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COYOTE STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. The University of South Dakota History & Mission

  2. Academics

  3. Assistance with Academics

  4. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

  5. Financial Aid and Employment

  6. Important NCAA Rules

  7. Around the Athletics Department

  8. Relationship with the Media

  9. Student Services and Resources

Dear Student-Athlete:

Welcome to the University of South Dakota!

The Department of Athletics and Recreation is excited that you have chosen USD for your college academic and athletic experience. The start of school is always an exciting time of year, and I hope that the years ahead will be everything you hoped for, both academically and athletically. We want you to be a proud member of the USD family and wear your uniform with pride, honor, and with respect for both your teammates and opponents.

In order to fulfill your potential as both a student and an athlete; please take the time to read this material. The information contained in this handbook has been developed to assist you in your acclimation to the USD campus here in Vermillion, as well as a resource guide to help point you in the right direction for the answers to your questions.

The Department of Athletics takes great pride in the academic and athletic achievements of its past student-athletes, and will support you in every way possible in your future endeavors. Utilize the academic support system here, and participate in all of the programs that we offer. I also urge you to take advantage of the many cultural activities available to members of the Vermillion community and throughout South Dakota. Enjoy your time at USD and expand your horizons beyond the USD campus!

If you need assistance at any time, please call us in the Athletic Department. We are always ready to help in any possible way. My expectation is that you will excel in competition and in the classroom, and thus become another graduate of USD that excels in the future!

Sincerely,
Joel Nielsen
Athletic Director

SECTION I.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT HISTORY AND MISSION STATEMENT

The University of South Dakota's athletic program dates back to 1886 when the Coyotes organized their first baseball team. Since that time, USD has expanded its intercollegiate program to also include football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's track (indoor and outdoor), men's and women's cross country, men's and women's swimming, softball, women's volleyball, women's soccer, men's and women's golf, and finally, women's tennis.

The University of South Dakota is a charter member of the North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCC) and the NCC is considered the premier league within the NCAA Division II. The NCC member institutions include:

Augustana College Minnesota State University
University of Nebraska at Omaha St. Cloud State University
University of North Dakota And The University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is the comprehensive university within the South Dakota System of Higher Education. The university's mission is to provide graduate and undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences and in the professional education; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support research, scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service to the State of South Dakota and the region.

The University of South Dakota's Intercollegiate Athletics Department, as an integral part of the University's educational mission, is committed to cultivating academic and athletic excellence in our student-athletes. The following points serve as a roadmap on this path to excellence.

  • Academic Integrity and Leadership: Dedication to the principles of academic excellence, the encouragement of degree completion, the development of the whole person, and support in securing a productive place in society for all student-athletes.
  • Athletic Achievement: Dedication to maximum athletic performance.
  • Fiscal Integrity: Development and maintenance of comprehensive fiscal policies and practices to ensure control and accountability throughout the program.
  • Governance: Compliance with Federal, State, University, NCAA and NCC Conference regulations.
  • Personal Development: Encourage all personnel and student-athletes toward personal and professional growth.
  • Quality Support: Dedication to providing the finest staff, facilities, services and equipment to ensure that all student-athletes have the opportunity to train and compete in a safe and supportive atmosphere.

The philosophy of the University of South Dakota is to provide the student-athlete with the opportunity and encouragement to achieve a degree of his or her choice and the chance to develop athletic abilities in an environment consistent with high standards of academic scholarship, sportsmanship, leadership and institutional loyalty.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE

Sexual harassment is a violation of University policy and will not be tolerated in USD athletics. Each student athlete is subject to the rules and regulations as set forth in the student handbook. Actions as defined by the student athlete handbook may result in immediate disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal from the athletics program and removal of financial aid, to deter and prevent further violations.

If you feel you may be a victim of sexual harassment, you may contact the Affirmative Action Office at 677-5651. Their responsibilities include: identifying and supporting individuals, identifying support groups and services, assisting individuals in contacting the Director of Affirmative Action and seeking administrative redress, and recommending corrective measures as appropriate to avoid recurrences of the incident.

The faculty, staff and students of the University of South Dakota make up a community committed to learning. Violence, actual or threatened, destroys the mutual trust that binds members of the community. The University considers acts or threats of violence as serious violations of University policy. This includes harassment of personal characteristics such as affectional preference, color, creed, disability, ethnic or national origin, gender, or race.

Furthermore, sexual or romantic conduct of any sort between student-athletes and their coaches is improper and strictly forbidden. Report misconduct to the proper authorities immediately.

GAMBLING AND BRIBERY

Gambling is strictly prohibited in intercollegiate athletics. Placing any bet or participating in any gambling activity involving college or professional athletics will make you immediately ineligible. Student-athletes at USD shall not knowingly provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities, solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate team (especially the University of South Dakota), or participate in any gambling activity involving intercollegiate or professional athletics.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

One of your responsibilities as a student-athlete is to always display good sportsmanship at ALL athletic events. This involves adhering to such fundamental values as fairness, respect, civility, honesty, and responsibility. The North Central Conference further requires each institution to ensure that all individuals, employed by or directly associated with the athletic program, represent their institution in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct shall subject the individual and possibly the institution to disciplinary action. Sportsmanlike behavior requires effort.

Support the officials, avoid criticizing them or blaming losses on their actions. Support your team efforts by encouraging teamwork and encouraging teammates. Also remember that when attending other athletic events you are still expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship there as well.

STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT

Participation in the Intercollegiate Athletics Program at The University of South Dakota is a privilege rather than a right; a privilege earned and maintained by the student-athlete. As a requirement of this privilege, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to meet or exceed the regulations and policies with which the student body as a whole must comply. Each student-athlete must be certain to conduct themselves in a manner which will be a credit to himself/herself and which reflects positively on the University as a whole. In instances where behavior is less than exemplary, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics reserves the option to undertake disciplinary action where warranted.

SECTION II.
ACADEMICS

REGISTRATION

All student athletes are responsible for fulfilling registration requirements. Registration is held at the beginning of each semester on dates published in the academic calendar. Before registration, consult with your academic advisor on course selection. If you are on the road, make arrangements to call on your designated day to register. If you have any questions, contact the compliance coordinator or your academic advisor to ensure your continued eligibility.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletic competition, a student-athlete must meet academic eligibility standards established for such participation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and USD. Many NCAA standards refer to the standards established by the member institution so those USD requirements, which may be different from other institutions, must be followed. The following summaries of academic standards follow the NCAA format, with USD's specific requirements added where applicable.

