Student-Athlete Resource Guide

• 2025-26 Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES

The mission of The University of Texas at Austin is to achieve excellence in the interrelated areas of undergraduate education, graduate education, research, and public service. The University provides superior and comprehensive educational opportunities at the baccalaureate through doctoral and special professional educational levels.

The University contributes to the advancement of society through research, creative activity, scholarly inquiry, and the development of new knowledge. The university preserves and promotes the arts, benefits the state's economy, serves the citizens through public programs and provides other public service.

To transform lives for the benefit of society.

Learning: A caring community, all of us students, helping one another grow.

Discovery: Expanding knowledge and human understanding.

Freedom: To seek the truth and express it.

Leadership: The will to excel with integrity and the spirit that nothing is impossible.

Individual Opportunity: Many options, diverse people and ideas, one University.

Responsibility: To serve as a catalyst for positive change in Texas and beyond.

As a student of The University of Texas at Austin, I shall abide by the core values of the University and uphold academic integrity.

The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.

CAMPUS CARRY

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to providing a safe environment for students, employees, University affiliates, and visitors, and to respecting the right of individuals who are licensed to carry a handgun as permitted by Texas state law. Individuals who are licensed to carry may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by law (e.g., training room, athletics events) or as specified in the University Handbook of Operating Procedures, which may be found online. An information sheet with a quick overview of the university's policies may also be found online.

Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking (SEE Appendix D attachment)

POLICY ON CONSENSUAL RELATIONSHIPS

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to maintaining an academic community (including associated teaching, research, working and athletic environments) free from conflicts of interest, favoritism, and exploitation. This policy addresses romantic relationships and/or sexual interactions that, although consensual, may create actual and perceived conflicts of interests, and create the possibility for exploitation or favoritism.

Except as expressly permitted herein, this policy prohibits consensual relationships between:

employees (including faculty) or University affiliates and undergraduate students;
employees (including faculty) or affiliates and any graduate student whom that individual teaches, manages, supervises, advises, or evaluates in any way;
Intercollegiate Athletics coaches, affiliates, or athletics employees and student-athletes;
student employees and any student whom that student employee teaches, manages, supervises, advises, or evaluates in any way; and
employees (including faculty) and/or affiliates where one teaches, manages, supervises, advises, or evaluates the other in any way, unless the person in the position of greater authority or power notifies appropriate University offices and a mitigation plan (as defined in the policy) is in place.

Full policy information may be found online.

ELIGIBILITY AND COMPLIANCE

While you are a student at The University of Texas, you are obligated to abide by NCAA, Big 12 Conference and University rules. The Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services (Compliance) staff is ready to assist you in fulfilling this responsibility. The staff conducts two rules education sessions annually with each team and provides periodic updates as needed during the academic year. Student-athletes are encouraged to ask questions and use the resources available in the Compliance Office.

This manual provides a comprehensive overview of the important NCAA rules for you to know. Below is an outline of the most things all student-athletes need to know:

1. You may not accept anything of value from fans and supporters of Texas Athletics without prior approval from Compliance. If someone is offering you something because you are an athlete at Texas, you should always ask Compliance for approval before accepting.
2. You must receive approval from Compliance before participating in any outside competition (as an individual or on a team) or working an outside job.
3. You are not permitted to place a bet on any level of competition (amateur or professional) in a sport that is sponsored by the NCAA. You may not share any confidential information about your current team with anybody outside the athletics department.
4. You may not accept any benefits from an agent or enter into any agreement (verbally or in writing) with an agent until you have finished your eligibility.
5. Not following NCAA rules can lead to consequences. This most common consequence includes being withheld from games, so it is important that you have a basic understanding of the rules and know when to ask questions if you do not know something.
6. Everybody associated with Texas Athletics is expected to be truthful and forthcoming during any discussions with Compliance. If there an issue you need to report, you can find ways to do so at TexasSports.com/compliance.

Please reference the Texas Athletics Student-Athlete Code of Conduct for more information on your responsibility as a student-athlete at Texas. More information is also available on the Compliance web page on TexasSports.com/compliance.

Questions? We are here to help! Contact Compliance at compliance@athletics.utexas.edu, (512) 471-7285, or @TexasCompliance on Twitter.

Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

Full-Time Enrollment
To receive financial aid and practice during the academic year, students must be enrolled full-time (at Texas, this is 12 hours). To be eligible to represent Texas in competition, students must meet progress toward degree benchmarks based on full-time semesters of enrollment. This includes full-time terms at transfer institutions and is independent of seasons of competition used. In other words, just because a student redshirts does not mean he or she has another semester to meet the academic requirements.

Five-Year Clock
The NCAA states that student-athletes have five calendar years in which to complete four seasons of competition in a sport. This five-year clock begins when you become a full-time student at any collegiate institution. These five years are continuous. If you are not enrolled in school at any time during these five years, you do not regain that time. In special cases, you may be granted an extension of the five-year eligibility clock.

Enrollment Changes
You must have approval from Student Services before dropping a class. If approval is granted, you must submit changes in your enrollment (adding/ dropping courses, late enrollment, instructor drops, etc.) before the published deadlines set by The University of Texas in order to ensure that your records are accurate and complete. This rule prevents you from making changes in your academic schedule that could jeopardize your eligibility status.

Consensual Relationship Prohibition

The University of Texas has a campus-wide policy prohibiting certain romantic relationships and/or sexual interactions that, although consensual, may create actual and perceived conflicts of interests as well as the possibility for exploitation or favoritism.

This policy specifically prohibits consensual relationships between undergraduate students and any full-time, part-time, or volunteer UT employees, as well as consensual relationships between student-athletes and coaches or athletics staff members. In general, the policy does not prohibit a student-athlete from engaging in a consensual relationship with another student who is also an athletics employee, provided the student employee does not work directly with the student-athlete in any capacity. Student-athletes should disclose any consensual relationship with a UT staff member to Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services to ensure it is reviewed in accordance with the policy. The full text of the policy can be located here.

Relationship Example	UT Policy
Coach and student-athlete (same or different sports)	Prohibited
Non-student employee and undergraduate student-athlete	Prohibited
Full-time athletics employee and student-athlete	Prohibited
Vendor/Affiliate and undergraduate student/student-athlete (i.e. 1883, LHN, UT Club, Ricoh, Anthony Travel, etc.)	Prohibited
Sport-specific student employee (e.g., manager) and student-athlete	Prohibited in same sport. May be permissible if different sport but must be disclosed

Employment with Sport-Specific Staff

Student-athletes are not permitted to engage in any outside employment activities (e.g., babysitting, housesitting, yardwork, private lessons for children) for a coach or support staff member with responsibilities in the student-athlete¹s sport. Student-athletes may request employment with an athletics staff member who does not have responsibilities in the student-athlete¹s sport through the student-athlete employment approval process. Approval is contingent upon review of the specific employment arrangement in accordance with NCAA rules and University policies and final approval by the Vice President/Athletics Director (or his/her designee).

Transferring from UT requires cautious consideration and adherence to the following requirements during your decision-making process.

You must first inform your Head Coach of your interest in transferring to another institution. Communication with your Head Coach is critical before making any final decision to transfer.
You must formally notify UT of your intent to transfer prior to discussing a potential transfer with a coach or other representative from any other NCAA member institution. To complete this notification, you submit a signed copy of UT’s Notification of Transfer form to the Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services (ARMCS) staff. A text message or other form of electronic correspondence indicating intent to transfer does not qualify as written notification, no matter the recipient.
To obtain a copy of the Notification of Transfer form, you must first meet with a member of the ARMCS staff either in-person or via phone to discuss the NCAA transfer rules and eligibility requirements. Meetings can be scheduled by e-mailing compliance@athletics.utexas.edu.
NCAA rules have now designated specific times when you can enter your name in the NCAA Transfer Portal based on if you will be an undergraduate or postgraduate transfer student-athlete.
From the time you submit your signed Notification of Transfer form and complete the NCAA Transfer Educational Module, UT has two (2) business days to enter your name into the NCAA Transfer Portal. Once UT has placed your name in the NCAA Transfer Portal, you will receive an automated e-mail notification and are then permitted to discuss the possibility of transferring with coaches and representatives from other NCAA member institutions.
NCAA rules specify that once a student-athlete's notification of intent to transfer is received, UT has the discretion to cancel any remaining terms on your athletic scholarship agreement at the conclusion of the current term. If notification is received between academic terms, UT has the discretion to immediately cancel any remaining terms on your scholarship agreement.

NCAA rules permit student-athletes to transfer one-time to another NCAA member institution during their collegiate career and be immediately eligible for athletics aid, practice, and competition, if the student-athlete meets the following conditions:

You have not previously transferred from a four-year college.
You are in good academic standing at UT and would be eligible if you returned to UT.
The head coach of your new institution and you have certified that no impermissible recruiting took place prior to your name being entered into the NCAA Transfer Portal
Undergraduate transfer student-athletes must submit written notification to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal during their sport’s specified period found at the link below.
https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/eligibility/transfers/D1_Undergraduate_Transfer_Windows.pdf
Postgraduate transfer student-athletes may submit written notification to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal at any time on or before the following dates:
- Fall and winter sports: May 1 or the end of the final period available in your sport, whichever is later.
- Spring sports: July 1 or the end of the final period available in your sport, whichever is later.

