. SAAC promotes communication between the student-athletes and the athletic administration. It is intended to serve as the vehicle for the student-athletes to share their ideas and concerns regarding the athletics program at MVSU. It allows the Department of Athletics to share information with the students. The SAAC will lead community service projects in order to serve the University and the community. Each varsity program will have two representatives on SAAC. Student-athletes are nominated by teammates, coaches and athletic administrators to be representatives from his/her sport. After an interview with the SAAC President and Vice President, a final decision will be made regarding membership. The representatives then serve as the liaison between the committee and his/her sport team. Meetings are to be held at least once a month throughout the academic year. SAAC will elect officers who will provide leadership for the committee on campus and the President will serve as the University’s representative on the conference (SWAC) SAAC and/or NCAA SAAC. If you are interested in being your team’s SAAC representative, contact your head coach. For more information on SAAC, visit the athletic website (www.mvsusports.com) for additional information. SPORTS MEDICINE The Office of Sports Medicine provides for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries as well as the physical and mental well-being of our student-athletes under the direction of MVSU’s team physicians, sports medicine staff, University Health Services, head coaches and resources from the NCAA. For additional information on health and nutrition, visit www.mvsusports.com. In the event of an emergency, the student-athlete should contact a member of the sports medicine staff or report to the University Health Center. If the situation is perceived to be life threatening, call Public Safety (662-254-3478/3479), 911, or report to the nearest hospital emergency room and attempt to contact a member of the sports medicine staff. MEDICAL CARE MVSU Department of Athletics, along with the Student Health Services, offers comprehensive medical care for student-athletes. Our team physicians include family physicians Dr. Wade Dowell & Indianola Family Medical Clinic, Dr. Edward Fields as the orthopedic surgeon and Steve Thompson, Owner, of Cornerstone Rehabilitation. Athletic training rooms are located in the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex and Devil’s Den. HOURS OF OPERATION – R.W. HARRISION HPER COMPLEX & DEVILS DEN • Fall/Spring Semesters--Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-until. • Summer hours as posted. • Open at limited times for practice and game coverage on weekends.

42 ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM RULES 1. The MVSU Sports Medicine staff can assist you best if you keep them informed of problems when they occur; promptly report any injuries or health issues to your team student trainer or a member of the coaching staff. 2. Student-athletes will be instructed by a member of the staff in the use of any equipment needed for medical care. 3. Student-athletes may not return to practice or competition without the authorization of the team athletic trainer and/or team physician. 4. If you are unable to keep an appointment with an athletic trainer, team physician, or other consultant, you must call and cancel. 5. Student-athletes are expected to dress appropriately (e.g., shorts and t-shirts or their equivalent) when in the athletic training rooms. Athletes are required to shower prior to treatments before/after practices. 6. The use of tobacco products (e.g., dipping, chewing, and smoking) is prohibited per NCAA rules and not allowed in the athletic training rooms. 7. The telephones and computers in the athletic training rooms are for business use and should not be used by any student-athlete. 8. No electronics are permitted to be used in the training room. 9. Absolutely no cursing. Violations of the rules may result in a loss of privileges in the training room or the removal of the individual from the training room. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION All students participating in a sport program and cheerleaders at MVSU must annually complete a physical examination with the team physician and provide a copy of his or her immunization record from their personal physician. In addition, all medical history and other forms required by the sports medicine staff must be completed prior to seeing the physician for your examination. The team physician must clear all participants prior to the first practice date. Remember, No Physical, No Play! OPEN TRY-OUTS All students (walk-ons and prospective student-athletes) interested in participating in open tryouts must have an up-to-date physical form that was completed 6 months to the date of tryouts on file in the Office of Sports Medicine. Students must provide proof of a sickle cell test completed and the results. Please contact your birth hospital or pediatrician for the records. All paperwork must be turned in to a member of the sports medicine staff prior to the date of tryouts. At that time the student will sign a one-day try-out waiver fully accepting the potential of injury and releasing MVSU, their employees and representatives from all claims and liability. Students who make the team as a walk-on must meet with the sports medicine staff to schedule an appointment for an athletic physical examination with the team physicians. EVALUATION OF INJURY AND ILLNESS You must report all injuries or illnesses that might interfere with your ability to practice or participate to the athletic training room staff or a team physician. You should see Director of Sports Medicine as soon as possible after an injury occurs. At that time, an evaluation will be performed to determine the extent of your injury and your ability to practice or compete. If necessary, an outside medical referral will be made at the discretion of the MVSU athletic trainer or team physician.