A student-athlete is eligible to represent USD in intercollegiate athletic competition only if the student-athlete has met the following requirements:

  1. Has been admitted in accordance with the regular published entrance requirements of USD. All admissions are evaluated, accepted and processed by the Office of Admissions and Records.

  2. Has met all NCAA requirements for freshman and transfer eligibility as stated in the current NCAA manual.

  3. Is in good academic standing as determined by University policies. In order to remain in good standing and meet minimum progression standards, the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) must meet the required cumulative GPA standard listed below.

    Completed Credit Hours Cumulative GPA
    Range Standard
    0-31 1.8
    32-63 1.9
    64-95 2.0
    96+ 2.0

  4. Is enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as determined by the regulations of the certifying institution. At USD, this minimum full-time program is twelve (12) credits of 100-level or above courses. (An exception to this rule on course level permits freshmen to take up to 12 credits of remedial/developmental classes, provided the institution considers the courses to be prerequisites for specific acceptable degree credit courses.) Minimum full-time enrollment must be maintained for the entire semester for continued participation in intercollegiate athletics and receipt of athletic financial aid.

  5. Is maintaining satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as determined by USD. At USD, "satisfactory progress" means that the student earns at least 24 credits during the academic year.

    1. Correspondence, extension, and credit by examination courses taken from an institution other than USD shall not be used in determining a student's satisfactory progress.

    2. The calculation of the 24 credit hours shall be based upon hours earned or accepted for degree credit in a specific baccalaureate degree program.

  6. Before your 5th semester of enrollment you must officially declare a "major" leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree.

ACADEMIC PROBATION, APPEAL AND DISMISSAL

An undergraduate student-athlete who fails to maintain the required annual and cumulative GPA and credit hours as outlined by the NCAA guidelines will not be eligible to participate in intercollegiate competition or be allowed to practice the following semester.

Generally, if you were placed on academic probation and your cumulative GPA for the consecutive semester falls below a 2.0, your academic standing at the university is in jeopardy. Most likely, it will result in immediate dismissal from the university, at which point you will be ineligible to compete in athletics. Such a dismissal will cease the distribution of any and all university financial aid.

Students may appeal the university decision of dismissal to their respective Academic Dean. The Academic Dean will make a subjective determination based on the individual student's unique set of circumstances as to whether to grant a "reinstatement". In making this determination, athletic department personnel are not allowed to submit their support of the student to the academic dean, including, but not limited to, telephone calls, letters, emails, etc., unless the Dean requests such input. The purpose of this restriction is to forbid the presence of any outside influence by the athletic department from impacting the academic decision by the appropriate Dean.

As a disqualified student, you may continue your enrollment at USD only as a non-degree student and you will be limited to enrolling in nine credits per semester, until reinstated into your program. Students may be readmitted only under circumstances deemed acceptable to the appropriate college dean. Re-admission is not automatic and will be granted only where there is evidence the student will perform satisfactorily.

CODE OF CONDUCT

You are responsible for upholding the University's Student Code of Conduct as well as the Athletic Department's Student-Athlete Code of Conduct. USD's Student Code of Conduct is as follows:

  1. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY. Acts of dishonesty, including, but not limited to the following:

    1. Cheating, which is defined as, but is not limited to, the following:

      1. use or giving of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations;

      2. use of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out other assignments; or

      3. acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the institutional faculty or staff.

    2. PLAGIARISM, which is defined as, but is not limited to, the following;

      1. the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment consistent with accepted practices of the discipline;

      2. the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

    3. Other forms of dishonesty relating to academic achievement research results or academically related public service.

    4. Furnishing information known or believed to be false to any institutional official, faculty member or officer;

    5. Forgery, fabrication, alteration, misrepresentation or misuse of any document, record or instrument of identification, including misrepresentations of degrees awarded or honors received;

    6. Tampering with the election of any institutionally recognized student organization;

    7. Claiming to represent or act in behalf of the institution when not authorized to represent or to act.

  2. DISRUPTION OF EDUCATIONAL PROCESS. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other institutional activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-institutional activities.

    Violations of the Code of Conduct will result in a failing grade for the assignment and, ordinarily, for the course. Moreover, violations of the Code of Conduct may result in suspension or expulsion.

  3. SANCTIONS. The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct:

    1. Warning - A disciplinary notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations.

    2. Censure - A written censure for violation of specified regulations.

    3. Probation - Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.

    4. Loss of Privileges - Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.

    5. Fines - Previously established and published fines may be imposed.

    6. Restitution - Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service or monetary or material replacement.

    7. Discretionary Sanctions - Work assignments, service to the institution or other related discretionary assignments.

    8. Residence Suspension - Separation of the student form residence facilities for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible for return. Conditions for readmission may be specified.

    9. Residence Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from residence facilities.

    10. Suspension - Separation of the student from the institution for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible for return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. A student who has been suspended from one institution may not be enrolled at another.

    11. Expulsion - mandatory separation of the student from the institution for a period of no less than six years. A student who has been expelled from one institution may not be enrolled at another until the period of expulsion has expired.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

Formal academic advising is performed by an academic advisor assigned to each student by the department of their degree program. However, the student-athlete should be aware that information and help is available from several other sources.

  1. The primary responsibility for maintaining academic eligibility is with the student-athlete. You alone assume responsibility for appropriate progress toward the degree program selected.

  2. All undeclared students are advised in the Academic Advising and Testing Center, which is located in Arts and Sciences 20. When the student has decided on a major field of study, he/she should report to the Academic Advising and Testing Center to fill out the required change of major form. An advisor from the major department will be assigned to the student. Advisors help the student with each registration.

  3. If additional help is needed, the compliance officer will assist in locating the appropriate academic advisor.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Academic success starts with regular attendance at all class meetings and labs. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated. Student-athletes are expected to attend all classes, and the student-athlete must be especially aware of the classes that will be missed for competitive trips. It is the student-athlete's responsibility to make arrangements before the absence and do whatever make-up work required by the instructor. All student-athletes must meet the attendance requirements of each individual course as announced by the instructor of his/her classes and communicated to the department chairperson at the beginning of each semester.

The following procedure should be used to communicate with your professor when you know you are going to miss a class:

  1. Introduce yourself to your professor after the first or second class, informing them that you are a student-athlete and may miss some class time.

  2. Provide the professor with a copy of the team's schedule and the letter of introduction provided by the Athletic Director. This should be done at the beginning of the semester.

  3. Always see the professor before you miss class and ask for any assignments or work you will need to make up. Ask the professor what procedure he or she would like you to follow to make up work.