If you are a student-athlete who has never received an athletic scholarship from UT, you may transfer to a new institution as an undergraduate student and be immediately eligible for competition, regardless of your previous transfer history. You are still required to enter your name in the NCAA Transfer Portal before communicating with other institutions and must do so during your sport’s specific period outlined in the chart at the link below.

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/eligibility/transfers/D1_Undergraduate_Transfer_Windows.pdf

Continued Receipt of Benefits after Requesting to Transfer

NCAA rules permit UT to reduce or cancel your aid agreement if you enter your name in the NCAA Transfer Portal. Such a reduction or cancellation cannot be made until the end of the academic term. However, your Head Coach retains the ability to remove you from your team's active roster if you submit your written intent to transfer. If you remain on your sport's active roster, you will continue to receive the same benefits related to athletics participation (e.g., medical expenses, TANC meals, equipment) as all other student-athletes. If you are removed from the active roster, you are only eligible for the specific benefits outlined below:

- Medical Care/Expenses: Student-athletes may continue to receive treatment for existing injuries or conditions for up to two years from date of departure from active roster; no continuation of athletics insurance or additional medical coverage after removal from active roster. Reference full Sports Medicine policy for additional details.
- Academic Support Services (e.g., priority registration, counseling, study hall, etc.): Case-by-case basis (decision made by Student Services and Sport Administrator)
- Meals Incidental to Participation/Nutritional Supplements: Not eligible for meals incidental to participation (i.e., TANC dinner); can purchase TANC lunch at reduced rate in semester of departure.
- Complimentary Tickets - In Own Sport: N
- Complimentary Tickets - Other Sports Home Events: No
- Facility Use [e.g., team sport facility, athletics weight room(s)]: No
- Eligibility for Student-Assistance Fund: No
- Team Activities (including, but not limited to, occasional meals, team entertainment, recruit visits, practice involvement, voluntary activities, team travel): No
- Amount of Athletics Aid Received: Amount of aid specified in existing athletics aid agreement
- Apparel/Equipment: No; must return all equipment (not apparel) issued by sport program
- Texas Athletics Events/Functions (e.g., awards ceremonies, banquets): Case-by-case basis (decision made by Sport Administrator)
- Academic Enhancement Benefits (AEB): Yes, while receiving athletics aid through the terms of existing athletics aid agreement

Participation in Athletics After Departure from the Program

Participation in intercollegiate athletics at The University of Texas is a privilege. A student-athlete may be suspended or removed from a team¹s active roster for violations of the Texas Athletics Code of Conduct, UT Student Honor Code, UT Student Discipline and Conduct policy, any applicable team rules or at the discretion of the Head Coach. Suspension or removal from the active roster is separate from a student-athlete¹s continued receipt of athletics aid. Any decision to reduce or cancel a student-athlete¹s athletics aid is subject to the parameters outlined in the athletics aid agreement and must include an opportunity for the student-athlete to appeal the decision in accordance with NCAA rules. Studentathletes removed from an active roster, regardless of their continued receipt of athletics aid, do not receive meals incidental to participation, facility access, complimentary tickets, or continued medical insurance coverage, but may continue to receive academic support services on a case-by-case basis. Student-athletes who choose to voluntarily withdraw from athletics participation will be asked to sign a form with Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services affirming the withdrawal and acknowledging that they will no longer receive benefits associated with athletics participation (e.g., athletics aid, meals incidental to participation, facility access, complimentary tickets, medical insurance coverage, academic support).

NCAA COMPLIANCE

While you were recruited by The University of Texas (or anyone else), you should not have received cash or any other items of value from anyone, including anyone associated with The University. In addition, you should not have received promises of any of the above. You should not have received correspondence or phone calls about The University from anyone other than University of Texas Athletics staff or faculty. Your family should not have been promised or given any items of value or received job promotions or new jobs based upon your decision to attend The University of Texas. Neither you nor your family should have received "free" tickets to any events other than your three (3) permissible complimentary tickets through a pass list for home athletics events held on The University of Texas campus. If any of these have occurred, or if you are uneasy about something that happened during your recruitment, you should contact Compliance immediately at (512) 471-7285.

As a student-athlete, you must abide by University, Big 12 Conference and NCAA regulations, including NCAA Bylaw 10.1 covering unethical conduct. Unethical conduct may include, but is not limited to the following:
a) Refusal to furnish information relevant to an investigation of a possible violation of an NCAA regulation when requested to do so by the NCAA or the individual's institution;
b) Knowing involvement in offering or providing a prospective or an enrolled student an improper inducement or extra benefit or improper financial aid;
c) Knowingly furnishing or knowingly influencing others to furnish the NCAA or the individual's institution false or misleading information concerning an individual's involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation;
d) Receipt of benefits by an institutional staff member for facilitating or arranging a meeting between a student and an agent, financial advisor or a representative of an agent or advisor (e.g., "runner");
e) Knowing involvement in providing a banned substance or impermissible supplement to students, or knowingly providing medications to students contrary to medical licensure, commonly accepted standards of care in sports medicine practice, or state and federal law.
f) Engaging in any athletics competition under an assumed name or with intent to otherwise deceive; or
g) Failure to provide complete and accurate information to the NCAA, the NCAA Eligibility Center or the institution's athletics department regarding an individual's amateur status.

WHAT BYLAW 10.1 MEANS:

When University of Texas staff interviews you about your possible involvement in a violation of NCAA rules, you are required to provide complete and truthful information, to the best of your ability, in response to all questions.
Refusing to answer questions or asking other students, students, staff or other people to provide false or misleading information to University of Texas staff members also are considered violations of Bylaw 10.1.

PENALTY FOR BYLAW 10.1 VIOLATIONS:

The NCAA penalties for Bylaw 10.1 violations range from a minimum 50% of a season to permanent loss of eligibility.
The most common penalty is withholding from one calendar year of competition and being charged a season of competition for that year.
Additional penalties could be implemented by the NCAA, Big 12 Conference, and The University.

EXAMPLE: A student provides false information and withholds some information when interviewed on multiple occasions by University of Texas staff about a potential violation. The student likely will have to sit out all University of Texas competitions for one calendar year [364 days from date student was ruled ineligible]. The student also would be charged with one season of competition.

NCAA rules require all institutional staff members and students to act with honesty and integrity in all academic matters. Post-enrollment academic misconduct includes any violation or breach of an institutional policy regarding academic honesty or integrity (e.g., academic offense, academic honor code violation, plagiarism, academic fraud). All students at The University of Texas must abide by the UT Student Honor Code and the UT Student Discipline and Conduct Policy – Sec. 11-402 Academic Dishonesty, and uphold integrity in all academic matters. Any alleged violation or breach of UT's Student Discipline and Conduct Policy – Sec. 11-402 Academic Dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, improper collusion, or academic fraud) is handled by Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students in accordance with standard procedures for all UT students. If Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Office of the Dean of Students determines that a student engaged in academic misconduct/dishonesty, the student must comply with any imposed institutional penalties. In addition, if the academic misconduct involved an institutional staff member, led to an erroneous declaration of the student-athlete's eligibility, or involved the falsification of an academic record, the student could be subject to additional NCAA penalties, including withholding from competition.

The NCAA holds each head coach accountable for promoting an atmosphere of compliance and monitoring the activities for all assistant coaches, administrators and students within his or her program. Not only can your actions impact your own eligibility, but the NCAA's accountability on head coaches means that your actions also could result in the suspension of your head coach.

NCAA regulations prohibit student-athletes and University of Texas Athletics staff members from:

a) Providing information to individuals involved in gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition;
b) Placing or accepting a bet on any team representing the institution;
c) Placing or accepting a bet on any competition in an NCAA-sponsored sport on the amateur, collegiate or professional level; and
d) Participating in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card, websites or any other method of organized gambling (e.g., bracket pool or fantasy football league requiring a $10 entrance fee and pool going to the winner).

A wager is betting cash or any other item with tangible value (e.g., shirts, dinner) on the outcome of an event. Student-athletes violating NCAA sports wagering regulations face a minimum loss of one year of eligibility. Those wagering on a competition in which The University of Texas is a participant risk permanent loss of all remaining eligibility.

Federal law now permits each state to regulate sports wagering, and there is now a proliferation of legal sports wagering options throughout the United States. Some states now allow in-game wagers and mobile options to bet from a phone if you are physically located in that state. It is critical that you understand that sports wagering is happening all around us and many individuals have an interest in the information you have as a student-athlete about your team (injuries, morale, strategy, etc.). If you are ever approached by anyone asking for inside or confidential information about your team, or are requested to influence the outcome of a game for any purpose, you must immediately disclose this information to Compliance.

Before you make an appearance at a public or promotional event, regardless of the event organizer/beneficiary (e.g., charity, nonprofit, commercial business), you must complete a student appearance form so Compliance can ensure that the appearance meets NCAA regulations.