43 INJURY TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION If you need to begin an injury treatment or rehabilitation program, you will work with an MVSU athletic trainer or physical therapist. As part of the initial rehabilitative process, the Sports Medicine staff evaluates the problem and designs a rehab program for you, including the use of any supportive devices. It is your responsibility to comply with all instructions to promote a speedy recovery. Your treatments will be scheduled around your class and practice times. MEDICAL EXPENSES You must report any athletic-related injury or illness to your team athletic trainer before the Department of Athletics can help with any medical expenses. Coverage provided by the Department will be in compliance with the guidelines issued by the NCAA. Departmental coverage will not apply to non-athletic injuries or illnesses. Unless a team physician recommends otherwise, the team physician(s) and staff will be utilized for treatment. The Director of Sports Medicine in accordance with the Department of Athletics and NCAA policies will review all medical bills and prescription expenses for payment. All visits to the Student Health Services for an athletic-related injury must have prior approval of a staff athletic trainer. Failure to obtain a referral will result in the athlete being charged. If a student-athlete requests a second opinion from someone other than an MVSU team physician, the student-athlete and his/her family is responsible for all charges (office visits, additional testing, travel, etc.) and for acquiring all medical records. INJURY AND ILLNESS VERIFICATION FORMS If you have an injury, illness, or appointment that prevents you from attending class, the athletic trainer can provide you with a letter for your professor(s). This letter is not considered an excuse, but it is an explanation. It is your responsibility to communicate with your professor(s) and obtain an excuse from the Dean of Students. DENTAL CARE Each student‑athlete is responsible for their dental care unless the need for care is the direct result of an athletic injury. Dental injuries received during formal practice or competition is treated through the team physician and athletic trainer who will recommend a dentist. Payment is the same as for other athletic injuries as outlined above. Proper mouth guards should be worn during practices and games and be obtained from your team athletic trainer. OPTICAL CARE/PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Each student‑athlete will be evaluated for vision deficits. Upon the recommendation of the sports medicine medical staff, a more in depth exam will be done. MVSU will not be responsible for purchasing eyeglasses if prescribed by the physician. The Department of Athletics can replace contact lenses or glasses, lost or broken, during athletic participation. Several limits and restric- tions apply. Contact the Office of Sports Medicine or the University Health Services for more information. The team physician or any attending medical physician will be the responsible party for prescribing medications. All prescription drugs are the responsibility of the student-athlete. INSURANCE COVERAGE The Department of Athletics has secured supplemental insurance coverage for athletic injuries. To be enrolled, each student must be on the specific sport team or cheerleading team at the start of each season. All student-athletes, walk-ons, and cheerleaders must submit proof of insurance (Appendix F) each semester. Failure to comply will result in the following: (1) immediate suspension from the respective program and (2) athletic financial aid will be withdrawn. The Department of Athletics will only be responsible for bills approved by the Office of Sports Medicine, the University Health Services or the University’s designee(s) prior to the services rendered for any injury. The University’s athletics insurance policy is always a secondary carrier after the athlete’s primary insurance has been exhausted. Athletes may have their own primary insurance which will be used first and the school’s secondary insurance will cover what the insurance company deems reasonable and customary. Only athletic-related injuries will be covered under this process. 44 The NCAA does not allow the University to pay for non-athletically-related injuries or illness. The sports medicine staff strongly encourages each student-athlete to review their personal health insurance policy in regards to out-of-network benefits and co-pays to determine if it is beneficial to purchase the University’s Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Policy. Walk-on athletes must provide proof of insurance before participating. The policy must be a major-medical policy. MVSU will not be responsible for any expenses until your deductible has been reached. If any part of the insurance form is fraudulent or the coverage is dropped while the non-scholarship athlete is participating, MVSU Athletics will not be responsible for any medical charges, even if the injury was related to athletic participation. Student-athletes may opt to delay surgery at their own choice; however, it’s important to understand that delaying surgery can void the secondary insurance coverage provided by MVSU’s insurance carrier. If this should occur, the student will be responsible for expenses of his/her surgery. If you or your parents have any questions concerning insurance coverage, please feel free to contact Mrs. Tracey Nance at (662) 254-3550 or the Director of Sports Medicine, at (662) 254-3568. HEALTH POLICIES Concussions- Concussions and brain trauma can occur as a result of athletic participation, and MVSU Sports Medi- cine has a management plan in place for student-athletes. If you have any symptoms of a concussion (headache, dizziness, nausea, etc.), report these symptoms immediately to your athletic trainer. Trying to “play through” these symptoms can prolong your recovery and place your health at risk. Disordered Eating - Disordered eating is extremely prevalent in athletics and a management team of doctors, athletic trainers, counselors, and dieticians is in place to assist student‑athletes with these issues. Nutritional Supplements - Be aware that the use of nutritional supplements can result in a positive MVSU and/or NCAA drug test. See the chapter on Drug Screening and Education for more information and contact the Director of Sports Medicine with any questions. Pregnancy - Per MVSU and NCAA policy, your athletic financial aid cannot be revoked due to pregnancy. If you become pregnant while participating in athletics, you should notify your athletic trainer, coach, or a team physician immediately. Your continued participation will be based on your health and safety as evaluated by an obstetrician/gynecologist. Sickle Cell Trait - Per NCAA rules, the MVSU Department of Athletics tests all student-athletes for the presence of sickle cell trait unless proof of a previous test is provided. Sickle cell trait positive athletes can safely and successfully compete in intercollegiate athletics but will be required to see a team physician to discuss warning signs in case of a crisis. Team coaches, strength coaches, athletic trainers, and physicians will also be aware of sickle cell trait positive athletes on their team(s) and be informed of the warning signs for a crisis. Contact your team’s athletic trainer or any sports medicine staff member if you have any questions about any of these health issues. CONDITIONING AND TRAINING You are encouraged to reach and maintain the best physical condition possible. Your coaches and support staff will put together a conditioning program tailored to your specific needs. The athletics strength and conditioning staff will do the conditioning. The coaches and support staff will develop a strength-training program for each sport. You will be thoroughly informed about your specific sport’s strength training program by the Strength Coach. 45 ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND DRUG POLICIES MVSU’s Department of Athletics is an alcohol, tobacco and drug free program. Please refer to your Sports Medicine Handbooks and Team Handbooks for additional information. NCAA AND MVSU DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS DRUG POLICY The NCAA and MVSU have established random drug testing for all athletic teams. Student- athletes are required to read and sign the NCAA Consent to Drug Testing Form and MVSU’s Department of Athletics Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Education Handbook. By signing both forms, the student-athlete indicates that he or she will adhere to the NCAA and MVSU drug policies and conform to the sanctions. All drug testing will be administered by an independent collection company in coordination with MVSU’s Office of Sports Medicine. The NCAA and MVSU’s Office of Sports Medicine will randomly test for drugs year-round on all teams. If a student-athlete tests positive under a random test administered by MVSU’s Office of Sports Medicine, sanctions will be applied in accordance to the Department of Athletics Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Education Handbook. Non-compliance with the sanctions listed in the handbook may result in loss of eligibility to compete in MVSU’s intercollegiate athletics program. If the NCAA randomly selects a sport team for drug testing at MVSU, the Office of Sports Medicine will assist in administering the test and the following sanctions will apply: 1. A student-athlete who tests positive shall be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports. The student-athlete shall remain ineligible for all regular-season and post season competition during the time period ending one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after the student-athlete’s positive drug test, and until the student-athlete retests negative and the student-athlete’s eligibility is restored by the Eligibility Committee; 2. If the student-athlete tests positive a second time for the use of any drug, other than a “street drug” he/she shall lose all remaining regular-season and post-season eligibility in all sports. In addition, the penalty for missing a scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug; and 3. If the student-athlete tests positive for the use of a “street drug” after having restored eligibility, he/she shall be charged with the loss of a minimum of one additional season of competition in all sports and will remain ineligible for regular-season and post-season competition at least through the next calendar year. NCAA BANNED-DRUG CLASSES The NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3 list of banned-drug classes is subject to change by the NCAA Executive Committee. Contact NCAA education services or www.ncaa.org/health-safety for the current list. The term “related compounds” comprises substances that are included in the class by their pharmacological action and/or chemical structure. No substance belonging to the prohibited class may be used, regardless of whether it is specifically listed as an example. Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore, purity and safety of nutritional dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive NCAA drug test. The use of supplements is at the student- athlete’s own risk. Student-athletes should contact their institution’s team physician or athletic trainer for further information.

46 MEDIA RELATIONS As a member of MVSUs athletics program, all student-athletes are ambassadors and spokespersons for the Department of Athletics and the University. Annually, student-athletes will be provided a questionnaire by the Sports Information Director to assist with inquiries from the media. Listed below are guidelines for student-athletes to follow: 1. Do not call a newspaper or television station to create publicity for your team or yourself; 2. Do not accept phone calls from the media unless it has been cleared by the Sports Information Director (SID). Phone numbers of student-athletes will not be issued to the media unless the student-athlete gives permission to do so; 3. If you are asked by the SID or your head coach to conduct a phone interview, the phone interview will take place at the designated area identified by the SID; 4. If you are asked by the SID or your head coach to conduct a live interview, you must report to the designated area on time and be properly dressed for the event; 5. If you are unable to attend an interview appointment or return phone calls during the designated time, you must let the SID know immediately. A no show or unreturned calls reflect poorly on you, your sport, and MVSU; 6. Do not speak negatively about the MVSU, your coach, your teammates or sport during an interview. Gripes should be kept to yourself; 7. If you are unsure about how to handle yourself or what to say during an interview, the SID Office is here to assist in preparing you. Take the opportunity to practice participating in mock interviews with the SID or your public speaking class; 8. Keep the SID informed of any developments in your athletic career, academic success, summer experiences and personal honors. Your news is University news and news to your hometown; and 9. Always be courteous to members of the media. First impressions are lasting impressions and the media can enhance or diminish one’s image. Remember, the image created by student-athletes affect the reputation of the team, MVSU and your family. With this in mind, student-athletes are urged to exercise care when making statements to the media. The longer on a team, the more likely it is to develop a personal relationship with some of the media representatives. While these relationships are encouraged, remember that regardless of what is said, a reporter’s first obligation is to report the news. “Don’t say it if you don’t want to see it in print.”

47 POLICY ON STUDENT-ATHLETE SOCIAL NETWORKING AND MEDIA USE MVSU Department of Athletics recognizes and supports its student-athletes’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including the use of online social networks. In this context; however, each student-athlete must remember that playing and competing for MVSU is a privilege, not a right. As a student-athlete, you represent MVSU and you are expected to portray yourself, your team, and MVSU in a positive manner at all times. Any online postings must therefore be consistent with federal and state laws, team, Department, MVSU, and NCAA rules, regulations and policies as well as the Guidelines listed below. GUIDELINES If you participate on a social networking site or use social media, you must keep the following guidance in mind: • Everything you post is public information – any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posts) may be accessible even after you remove it. • Use caution when adding someone or inviting someone to be a friend. Many individuals are looking to take advantage of students-athletes, to get close to student-athletes to give themselves a sense of membership, or to gain information about you, your teammates, or your team for the purposes of sports gambling or negative publicity. • Limit information about your whereabouts or plans to minimize the potential of being stalked, assaulted, or the victim of other criminal activity. • What you post may affect your future. Many employers and graduate school admissions officers review social networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures, videos, comments, and posts). Similarly, content may be separately monitored by the NCAA, and violations of NCAA bylaws may result in the forfeiture of your eligibility to compete. Similar to comments made in person, the Department of Athletics will not tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as: • Derogatory or defamatory language; • Comments offensive to teammates, other teams within the department, conference opponents or outside the conference; • Comments that create a serious danger to the safety of another person or that constitute a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person; • Comments or photos that describe or depict unlawful assault, abuse, hazing, harassment, or discrimination; selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other illegal or prohibited conduct, including violating the University’s Policy on Prohibited Harassment and Discrimination. MONITORING AND CONSEQUENCES The Department of Athletics also reserves the right to have other staff members access, monitor, and/or receive reports about student-athletes’ social networking sites and postings, or to contract with an outside vendor or vendors to do so. In addition to reviewing postings, according to the Guidelines identified above, staff and/or outside vendor(s) will also evaluate postings for information that could indicate a potential violation of NCAA regulations related to amateurism, including specifically evaluating postings that identify possible improper extra benefits and/or agent-related activities.