  4. If you miss an exam or quiz, arrange for a specific date when you will make it up.

  5. If you are unable to attend an entire class because of athletic competition, at least attend part of the class. It is better to go to class late or leave early than to miss the entire period. Be certain to inform the professor of the reason for your lateness or your need to leave early.

If you have followed all of the steps listed above, and the professor is reluctant to make any allowances, please contact the Compliance Coordinator.

DROP/ADD

Each student-athlete is required to inform his/her coach and the Compliance Coordinator before dropping or adding any class to receive written approval. Student-athletes should ensure that, after dropping any course, they would be enrolled in at least 12 credits. Dropping to less than 12 credits will immediately render the student athlete ineligible for practice, intercollegiate competition and financial aid.

While a student-athlete is required to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits in order to be eligible for intercollegiate competition, that number will not meet graduation requirements of 120 credits in a four year period. For example, to graduate with 120 credits in eight semesters, a student must average 15 credits per semester; to graduate with 130 credits in eight semesters, a student must average 16.25 credits per semester. Athletic tuition scholarships will cover a maximum of 32 credits per year; however, a student-athlete may apply for a credit exemption.

MANDATORY ACADEMIC STUDY SESSIONS

Freshmen, and 2-year college transfer students may be required to attend Academic Orientation Sessions for their first semester upon recommendation of the Academic Advisor. As a student-athlete competing on an intercollegiate level, you must allow time for class, study, practice and recreation. The Academic Study Hall has been created to assist you, as a new student, to develop good study habits and meet the long-range goal of graduation. Student-athletes who successfully complete all the requirements of the Academic Study Sessions will not be required to attend study sessions during the following semester.

Student-athletes earmarked for study hall (those that are on academic probation and in most cases, freshmen) are required to attend a minimum of 5 hours per week. Student-athletes will check-in at a Study Room area designated by the Athletic Advisor.

The Academic Study Hall is supervised by athletic staff members who are willing to help you with your studies that are within their scope, and enforce academic study rules. The following rules apply to all students attending Academic Study:

  1. Every time you attend academic study, you must check in with the academic staff member by leaving your university identification card. Your time begins when you leave your card, and your time ends when you leave and retrieve your card for the night.

  2. The Academic Study is for serious study only. You must bring appropriate study material. If you behave inappropriately during the sessions, you will be removed and your time will not count. Inappropriate materials and behaviors include talking, sleeping, reading nonacademic magazines, letter writing, and listening to Walkman radios.

  3. If you are working with someone or a small group, you must meet in one of the group study rooms.

  4. If you are unable to make the evening study hall sessions due to class conflicts or other legitimate conflicts, study hall make-up hours can be arranged.

  5. Teams traveling may have the opportunity to accrue study hall hours if their coach supervises study hall sessions. Please check with your coach to determine if your team will have the opportunity to have study sessions while traveling.

PENALTIES

The following penalties will be enforced if the Academic Study Session time requirements are violated:

  1. First Violation: If any of the 5 hours are missed, they must be made up the following week. If the hours are made up the following week, the student's violation will be removed and be considered in good standing with study hall. If the hours are not made up the following week, the student is moved to the second violation status.

  2. Second Violation: The student will be suspended from a minimum of one practice and maybe more at the discretion of the athletic department. Further, the student will be required to meet with the Head Coach to discuss the situation. If the student continues to fail making up the study hall hours, he or she will be moved to the third violation status. Or, if a student fails to complete all of their study hall hours by the end of the academic semester, he or she will be moved to the third violation status.

  3. Third Violation: The student will be suspended and will be informed specifically as to how many competitions he/she will miss.

The following penalties will be enforced if a student behaves inappropriately during any Academic Study Session.

  1. First Violation: The student-athlete's identification card will be returned and the student will not be allowed to log any further time that night.

  2. Second Violation: The student-athlete will be ejected from study hall. The student's identification card will be delivered to the Athletic Director by the athletic staff on duty. The student will be instructed to report to the Athletic Director to retrieve the card the next day. Disciplinary action will be taken at that time, including probable suspension.

  3. Third Violation: The student-athlete will be suspended from practice and competition for at least one week, probably two to three weeks.

If a student consistently falls below the minimum study-hour time requirement for the semester, or repeatedly behaves inappropriately during the study sessions, the student will be required to attend study hall the following semester, regardless of their GPA.

GRADING SYSTEM

The following grading system is used at USD:
Grade Quality Points  
A 4.0 Excellent
B 3.0 Good
C 2.0 Satisfactory
D 1.0 Poor
F 0.0 Failing

The following notations are ignored in computing the student's GPA:

P    Pass - Indicates satisfactory completion of the course requirements.
DF    Deferred - Coursework was not satisfactorily completed.
AU    Audit - Enrolled for informational instruction only with no credit awarded.
W    Withdrawn from a course after the first two weeks of a semester.
I    Incomplete - Temporary grade (C or better) indicating a majority of the coursework has been completed, but not satisfactorily completed.
NB    No Basis - Insufficient student progress for evaluation resulting in no credit or grade.

ACADEMIC HONORS

Dean's List: A GPA of 3.5 or higher earns you a place on the Dean's List.

ANNUAL ALL SPORTS AWARD BANQUET

The Department of Athletics and Recreation hosts the Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet annually in the spring. This banquet is a formal affair that includes a social hour, dinner and ceremony of recognizing outstanding students in academics, athletics and the community.

SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

This prestigious honor has traditionally been presented to the top male and female student-athlete of the year. Criteria are based upon academic excellence, athletic accomplishments, and campus and community service. The young woman and man are recognized at the All-Sports Banquet at the end of the academic year, and their names are placed on a permanent plaque. Additionally, the scholar athletes will be presented with an award.

VARSITY ATHLETIC AWARDS

Varsity letter awards are presented to members of recognized intercollegiate teams who have met certain criteria. Criteria for the awards are established by the coach of each sport individually and approved by the Athletic Director. Students should consult with their head coach or the Athletic Department as to the specific requirements to earn a letter in their sport.

The Athletic Department also presents a senior student-athlete award for contributing significantly to their respective sport.

CONFERENCE AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

A team that wins a Conference or National Championship will be presented an award appropriate to the sport and championship.

POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

The $5,000 scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who maintain at least a 3.000 cumulative grade point average (4.000 scale) and perform with distinction in varsity competition. The NCAA annually awards 174 postgraduate scholarships to student-athletes who have excelled academically and athletically and are in their last year of intercollegiate athletics competition. The University of South Dakota is extremely proud to have several winners of this prestigious award.