It is extremely important that the conditions of any employment you have while you are a student comply with NCAA bylaws. Infractions could jeopardize not only your own athletics eligibility, but that of your team. Whether or not you are on an athletics scholarship, you and your employer must sign a written statement before beginning employment that verifies that:

You obtained the employment through established hiring protocol available to other applicants;
You are not receiving payment based on any publicity, reputation, fame, or personal following you have gained from your athletics ability;
You are compensated only for work you have actually performed;
Your rate of pay is the normal rate of pay for the duties performed and job qualifications;
You are only paid for hours you have actually worked;
If you are provided with transportation to work or any other benefit (e.g., meals, merchandise discounts), such benefits are available to all employees; and
Your name and image are not used in any way in association with the business.

At all times during your athletics eligibility, your employment must comply with University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA regulations.

A student may receive compensation for teaching or coaching sport skills in his or her sport on a fee-for-lesson basis under the following conditions:

Institutional facilities may not be used;
Playing lessons are not permitted (in other words, it's not permissible to be paid for playing someone, as opposed to teaching them);
The institution obtains and keeps on file documentation of the recipient of the lessons and the fee for the lessons provided during any time of the year;
The compensation is paid by the lesson recipient or the recipient's family and not another individual or entity; and
Your name and image are not used to promote or advertise the fee-for-lesson instruction.

If you wish to be employed, please contact Compliance to obtain approval paperwork prior to beginning and/or accepting any employment.

WITHIN YOUR SPORT, YOU CANNOT ...

1. Accept payment or a promise of payment (in cash, prizes, gifts, or travel) for participation in your sport.
2. Enter into an agreement of any kind to compete in professional athletics.
3. Request that your name be placed on a draft list for professional sports or tryout with a professional sports organization.
4. Use your athletics skill for payment.
5. Play on any professional athletics team.
6. Have your athletically-related financial aid determined by any entity other than The University of Texas.
7. Participate on teams other than those fielded by The University of Texas during the academic year. This includes tryouts, exhibitions or tournament games.

IN ANY SPORT, YOU CANNOT ...

1. Agree to have your picture, name or person used to promote a commercial product.
2. Accept gifts, meals, loans of vehicles or money from athletics interest groups or people within the athletics program at The University of Texas.
3. Be represented by an agent or organization in order to market your athletics skills or reputation.
4. Receive any benefit that is not available to other students at The University of Texas.
5. Participate in a summer basketball league not approved by the NCAA. You must have written permission from the Athletics Director for summer league participation.
6. Play on a non-collegiate athletics team during the academic year without permission from your head coach, Compliance or the Athletics Director.

Student-Athlete Outside Competition Form

The University of Texas encourages students to participate on U.S. national teams that compete internationally. We are committed to funding tryouts for such teams, as permissible. However, there may be NCAA restrictions that limit the use of institutional funds for outside competition. Check with Compliance whenever you intend to compete with or try out for an outside team event or tournament to ensure you maintain your eligibility. You must complete the outside competition form and receive approval from Compliance to participate in outside competition (not representing University of Texas) during the school year or summer.

In individual sports only, during the summer and outside of your playing season, you may accept prize money based on your finish in an open event. The prize money may not exceed your actual and necessary expenses to participate in the event and may only be provided by the sponsor of the event. Your calculation of expenses cannot include expenses or fees of anyone other than you (e.g., coach's fees or parent's expenses). You are strongly encouraged to work with the Compliance staff prior to accepting any prize money or awards to ensure your eligibility is not jeopardized.

Accepting extra benefits, knowingly or not, is a serious violation of NCAA rules. You could lose your eligibility, your scholarship, and your right to compete in intercollegiate athletics if you accept extra benefits from any source. Keep in mind you are ineligible from the time a benefit is received, even if it is later repaid. You and your family members must be careful about accepting any favors, discounts, invitations, complimentary gifts or preferential treatment from anyone who is not an immediate family member (e.g. representatives of athletics interests, fans/ friends, local businesses).

Examples of extra benefits include but are not limited to:

Gifts or loans of clothing, audio or video equipment
Food and beverages;
Transportation;
Use of an automobile or cellular phone;
Low interest or interest-free loans, telephone cards, credit cards, charge accounts, etc.;
Exceeding the allotted number of complimentary admissions;
Cash, tangible items, free/discounted services in exchange for selling complimentary admissions, awards or equipment that you received from University of Texas;
Special discounts on products or services;
Special payment arrangements on personal purchases;
Material benefits that are not available to the general student body.

Student-athletes are only allowed to receive benefits that also are offered to the general student population. Be extremely careful of "free" or "special" benefits that you may be offered. Even a small benefit can put your eligibility in jeopardy. If any of these items or services have been offered to you by someone other than a family member, notify Compliance immediately. If you have any questions about whether something might be considered an extra benefit, ask your coach or Compliance .

If a booster of The University of Texas or any individual other than a family member wishes to provide you with a free meal, you must contact Compliance for prior approval before attending the meal. Failure to do so could result in a violation and impact your eligibility.

The Student-Athlete Time Management Plan (TMP) is intended to provide you adequate advance notice of future athletically-related activities in order to help you effectively plan your academic and non-athletically related activities. At the start of your declared playing season or the academic year, whichever is earlier, you will be provided a finalized TMP by your coaches that outlines the countable and required athleticallyrelated activities (examples provided in the below Student-Athlete Time Management Chart) in which you will participate as a student-athlete during the year. The TMP will also outline the required in-season and out of season weekly days off, fourteen (14) additional days off, and seven (7) days off immediately after the conclusion of your championship playing season that you will be provided during your declared playing season (including vacation periods) or the academic year. Participation in any required or countable athletically-related activities is prohibite during the aforementioned days off. Medical, academically-related, and voluntary activities (i.e., activities initiated by a student-athlete) are exempted and may otherwise occur on a day off.

You will have an opportunity to review a draft TMP in advance of the declared playing season or the start of the academic year, whichever is earlier, to review, ask questions, and provide comments. Please refer to the Student-Athlete Time Management Chart below for an overview of these requirements and required athletically-related activities (examples provided in the below Student-Athlete Time Management Chart) in which you will participate as a student-athlete during the year. The TMP will also outline the required in-season and out of season weekly

During the declared playing season, your participation in countable athletically-related activities must be limited to four hours per day, 20 hours per week, and one day off.

Outside of the declared playing season, but during the academic year, your participation in countable athletically related activities is limited to eight hours per week. In those eight hours per week, you may participate only in required weight training and conditioning, and individual skill instruction. Outside the playing season, any athletically related activities in the week prior to finals through your last final are prohibited. During the summer vacation period (if not in-season), all athletically-related activity must be voluntary. The only exceptions are basketball and football, which permit eight hours per week of countable activities for up to eight weeks in the summer. Basketball and football students must meet academic benchmarks to participate in these required activities or be enrolled in summer term(s) at the time the countable athleticallyrelated activities take place. If you have any questions or concerns about the TMP or these limits on countable athletically-related activities, ask your coach or Compliance.

*Practice: A practice is any meeting, activity or instruction involving sports-related information and having an athletics purpose which is held at the direction of, or supervised by, any member of The University of Texas coaching staff. Therefore, a team meeting to discuss only the drug-testing program, for example, would not be considered a practice.

Who Can Coach You in Practice?
NCAA rules also limit the number of individuals who may participate in coaching-related activities in each sport. These individuals are limited to the full-time coaches, graduate assistant coaches (football and rowing only), undergraduate assistant coaches, and volunteer coaches (sports other than football and basketball only). Strength and Conditioning coaches are limited to conducting flexibility, warm-up and physical conditioning activities and are not permitted to engage in skill-related instruc- tion that involves any sport-specific equipment. Other administrative staff (e.g., director of operations, special assistants) may not be involved in any coaching-related activities with you or observe any voluntary practice activities when coaches are not otherwise allowed to be present (e.g., pick-up games outside of the season). Because the rules are often complex, please contact Compliance with any questions or concerns.

The University of Texas offers its students complimentary admissions to competitions in accordance with NCAA rules. These rules allow a maxi- mum of four (4) complimentary admissions per student for each event (home or away) in his/her sport. Whether or not a specific sport program provides the maximum allowable complimentary admissions or some lesser number of complimentary admissions is left to the discretion of each sport program, but should be the same for all students on that team.

Complimentary admissions to away events are issued to eligible members on the official traveling roster. NCAA regulations do not allow schools to issue "hard tickets"; therefore, complimentary admissions are issued through a list at each facility's pass gate.

Student-athletes are prohibited from selling his or her complimentary admissions or exchanging them for any item of value. This includes letting other individuals use your UT ID to access a UT contest in any sport. Student-athletes who are found to have let others use their ID to access any home event will be prohibited from receiving complimentary admissions to any home contest for the remainder of the academic year.

The University of Texas charges admission to the following athletics events: football, men's and women's basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball and soccer. Some sports programs, such as men's and women's track and field, charge admission for some events, while others are free. Talk to your coach about any events requiring paid admission and how to obtain admissions to events.