48 Any violation of the law or of NCAA, University, or Department of Athletics’ rules, regulations, or policies (e.g., the University’s Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, Honor Code, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, or Hazing Policy), or evidence of such violation in your online content, is subject to investigation and possible immediate sanction by the Department of Athletics, the University, the NCAA, and/or law enforcement agencies. Internal sanctions may include, but not be limited to, notice to remove the posting or photo, dismissal from the team, and/or reduction, cancellation, or non-renewal of athletics grant-in-aid. Any concerns regarding a student-athlete’s posting or other online activity related to potential violations of the guidelines, University and Departmental policies and procedures should be reported immediately to the Office of Compliance. PROMOTIONAL/CHARITABLE APPEARANCE According to NCAA regulations, student-athletes may make promotional appearances under certain conditions. The Director of Sports Information & Marketing and a member of the Office of Compliance must approve all requests for such appearances. As a prerequisite for approval, the student-athlete and an authorized representative of the organization requesting the appearance must sign a release statement ensuring that the student-athlete’s name, image, or appearance are used in a manner consistent with NCAA guidelines. Please direct any promotional and/or charitable appearance requests to the Office of Compli- ance. Written approval to participate in these events must be filed in the Office of Compliance before proceeding. Student-athletes may not miss classes to participate in the activity and may only receive expense money. NCAA PERMISSIBLE BENEFITS An “extra benefit” is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution’s athletics interests to provide a student-athlete or the student athlete’s relative or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA rules. This section will familiarize student-athletes of permissible benefits. ATHLETIC AWARDS As student-athletes, you may receive awards that recognize your contribution to the athletic program at MVSU. In order to receive an athletic award, you must be in good academic standing, eligible for athletic participation as defined by the NCAA and must be representing MVSU at the time of competition. Annually the Department of Athletics will honor student-athletes and athletic support staff at an awards ceremony. Awards will recognize the achievements of participants both athletically and academically. Award recipients may receive plaques, certificates, and/or other awards deemed appropriate by the University and the NCAA. Awards may be substituted at the head coach’s discretion and approved by the Athletic Director. The coaches or the Athletic Director’s support group will select all honorees. Athletic awards may consist of the following: 1. Most Valuable Player, 2. Most Improved Player, and 3. Rookie/Newcomer of the Year. The coaching staff & athletic administrators will nominate and vote: 1. President’s Academic Award of Excellence 2. Male and Female Sportsmanship Award. 3. Male and Female Rookie of the Year; and 4. Male and Female Athlete of the Year

49 The President’s Academic Award of Excellence will go to the individual with the highest GPA per team, the male and female athlete with the highest GPA of all athletes and teams with the highest GPA. The individual academic award recipients must have completed one year of residence at MVSU to be eligible for the award. Spirit and support group awards may vary but will be limited to three (3) awards. Male and Female Rookie and Athlete of the Year must receive conference and/or national recognition. If no one meets the requirements, the individuals must lead their respective sport teams in statistics, leadership and sportsmanship. The CHAMPS Cup is presented to the sport team that accumulate the most points by participating in community service projects, attending MVSU events, attending other teams’ games/ matches/meets, team GPA, and attending Life Skills programming. Oftentimes student-athletes will also be eligible for awards from the SWAC, NCAA and other approved awarding agencies. In the event our student-athletes are selected as the recipients of such awards, the Department of Athletics will ensure that the student-athlete receives the award.

50 ATHLETIC GRADUATION AWARD Student-Athlete Sashes - We proudly recognize the achievement of our student-athletes on and off the playing surface. The Student-Athlete Sash is an honor bestowed upon athletes who have represented the core values of Athletics and MVSU. The Sash is given to graduating student-athletes during the Annual Athletic Banquet. To be eligible to receive a Sash you must fulfill the following requirements: 1. Be approved by the Registrar to participate in Spring Commencement. This includes those student-athletes who met graduation requirements in Summer or Fall of the current academic year; 2. Fulfill at least one of the following factors: a. On the official roster the year you will graduate b. Finished/exhausted your eligibility while on an official roster c. Sustained a career ending injury while on the official roster and remains academically eligible while supporting his/her team; and d. Complete a Student-Athlete Exit Survey with the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). The Student-Athlete Exit Surveys must be completed and submitted to the FAR to receive a student-athlete sash; no exceptions. Note: Any Head Coach may submit in written appeal to the Sr. Associate Athletic Director of Compliance & Student-Athlete Affairs/SWA to a request for an exception if a student-athlete does not meet requirements (1) or (2). However, the Director of Athletics maintains the sole discretion to approve or deny the appeal. OCCASIONAL MEAL A student-athlete or the entire team in a sport may receive an occasional family home meal from an institutional staff member or representative of athletics interest under the following conditions: 1. The meal must be provided in an individual’s home (as opposed to a restaurant) and may be catered; 2. Institutional staff member may provide transportation to student-athletes to attend such meals. A representative of the institution’s athletics interests may not provide transportation to student-athletes to attend the meal function, unless the meal function is at the home of that representative. OCCASIONAL RIDE It is permissible for any member of the institution’s staff to provide: 1. Transportation from the nearest bus or train station or major airport to the campus on the occasion of the prospective student-athlete’s initial arrival at the institution to attend classes for a regular term or to participate in preseason practice, or for initial enrollment for the institution’s summer term for a prospective student-athlete who has been awarded athletically related financial aid for his or her initial summer term; 2. Transportation from and to the nearest bus or train station or major airport on the occasion of the prospective student-athlete’s arrival and departure from the institution to attend the institution’s required new-student orientation, provided the prospective student-athlete has been accepted for admission to the institution; and 3. Transportation to and from the nearest bus, train station or major airport on occasion at the expense of the staff member.

51 COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS Student-athletes eligible for competition may be provided up to (4) complimentary tickets or names on the pass list to home contests. Requests for tickets must be submitted by the head coach to the Office of Compli- ance 48 hours prior to the scheduled contest. The student-athlete shall provide in writing the name of persons receiving the complimentary ticket or access to pass list. Guests will be asked to provide a signature and proof of identification prior to receiving their complimentary ticket. Only persons whose names appear on the list will be afforded complimentary admissions, no exceptions! Sale of complimentary admission is prohibited. The student-athlete nor the persons designated to receive complimentary admission may receive payment from any source for admission and may not exchange or assign the ticket for any value. Receipt of payment by either party is considered an extra benefit not available to the general student body and will render the student-athlete ineligible for participation in intercollegiate athletics. The SWAC and the University reserves the right to have more restrictive policies and procedures for complimentary tickets. Each year this policy will be explained to student-athletes in detail. During NCAA post-season competition, student-athletes will not receive complimentary tickets. NCAA NON-PERMISSIBLE BENEFITS Student-athletes are not allowed to receive any “extra benefits.” The information below will familiarize student-athletes of non-permissible benefits. The following are considered to be extra benefits: 1. Use of telephone and/or credit cards without charge or at a reduced cost; 2. Use of laundry facilities for personal items at free and or reduced costs; 3. Free or reduced costs for professional services for which there is normally a charge; 4. Free or reduced costs for items from commercial agencies (i.e., movie theaters, restaurants, car dealers); 5. Receipt of athletics equipment, supplies or clothing from a manufacturer or commercial enterprise; 6. Assistance with payment of personal bills (i.e., utilities, rent, fees and entertainment expenses); 7. Receipt of the following from an institutional employee or representative of athletics interests: loan of money, guarantee of bond, use of automobile and signing or co-signing a note with an outside agency to arrange a loan. The above items are just a few examples of non-permissible benefits. There are numerous things that could be considered to be an extra benefit. The golden rule is to ask before you act! Persons receiving extra benefits will subject themselves to being declared ineligible and/ or be required to pay back the total cost of the extra benefit.