SECTION III.
ASSISTANCE WITH ACADEMICS

ADVISING CENTER

If you haven't chosen a major yet, the USD campus Academic Advising Center is available for students who need help in choosing a major, selecting classes and planning an academic schedule. It also serves as a clearinghouse for general university and degree information. The Advising Center has general advisers and faculty members from various disciplines throughout campus. You have access to all members of the advising team and department advisers. In addition to advising incoming freshmen and undeclared students, Advising Center staff are available to help transfer students, international students, non-degree students and rural students, as well as other student-athletes seeking advice or information.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Every student in the University is assigned an academic advisor in his or her college. The Academic Advisor plays a vital role in your academic success. He or she will help you select classes each term, see that you maintain normal progress, help with course changes, and see that you meet all degree and University requirements.

TUTORS

The opportunity to improve your course grades or help you understand class material might be best accomplished through the use of a tutor. Additional assistance can come in a variety of ways:

  1. Professors or teaching assistants often offer study sessions to review material covered in class and in texts.

  2. The Math Laboratory provides flexible hour assistance to students enrolled in mathematics courses. The lab is coordinated by faculty, and services are provided by students. The Math Laboratory is located in Arts and Sciences Room 16B and Math Tutoring Sessions are available in Room 339 Dakota Hall. For more information call 677-5262.

  3. The writing Center will review student-writing projects during the successive draft process and can help you improve your grammar and usage. The Writing Center is located in Dakota Hall 201. For more information call 677-5626.

  4. The Athletic Department may arrange student-athletes the opportunity to be assisted with individual tutoring for courses on request; however, these courses should be courses other than mathematics or English.

TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FIVE TASKS WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES.

  1. Be sure you have a complete syllabus for each course, and put it in a convenient place where you can refer to it often.

  2. Buy all of the books for your courses immediately, and do not share books with others.

  3. Get a separate notebook for each course and keep all handout materials for each class in a separate notebook. You should not have to search for anything when it is time to study.

  4. Introduce yourself to your professors and let them know you are a student-athlete. Since you will be missing classes for competitions, it is essential that you identify yourself immediately, so that you and your professor can plan accordingly.

  5. Write all of your assignments on a long-range calendar. You will need to have a quick reference you can post in your room as a regular reminder. It is highly recommended that you purchase a USD Datebook that contains pertinent campus phone numbers, athletic competition dates, vacation periods, and other activities in addition to what is found here.

ACADEMIC HONOR SOCIETIES

Alpha Delta Mu (Social Work) Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology) Golden Key
Beta Gamma Sigma (Business) Guidon
Chi Sigma Iota (Epsilon Gamma Pi) Omicron Delta Kappa
Delta Kappa Gamma (Education) Mortar Board
Phi Delta Kappa (Education) Phi Beta Kappa
Phi Sigma (Biology) Phi Beta Sigma
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science) Order of Omega
Psi Chi (Psychology) Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish)
Tau Kappa Alpha (Forensics)

ACADEMIC STUDY TIPS

  1. Attend all of your classes. When you have to miss class because of competition, be sure you arrange in advance with a student, who you know is doing well, to copy their notes.

  2. Find a student in every class you can study with and share notes. Studying with a partner or in a group can often enhance your learning and class performance.

  3. Make the most of wait or travel time. Plan to use traveling time to review your notes, study vocabulary, formulas, or anything, which needs to be memorized. Putting information on notecards will give you less to carry and maximize your ability to study on the road (or in the air).

  4. As a general rule, study two hours for every hour in class.

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

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

BEFORE YOU MEET WITH YOUR ADVISOR

Become familiar with the class schedule and USD catalog. Collect your registration materials, test scores, and transcripts from other universities you have attended. Bring these with you when you meet your advisor. Give some thought to your interests, academic/career goals, and courses you might want to take. Prepare a list of questions for your advisor.

If you are undecided about your major, determine whether you would prefer a B.S. or B.A. degree. Ask the Academic Advisor for further information if you are unsure. After your first visit, you will be given a copy of your chosen degree requirements. You (along with the advisor) should keep an accurate record of the classes you have taken and determine, before you visit with the Athletic Advisor, which classes are offered and the classes you are planning to take.

During your last year of school, sign-up for a degree audit toward your degree with the Graduate Office to assure you are taking all your classes to fulfill the requirements of your degree. This should be done at least one semester before your last semester of school.

SECTION IV.
STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is established to provide student-athletes with a voice through which they can address issues relating to their welfare as individuals in the USD community. Two nominated committee members shall represent each sport, as well as the athletic training program. This committee can address any concerns or represent any issues that you may have. Additionally, SAAC members:

  • Provide a listening ear to the concerns of team members with regard to academics, activities, department policy, etc.
  • Meet with the Compliance Officer, Director of Athletics, Faculty Athletics Representative and other administrators or staff to voice opinions and concerns.
  • Inform team members of their rights and responsibilities.
  • Serve as a mentor to freshmen athletes and community students.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is an important and fun committee. It is a way for your voice to be heard by the administration, as well as a way for you to meet other student-athletes. The SAAC members organize fun events for the student-athletes as well as hosting philanthropic charity events as a way for all student-athletes to give back to the community.

The North Central Conference hosts an annual SAAC Summit and the NCAA also hosts SAAC meetings as a way for the student-athletes to voice their opinions on proposed legislation. This is truly a great opportunity to get involved and a great opportunity to network with other institution's student-athletes and administrators. If you have any desire to work as a coach or in intercollegiate athletics, I strongly urge you to get involved now.

If you are interested in playing an active role in the athletic program and want to become part of this committee, please contact your coach or the compliance coordinator today.

SECTION V.
FINANCIAL AID AND EMPLOYMENT

  1. A Division II student-athlete may earn legitimate on campus employment income during the school year or during a vacation period.

  2. A Division II student-athlete may obtain legitimate off-campus employment, in excess of a full grant-in-aid provided neither athletics department staff members nor representatives of the institution's athletics interests are involved in arranging the employment.

  3. In all cases you may only be compensated for work actually performed at a reasonable hourly rate.

REDUCTION, CANCELLATION, OR GRADATION OF ATHLETIC AID

Financial assistance may not be awarded to a prospective student-athlete conditioned upon the recipient reporting in satisfactory physical condition. If the student-athlete has been accepted for admission and awarded financial assistance, the institution shall be committed for the term of the original award.

Institutional aid may not be reduced or canceled during the period of its award:

  • On the basis of a student-athlete's ability or their contribution to a team's success;
  • Because of an injury which prevents the recipient from participation in athletics; or
  • For any other athletic reason.