Your guests must present valid photo identification and sign in at the pass gate in order to receive admission to the contest. Per NCAA rules, hard copies of tickets are not distributed. Ask your coach about the location of the pass gate at your sport's facility for your guests' complimentary admissions. Your guests also are representatives of The University of Texas. Please remember that everyone is expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Complimentary admissions should not be provided to recruits, agents, financial advisors or a representative of an agent/advisor (e.g., runner). Again, it is a violation of NCAA rules for your complimentary admissions to be sold or traded for cash or any item of value. Such activity could result in you losing eligibility for competition and repaying the value of the benefit.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE when a recruit is deciding whether to attend The University of Texas. Your coaches spend many hours getting to know recruits and their families and educating them on the merits of our great institution. The goal of the recruiting visit is to help the prospect determine whether or not Texas is a "right fit" both academically and athletically, and for you and the coaching staff to feel the same way. You are our best person to show prospects all that Texas has to offer and help them determine that Texas is the right place for their intercollegiate athletics career.

There are some rules you must adhere to in your involvement with recruiting visits that will ensure you are representing Texas as expected. As a student-athlete at The University of Texas, you are to obey and conduct yourself in accordance with the penal and civil statutes of the local, state, and federal government, Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents and University of Texas system, University regulations, Big 12 Conference rules, and NCAA rules and regulations. Below is an overview of the rules and expectations you must follow at all times, especially during the conduct of recruiting visits to our University.

General

First impressions are crucial. Make the prospect and his/her guests feel welcome.
Read information about the recruit and his/her interests so you are prepared to talk with him/her. Ask questions and find something in common to talk about.
Carefully review the student host instructions form and ask your coach or the compliance office in advance if you have any questions to avoid any NCAA violations.
Carry a cell phone when possible. Call the coaching staff immediately if there are any problems or concerns.
Have a plan for entertaining the prospect and review it with your coaches. If there are any changes to the plan, advise the coaches ahead of time.
Be on time to all scheduled activities.
Have fun!
Transportation

Institutions may provide local transportation for a prospect and the prospect's parents, legal guardians and/or spouse around campus, within a 30-mile radius of institution's campus, and from/to the local airport only in an institutional or personal vehicle with no special accessories.
A coach, staff member or booster may not provide a student-athlete or prospect with the use of a vehicle for purposes of transporting a prospect during his/her official visit.
Accommodations

Institutions may provide only one student-athlete host per prospect complimentary meals, provided they are accompanying the prospect at the meal. Other student-athletes may attend the meal, but must pay the cost of their own meals unless the team is using an occasional meal.
You should not invite other individuals who are not current UT student-athletes or UT students to assist in the recruitment of a prospect (e.g. eat a meal with you and the prospect, spend time with you in the prospect's hotel room, etc.) as NCAA rules preclude their involvement in the recruiting process.
Entertainment

Texas may provide a host with a maximum of $75 for each day of the official visit to cover the actual costs of entertaining the prospect (and the prospect's parents, legal guardian or spouse), excluding the cost of meals and admission to campus athletics events. It is permissible to provide the student host an additional $40 per day for each additional prospect the host entertains. If several students host a prospect, the $75 per day entertainment money may be utilized to cover the actual and necessary expenses incurred by the prospect and all hosts.
The student-athlete host must sign a student host form prior to receiving host funds and prior to hosting any prospect.
Cash may not be provided to a prospect.
These funds may not be used for the purchase of any material items (e.g., souvenirs such as t-shirts or other Texas mementos, etc.)
Host money may not be used to provide entertainment that is contrary to University policies or state and/or federal laws (e.g., gambling, escort services, exotic dance clubs, underage drinking, etc.).
The institution may not arrange for a prospect to engage in any game-day simulations during the prospect's visit (e.g., police escorts to stadium, band/cheerleaders lined up as prospect runs onto the field, etc.).
The prospect may be present in the locker room prior to or after a competition but must be seated in regular seating areas during the conduct of the contest.
The institution may provide reasonable entertainment within 30 miles of the institution's campus to the prospect, his/her parents or legal guardians or spouse only.
This entertainment may not be excessive (e.g. limousine, hiring of a band, etc.). The cost must be taken from the student host entertainment funds.
Complimentary Admissions

Institutions may provide complimentary admissions as permitted within NCAA rules to a prospect and the prospect's guests to the institution's home athletics events during the visit which may not include any special seating (e.g. sidelines, bench, suites, etc.) during the conduct of the contest.
The student host may be provided a complimentary admission to accompany the prospect to an institution's home athletics contest.
Both the student host and the prospect must show identification and sign the pass list at the designated pass gate for the athletics contest they are attending.
Conduct
NCAA rules must be followed by all persons in all situations (see above). If at any time a student-athlete is uncertain of the rules/laws, he/ she should contact the coaching staff or compliance office immediately.
If you are aware of any misconduct or believe a violation has occurred, you must immediately report that information to your coach, sport administrator or the compliance office.
Individuals involved in the recruiting visit (including the prospect) are expected to act in a responsible manner and to abide by the law. The use of alcohol, drugs, sex and gambling in the recruiting process is strictly prohibited.
Any consumption of or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs is strictly prohibited during the official visit by all prospective and current student-athletes involved in the recruiting visit even if you are of legal age (21) for the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Underage drinking is against the law!
The use of any type of "adult entertainment" (i.e., exotic dance clubs, escort services) is strictly prohibited in recruiting.
A prospect is never to be left alone or with a non-team member (e.g., UT booster, UT student). Do not arrange a date or other encounter that could lead to inappropriate behavior (e.g., sexual misconduct, use of alcohol, drugs, etc.).
A student-athlete is to follow any additional rules set by your coach (e.g., curfew, team policies, etc.).

It is important to note that you may be disciplined by the University according to Subchapters of the UT Student Discipline and Conduct Policy for violating these standards of conduct on campus or off campus when the incident occurs in connection with an institution-oriented activity, or has a substantial connection to the interests of the University, or when the behavior is prohibited by University policy regardless of where it occurs, even if you are or may be penalized by civil authorities for the same act.

Combine with NCAA Compliance section. Condense to only include the following (everything else can be deleted in this section):

Big 12 Sportsmanship Requirements Big 12 rules require all student-athletes and institutional representatives to conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on institutions and exhibit the principles of sportsmanship. The following standards of conduct must be followed at all times: a) Exhibiting respect and courtesy toward all participants; b) Exercising restraint in their actions, both physical and verbal, toward other participants; c) Commenting about other institutions, coaches and students only in a positive manner; and d) Refraining from making public comments critical of officials or the quality of their work.

The Big 12 Commissioner has the broad authority to impose penalties for any student-athlete who does not adhere to the above standards of conduct. Penalties include, but are not limited to, reprimands and suspension from practice and competition. For incidents that involve flagrant misconduct, the penalty shall be, at minimum, a suspension from competition for one or more games. Flagrant misconduct shall include, but is not limited to, striking (e.g., kicking, hitting, throwing objects at) an official, coach, player or spectator.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

An athletics scholarship may cover up to the cost of tuition, required fees, room, board, books, and miscellenous expenses related to attendance up to cost of attendance. Scholarship amounts specified in the student-athlete's financial aid agreement are guaranteed for the period of eligibility, which is defined as the student-athlete's first four years of enrollment at UT or until the receipt of an undergraduate degree, whichever occurs first. Athletic scholarships may not be reduced or cancelled during the student-athlete's period of eligibility for athletics reasons, but may be reduced or cancelled if a student is rendered ineligible, voluntary withdraws from the team, or violates of the Texas Athletics Student-Athlete Code of Conduct or Drug Testing Policy. If an athletics scholarship is reduced or cancelled during the student-athlete's period of eligibility, the student is entitled to an appeal opportunity through the Office of Student Financial Services. The appropriate appeal procedures will be included with a letter notifying the student of the reduction or cancellation of their athletics scholarship.

If an athlete becomes ill or injured but remains a full-time student at University of Texas, the athletics scholarship cannot be cancelled or reduced for that reason. If the injury or illness is so severe that a student is never able to participate in athletics again, it is possible that the student may continue to receive athletics financial aid in the same amount until he/she graduates.

If you have a question about the terms of your financial aid agreement, see your Head Coach, the Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services Office or the Vice President/Athletics Director.

The NCAA regulates fees that may be paid by The University of Texas. Charges that may not be paid by your athletics scholarship include:

Parking permits
Parking tickets
Fines for damage to University property, including your dorm room;
Replacement of your student ID card;
Replacement fees for a lost residence hall key;
Replacement fees for loss of issued athletics equipment;
Interest on loans taken out through the Office of Financial Aid; and
Equipment breakage in a University lab, non-required field trips for a class, etc.

A student on full or partial scholarship may receive some or all of the following scholarship benefits: Tuition: Paid directly to The University
Required Fees: Paid directly to The University
Fines for damage to University property, including your dorm room;
Books: Required textbooks and materials are loaned to the student and must be returned at the end of the semester.
Room and Board: On-campus housing is paid directly to the Division of Housing and Food Service. Stipends for off-campus students for room and board are paid in nine installments.