52 UNIVERSITY HOUSING & MEAL PLAN University housing provides student-athletes access to all areas of the University to assist them with the demanding schedule of being a student-athlete. All 1st year student-athletes are required to live in University housing unless non-University housing has been pre-approved by the head coach and Director of Athletics. The University offers a meal plan for students living in University housing, as well as a commuter plans for students who live off campus. It is permissible for the head coach to utilize athletic financial aid towards a commuter meal plan. APPEARANCE Student athletes are highly visible representatives of the University. Your appearance on campus and when you travel is as follows: 1. neatly dressed and well groomed (no sleepwear, slippers, bonnets, du-rags, sagging pants, or whiter beaters in public places); 2. hair (including facial) neatly groomed; 3. do not wear issued practice uniform or game uniform in the classroom or dining hall; 4. after practice/competition put a warm-up over your practice uniform; 5. do not remove practice or game gear until you reach the locker room (i.e., removing your jersey or practice top in public areas or in the athletic training room without permission of the sports medicine staff; 6. remove hats when entering a building; and 7. Banquets or University Ceremonies – Men: Dress Suits; Dress Shirt and Tie, Dress Pants, Sport Coats and Women: Dresses, Dress Pant or Skirt Suits, Blouses, Skirts or Dress Pants). All head coaches will establish team rules and standards of conduct during team travel and special occasions. Specific requirements for dress, individual conduct, curfew, and free-time activities will be written in the team sport handbook or travel itinerary. Only those student- athletes who are “certified eligible to compete” are allowed to travel with the team! ATHLETIC FACILITIES 1. Rice-Totten Stadium – Football and Indoor/Outdoor Track 2. R.W. Harrison HPER Complex – Basketball and Volleyball 3. Magnolia Baseball Stadium 4. MVSU Softball and Soccer Stadiums 5. MVSU Tennis Courts ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT & APPAREL All athletic equipment and apparel is the sole property of MVSU; and therefore, no student- athlete has the authority to sell, donate or dispose of MVSU property without the written permission of the Director of Athletics or designee. All athletic equipment and apparel must be returned to the Department of Athletics’ Equipment Manager or your Head Coach. Student- athletes will be billed for all equipment/apparel that has been altered without permission from the Equipment Manager as well as equipment/apparel that has not been returned to the Equipment Room at the conclusion of the season. All charges will appear on your student account at the University. The Department of Athletics must issue all athletic apparel in compliance with the SWAC corporate sponsors. Student-athletes are expected to wear equipment and apparel issued by the University. Any student-athlete who wears or displays apparel other than the designated SWAC corporate sponsors without written permission from the SWAC Conference Office will be issued a fine for non-compliance. The assessed fines must be paid by the established deadline date or the student-athlete will be suspended or dismissed from the team.

53 ATHLETIC STAFF DIRECTORY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

TITLE NAME CONTACT EMAIL 662-254-3550 office Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3550 office Office Manager Tracey Nance [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Athletic Business Operations 662-254-3548 office LeChondia Nelson [email protected] Manager 662-254-3639 fax Senior Associate AD for 662-254-3024 office Compliance & Student-Athlete K. Renia Edwards [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Affairs/SWA 662-254-3011 office Compliance Coordinator Calvin Stewart [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3011 office Compliance Eligibility Assistant Dario Carter [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Academic Counselor/Champs Life 662-254-8385 office Antwoine Williams, Sr. [email protected] Skills Coordinator 662-254-3639 fax Academic Counselor/Learning 662-254-8381 office Lila Grooms [email protected] Specialist 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-8379 office Academic Counselor Dana Tate [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-8384 office Academic Counselor Corey Littleton [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Director of Sports Information & 662-254-8378 office LaMonica Scott [email protected] Marketing 662-254-3639 fax Director of Sports Medicine Steve Thompson 662-254-3568 office [email protected] 662-254-3568 office Athletic Trainer Shuwanna Wilson [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3568 office Athletic Trainer Andrew Welch [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Athletic Trainer 662-254-3568 office Nathan Lewis [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3395 office Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Abigail Newsome [email protected] 662-254-3408 fax Associate AD for Facilities/ 662-254-3731 office Lee Smith [email protected] Softball 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3115 office Assistant Softball Coach Brittany Tillery [email protected] 662-254-3115 fax 662-254-3834 office Head Baseball Coach Aaron Stevens [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3834 office Assistant Baseball Coach Terrance Steele [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3567 office Head Football Coach Rick Comegy [email protected] 662-254.3639 fax

54 TITLE NAME CONTACT EMAIL 662-254-3567 office Receptionist/Clerk Brittany Clemmons [email protected] 662-254.3639 fax 662-254-3571 office Offensive Coordinator Ranier Caldwell [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3569 office Defensive Coordinator Vincent Dancy [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Asst. Football Coach/Recruiting 662-254-3568 office Jonathan Thompson [email protected] Coordinator 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3571 office Asst. Football Coach/Linebackers Jeff Sawyer [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Asst. Football Coach/Offensive 662-254-3570 office Gregory Black [email protected] Line 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3567 office Asst. Football Coach/Quarterbacks Sean Anderson [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3567 office Asst. Football Coach 662-254-3639 fax Football Equipment Manager/ 662-254-3567 office Sports Information 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3009 office Head Soccer Coach Sean Mapson [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3552 office Head Volleyball Coach Douglas Hunter [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax Head Men’s & Women’s Track & 662-254-3640 office Fermon Tate [email protected] Field/Cross Country Coach 662-254-3639 fax Assistant Men’s & Women’s Track 662-254-3640 office Travion Simpson [email protected] & Field/Cross Country Coach 662-254-3639 fax Head Men’s & Women’s Tennis 662-254-3553 office Riley Murry [email protected] Coach 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3550 office Head Cheerleader Coach LaTrenda Harris [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3546 office Head Men’s Basketball Coach Andre Payne [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3103 office Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach Eric Strothers [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3103 office Asst. Men’s Basketball Coach A. C. Curry [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3549 office Head Women’s Basketball Coach Ashley Walker [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3102 office Asst. Women’s Basketball Coach Joshua Cooperwood [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax 662-254-3102 office Asst. Women’s Basketball Coach Joi Walker [email protected] 662-254-3639 fax

55 CAMPUS DEPARTMENTS

TITLE NAME CONTACT EMAIL 662-254-3347 office Admissions Jacqueline Williams [email protected] 662-254-3759 fax Academic Advising Center Kathy Brownlow 662-254-3442 office [email protected] 662-254-3800 office Academic Affairs Dr. Constance Bland [email protected] 662-254-3874 fax 662-254-3575 office Alumni Relations Latacha Jackson [email protected] 662-254-3889 fax Bookstore Gerone Hearn, Sr. 662-254-3532 [email protected] Financial Aid Lloyd Dixon 662-254-3121 [email protected] Student Records Jeffrey Loggins 662-254-3326 [email protected] Cashier 662-254-3313 [email protected] Student Accounts Mikhail Collins 662-254-3914 [email protected] Student Leadership & Engagement Pamela Hilton 662-254-3527 [email protected] Career Services Center Tiffany Wallace 662-254-3441 [email protected] Business Administration Dr. Jongchai Kim 662-254-3600 [email protected] Continuing Education 662-254-3625 Criminal Justice Dr. Oko Elechi 662-254-3364 [email protected] College of Education 662-254-3618 English & Foreign Languages Dr. Jonn Zheng 662-254-3451 [email protected] Information Technology Torrey Moore 662-254-3744 [email protected] Library Mantra Henderson 662-254-3494 [email protected] Mass Communication Dr. Samuel Osunde 662-254-3630 [email protected] Mathematics, Computer & Dr. Latonya Garner 662-254-3422 [email protected] Information Systems MCIS Military Science 662-254-3597 Post Office Latrice Smith 662-254-3537 [email protected] Residential Life Mr. Raynaldo Gillus 662-254-3590 [email protected] Social Science Department Dr. Morgan Ero 662-254-3352 [email protected] Dr. Catherine Social Work 662-254-3365 [email protected] Singleton-Walker Student Support Services Martha Smith 662-254-3838 [email protected] University College Dean Renardo Hall 662-254-8376 [email protected] First Year Experience Tammy Timbers 662-254-3466 [email protected] Sophomore Year Experience Brandon Bigelow [email protected] Fine Arts Dr. Alphonso Sanders 662-254-3482 [email protected] Natural Science and Environment Dr. Julius O. Ikenga 662-254-3377 [email protected] Health Teacher Education Department Dr. Lula S. Collier 662-254-3715 [email protected] Health, Physical Education and Dr. Gloria J. Ross 662-254-3553 [email protected] Recreation Applied Technology and Mr. Antonio 662-254-3911 [email protected] Technology Management Brownlow Distance Education and Online Dr. Kenneth Done 662-254-3625 [email protected] Learning Community Service/Service Learning Mrs. Gladys Flaggs 662-254-3921 [email protected]