Institutional Aid may be gradated or canceled if the student-athlete:

  • Voluntarily withdraws from the team for personal reasons;
  • Is dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons or serious misconduct;
  • Becomes incapacitated due to a non-sports related injury;
  • Fails to maintain eligibility per NCAA and USD regulations; or
  • Fraudulently misrepresents any information on any of the university documents.

Any such gradation or cancellation of aid is permissible only if such action is taken for proper cause by the regular disciplinary or scholarship award authorities of the institution, and the student-athlete has had an opportunity for a hearing. Under the reasons listed immediately above, such gradation or cancellation of aid may occur prior to the conclusion of the term.

FIFTH-YEAR AID

Athletics financial aid is available but not guaranteed to fifth-year student-athletes in order to complete their degrees. However, the application process varies depending upon whether a student-athlete has eligibility remaining. In either case, fifth-year aid is awarded one semester at a time. Students must reapply at the end of the semester for the next term.

If the student will be a fifth-year student with eligibility remaining, tender will be renewed with the head coach's recommendation. This holds true even if the student has completed their degree and are continuing on in a graduate program or beginning a second bachelor's degree program.

If the student will be a fifth-year student who has exhausted their eligibility but has not earned a degree, they must submit a written request and have a personal interview with the Director of Athletics.

The decision to award fifth-year aid to a student is based upon the following:

  • A conscientious effort towards fulfilling degree requirements;
  • Head coach recommendation;
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and satisfactory progress in total hours earned; and

Consideration of the major and degree sought. Awards will not be given for a second major.

In addition:

  • The student-athlete must sign an agreement confirming the acceptance of the terms regarding their employment designated by the athletic department in order to verify the athlete's grant in aid;
  • Work agreements must be submitted for approval by the Director of Athletics;
  • Awards will not be given to repeat any classes; and
  • Awards for tuition will not pay for more than sixteen (16) credit hours per semester.

RENEWAL AND APPEAL PROCESS OF ATHLETIC AID

The renewal of a scholarship shall be made on or before July 1 prior to the academic year it is to be effective. The institution shall promptly notify each student-athlete who received an award the previous academic year and who is eligible to receive an award for the ensuing academic year whether the scholarship has been renewed or not renewed.

If a scholarship or grant in aid is to be gradated, terminated or is not to be renewed the Athletic department shall notify the university Financial Aid Office. Such notice from the athletic department shall contain a plain statement of the reason for the action, and a copy of the notice shall be sent to the Compliance Coordinator. The Financial Aid Office will then formally notify the student of the action and shall inform the student of his/her right to a hearing. The notice from the Financial Aid Office shall be served by regular first class mail, postage prepaid, to the student at his/her last known address or delivered in person to the student.

The student within ten (10) days of the service of such notice may request, in writing, a hearing on the proposed action. The request shall be made to the financial aid director at the university. Upon receipt of such notice, the financial aid office shall establish a time and place for the hearing at a location on the university campus and notify the student and the coach of the time and place selected. The hearing must be held within fifteen (15) days after the request is received by the financial aid director, and may be continued thereafter if the director deems it necessary in order to secure relevant evidence concerning the matter or for such other reasonable cause as he may determine.

The hearing shall be informal and the rules of evidence shall not apply. The student may be represented by a person of his/her choice and may present such information he/she has relevant to the matter. The hearing shall not be open to the public. After the hearing is completed, the hearing officer shall promptly render a decision within ten (10) days in writing, setting forth the reasons therefore. If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the hearing officer, he/she may, within ten (10) days, appeal the decision to the Executive Assistant to the President. The student shall, within the time allowed, forward to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration a statement setting forth the basis for appeal and all appropriate documentation. The hearing officer shall then forward to the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration the records of the case which shall include the tape recording of the hearing and such other papers, files and documents considered by the hearing officer.

The Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration shall review the entire record of the hearing to ensure that proper procedures were followed and that the decision of the hearing officer:

  1. Was made impartially;

  2. Was not arbitrary;

  3. Was based on the evidence; and

  4. Was not otherwise discriminatory.

Within ten (10) days of receipt of the appeal record, the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration will notify the student and the athletic director of the decision to uphold or reverse the hearing officer's decision. The decision of the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration is final.

SECTION VI.
IMPORTANT NCAA RULES

AMATEURISM

An amateur student-athlete is one who engages in a particular sport for the educational, physical; mental and social benefits derived from participation. USD's athletic program is designed to be an integral part of the educational program and the student-athlete is considered an integral part of the student body, thus maintaining a clear line of demarcation between college athletics and professional sports. An individual loses amateur status and thus shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition if the student athlete:

  • Uses his or her athletics skill for pay;
  • Accepts a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received after intercollegiate participation;
  • Signs a contract or commitment of any kind to play professional athletics;
  • Receives any form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization;
  • Competes on any professional athletics team, even if no pay is received;
  • Enters into a professional draft (except for basketball) or an agreement with an agent to negotiate a professional contract.

AGENTS

Any representation from an agent to market athletic ability shall render a student-athlete ineligible for athletic participation. This includes entering into a verbal or written agreement with an agent for future professional sports negotiations upon completing eligibility in that sport. Also, accepting transportation or other benefits from an agent for the purpose of marketing athletics ability is not permissible.

OUTSIDE COMPETITION

You should not compete as a member on any outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition in your sport except as approved by the NCAA. Intramural participation is acceptable as long as it is not in your sport (e.g., a collegiate basketball player may not play intramural basketball). Before involving yourself in approved summer leagues, you are required to obtain written permission from the athletics director.

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSIONS

Student-athletes are allowed two complimentary admissions to their athletic event. No hard tickets will be distributed to student-athletes. A student-athlete may not receive payment from any source for his or her complimentary admissions and may not exchange or assign the tickets for any item of value.

COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENTS

It is not permissible for you to accept money or to permit the use of your own name or picture to directly advertise, recommend or promote the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any kind (e.g., no modeling of clothes, no endorsements). The NCAA has loosened its restrictions on student-athletes' involvement with charities and educational organizations, but it is important that you get written approval from the Compliance Coordinator prior to participation in any of these projects.

EXTRA BENEFITS

You are not permitted to receive extra benefits, which refers to any special arrangement by an institutional employee or booster to provide you or your relatives or friends with benefits that are not available to the institution's student body in general.

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Student-athletes are not permitted to endorse any product or service that is for sale. The rule applies to appearances on radio, television, and other media.