Summer school aid is available based on available funds, Student Services recommendations, and NCAA guidelines. A summer scholarship is proportional to the amount of athletics aid you received during the previous academic year. The following priority list is used to determine who receives aid: 1. Student-athletes who must attend summer school to become eligible in the following year.
2. Student-athletes who will graduate that summer.
3. Student-athletes who have required courses which, during the regular school year, are only offered during practice time.
4. Student-athletes who can graduate early by attending a summer session.

Your primary goal while at The University of Texas is to receive a degree. Texas Athletics is committed to helping all students complete their degrees. If you have not graduated by the time you have completed your period of eligibility. The University of Texas will work to assist you with financing the remainder of your education in accordance with NCAA regulations and the Texas Athletics Former Student-Athlete Aid Policy.

The NCAA provides a fund to institutions to assist students with special financial needs. Funds are prioritized to assist those students who have a demonstrated financial need with specific expenses, as well as academic-related expenses for all students. All students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA to determine if you qualify for specific expenses from SAF or other federal and state financial aid resources. Contact the Athletics Financial Aid Coordinator at (512) 475-6398 with any specific questions.

UT offers short-term tuition and emergency cash loans at four percent annual interest. A tuition loan is applied directly to the student's tuition and fee bill. It is available after tuition and fee bills are calculated by UT for the semester, but before the student makes any form of payment on the bill. Tuition loans may be made for full or partial fulfillment of the tuition and fee bill for students paying in-state tuition rates. Non-resident students may borrow a tuition loan only for the amount of their first installment. Tuition loans must be repaid within 60 days for the summer semester or 90 days for the fall and spring semesters. An emergency cash loan is available for up to $500 for enrolled students and must be repaid in one month. Students who have registered for at least half-time hours and have paid their tuition and fee bill also may seek emergency cash loans. All previous emergency cash loans must have been repaid. Both the tuition loan and the $500 emergency cash loan may be obtained at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/ acct/loans/cash. The loan proceeds are ready for pickup after you sign a promissory note at The University Cashiers Office, Room 8 in the Main Building. Payments are made on the same day or on the next business day. UT students also are eligible for the Office of the Dean of Students Emergency Fund grant. Students have to be currently enrolled and do not have to repay the grant. Contact the Office of the Dean of Students with questions.

Before accepting any financial assistance in addition to your partial or full athletics scholarship, talk to the Athletics Financial Aid Coordinator. You must report all forms of financial assistance, including outside grants, scholarships and loans to the Office of Student Financial Services. All outside and institutional funding must comply with Big 12 Conference and NCAA rules and regulations. Any additional financial assistance you receive may be required to count toward team scholarship limitations as established by the NCAA, so be sure to contact the Athletics Financial Aid Coordinator at the Office of Student Financial Services at (512) 475-6398.

Eligible students may receive a Federal Pell Grant in addition to their other financial aid awards. The U.S. Department of Education determines eligibility using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available at FAFSA This need-based grant is available to low-income undergraduates who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or federal aid eligible non- citizens seeking their first Bachelor's degree.

STUDENT SERVICES

The mission of Texas Athletics Student Services is to collaboratively foster student-athlete academic engagement and post-graduate success through learning and leadership opportunities. The values of Accountability, Learning, Inclusivity, Growth, and Integrity guide the programs and interactions Longhorn student-athletes experience with Student Services.

The Student Services staff is a dedicated team of academic professionals with experience guiding students through both the transition to college and the transition to life after Texas. Using an individualized and holistic approach, the staff provides resources and support to help students become independent learners and strong self-advocates who take ownership of their academic experience. Each student's ultimate goal should be to earn a meaningful degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Everyone in the Texas Athletics family endorses the principle that Longhorn athletes are, first and foremost, students. From matriculation to graduation, the Student Services staff provides customized support and opportunities for development.

An Academic Coordinator works closely with a student-athlete from initial enrollment through graduation. Academic Coordinators help students navigate the University, connect with campus resources, explore and plan degree paths, manage course registration, coordinate academic support, and understand institutional and athletics academic requirements. Academic Coordinators carefully track students' course progress and collaborate with coaches to provide encouragement and accountability throughout the academic experience.

A Learning Specialist utilizes an understanding of evidence-based interventions to support students' academic progress and help develop independent learners. Learning Specialists implement customized academic support plans designed by Academic Coordinators while helping strategy and content tutors better understand individual student needs.

Learning Specialists are assigned to support specific teams. They implement structured academic intervention plans for students in need of extra support through providing instruction in areas including study strategies, reading comprehension, note taking, test taking, time management, stress management, concentration, memory, motivation, classroom engagement, faculty interaction, and other learning techniques.

Strategy tutors work with students through individual appointments to develop objectives, plan assignments, manage deadlines, and learn basic time management, organizational, and study skills. During these appointments, the students may develop effective strategies for utilizing tools and resources, which include syllabi, calendar, content tutors, and online campus resources. They may also help track study hall attendance and check academic progress.

Content tutors help students develop an understanding of concepts and skills in a specific course. These sessions are content-focused and utilized to explain concepts in depth at the individual student's pace. Different appointment formats exist, including individual, small group, and walk-in. Appointments are typically scheduled on a weekly, recurring basis, but may also be scheduled as needed throughout the semester.

Writing tutors meet students at their current skill set and aid in their ability to develop their own ideas and effective writing processes, as well as discover their voices and identities as writers. Along with the University Writing Center, this resource is helpful for students needing extra support in writing or research-intensive coursework.

Understanding the Academic Calendar
Students should gain familiarity with the University's Academic Calendar. Like with training for sport, there are peak periods in which students should expect more intense workloads and, often, higher stress. Overlaying the academic calendar with the athletic calendar is an important part of planning for success.

Attendance and Engagement
Students are expected to be on time and in attendance at all classes and study hall sessions, except when traveling for competition. If a student feels ill, he or she should contact Sports Medicine immediately. Students should sit in the front three rows of the classroom, and should be prepared to take notes. Phones should be out of sight and silenced during class and study times. Laptops and other electronic devices can only be used in a classroom if explicitly permitted in the course syllabus and, if permitted, should only be used for note-taking. Headphones and earbuds, even if turned off, should be stowed away in class. Student services staff routinely check classes to confirm student-athlete attendance.

Communication Expectations
Email is the official form of communication for the University, and students are responsible for information and announcements sent via email. Important announcements and appointments are sent via GradesFirst and Teamworks to the email address on file. As such, it is imperative that students ensure what is on file is accurate and update their contact information if there are any necessary changes. This can be done here: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/utd/all_my_addresses/. Students are expected to respond to instructors and Athletics staff members in a timely manner.

The Importance of the Syllabus
A syllabus is a "roadmap" for each course that outlines essential information regarding expecations, policies, and important dates. Instructors provide students with a syllabus in person on the first day of class and/or electronically on Canvas. Using the syllabus, students will:

Create a master calendar for the semester
Review the attendance policy and check for exam/assignment conflicts with travel
Understand how the course grade is determined and how to calculate progress
Confirm they have all required textbooks and materials
Know how to communicate with the instructor

Talking to Faculty
Professors, instructors, and University staff should treat student-athletes like any other student on campus. Students should always be the first and primary contact with faculty. If it should ever become necessary for a Texas Athletics representative to contact an instructor (e.g., illness, emergency, other extenuating circumstances), only members of the Student Services staff should initiate contact. Students should attend office hours for each class at least once a semester. Regular visits with professors and teaching assistants are strongly encouraged and essential to academic success.

Missing Classes for Travel and Competition
Every student is responsible for communicating directly with faculty about missed classes for athletic competition. Students receive "missed class letters" for each class at the beginning of each long semester. These letters detail the specific departure dates/times for athletic travel and serve as official documentation of potential absences from class. Student expectations are as follows:

Students are expected to sign and submit a Projected Missed Class Days for Athletic Competition letter to each professor before the 12th class day.
Students must review their projected missed class days in tandem with each syllabus for exam and assignment conflicts, as well as stated attendance policies, and proactively communicate any issues with their Academic Coordinator immediately.
Students who are not on the official travel roster for a competition (determined week to week) are expected to be in class.
Students who have class before the team's reported departure time on a given day are expected to attend class that day up until the stated departure time.
At least two weeks prior to travel, students should arrange make-up exams with instructors and/or teaching assistants as appropriate for each class. Ideally, exams can be administered by the instructor or teaching assistant before departure or upon return. If necessary, Student Services can help coordinate exam proctoring on campus or through colleagues at other institutions.
Travel dates/times sometimes shift due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, travel delays). Students should do their best to notify instructors via email when any changes occur.
Students should contact their Academic Coordinators with any questions about class conflicts.

Web-Based Courses
Web-based (online) courses are becoming more available, but still make up a minority of the coursework options on campus. To ensure high standards of academic integrity, student-athletes are required to read and sign a web-based course contract prior to the start of the course. This includes testing regulations, technology restrictions, and a review of how the University defines academic dishonesty.

Personal Information Privacy
A few notes about protecting confidential information:

A student should never share his or her UT EID password. Only the student should have the information to access coursework and University accounts.
Students should restrict directory information to protect privacy. Students can update their records here

Student Honor Code
As a student of The University of Texas at Austin, I shall abide by the core values of the University and uphold academic integrity.