56 APPENDIX A MVSU STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT The Department of Athletics is a longstanding and integral part of the University. Participants of the athletic programs--students, coaches, and other faculty and staff (collectively “participants”) --are covered by the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to other members of the University community. In addition, these participants are subject to a wide variety of requirements promulgated by the University, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), sports’ organizations and federal/state government authorities (collectively “requirements”) designed to protect student-athletes, ensure the integrity of the athletic programs, and promote fair competition. The University is committed to full compliance with all of these requirements and will engage in extensive oversight, education, and training to ensure that all participants in the athletic programs understand and comply with them. The University’s approach, however, reflects a deeper commitment to the spirit of fair, honest, skillful, and civil competition that these requirements are designed to facilitate. This Statement articulates the fundamental principles for the conduct of all student-athletes. This Statement does not replace or modify terms of the Code of Student Conduct, which apply with the conduct of all students of the University. Rather, it reaffirms the values that should permeate those programs and seeks to remind all student-athletes that conduct inconsistent with those values is not appropriate and cannot be tolerated. 1. Student-athletes should always conduct themselves so as to maintain the highest principles, integrity, and dignity of MVSU in particular and the sport in general. 2. The student-athlete should always adhere to the spirit and letter of all rules established by the NCAA, MVSU, the SWAC, and the community at large. 3. The student-athlete will accept the authority of all game officials. At no time is it appropriate to demonstrably question the decisions and actions of game officials. 4. The student-athlete’s actions will never deliberately jeopardize the safety and well-being of opponents, teammates, officials, or spectators. 5. The student-athlete realizes that a change in their amateur status can occur if they accept payment for using their skill for pay; agree to a professional contract, or play/ tryout for a professional team. Any such violation should be immediately reported to the Director of Compliance. 6. The student-athlete will accept that their academic responsibilities supersede their athletic responsibilities. 7. Violation of this code will result in suspension, dismissal, expulsion, and/or fines assessed by the NCAA and SWAC. All fines assessed to the University for a student- athletes’ non-compliance of NCAA and SWAC rules and regulations will be billed and appear on the student’s account at the University for re-payment (i.e., unsportsmanlike conduct).

Your signature indicates that you have read and will uphold MVSU Student-Athletic Code of Conduct and realize that failure to adhere to the Code can result in NCAA, SWAC and University penalties.

______Print Name Signature Date

57 APPENDIX B MVSU ANTI-HAZING POLICY MVSU and the Department of Athletics define hazing as any action or activity that recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of a person, or that violates the dignity of another person. Hazing is further defined as any activity that is expected of someone to join a team or group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers them, regardless of intention or willingness to participate. Initiation activities and initiation parties fall into this category.

I have read the policy about hazing and understand the following:

58 I understand that I am required to know, understand and follow the rules, policies and procedures related to hazing as established by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and MVSU. I understand that I must read and sign the Anti-Hazing Policy document provided by the Department of Athletics on an annual basis to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team (s).

______Sport(s)

______Print Name

______Signature of Student-Athlete

______Date

59 APPENDIX C MVSU STUDENT-ATHLETE HONOR CODE The Department of Athletics and MVSU is committed to providing opportunities that promote the overall success of student-athletes and their general well-being. Therefore; MVSU & Departmental policies are established to promote a positive and safe learning environment. As a student-athlete, you are responsible for your actions (positive or negative) and will be held accountable accordingly. Various officials of MVSU enforce the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct (Appendix A). These officials include, but are not limited to: The President and his Executive Cabinet, Department of Athletics Staff, Residence Life Directors, faculty and other authorities of the University. Like all students who attend MVSU, you are expected to obey the rules and policies established in the MVSU Student Handbook. You are subject to penalties for non-compliance. MVSU has the right to impose penalties separate from those that might be imposed by the judicial system. MVSU penalties range from reprimand to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. Remember you are a member of the MVSU community, which resides by neighboring communities (Itta Bena, Greenwood, and Indianola). It is essential that you act in a responsible manner to obtain maximum results from your collegiate experience. Your personal conduct should demonstrate good judgment and ethical behavior. Refrain from engaging or participating in activities that do not represent a positive image of yourself or MVSU always, during and after your seasons ends. You are expected to conduct yourself both on and off campus in a manner that brings credit to MVSU and your team. You should establish sound objectives and priorities, exercise self-discipline and budget your time wisely. Remember you will be held accountable for your actions. Therefore, it is your obligation to respect and obey the policies, rules and laws established by MVSU and the neighboring communities. It is expected that student-athletes shall conduct themselves as positive role models and will represent MVSU in a manner that exhibits the principles of sportsmanship. Conduct of student-athletes immediately preceding, during and following athletic events is: 1. exhibiting respect and courtesy towards all participants, including the coaches, student- athletes and officials; 2. exercising restraint in your actions, both physical and verbal, toward other participants, teammates, officials and coaches; 3. commenting about other institutions, coaches and student-athletes in a positive manner; and 4. refraining from making public comments critical of officials or the quality of their work.

Your signature indicates that you have read and will uphold MVSU Student-Athlete Honor Code and realize that failure to adhere to the Code can result in NCAA, SWAC and University penalties.

______Print Name Signature Date

60 APPENDIX D MVSU ATHLETIC FINANCIAL AID AGREEMENT

Athletics Financial Aid Agreement

______Student Athlete’s Name Date

______Street Address MVSU ID#

______City, State, Zip Code, Country (if outside of U.S.A.) Sport

Period of Award: [ ] One Academic Year (Fall & Spring only) Semester: [ ] Fall or [ ] Spring

This is an initial athletics financial aid award and will be applied to the following:

[ ] Tuition $ ______

[ ] Room & Board $ ______

[ ] Dollar Amount $ ______

[ ] Required course-related books (no cost attached, books provided by the Athletics Department) *Current annual cost, subject to change without notice.

Amount of Award: $ ______Award Year: ______

(Note: The amount of this award will be reduced by your federal Pell Grant eligibility and cannot exceed the student’s cost of tuition, room and board, and out-of-state fee, if applicable.)

______Head Coach Date

______Director of Athletics Date

______Director of Financial Aid Date

Office of Financial Aid ~ MVSU 7268~ 14000 Hwy 82 W~ Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400 ~ (662) 254-3335 Fax: (662) 254-7900

FAO-011 Rev. 7/2016

61 Page 2, Athletics Financial Aid Agreement

Conditions of Financial Aid Award

I understand that this financial aid award becomes null and void if I do not:  Complete the Free Application for federal Student Aid prior to April 1st (MVSU School Code: 002424)  Meet the admission requirements of Mississippi Valley State University  Meet and maintain the eligibility requirements of a NCAA and SWAC Full Qualifier for athletics participation and athletics financial aid established by Mississippi Valley State University.

NCAA regulations restrict the total amount of financial aid a student-athlete can receive. Because this is a grant-in-aid award, the federal Pell Grant, if applicable, is used as the base. This means that the federal Pell Grant will be applied first to cover tuition, room and board and out-of-state fees. If this is a partial award, the Pell Grant and the award cannot exceed your cost of tuition, room and board and out-of-state fees. You are also required to notify the University’s financial aid office of all other scholarships, grants or financial aid (including earnings from a job during a term) as those funds may replace a portion of this athletic award. This award will not be increased, reduced or canceled during the period awarded on the basis of my athletics ability, performance or contribution to my team’s success, because of an injury or illness that prevents me from participating in athletics, or for any other athletics reason.

I am aware that the amount of this aid may be immediately reduced or cancelled during the term of this award if:

 I become ineligible for intercollegiate competition (e.g., by carrying less than 12 hours);  I give false information on my application, letter of intent, or financial aid agreement;  I engage in serious misconduct that brings disciplinary action from this institution, or  I voluntarily withdraw from the sport for personal reasons at any time during the academic year.  I elect to live off campus (Athletics Financial Aid agreement will only cover tuition and fees).

I am also aware that this aid must be reduced or cancelled if:  I sign a professional sport contract for this sport;  I accept money for playing in an athletics contest that causes me too exceed the cost of a full grant;  I agree to be represented by an agent and accept money that causes me to exceed the cost of a full grant, or  I receive other aid that causes me to exceed my individual limit.

[Note: A student-athlete who signs a professional sports contract, accepts money for playing in an athletics contest or agrees to be represented by an agent jeopardizes his or her eligibility under NCAA amateurism regulations.] My total financial aid and job-related earning (except during school vacations and after my eligibility has been exhausted) may not exceed the limits set by the NCAA and the SWAC. At this time, the amount I may earn during the time of this award may not exceed the total award amount as indicated on page one (1) of this agreement.

Please indicate your acceptance of this financial aid by signing this agreement and returning it to the financial aid office within 7 days of the date issued to prospective student-athlete. Failure to do so within the stipulated time frame makes this agreement null and void.

______Student-athlete’s name (Please Print)

______Student-athlete’s signature Date

______Parent’s signature Date

Office of Financial Aid ~ MVSU 7268~ 14000 Hwy 82 W~ Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400 ~ (662) 254-3335 Fax: (662) 254-7900

FAO-011 Rev. 7/2016

62 Please mail or fax this agreement to the address or phone number listed below.

Date: ______

______

Dear ______:

I am pleased to notify you that upon the recommendation of the athletic department at Mississippi Valley State University, you have been offered an athletic grant-in-aid award in the amount of $______in ______for the ______academic year. To receive this award, you must register as a full-time student for the ______term. The period, terms and conditions of this award are described in the accompanying Athletics Financial Aid Agreement.