EXIT INTERVIEW

All NCAA institutions are required to conduct exit interviews with a sample of senior student-athletes' prior to graduation. Your cooperation in this process is deeply appreciated because it gives the athletic department a chance to be evaluated by the student-athlete.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

A prospective or enrolled student-athlete found in violation of NCAA ethical standards or eligibility requirements shall be ineligible for further intercollegiate competition. If there are any questions concerning the rules, or even a doubt about interpretation of a rule, the student-athlete should check with the Director of Athletics or the Compliance Coordinator in order to clarify the particular application of a NCAA rule.

COUNTABLE ATHLETICALLY RELATED ACTIVITIES

The following are considered countable athletically related activities and must be counted in the weekly and daily time limitations.

  1. Practice, any meeting, activity or instruction involving sports-related information and having an athletics purpose, held for one or more student-athletes at the direction of the coaching staff. Practice is considered to have occurred if one or more coaches and one or more student-athletes engage in the following activities:

    1. Field, floor or on-court activity;

    2. Setting up offensive or defensive alignment;

    3. Chalk talk;

    4. Lecture on or discussion of strategy related to sport;

    5. Activities using equipment related to the sport;

    6. Discussion or review of game films, motion pictures or videotapes related to the sport;

    7. Activities conducted under the guise of physical education coursework.

  2. Competition

  3. Required weight-training and conditioning activities held at the direction of or supervised by and institutional staff member.

  4. In Div. II sports other than football, participation outside the institution's declared playing season in individual skill related instructional activities with a member of the coaching staff and that occur at the request of the student-athlete.

  5. Required participation of student-athletes in permissible tryouts involving prospective student-athletes.

  6. Required participation in camps, clinics or workshops.

  7. Individual workouts required or supervised by a member of the coaching staff, except for those sports subject to the safety exception. A coach may design a voluntary general individual workout program for a student-athlete but cannot conduct the individual's workout.

  8. On-court or on-field activities called by any member or members of a team and confined primarily to members of that team are considered as a requisite for participation in that sport (e.g., captain's practices).

  9. Use of an institution's athletic facilities when such activities are supervised by or held at the direction of any member of an institution's coaching staff. Facilities may be reserved during the academic year. It is not permissible for a coaching staff member to reserve facilities during the summer to participate in permissible team or individual workouts in individual sports at the request of the student-athlete.

  10. Involvement of an institution's strength and conditioning staff with enrolled student-athletes in required conditioning programs. Strength and conditioning personnel may monitor individual workouts for safety purposes. If the strength and conditioning coach is also a countable coach, such assistance may be provided only if that strength and conditioning staff member performs such duties on a department-wide basis.

TIME LIMITATIONS FOR ATHLETICALLY RELATED EVENTS

  1. Daily and Weekly Hour Limitations - Playing Season. A student-athlete's participation in countable athletically related activities shall be limited to four hours per day and 20 hours per week.

  2. Multisport Participant Exception. For a multisport participant, the daily and weekly hour limitations apply separately to each sport in which the student-athlete is a participant.

  3. Weekly Hour Limitations - Outside of Playing Season. Outside of the playing season during the academic year, only a student-athlete's participation in the countable athletically related activities shall be permitted. A student-athlete's participation in such 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. A student-athlete may not participate in any countable athletically related activities outside the playing season during an institutional vacation period (e.g., summer, academic year).

  4. Required Day Off-Playing Season. During the playing season, all countable athletically related activities shall be prohibited during one calendar day per week, except during participation in one conference and post-season championship and any post-season certified bowl games or National Invitation Tournaments, and during participation in NCAA Championships.

  5. Travel Day. A travel day related to athletics participation may be considered as a day off, provided no countable athletically related activities occur during that day.

SECTION VII.
AROUND THE ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

TRAINING ROOM

The team physician, staff trainer, student trainers, and the athletic training facilities provide for the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of all athletically related injuries for all University of South Dakota student-athletes.

Physical Examinations

All student-athletes participating in an intercollegiate sports program are required to undergo a physical examination. Each new student-athlete, under the guidance of the training room staff or their head coach, must schedule and complete an examination) from the team physician (at Student Health Services) before the first practice session.

RIGHTS OF THE STUDENT - ATHLETE

  1. Each new student-athlete must receive a complete physical examination prior to participation.

  2. The student-athlete shall receive appropriate medical care and treatment for any injury incurred during practice or competition.

  3. USD athletic insurance is secondary coverage. Secondary coverage pays medical bills over and above what parent(s) or individual personal insurance covers (illness is not financially covered by athletic insurance or the athletic department). Athletic physicals and routine exams required for insurance companies, jobs, or college admittance are available at the Health Clinic located at Julian Hall for a minimal fee.

  4. The student-athlete may receive a second medical opinion upon request.

  5. The student-athlete's medical records shall remain confidential.

  6. The student-athlete shall expect the coach to follow medical advice with respect to active participation in practices or competitions.

  7. The student-athlete may expect the facilities, equipment, and uniforms provided for practice and competition to be safe.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT - ATHLETE

  1. The student-athlete shall provide insurance coverage information, and, if covered, a copy of the insurance company's claim from each year.

  2. The student-athlete shall be truthful and complete when providing, orally or by questionnaire, a personal health or injury history.

  3. In order to be covered by athletic insurance, the student-athlete must report to the trainer prior to seeking other medical attention. Failure to do so puts the responsibility of payment with the student athlete. It removes the athletic department from the responsibility of said medical attention. The student-athlete shall cooperate with the medical team (e.g. physician, dentist, trainer, therapist) to ensure the maximum effectiveness of a treatment program.

  4. The student-athlete shall wear their equipment correctly, completely, and without any modification which would diminish its protective quality.

  5. The student-athlete shall maintain personal habits, which enhance their physical and mental well being for athletic performance.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG POLICY

The goal of the USD athletic department's Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) policy is to ensure student-athletes practice and compete to the best of their ability, free of the influence of drugs and alcohol. Five objectives accompany this goal:

  1. Contribute to the education of the student-athlete regarding the abuse of AOD by participating in and encouraging student-athlete participation in campus-wide substance abuse prevention programs.

  2. Aid student-athletes in finding medical assistance and counseling for AOD related violations.

  3. Facilitate compliance with NCAA regulations concerning substance abuse.

  4. Protect the health and safety of all student-athletes.

  5. Prevent an unfair competitive edge by those who abuse certain chemicals.

Any use of a substance belonging to a class of drugs currently banned by the NCAA may be cause for loss of eligibility. For further information regarding chemical substances or other medical questions, contact the Athletic Training Department, your coach, or the Athletic Compliance Office.

PROCEDURES

  1. Consent

    1. At the beginning of each academic year, each student-athlete shall sign a form stating their understanding and willingness to abide by the USD athletic department's AOD policy.

    2. Each student-athlete shall sign the NCAA Drug Testing Consent Form signifying they are aware they may be drugs tested at NCAA championships.