Academic Integrity
Per UT's Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Office, "students are expected to maintain absolute integrity and a high standard of individual honor in scholastic work undertaken at the University." Consequences of academic integrity violations are severe. Students must report any academic integrity accusations to Athletics Student Services immediately.

The University defines academic dishonesty as "any act designed to give an unfair or undeserved academic advantage," such as:

Cheating
Plagiarism
Unauthorized collaboration/collusion
Falsifying academic records
Misrepresenting facts (e.g., providing false information to postpone an exam, obtaining an extended deadline for an assignment, or even gaining an unearned financial benefit)
Any other acts (or attempted acts) that violate the basic standard of academic integrity (e.g., multiple submissions or submitting essentially the same written assignment for two courses without authorization to do so)

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)
Academic records are private and protected by Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Parents and other third parties do not have access to student academic records, and the Student Services staff cannot discuss details of records without written consent. Students can discuss communication options with their Academic Coordinator.

Tutor Appointments
Student Services offers student-athletes tutoring for general college learning strategies and in specific academic subjects. Each student works with his or her Academic Coordinator and/or Learning Specialist to determine content-specific tutoring needs. Ideally, weekly sessions with the same tutor begin at the start of the semester and continue throughout the term. This way, students practice and build skills incrementally. All students are required to read and sign a Tutoring Agreement prior to their first tutoring appointment of the semester to acknowledge the expectations of the tutoring program.

Tutor appointment guidelines are as follows:

All tutors are scheduled through a student's Academic Coordinator.
Tutor appointments are designed to be 50 minutes to one hour in length. Shorter appointments need approval of the Academic Coordinator.
Students receive appointment notifications through the GradesFirst system with session details. The email subject line will begin with "Appointment Notification." Students' email addresses need to be current.
All sessions take place in a Texas Athletics academic facility during designated hours.
Tutors do not communicate directly with students' instructors.
Tutors do not communicate directly with coaches or other parties outside of the Student Services staff.
Tutors and students must not exchange contact information. Socializing with tutors (including via social media) is strictly prohibited. Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.

Walk-in tutors are consistently available for quick questions or clarifications. The Student Services staff also encourages students to connect with campus resources like the Sanger Learning Center and the Undergraduate Writing Center for additional learning services.

Athletics Student Services values each tutor's time and pays the tutor in the event of a no-show or late cancellation. Missed tutoring appointments result in recovery fees, charged to the student's "What I Owe" page:
First miss…Free
Second miss…$20 recovery fee
Third miss…$30 recovery fee
Fourth miss…$40 recovery fee + meeting with Head Coach to reinstate tutoring privileges
Fifth miss…$50 recovery fee + meeting with Athletics Director to reinstate tutoring privileges
More than five misses…$100 recovery fee + possible suspension of tutoring privileges for the remainder of the semester

1. If a student is more than 15 minutes late for an individual tutoring appointment, it counts as a missed appointment. If a student leaves more than 15 minutes early without permission from his/her Academic Coordinator, it counts as a missed appointment.
2. Cancellations must be communicated by 5:00 p.m. on the previous day or the appointment is logged as a missed session.
3. Academic Coordinators have the authority to deem a session as "missed," thereby charging the student, based on student engagement in the tutoring appointment (e.g., the student is unwilling to participate, the student is not prepared for the session, the student leaves early without approval).
4. The missed appointment tally resets to zero at the start of each semester.
5. Missed appointment fees are billed to a student's "What I Owe" page on the fifteenth of the month. If a student receives an Athletics aid check (i.e., room and board, reimbursement), the fee will be automatically deducted prior to the next check distribution period. Students who do not receive an Athletics aid check must pay via the "What I Owe" page.
6. Student Services staff members do not accept cash payments for missed appointment fees.
7. Missed appointments due to illness/injury confirmed by Sports Medicine, sport-related schedule changes (e.g., practice time shifts unexpectedly), and legitimate personal emergencies are considered "excused" and do not count against a student's missed appointment totals.

Book Loan Program
Students whose scholarship is allocated to cover textbooks and course materials participate in the Book Loan Program, a cyclical system of textbook use that requires personal responsibility and accountability. Through the Book Loan Program, Texas Athletics purchases and loans required textbooks and course materials to participating students. Access to optional course materials, such as newspaper subscriptions, study guides, and solution manuals, can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Students should contact Academic Coordinators with questions.

Students must sign their Athletics Scholarship Agreement before receiving textbooks at the beginning of each semester.
Students should not purchase their own books and course materials and expect to be reimbursed. If a textbook is not on file at the University Co-op, students should bring a copy of his/her syllabus to Student Services, and the book will be ordered. If a course packet is required, the student must pick up a Packet Request Form from Student Services.
Students are expected to return books from a dropped class within three business days of the class being dropped.
Students must return all course materials to Student Services by the communicated deadline at the end of each term or face a fine of up to $50. Students will be billed for lost books.
Students are strictly prohibited from selling books or materials purchased by Texas Athletics.
Book scholarships for student-athletes who abuse Book Loan privileges or fail to settle their Book Loan record each semester may be suspended from participating in the Book Loan Program.

Laptop Loan Program
Students can borrow either Mac or PC laptops, depending on needs and preferences, by talking to their Academic Coordinators. Students who do not already own a laptop are given first priority. Texas Athletics laptops are for academic use, and students are expected to use them responsibly. Students must use the sleeve or case provided, and should always keep the laptop in a safe place. Generally, laptops are loaned for an academic year (August to May) and returned before summer. Routine software updates and maintenance checks are necessary, so students are required to return laptops periodically for upkeep. Students who fail to turn in their laptop by the communicated deadline can be barred from receiving scholarship checks and other resources, charged for a replacement laptop, and future computer privileges may be suspended. Students are not permitted to take laptops on international travel without express consent of the Student Services staff.

Academic Advising
Student Services endorses and supports the following principle for student-athletes from “Academic Policies and Procedures” in the General Information catalog of The University of Texas at Austin: Ultimately, the student is responsible for seeking adequate academic advice, for knowing and meeting degree requirements, and for enrolling in appropriate courses to ensure orderly and timely progress toward a degree. Academic advising is a critical component of the college student’s educational experience. Advising involves facilitating academic opportunities, teaching college and degree requirements, and helping a student select and plan an undergraduate degree that aligns with his/her strengths, interests, and goals. The Academic Coordinator in Athletics serves in a supplementary role to campus advisors from the student’s declared major. Every student-athlete must communicate and interact with his or her major/college academic advisor regularly once a degree plan is chosen.

Course Registration
Registration is the process by which students sign up for courses for the next semester. In October, students register for spring classes. In April, students register for summer and fall classes. Using degree plans, degree audits, and/or course recommendations from campus advisors, when the course options are released, each student-athlete works with his or her Academic Coordinator in Athletics to create a class schedule that fits with prescribed practice and study hall times. Special attention is paid to course sequencing, prerequisites, catalog policies, and class offerings.

Students must clear "bars" to be able to access the registration system. Every student-athlete has an advising bar that blocks the registration access. Student-athletes must complete the appropriate advising activity to be granted the privilege of early registration. Examples of other bars include Parking and Transportation (parking tickets), Dean of Students (emergency contact form), and Student Financial Services (outstanding loan payments).

In the event that a class is closed or cancelled, a student-athlete works with the Academic Coordinator and college advisor to find an appropriate substitute. If a class is waitlisted, a student can add him or herself to the course waitlist by logging into the registration system. While Academic Coordinators in Athletics might amend and adjust schedules on the student’s behalf during the two-week registration period, it is the student’s responsibility to review and confirm his or her final schedule and overall degree plan.

Due to potential eligibility, financial aid, and/or other implications, a student must always consult with his/her Academic Coordinator in Athletics before:

Dropping a course
Adding a course
Declaring or changing a major, minor, certificate, or catalog
Changing a course to pass/fail
Withdrawing from the University

PERFORMANCE, HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Texas Athletics approach to health and wellness employs a multidisciplinary model of care that aims to improve sports performance, decrease incidence of injury and illness and enhance optimal long-term health and wellness while ensuring the health and safety and fostering the physical and emotional well-being of all student-athletes. We strive to be the benchmark for other programs as we prepare student-athletes for championship performance – on and off the field.

SPORTS MEDICINE

The Sports Medicine Program services the medical and athletic training needs of more than 500 male and female athletes in 20 sports. The main Sports Medicine Center is housed in the Red McCombs Red Zone (NEZ B1). The facility is staffed with credentialed athletics health care providers, furnished with the latest in rehabilitation and exercise modalities, and equipped with innovative resources to handle your special health care needs. Every sport carries some degree of risk for the participant. It is for this reason that our health care delivery programs provide specialized medical services, care and supervision.