Please read the Athletics Financial Aid Agreement carefully. Note that receiving other financial aid could affect your award. The total amount of your aid cannot exceed the maximum amount allowed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or your cost of attendance as determined by the financial aid office. The financial aid office keeps track of all aid awarded through its office; however, if you receive other aid, you are required to notify the financial aid office of such aid to maintain your eligibility. This financial aid award is applicable for the above stated academic year only. Renewal, non-renewal, or reduction of your athletic scholarship award is determined by the Department of Athletics based upon continued eligibility requirements established by the NCAA, SWAC and the University.

If you agree to accept this athletics financial aid award and the conditions stated in the agreement, you and your parent must sign and return one copy of the agreement to the Financial Aid Office at the address below within seven (7) days of the date of this notification. Failure to do so within the stipulated time frame makes this agreement null and void. Please retain a copy for your records. If you have any questions concerning this award and the agreement, please contact me at the address or telephone number listed below.

Congratulations! We look forward to your matriculation at the “Valley of Scholars”.

Sincerely,

Lloyd E. Dixon Director of Student Financial Aid

Pc: Dianthia Ford-Kee, Director of Athletics Joseph Arnold, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance ______, Head Coach

Office of Financial Aid ~ MVSU 7268~ 14000 Hwy 82 W~ Itta Bena, MS 38941-1400 ~ (662) 254-3335 Fax: (662) 254-7900

FAO-011 Rev. 7/2016

63 APPENDIX E NCAA COUNTABLE ATHLETICALLY RELATED ACTIVITES NCAA regulations mandate that student-athlete’s participation in countable athletically related activities shall be limited to a maximum of 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week during the playing season. During the remainder of the academic year, a student-athlete may participate in no more than 8 hours of countable athletically related activities per week. In addition, during the playing season, one day each week must be reserved as an off day (no countable athletically related activities).

The following are considered countable athletically related activities and must be counted in the weekly and daily time limitations when initiated by institutional staff: 1. Practice and Competition; 2. Required weight training and conditioning; 3. Participation in a physical fitness class; 4. Film or videotape in camps, clinic, or workshops; 5. Individual skill training/workouts; and 6. On-court or on-field activities as a pre-requisite for participation.

The following are considered non-countable athletically related activities and are not counted in the weekly or daily time limitations: 1. Training Table or competition-related meals; 2. Physical rehabilitation; 3. Academic study hall or tutoring; 4. Travel to and from practice and competition; 5. Voluntary individual work-out sessions; 6. Individual consultations with coaches initiated voluntarily by student-athlete provided that the coach and student-athlete do not engage in athletically related activity; 7. Use of athletic facilities by student-athlete, provided activities are not supervised by institutional staff members; and 8. Involvement in strength and conditioning under the supervision of University’s strength and conditioning staff.

In all sports except football, during the remainder of the academic year (outside of the playing season) a student-athlete’s participation in the following activities shall be limited to a maximum of eight hours per week, of which not more than two hours per week may be spent on individual skill workouts: 1. Required weight training and conditioning activities held at the direction of or supervised by institutional staff member. 2. Participation in physical fitness class conducted by a member of the athletics staff. 3. Individual skill related instructional activities with a member of the coaching staff and that occur at the request of the student-athlete.

If you believe that you are participating in more than the permitted accountable athletically related activities, please contact a member of the Athletic Administrative Team or a member of the Office of Compliance located in Charles Lackey Recreation Center, Room 206.

64 APPENDIX F PARENT HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION

Insurance Information Sheet

**This form much be completed and signed for to be eligible to participate in athletics**

Athlete’s Name: Sport(s): DOB: Social Security #: MVSU ID: Parent/Guardian(s) Name: Address: Phone: Policyholders Name: Relation to Athlete: Policyholders SS#: Policyholders DOB: Employer: Insurance Company Name: Address: Phone: ID/Member#: Group#: Type: HMO PPO POS Other Deductible Amt: Does this policy cover prescripts? Yes No Does this policy include: Vision Dental Vision/Dental ID#: Vision/Dental Group#: Is preauthorization or referral necessary for medical/diagnostic services? Yes No

I hereby authorize the Athletic Department to file a claim in my behalf for the athletic injury sustained while participating in sports under the above group medical policy. Further, I agree to consent that any amounts payable under this policy is paid to the medical provider or to Mississippi Valley State University Athletic Department as shown.

Athlete is not covered under personal health insurance. Therefore, I hereby authorize Mississippi Valley State University Athletic Department, and its representatives to inspect, to secure copies of case history, laboratory reports, diagnosis, x-ray, and any other data in relation to any medical claim. This authorization may be copied and any photocopy should be deemed as valid and applicable as the original.

Athlete Signature: Date:

Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: (If athlete is under 18)

65 Name: Page 2

DOB: Insurance Information Sheet SPORTS:

**This form much be completed and signed for to be eligible to participate in athletics**

Statement of Other Insurance – Must Be Completed

1. Father’s Name: 2. Name and Address of his Employer:

3. Mother’s Name: 4. Name and Address of Employer:

5. Spouse Name: 6. Name and Address of Spouse’s Employer:

7. Name and Address of Claimant’s Employer: 8. Yes I do have other personal or group medical insurance:

Name of other Insurance Companies Address

9. No, I am not covered under other personal or group medical insurance of any sort. (Check all that apply). Due to my age, I am no longer eligible for coverage under my parent’s plan. My parents are self-employed or unemployed. My parents are employed but do not have health insurance. (You must submit a statement from employer verifying that there is no health insurance in force.) I am an international student and my parent’s insurance does not cover me in the USA. I and/or my spouse is not employed. I and or my spouse is employed but do not have any other health insurance. (You must submit a statement from employer verifying that there is no health insurance in force.) Other (please provide details):

66 APPENDIX G STUDENT-ATHLETE AGREEMENT I acknowledge that I have received a copy of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) Student-Athlete Handbook and agree to abide by the policies, rules and regulations as written and established by MVSU, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

I understand that violations of MVSU Student Handbook, Student-Athlete Handbook, Student- Athlete Code of Conduct and/or Student-Athlete Honor Code will result in sanctions from the coach, athletic administration or MVSU officials. Sanctions may include loss of playing time, loss of opportunity to dress for games or matches, suspension or dismissal from the team as well as loss or reduction of athletic financial aid.

I understand that athletic financial aid agreements are awarded on a year-to-year basis. Fol- lowing the conclusion of an academic year athletic financial aid may or may not be renewed. Violations of the MVSU Student Handbook, Student-Athlete Handbook, Team Rules Handbook, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and/or Student-Athlete Honor Code are grounds for athletic financial aid cancellation or reduction.

I understand that contents of the handbook, including schedules, policies, rules and regulations may change, but that I will be informed of such changes.