  2. Individualized testing based upon reasonable suspicion.

    1. The USD athletic department reserves the right to conduct drug testing on any student-athlete if a member of the athletic department can show reasonable suspicion that a particular student-athlete is using, or in the case of anabolic steroids, has used any substances in violation of this policy. A positive test result will be considered a violation of this policy and may subject the violator to the consequences discussed below.

    2. "Reasonable suspicion" is defined as a good faith belief, at the time of making the decision to test, that the information relied on pertaining to the use of drugs and/or alcohol, was accurate.

  3. Violations - If a student athlete is discovered to be consuming over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs, alcohol, mind altering, and/or performance enhancing substances illegally, the student-athlete's status on the team may be jeopardized. Illegal consumption includes any action that breaks federal, state, city, or university law. In effect, if the student-athlete receives a citation for a drug, alcohol or illegal substance citation and is found guilty, pleads no contest, or is convicted, then the following department procedures will be set in motion. (These citations include, but are not limited to, underage drinking, open containers of alcohol, providing alcohol to minors, illegal possession of drugs, driving or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.)

    The following protocol for responding to the student-athlete with a possible substance abuse problem is proposed to ensure consistency and fairness in dealing with student-athletes. The primary principle, which underlies this approach, is that any student-athlete with a substance abuse problem needs to receive appropriate treatment and counseling. Secondarily, the sanctions imposed on the student-athlete with regard to participation in athletic competition should be consistent with the goals of the individualized counseling program. The protocol attempts to address and balance treatment and sanctions, recognizing that the medical fitness of a student-athlete to play and the safety of other members of the team will be a paramount concern.

    1. First Violation

      1. Conference with the Athletic Director and Head Coach to discuss the situation.

      2. Attend mandatory counseling or education sessions on campus. University health care professionals will determine the length of counseling. Attendance is mandatory, such that, inadequate attendance will be construed as a breach against this policy by the student-athlete. Such a breach may result in immediate dismissal from the team, loss of athletic financial assistance, or suspension as determined by the Athletic Director.

      3. After the first violation, student-athletes will be subject to athletic department drug testing, as the standard of reasonable suspicion will have been established. These tests may be conducted at random and will be within the guidelines established by the 1974 Privacy Act. As such, it will not violate any personal or civil liberties held by the student-athlete. A positive drug test of any of the NCAA banned drugs found in Bylaw 31 of the NCAA Manual will result in another violation of the AOD policy and will bring about the appropriate sanctions.

      4. Depending on the severity of the violation, the Athletic Director, in his or her sole discretion, may gradate, cancel or reduce any and all athletic financial assistance. Also, the Athletic Director, in his or her sole discretion, may suspend a student-athlete from the team, practice, and/or competition should he or she feel such a penalty is warranted.

      5. Team rules may be more stringent than the AOD policy. Accordingly, the Head Coach may enforce sanctions at his or her discretion.

    2. Second Violation

      1. Minimum suspension of 10% of the season. This includes competition and may include practice as determined by the Athletic Director. Also, if the violation occurs out-of-season, the suspension will begin the proximate season of competition. For student welfare concerns, the Coach may opt to begin the suspension after conditioning activities have been completed.

      2. Attend mandatory-counseling or education session on campus again. Appropriate university health care professionals will determine the length of counseling. Additionally, the student-athlete must undergo a third-party evaluation to determine the nature and severity of the dependency. The third-party must be an official drug and alcohol treatment center or clinic with no direct ties to The University of South Dakota. All expenses in securing the third-party evaluation will be the sole responsibility of the student-athlete. The student-athlete is required to follow the treatment recommendations outlined by the third-party treatment center or clinic.

      3. The student-athlete will continue to be subject to the department's drug testing protocol.

      4. There will be a second conference between the student-athlete, the Athletic Director, and the Head Coach. Subsequent to the meeting and based upon the severity of the violation, the Athletic Director, in his or her sole discretion, may increase the time of the suspension or reduce, gradate or cancel any and all athletic financial aid.

      5. Team rules may be more stringent that the AOD policy. Accordingly, the Coach, at his or her discretion may enforce additional sanctions in-season.

    3. Third Violation

      1. Immediate removal for one season of competition and may include dismissal from the team. The student-athlete may seek reinstatement. As such, the student-athlete may write a formal document detailing the reasons why he or she seeks reinstatement. This formal document may include the reasons and circumstances surrounding the violations, ways in which the student-athlete is seeking to address the pattern of abuse. The request for reinstatement must be filed within two weeks of the student-athlete's dismissal. The Athletic Board of Control (ABC) will hear the reinstatement case and the decision made by the ABC will be binding. Reinstatement differs from an appeal. The appeal process only refers to the student-athlete challenging the findings of a particular drug test. A discussion on the specifics of the appeal process is forthcoming.

        The committee shall submit its decision by majority vote to the director of athletics within three business days after the hearing.

      2. Loss of any and all athletic financial aid awarded to the student-athlete.

    Please note that the AOD policy is in effect during the entire Academic Year. As such, in terms of possible sanctions or penalties, there is no difference between an in-season and an out-of-season violation. Also, violations of the policy may accrue during the entire academic and athletic career of the student-athlete at The University of South Dakota. In other words, the slate may be wiped clean depending on the nature of the infractions against the AOD policy.

  4. Anabolic Steroids: Affects of a Positive Test

    1. First Violation

      1. Automatic one-year suspension commencing upon notification of positive test, with no participation in practice during the period of suspension as per NCAA rules.

      2. Loss of athletic financial aid.

      3. Mandatory retesting in 7 and 10 months, with laboratory fees to be paid by the individual student-athlete.

    2. Second Violation

      1. Permanent suspension from athletics at USD.

  5. The University of South Dakota Athletic Department strictly adheres to the NCAA policies banning the use of performance enhancing drugs. The following are drug classes that are banned by the NCAA.

