Complying with NAIA and Florida Sun Conference regulations is of the utmost importance to St. Thomas University. Therefore, it is the university's responsibility to educate all those individuals involved with STU athletics so that we can remain true to our mission of being a Champion of Character. So please, take a moment to familiarize yourself with any NAIA rules and regulations that may apply to the relationship between yourself and STU.

Eligibility:

Student athletes will follow all eligibility guidelines that are set forth by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in addition to the University's admissions requirements. To remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics, the following criteria must be met:

*Entering Freshman

An entering freshman student must be a graduate of an accredited high school or be accepted as a regular student in good academic standing as defined by St. Thomas University. An entering freshman must meet two of the three entry-level requirements:

A minimum score of 18 on the ACT or 880 of the SAT.
An overall high school grade point average of 2.25 or higher on a 4.000 scale
Graduate in the upper half of the student's high school graduating class.

*Four -Year Completion

Student athletes have 10 semesters (or terms of attendance) in which to complete four (4) athletic seasons in a sport, which ever comes first. Student athletes will be charged a term of attendance upon enrollment in twelve (12) or more institutional credit hours. It begins when a student first registers for 12 or more credits or when a student athlete first competes at any two or four year collegiate institution. These years are continuous. A student athlete may be granted an extra year of competition if they are ill or injured and meet the criteria of the NAIA for a medical hardship.

*Twelve Credit Rule

The NAIA and St. Thomas University require that a student athlete must be a full-time student in order to participate. It must also be verified that the student athlete is registered and fees are paid for at least 12 credits. A student athlete is ineligible to practice or compete during any time if he/she:

1. Are registered for less than 12 credit classes

2. Registration or admission is canceled; or

3. Change in Enrollment

Changes in enrollment (e.g., petitions to add/drop courses, late enrollment, instructor drops, etc.) should be submitted prior to the published deadlines to ensure that records are accurate and complete. If a student athlete drops a course, it costs credits toward graduation. A student athlete is not permitted to drop a class without a signature from the Director of Athletics or Head Coach. This policy is designed to prevent a student athlete from making changes in their academic schedule that may jeopardize either academic or eligibility status.

Progress Reports and Mandatory Study Halls:

To ensure that student athletes are making normal progress towards graduation, the Department of Athletics does progress reports for all student athletes at the mid-point of each semester. Upon return of the progress reports, coaches meet with student athletes to review individually. The Department of Athletics also requires mandatory study hall for incoming freshmen and transfer students who have a 2.6 or below, as well as current student athletes that have an overall St. Thomas GPA of 2.6 or below. Often a coach may advise a student athlete that even though they have over a 2.6 GPA they need to attend the mandatory study hall based on the outcome of progress reports.

Scholarships:

Athletic teams are provided with a specific number of one-year renewable grants-in-aid (athletic scholarships) in accordance with budgetary restrictions and regulations. These grants (academic or athletic) are awarded by the Office of Financial Aid upon the recommendation of the Head Coach and the approval of the Director of Athletics. Grant-in-aids are not reimbursements for services performed, but to help student athletes with their educational expenses. An athletic or academic grant is restricted to covering educational expenses such as tuition and fees. It is important to know that students cannot receive both an athletic and academic grant. You can only receive one or the other. All grants cover only a portion of the current academic year and do not include summer or mini-mester term classes. All grants have a minimum GPA and full-time status requirement to receive such grants. For more information, see the Financial Aid office. Athletic grants require certification of eligibility. If deemed ineligible, student athletes will lose athletic grant.

For more information on NAIA rules and eligibility, please go to
NAIA Student-Athlete Information