Print Name: ______Date: ______

Signature: ______Sport: ______

Sport: ______

Compliance: ______Date: ______

67 SPORTS SCHEDULE SOCCER 9/9/17 Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, Ala.), 11:30 AM 8/18/17 Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, La.), 6:00 PM 9/12/17 Nicholls State University (Thibidoux, La.), 6:30 PM 8/20/17 Nicholls State University (Thibidoux, La.), 3:00 PM 9/15/17 University of Alabama Birmingham Tournament (Birmingham, Ala.) 8/27/17 Louisiana Tech University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 3:00 PM 9/16/17 University of Alabama Birmingham Tournament 9/3/17 University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Ark.), 7:00 PM (Birmingham, Ala.) 9/8/17 Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, Tenn.), 9/19/17 Dillard University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 9/22/17 SWAC Round-Up Texas Southern University 9/10/17 Northwestern State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), (Houston, Texas) 1:00 PM 9/22/17 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Houston, Texas), 9/15/17 University of Alabama Birmingham (Birmingham, 10:00 AM Ala.), 7:00 PM 9/22/17 Prairie View A & M University (Houston, Texas), 9/17/17 Millsap College (Jackson, Miss.), 5:00 PM 3:00 PM 9/22/17 Alabama A & M University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 7:00 PM 9/23/17 SWAC Round-Up Texas Southern University 9/24/17 Alabama State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM (Houston, Texas) 9/29/17 Howard University (Birmingham, Ala.), TBA 9/23/17 Southern University (Houston, Texas), 12:30 PM 10/6/17 Southern University (Baton Rouge, La.), 7:00 PM 9/23/17 Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas), 5:30 PM 10/8/17 Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), 1:00 PM 9/24/17 SWAC Round-Up Texas Southern University 10/13/17 Prairie View A & M University (Houston, Texas), (Houston, Texas) 7:00 PM 9/24/17 Grambling State University (Houston, Texas), 10/15/17 Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas), 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 10/1/17 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 10/20/17 Grambling State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 10/2/17 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), TBA 7:00 PM 10/4/17 University of Arkansas Monticello (Itta Bena, Miss.), 10/22/17 University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 1:00 PM 10/9/17 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), TBA 10/27/17 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), 7:00 PM 10/12/17 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 10/20/17 SWAC Round-Up Alabama State University VOLLEYBALL (Montgomery, Ala.) 8/29/17 Dillard University (New Orleans, La.), 6:00 PM 10/20/17 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Montgomery, 9/1/17 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Tournament Ala.), 10:00 AM (Lafayette, La.) 10/20/17 Prairie View A & M University (Montgomery, Ala.), 9/1/17 Houston Baptist University (Lafayette, La.), 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 10/21/17 SWAC Round-Up Alabama State University 9/1/17 Jacksonville State University (Lafayette, La.), (Montgomery, Ala.) 4:00 PM 10/21/17 Southern University (Montgomery, Ala.), 12:30 PM 9/2/17 University of Louisiana at Lafayette Tournament 10/21/17 Texas Southern University (Montgomery, Ala.), (Lafayette, La.) 5:30 PM 9/2/17 University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Lafayette, 10/22/17 SWAC Round-Up Alabama State University La.), 10:00 AM (Montgomery, Ala.) 9/2/17 Nicholls State University (Lafayette, La.), 2:00 PM 10/22/17 Grambling State University (Montgomery, Ala.), 9/5/17 University of Arkansas Monticello (Monticello, Ark.), 3:00 PM 7:00 PM 10/29/17 Alabama State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA 9/8/17 Jacksonville State University Tournament (Jack- 10/30/17 Alabama A & M University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM sonville, Ala.) 11/2/17 Talladega College (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 9/8/17 University of Louisiana Monroe (Jacksonville, Ala.), 11/6/17 Alcorn State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 9:00 AM 11/9/17 Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 9/8/17 North Carolina A & T University (Jacksonville, Ala.), 11/17/17 SWAC Tournament (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 4:30 PM 11/18/17 SWAC Tournament (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 9/9/17 Jacksonville State University Tournament (Jack- 11/19/17 SWAC Tournament (Jackson, Miss.), TBA sonville, Ala.)

68 FOOTBALL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 9/2/17 North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND), 11/11/17 University of Alabama Birmingham (Birmingham, 2:30 PM Ala.), TBA 9/9/17 Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Ill.), 11/13/17 Stillman College (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA 6:00 PM 11/16/17 Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Miss.), TBA 9/23/17 Grambling State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 11/23/17 University of Colorado Thanksgiving Tournament 6:00 PM (Boulder, Co.), TBA 9/30/17 Charleston Southern University (Charleston, SC), 11/24/17 University of Colorado Thanksgiving Tournament 6:00 PM (Boulder, Co.), TBA 10/7/17 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.), 11/25/17 University of Colorado Thanksgiving Tournament 6:00 PM (Boulder, Co.), TBA 10/14/17 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), 12/1/17 University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley 3:00 PM 12/2/17 University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley 10/21/17 Virginia University of Lynchburg (Itta Bena, Miss.), 12/15/17 Nicholls State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA 2:00 PM 12/18/17 Murray State University (Murray, Ky.), TBA 10/28/17 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 12/21/17 University of New Orleans Tournament (New 2:00 PM Orleans, La.), TBA 11/4/17 Texas Southern University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 12/22/17 University of New Orleans Tournament (New 1:00 PM Orleans, La.), TBA 11/11/17 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), 2:00 PM 12/28/17 Mississippi State University (Starkville, Miss.), TBA 11/18/17 Alabama State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 12/2/17 SWAC Championship (Houston, Texas), TBA M/W INDOOR TRACK & FIELD 12/3/17 BSC Panther Ice Breaker (Birmingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM M/W CROSS COUNTRY 1/13/18 UAB Blazer Invitational (Birmingham, Ala.), 9/2/17 Brooks Twilight Classic (Memphis, Tenn.), 6:00 PM 8:00 AM 9/6/17 Rhodes College Open (Memphis, Tenn.), 8:00 AM 1/28/18 KMS Invitational (Birmingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM 9/9/17 All-State Sugar Bowl Cross Country Festival 2/4/18 University of South Alabama Jaguar Invitational (Metairie, La.), 8:00 AM (Birmingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM 10/6/17 MS College Watson Ford CC Invitational (Clinton, 2/9/18 Samford Invitational (Birmingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM Miss.), 8:00 AM 2/10/18 Samford Invitational (Birmingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM 10/14/17 MS College Open (Clinton, Miss.), 8:00 AM 2/15/18 SWAC Indoor Track & Field Championship (Bir- 10/21/17 SWAC Cross Country Championship (Clinton, mingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM Miss.), 8:00 AM 2/16/18 SWAC Indoor Track & Field Championship (Bir- mingham, Ala.), 8:00 AM MEN’S BASKETBALL 3/9/18 NCAA Indoor Championship (College Station, 11/5/17 Tougaloo College (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA Texas), 8:00 AM 11/7/17 Rust College (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA 3/10/18 NCAA Indoor Championship (College Station, Texas), 8:00 AM 11/11/17 Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah), TBA 11/13/17 University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah), TBA 11/15/17 Utah State University (Logan, Utah), TBA 11/19/17 Kent State University (Kent, Ohio), TBA 11/21/17 Loyola University (Chicago, Ill.), TBA 11/25/17 SE Louisiana (Birmingham, Ala.), TBA 11/26/17 Samford University (Birmingham, Ala.), TBA 12/3/17 Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Okla.), TBA 12/13/17 Duquesne (Pittsburgh, Pa.), TBA 12/16/17 University of Akron (Akron, Ohio), TBA 12/18/17 Grand Canyon (Pheonix, Ariz.), TBA 12/20/17 UNLV (Las Vegas, Nev.), TBA 12/23/17 University of Alabama Birmingham (Brimingham, Ala.), TBA 12/27/17 Georgia Tech University (Atlanta, Ga.), TBA