The challenge of preventing injuries and illnesses and, when an injury or illness does occur, caring for you to return you to participation as safely and quickly as possible requires a team effort. The Sports Medicine Program is supervised by a staff of fellowship-trained sports medicine physicians who oversee appropriate medical and pharmaceutical services. In addition, they make final decisions on your readiness to compete in the event that you sustain an injury or become ill. Our physicians’ work is complemented by a staff of credentialed athletic trainers and physical therapists that provide a wide spectrum of health care services. They evaluate and treat you with evidence-based rehabilitation techniques and protocols; design screening and conditioning programs for the prevention of injury; provide immediate first aid care; initiate and progress post-injury rehabilitation activities for your safe return to practice and competition; provide sports medicine coverage at practice and competitive events; maintain documentation of injuries and illnesses; and advise Texas Athletics administrators on sports medicine matters.

Medical Clinics:
The hours of operation for the NEZ Sports Medicine Center are generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are available with our physicians by contacting your team’s Athletic Trainer.

Satellite facilities utilized for team practice and game preparation as well as rehabilitation sessions are located in Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletics Center for football, UFCU Disch-Falk Field for baseball, Cooley Pavilion for basketball, Mike A. Myers Stadium for soccer and track and field, Gregory Gymnasium for volleyball, McCombs Field for softball and the Texas Tennis Center for tennis. Hours of operation in each satellite facility is compatible with the specific practice and/or competition times of the sports housed in the facility.

Additionally, as a UT student-athlete, you have regular access to medical services at University Health Services (UHS) located on the main campus in the Student Services Building at 100 W. Dean Keeton St. UHS provides outpatient medical care, health maintenance, and health education programs. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m.– 8 p.m., Mon.-Fri. and 11 a.m.-3 p.m., weekends.

Behavioral Health: Texas Athletics employees licensed clinical social workers and enlists expert consultants to provide mental and behavioral health care services to student-athletes. Easily accessible to student-athletes, our Behavioral Health services are coordinated by our physicians and/or athletic trainers and provided to student-athletes in the Wellness Wing of the NEZ B1 Sports Medicine Center by credentialed mental health care providers. These services are confidential.

Texas Athletics supports health-promoting environments that support mental well-being and resilience and is committed to inclusion, wellness and support of all our student-athletes. Our goal is to connect student-athletes with the care they need, maintain confidentiality, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health care. We hope you will seek care for mental health concerns just as you would for an ankle sprain!

Texas Athletics employees licensed clinical social workers and enlists expert consultants to provide mental and behavioral health care services to student-athletes. Easily accessible to student-athletes, our Behavioral Health services are coordinated by our physicians and/or athletic trainers and provided to student-athletes in the Wellness Wing of the NEZ B1 Sports Medicine Center by credentialed mental health care providers. These services are confidential.

Emergencies:
For all emergency situations, activate EMS through campus police at or dial 911.

Injury/Illness Reporting:You are instructed to immediately report any illness or injury to your team’s athletic trainer of another member of the sports medicine staff. If you require a physician’s care, your team’s athletic trainer will refer you to our team physicians for evaluation and treatment.

Medical Records:Your individual medical record includes health status questionnaires, medical history, records of injuries and illness, pre-participation physical examination findings, referrals for and records of medical consultations or treatments, plans of care, treatment performed, physiological testing results, neurocognitive or neuropsychological testing results, records of substance use/abuse treatment, and limited information on mental health care. Your record is strictly confidential.

STUDENT-ATHLETES' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We recognize that each of you has unique healthcare needs and we encourage a partnership between you and your athletics healthcare providers. We encourage you or your designated representatives to participate in discussions and decisions about your treatments, options, alternatives, risks and benefits.

Student-Athletes’ Rights
As a student under the care of the Sports Medicine staff of The University of Texas, you have the following rights relative to the care you receive and the privacy of your medical information:

Knowledge and Information:

To know the names of the providers inclusive of physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists or other allied health care personnel who have primary responsibility for coordinating your care and the names and professional relationships of other providers who care for you.
To receive information from your providers about the injury/illness, course of treatment and prospects for recovery in language that you can understand.
To receive as much information about any proposed treatment or procedure as you may need in order to give informed consent or to refuse this course of treatment. Except in emergencies, this information includes a description of the procedure or treatment, the medically significant risks involved in this treatment, description of any alternate course of treatment or non-treatment and the risks involved in each, and the name of the person who carries out the procedure or treatment.
To be advised if the providers propose to engage in research, investigation and clinical trials involving human subjects affecting your care or treatment. You have the right to refuse to participate in such research projects and your decision does not affect your care.
To be informed by the providers of continuing healthcare requirements following initial evaluation and treatment.
To know which rules and policies apply to your conduct as a patient.

Active Participation in Your Care:

To participate actively in decisions regarding medical care to the extent permitted by law. This includes the right to refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.
To actively participate with your healthcare providers in making medical/ethical decisions regarding your care. Your designated representative also has this right.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

To confidential treatment of all information, communications and records pertaining to your care. Written permission from you or your legally designated representative shall be obtained before medical records can be made available to anyone not directly concerned with your care. You and/or your legally designated representative are entitled to access the information contained in your medical record, within the limits of the law.
To full consideration of privacy concerning your treatment and rehabilitation plan. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and are conducted discreetly.
To be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual during the course of your medical care.

As a student under the care of the sports medicine staff at The University of Texas, we expect you to assume the following responsibilities:

Reporting and Accountability

to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information regarding any matters pertaining to your health to the physicians and other healthcare professionals caring for you.
whether you clearly understand a proposed course of treatment and what is expected of you.
Follow the treatment plan recommended by the primary physician/provider responsible for care. This includes following the instructions of the other healthcare professionals as they carry out the coordinated plan of care.
Keep appointments. If unable to do so, you should notify the responsible provider or your attending athletic trainer.
Accept the consequences of your own decisions and actions if you choose to refuse treatment or not comply with the instructions given by your providers.
Follow Sports Medicine Center rules and regulations affecting your care and conduct.

If you have any questions regarding these patient rights and responsibilities, contact your team’s athletic trainer or team physicians.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has adopted privacy standards — the HIPAA Privacy Standards – which protect your health information. The HIPAA Privacy Standards establish rules for when healthcare providers may use or disclose your health information. Importantly, the HIPAA Privacy Standards also tell us what we cannot do with your health information.

The Sports Medicine Program has policies and procedures in place to safeguard the privacy of your medical records and protect you from unnecessary disclosure of your personal health information. In athletics, there are many parties who can potentially have access to your health information, especially in routine injury situations. These parties include coaches and athletics staff; parents or guardians; media representatives from print, radio, new media, and television; teammates; athletic training students and other student members of the sports medicine staff; and professional teams and/or their scouts. Your personal health information is only shared – permissively so – with a party or parties that you authorized such disclosure.

In the event that you sustain an injury while participating in athletics, it is important to understand that we may need to talk with your coaches, parents, and/or other people involved in your care in order to determine the best treatment options. When doing so, we will discuss issues relevant to your care and participation status only under the following circumstances:

You have given us oral consent or implied consent through your actions. For example, you may ask members of your coaching staff or family to be present during a medical evaluation to discuss your injury circumstances, treatment options and activity status.
You have signed authorization forms permitting us to disclose pertinent health information to the parties mentioned (coaches and athletics staff; parents or guardians; media representatives from print, radio, and television; teammates; student athletic trainers and other student members of the sports medicine staff; and professional teams and their representatives).

You have the right to restrict disclosure of your health information to any of the parties by refusing to sign the authorization form designated for that party. Also, you have the right to revoke any of your signed authorizations. For example, during your career as a student you may be confronted with a sensitive healthcare issue that you feel requires the utmost confidentiality and privacy. In order for you to revoke your signed authorizations under these circumstances, you must discuss your intentions with your providers (e.g., team physicians and athletic trainers) and a new form is processed that restricts disclosure of this health information.

The authorization forms (valid for six years from the date of your signature) are made available to you through our Sports Medicine staff at time of enrollment. Your participation is contingent on executing these forms.

Even though you have signed authorizations permitting us to share your health information, it is imperative to note that we are not obligated to do so. In accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Standards, we respect the privacy of your health information by releasing only the minimum information necessary to protect your health and safety and we strive to take appropriate measures to ensure the confidentiality of your medical information.

This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you may obtain access to this information. Please review it carefully.

HIPAA privacy rules require that we furnish you with this notice.

I. Purpose: The Texas Athletics Athletic Training/Sports Medicine staff at The University of Texas and its professional staff, employees and volunteers follow the privacy practices described in this Notice. The Sports Medicine staff maintains your medical records in a confidential manner, as required by law. However, the Sports Medicine staff must use and disclose your medical information to the extent necessary to provide you with quality health care. To do this, the Sports Medicine staff must share your medical information as necessary for treatment, payment and health care operations.

II. What Are Treatment, Payment, and Health Care Operations? Treatment includes sharing information among health care providers involved in your care. For example, your treatment provider may share information about your condition with other treatment providers in Sports Medicine in order to make a diagnosis. The Sports Medicine staff may use your medical information as required by your insurer to obtain payment for your treatment. They also may use and disclose your medical information to improve the quality of care, e.g., for review and training purposes.