    (NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.1):

    STIMULANTS

    Amiphenazole Amphetamine Bemigride
    Benzphetamine Bromantan Caffeine
    Chlorphentermine Cocaine Cropropamide
    Crothetamide Diethylpropion Dimethylamphetamine
    Doxapram Ephedrine Ethamivan
    Ethylamphetamine Fencamfamine Meclofenoxate
    Methamphetamine Methylphenidate Nikethamide
    Pemoline Pentatrazol Phendimetrazine
    Phenmetrazine Phentermine Picrotoxine
    Pipradol Prolintane Strychnine
    And related compounds

    ANABOLIC AGENTS

    Anabolic Steroids:
    Androstenedione Boldenone Clostebol
    Dehydrochlormethyl-testosterone Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
    Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Dromostanolone
    Fluoxymesterone Mesterolone Methandienone
    Methenolone Methyltestosterone Nandrolone
    Norandrostenedione Norethandrolone Oxandrolone
    Oxymesterone Oxymetholone Stanozolol
    Testosterone
    And related compounds
    Other anabolic agents: Clenbuterol

    DIURETICS

    Acetazolamide Bendroflumethiazide Benzthiazide
    Bumetanide Chlorothiazide Chlorthalidone
    Ethacrynic Acid Flumethiazide Furosemide
    Hydrochlorothiazide Hydroflumethiazide Methyclothiazide
    Hydrochlorothiazide Hydroflumethiazide Methyclothiazide
    Metolazone Polythiazide Quinethazone
    Spironolactone Triamterene Trichlormethiazide
    And related compounds

    STREET DRUGS

    Heroin Marijuana THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

    PEPTIDE HORMONE AND ANALOGUES

    Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG-human chorionic gonadotrophin)
    Corticotrophin (ACTH) Growth Hormone (GHG, somatotrophin)
    All the respective releasing factors of the above mentioned substances are also banned.
    Erythropoietin (EPO)

    We also strongly discourage the use of dietary supplements that are untested and unproven. Many supplements contain items that are banned; yet not listed as an ingredient. If a student-athlete knowingly or unknowingly takes a banned substance and tests positive: THEY LOSE THEIR ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY. Before embarking on any dietary plan, the student -athlete should first consult with the USD Athletic Training Staff. Due to the lack of testing done on dietary supplements we cannot guarantee their effects either for short-term performance enhancement or for long-term effects these supplements may have on future health.

  6. Appeals

    1. The student-athlete shall have three business days after notification to file a request in writing to the Athletics Director for a hearing to appeal the test finding. If a student-athlete is away at the time of notification, the student-athlete shall then have three business days after returning to Vermillion to file an appeal.

    1. A hearing shall be held within three business days of receipt of the written request. An appeal should be based on an alleged procedural violation, a false-positive test, or on extenuating circumstances.

    2. The appeal committee shall be the USD Athletics Board of Control.

    3. The committee shall submit its binding decision (majority rule) to the Athletics Director within three business days after the hearing.

  7. Applicable State Laws

South Dakota Statute - SDCL 13-53-42

Loss of eligibility for intercollegiate extracurricular competition upon controlled substance violation.

Any person who has been determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have possessed, used, or distributed controlled substances or marijuana as defined in chapter 22-42 under circumstances which would constitute a felony under South Dakota law while enrolled at a South Dakota state supported institution of higher education is ineligible to participate in any form of intercollegiate extracurricular competition at any South Dakota state supported institution of higher education. Upon receiving a request from the chief administrator of the postsecondary educational institution, the Unified Judicial System shall send notice of whether the person who is the subject of the request was adjudicated in a juvenile proceeding of possessing, using, or distributing controlled substances or marijuana as defined in chapter 22-42 under circumstances which would constitute a felony under South Dakota law if that person were an adult.

South Dakota Statute - SDCL 13-55-29

Loss of eligibility for state funded scholarships upon controlled substance violation.

Any person adjudicated, convicted, or the subject of a suspended imposition of sentence for possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances or marijuana as defined in chapter 22-42 under circumstances which would constitute a felony under South Dakota law is ineligible for any scholarship for attendance at a postsecondary institution to the extent such scholarship is funded by the State of South Dakota. Upon receiving a request from the chief administrator of the postsecondary educational institution, the Unified Judicial System shall send notice of whether the person who is the subject of the request was adjudicated in a juvenile proceeding of possessing, using, or distributing controlled substances or marijuana as defined in chapter 22-42 under circumstances which would constitute a felony under South Dakota law if that person were an adult.

EQUIPMENT ROOM

It is the policy of USD that all student-athletes follow strict procedures in being issued equipment. Immediately after the completion of the playing season, student-athletes will return any and all practice, game and related equipment to the equipment room. Student-athletes accept full responsibility for all game and practice equipment checked out to them. At the end of each season, student-athletes will be billed for all equipment not returned, and a financial stop will be placed on their accounts. Practice and game equipment are to be worn only to scheduled practices and competitions.

SECTION VIII.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MEDIA

The student-athlete at USD is perceived as a positive role model and image to the community. Therefore, the athletic department encourages our student-athletes to make themselves available to the media. Typically, local media will try to talk with you before or after practice and competitions so they will not be a burden on your academic or free time. The Sports Information Department will work with you to establish interview times with the media. Your home telephone number will not be released unless you grant us permission to do so.

During an interview, remember the following guidelines:

  • Have fun. Be yourself and think about what you're saying before you answer a question.
  • Answer questions as honestly as you can but remember to be tactful. Offer praise more quickly than criticism.
  • If you don't know the answer to a question, say so. If you feel uncomfortable about commenting on a particular issue then say, "I'd rather not comment on that question."

Understand that you do not have to comment on personal questions and your privacy, and your teammate's privacy should not be compromised.

Practice the following don'ts during an interview:

  • Don't say anything to the press you don't want printed in the newspaper or stated on television or radio.
  • Never say anything negative to the press about the officiating even if you believe there was a bad call or poor overall performance.
  • Don't use profane language. Remember that you are a representative of an academic institution and an icon in the community.
  • Don't lose your composure. If you must, cool down emotionally before talking to the media rather than saying something in the heat of the moment. Use your best judgment when representing USD athletics. Remember that you are a role model to many, so carry yourself with a professional demeanor.

SECTION IX.
STUDENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES

CAREER SERVICES

The Career Services Center is located at the Burr House (677-5307). Major services include the following: career counseling, employer information, job announcements, internship contacts, on-campus interviews, job search and resume assistance, reference files, and special workshops for groups or classes. The office maintains a career resource library; a computerized career decision-making system called Sigi Plus and instructional handouts and materials.

CENTER FOR HEALTH AND COUNSELING

The Student Counseling Center is located in Julian Hall (677-5777). The center serves all USD students. Services provided by the Student Counseling Center include individual and group counseling on a variety of concerns. In the area of Life Skills Development, counselors are ready to assist students with crisis management; problem solving; assertion skills; confidence and self-esteem skills; habit control; concentration skills, and value clarification. Help is also available through relaxation skills, meditation skills, and self-hypnosis and imagery skills. Other services offered through the Student Counseling Center include substance use assessment, substance counseling, substance treatment, and psychological testing. All services provided by the Counseling Center are confidential. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and selected evening hours.


 

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