69 M/W BASKETBALL 3/9/18 University of Memphis Tournament (Memphis, Tenn.), TBA 1/1/18 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff 5:30/7:30 PM (Itta Bena, Miss.) 3/10/18 University of Memphis Tournament (Memphis, Tenn.), TBA 1/6/18 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 3/11/18 University of Memphis Tournament (Memphis, 1/8/18 Alabama A & M University 5:30/7:30 PM (Huntsville, Tenn.), TBA Ala.) 3/14/18 Nicholls State University (Thibidoux, La.), TBA 1/13/18 Alcorn State University 2:00/4:00 PM (Itta Bena, Miss.) 3/15/18 Southern University (Baton Rouge, La.), TBA 1/15/18 Southern University 5:30/7:30 PM (Itta Bena, Miss.) 3/16/18 Grambling State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA 1/20/18 Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas), TBA 3/17/18 Grambling State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA 1/22/18 Prairie View A & M University (Prairie View, Texas), 3/20/18 University of Central Arkansas (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA TBA 1/27/18 Jackson State University 2:00/4:00 PM (Itta Bena, 3/23/18 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.), Miss.) TBA 1/29/18 Grambling State University 5:30/7:30 PM (Itta 3/24/18 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.), Bena, Miss.) TBA 2/3/18 Alabama State University 2:00/4:00 PM (Itta Bena, 3/28/18 Rust College (Itta Bena, Miss.), TBA Miss.) 3/30/18 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 2/5/18 Alabama A & M University 5:30/7:30 PM (Itta Bena, 3/31/18 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA Miss.) 4/4/18 Jarvis Christian College 2:00/4:00 PM (Itta Bena, 2/10/18 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), TBA Miss.) 2/12/18 Southern University 5:30/7:30 PM (Baton Rouge, La.) 4/7/18 University of North Texas (Itta Bena, Miss.), 2/17/18 Texas Southern University 2:00/4:00 PM (Itta Bena, 1:00 PM Miss.) 4/8/18 University of North Texas (Itta Bena, Miss.), 2/19/18 Prairie View A & M University 5:30/7:30 PM (Itta 3:30 PM Bena, Miss.) 4/13/18 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), TBA 2/24/18 Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 4/14/18 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), TBA 2/26/18 Grambling State University 5:30/7:30 PM (Gram- 4/17/18 University of Louisiana Monroe (Monroe, La.), bling, La.) 6:00 PM 3/1/18 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.), 4/20/18 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM TBA 4/21/18 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 3/6/18 SWAC Basketball Tournament (TBA), TBA 4/24/18 Mississippi State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 3/7/18 SWAC Basketball Tournament (TBA), TBA 4/27/18 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), 6:00 PM 3/8/18 SWAC Basketball Tournament (TBA), TBA 4/27/18 Alcorn State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 3/9/18 SWAC Basketball Tournament (TBA), TBA 4/28/18 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), 3:00 PM 3/10/18 SWAC Basketball Tournament (TBA), TBA 4/28/18 Alcorn State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 4/29/18 Alabama A & M University (Huntsville, Ala.), 1:00 PM 5/4/18 SWAC Rainout Weekend (TBA), TBA SOFTBALL 5/5/18 SWAC Rainout Weekend (TBA), TBA 2/9/18 Mississippi State Tournament (Starkville, Miss.), TBA 5/6/18 SWAC Rainout Weekend (TBA), TBA 2/10/18 Mississippi State Tournament (Starkville, Miss.), TBA 5/9/18 SWAC Softball Tournament (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 2/11/18 Mississippi State Tournament (Starkville, Miss.), TBA 5/10/18 SWAC Softball Tournament (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 2/16/18 University of Southern Mississippi Tournament 5/11/18 SWAC Softball Tournament (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA (Hattiesburg, Miss.), TBA 5/12/18 SWAC Softball Tournament (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 2/17/18 University of Southern Mississippi Tournament 5/18/18 NCAA Regionals (TBA), TBA (Hattiesburg, Miss.), TBA 5/19/18 NCAA Regionals (TBA), TBA 2/18/18 University of Southern Mississippi Tournament (Hattiesburg, Miss.), TBA 5/20/18 NCAA Regionals (TBA), TBA 2/23/18 University of Louisiana Lafayette Tournament 5/25/18 NCAA Super Regionals (TBA), TBA (Lafayette, La.), TBA 5/26/18 NCAA Super Regionals (TBA), TBA 2/24/18 University of Louisiana Lafayette Tournament 5/27/18 NCAA Super Regionals (TBA), TBA (Lafayette, La.), TBA 5/31/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA 2/25/18 University of Louisiana Lafayette Tournament 6/1/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA (Lafayette, La.), TBA 6/2/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA 3/2/18 Southeastern Louisiana Tournament (Hammond, 6/3/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA La.), TBA 6/4/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA 3/3/18 Southeastern Louisiana Tournament (Hammond, 6/5/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA La.), TBA 6/6/18 NCAA College World Series (Oklahoma, Okla.), TBA 3/4/18 Southeastern Louisiana Tournament (Hammond, La.), TBA

70 M/W TENNIS 4/15/18 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 2/10/18 Rust College (Holly Springs, Miss.), 11:00 AM 4/17/18 Murray State University (Murray, Ky.), 4:00 PM 2/16/18 Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.), 4/20/18 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), 6:00 PM 11:00 AM 4/21/18 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), 3:00 PM 2/17/18 Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tenn.), 4/22/18 Alcorn State University (Lorman, Miss.), 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 4/24/18 Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, La.), 2/22/18 Nicholls State University 11:00 AM/2:00 PM (Thi- 6:00 PM bidoux, La.) 4/25/18 Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, La.), 2/23/18 Jackson Tennis Round Up (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 3:00 PM 2/24/18 Jackson Tennis Round Up (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 5/4/18 Alabama State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 2/25/18 Jackson Tennis Round Up (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 5/5/18 Alabama State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 3:00 PM 2/26/18 Jackson Tennis Round Up (Jackson, Miss.), TBA 5/6/18 Alabama State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 3/16/18 Montgomery Round Up (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 5/16/18 SWAC Baseball Tournament (New Orleans, La.), TBA 3/17/18 Montgomery Round Up (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 5/17/18 SWAC Baseball Tournament (New Orleans, La.), TBA 3/18/18 Montgomery Round Up (Montgomery, Ala.), TBA 5/18/18 SWAC Baseball Tournament (New Orleans, La.), TBA 4/6/18 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.), 5/19/18 SWAC Baseball Tournament (New Orleans, La.), TBA 3:00 PM 5/20/18 SWAC Baseball Tournament (New Orleans, La.), TBA 4/7/18 University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.), 3:00 PM M/W OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD 4/11/18 SWAC Tennis Championship (New Orleans, La.), 3/3/18 MS College Season Opener (Clinton, Miss.), 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 4/12/18 SWAC Tennis Championship (New Orleans, La.), 3/16/18 Mississippi State Relays (Starkville, Miss.), 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 3/17/18 Mississippi State Relays (Starkville, Miss.), 8:00 AM 4/13/18 SWAC Tennis Championship (New Orleans, La.), 3/31/18 Southern Mississippi Invitational (Hattiesburg, 8:00 AM Miss.), 8:00 AM 4/14/18 SWAC Tennis Championship (New Orleans, La.), 4/6/18 Bulldog Invitational (Huntsville, Ala.), 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 4/7/18 Bulldog Invitational (Huntsville, Ala.), 8:00 AM 4/15/18 SWAC Tennis Championship (New Orleans, La.), 8:00 AM 4/13/18 South Alabama Invitational (Mobile, Ala.), 8:00 AM 4/14/18 South Alabama Invitational (Mobile, Ala.), 8:00 AM 4/20/18 Georgia Tech Invitational (Atlanta, Ga.), 8:00 AM BASEBALL 4/21/18 Georgia Tech Invitational (Atlanta, Ga.), 8:00 AM 2/16/18 South Dakota State (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 4/28/18 Memphis Tiger Invitational (Memphis, Tenn.), 2/17/18 South Dakota State DH (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 8:00 AM 2/18/18 South Dakota State (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 5/4/18 SWAC Outdoor Championship (Normal, Ala.), 2/20/18 Delta State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 8:00 AM 2/27/18 Arkansas State (Jonesboro, Ark.), 4:00 PM 5/5/18 SWAC Outdoor Championship (Normal, Ala.), 2/28/18 Arkansas State (Jonesboro, Ark.), 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 3/2/18 University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), 6:00 PM 5/6/18 SWAC Outdoor Championship (Normal, Ala.), 3/3/18 University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), 3:00 PM 8:00 AM 3/4/18 University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), 1:00 PM 5/24/18 NCAA East Preliminary Round (Tampa, Fla.), 8:00 AM 3/6/18 Central Arkansas (Conway, Ark.), 6:00 PM 5/25/18 NCAA East Preliminary Round (Tampa, Fla.), 8:00 AM 3/7/18 Central Arkansas (Conway, Ark.), 3:00 PM 5/26/18 NCAA East Preliminary Round (Tampa, Fla.), 8:00 AM 3/9/18 Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), 6:00 PM 6/6/18 NCAA Championship (Eugene, Ore.), 8:00 AM 3/10/18 Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), 3:00 PM 6/7/18 NCAA Championship (Eugene, Ore.), 8:00 AM 3/11/18 Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), 1:00 PM 6/8/18 NCAA Championship (Eugene, Ore.), 8:00 AM 3/13/18 Eastern Illinois (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 6/9/18 NCAA Championship (Eugene, Ore.), 8:00 AM 3/14/18 Eastern Illinois (Itta Bena, Miss.), 3:00 PM 3/16/18 Alcorn State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 3/17/18 Alcorn State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 3:00 PM 3/18/18 Alcorn State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 3/20/18 University of Memphis (Memphis, Tenn.), 6:00 PM 3/21/18 Delta State University (Cleveland, Miss.), 6:00 PM 3/23/18 Alabama A & M University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 3/24/18 Alabama A & M University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 3:00 PM 3/25/18 Alabama A & M University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 1:00 PM 3/29/18 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), 6:00 PM 3/30/18 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), 3:00 PM 3/31/18 Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), 1:00 PM 4/13/18 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 6:00 PM 4/14/18 Jackson State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), 3:00 PM

71 SPORTS We have a place for you on our beautiful campus. MVSU has 15 sport programs to fit your needs.

MEN WOMEN Basketball Basketball Cross Country Cross Country Tennis Tennis Indoor Track Indoor Track Outdoor Track Outdoor Track Football Volleyball Baseball Softball Soccer

GOAL TEAM VALLEY

DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS 14000 Highway 82 West | MVSU 7246 | Itta Bena, MS 38941 1.800.GO2.MVSU | www.mvsusports.com PLAYing with a Purpose

STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2017-18