III. What Are Other Ways the Sports Medicine Division May Use Your Medical Information? Your medical information may be used, unless you ask for restrictions on a specific use of disclosure, for the following purposes:

Appointment reminders.
To inform you of treatment alternatives or benefits or services related to your health (you have an opportunity to refuse to receive this information).
To carry out health care treatment, payment and operations functions through business associates, e.g., to install a new computer system.
Alcohol and drug abuse information has special privacy protections. The Sports Medicine staff may not disclose any information identifying an individual as being a student or provide any medical information relating to a student-athlete’s substance abuse treatment unless: (i) the student consents in writing; (ii) a court order requires disclosure of the information; (iii) medical personnel need the information to meet a medical emergency; (iv) qualified personnel use this information for the purpose of conducting scientific research, management audits, financial audits, or program evaluation; or (v) it is necessary to report a crime or a threat to commit a crime, or to report abuse or neglect as required by law.
Worker’s Compensation (your medical information regarding benefits for work-related illnesses may be released as appropriate).
Health oversight activities, e.g., audits, inspections, investigations and licensure.
Certain research projects.
To prevent a serious threat to health or safety.
Law enforcement (e.g., in response to a court order or other legal process; to identify or locate an individual being sought by authorities; about the victim of a crime under restricted circumstances; about a death that may be the result of criminal conduct; circumstances relating to reporting information about a crime).
Disaster relief agency if injured in a disaster.
National security and intelligence activities.
Protection of the President or other authorized persons for foreign heads of state, or to conduct special investigations.
Lawsuits and disputes (we attempt to provide you advance notice of a subpoena before disclosing the information).
As required by law.

IV. Your Authorization Is Required for Other Disclosures. Except as described above, we do not use or disclose your medical information unless you authorize the Sports Medicine staff in writing to disclose your information. You may revoke your permission, which is effective only after the date of your written revocation.

V. You Have Rights Regarding Your Medical Information. You have the following rights regarding your medical information, provided that you make a written request to invoke the right.

Right to request restrictions. You may request limitations on your medical information we use or disclose for health care treatment, payment, or operations (e.g., you may ask us not to disclose that you have had a particular treatment), but we are not required to agree to your request. If we agree, we comply with your request unless the information is needed to provide you with emergency services.
Right to confidential communications. You may request communication in a certain way or at a certain location, but you must specify how or where you wish be contacted.
Right to inspect and request a copy. You have the right to inspect and request a copy of your medical information regarding decisions about your care. We charge a fee for copying, mailing and supplies. Under limited circumstances, your request may be denied; in that instance you may request review of the denial by another licensed health care professional chosen by the Sports Medicine staff. The Sports Medicine staff complies with the outcome of the review.
Right to request amendment. If you believe that the medical information we have about you is incorrect or staff, you may request an amendment, which requires certain specific information. The Sports Medicine Division is not required to accept the amendment.
Right to accounting disclosures. You may request a list of the disclosures of your medical information that have been made to persons or entities other than for health care treatment, payment or operations in the past six years, but not prior to April 14, 2003. After the first request, there is a charge.
Right to a copy of this Notice. You may request a copy of this Notice at any time, even if you have been provided with an electronic copy.

VI. Requirements Regarding This Notice. The Sports Medicine staff is required by law to provide you with this Notice. We are governed by this Notice for as long as it is in effect. The Sports Medicine staff may change this Notice and these changes are effective for medical information we have about you as well as any information we receive in the future. Each time you register with the Sports Medicine staff for health care services, you may receive a copy of the Notice in effect at the time.

VII. Complaints. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Sports Medicine staff, with The University’s Privacy Officer through the Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs or with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. You are not penalized or retaliated against in any way for making a complaint to the Sports Medicine staff or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Call Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services at (512) 471-7285 if:

You have a complaint.
You have any questions about this Notice.

Call the Sports Medicine Staff at (512) 471-4916 if:

You wish to request restrictions on uses and disclosures of health care treatment, payment or operations.
You wish to obtain forms to exercise your individual rights described in paragraph V.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT

Enhancing your health - and therefore your performance - relies on an integrative approach that combines the efforts and expertise of professionals in sports medicine, behavioral and allied health, applied sports science, nutrition, athletic performance, and coaching. More than any other group, this team encourages, supports, and participates in the pursuit of improved preventive, therapeutic and performance-enhancing measures. The team’s main responsibilities are to collect and assess health and performance metrics to aid in injury prevention and over (or under) training and improve athletic performance. In addition, the Performance Team will evaluate and raise ethical, health, safety, and/or procedural questions related to new supplementation, treatment or training protocols.

A variety of screening tests are used to develop plans for the prevention and treatment of injuries. You are required to complete questionnaires about your medical history and to undergo preseason physical examinations before you are permitted to participate in your sport. The content of the screening varies according to your participation status (first year or returner). A comprehensive medical history and preparticipation physical examination for all new student-athletes, freshman and transfer, is required. Subsequent screenings for returners are limited to an annual health appraisal that includes a review of medical history and an evaluation of any acquired conditions or previous injuries/illnesses.

An ongoing medical surveillance system, characterized by serial monitoring and periodic checkups, monitors your health and helps us determine if prescribed treatment plans are attaining desired outcomes. The team physicians have the right to medically disqualify anyone from participation in his/her sport if it is determined that a medical condition could adversely affect long-term health status.

Texas Athletics is committed to the prevention, identification, evaluation and proper management of sports concussion. Each student is required to acknowledge his/her duty to report symptoms of concussion by signing a statement in which he/she accepts the responsibility for reporting injuries to the sports medicine staff, including signs and symptoms of concussions. Further, students, coaches and other pertinent team personnel are educated annually on recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussion.

Texas Athletics healthcare providers are empowered to have the unchallengeable authority to determine management and return-to-play of any ill or injured student as he/she deems appropriate.

A written team physician–directed concussion management plan that outlines the roles of athletics healthcare staff (e.g., physicians, licensed/certified athletic trainers and other specialty consultants) and the steps necessary to safely return the student to play is reviewed annually and maintained on file.

Several key components include:

A baseline assessment for each student prior to the first practice in all sports.
A sideline assessment protocol for evaluating sports concussion is made available to all staff members.
A student showing any signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion is removed from practice or competition and evaluated by an athletics healthcare provider with experience in the evaluation and management of concussion.
A student diagnosed with a concussion is withheld from competition or practice and is not permitted to return to activity for the remainder of that day.

The student is evaluated by a team physician as outlined within the concussion management plan. Once asymptomatic and post-exertion assessments have returned to normal, “Return-to-Play” occurs only after a medically supervised stepwise progression has been completed. Final authority for “Return-to-Play” resides with the team physician(s).

Concussion is: change in brain function following a force to the head, which may be accompanied by temporary loss of consciousness, but is identified in awake individuals, with measures of neurological and cognitive dysfunction.

Policy:
Pursuant to the NCAA Concussion Policy and Legislation mandate, Texas Athletics implements the following:

An annual process that ensures students, coaches, team physicians, athletic trainers, and Vice President/Athletics Director will be educated about the signs and symptoms of concussion.
A process that ensures a student who exhibits the signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with concussion shall be removed from athletics activities and evaluated by a medical staff member with experience in the evaluation and management of concussion. Initial evaluation includes symptom assessment, physical and neurological examination, cognitive assessment, balance examination, as well as clinical assessment for cervical spine trauma, skull fracture, and intracranial bleeding.
A policy that precludes a student who is suspected concussion from returning to athletic activities for at least the remainder of that calendar day.
A policy that requires medical clearance for a student diagnosed with a concussion to return to athletics activities as determined by a physician or physician’s designee.
A policy that adheres to the Inter-Association Consensus: Year-Round Football Practice Contact Guidelines, emphasizing education regarding safe play and proper technique and reducing gratuitous contact during practice.
A policy in which our athletics healthcare providers are empowered to have the unchallengeable authority to determine management and return-to-play of any ill or injured student-athlete, as he or she deems appropriate.

Concussion Management Plan:
The following concussion management plan will be utilized for UT students at risk for or suspected of sustaining a concussion:

Student-athletes, coaches, and other pertinent team personnel, including team physicians, athletic trainers, and Vice President/Athletic Director and Executive AD/Chief of Staff will be provided the “Concussion Education Fact Sheet” and educated on concussions annually. Student-athletes, coaches, team physicians, athletic trainers, and directors of athletics will be required to provide signed acknowledgment and understanding of the concussion education materials. Further, students will be required annually to sign a statement in which they acknowledge their duty to report their injuries and illnesses to the sports medicine staff, including signs and symptoms of concussions.
A one-time, pre-participation baseline assessment will be conducted for each student in all sports. This assessment consists of 1) a brain injury/concussion history, 2) symptom evaluation, 3) cognitive assessment, and 4) balance assessment. The subjective history will be captured in our institution’s online pre-participation health history questionnaire and during the pre-participation physical exam with the team physician. The C3 Logix Integrated Concussion Management System will be utilized for the objective and quantitative analysis. The team physician will determine pre-participation clearance and/or the need for additional consultation or testing.
A sideline assessment tool for evaluating and managing a mild head injury sustained in practice or competition will be made available to all Sports Medicine staff members. Sideline assessment will be performed at the time the injury. The components of the sideline evaluation include assessment of symptoms, cognition, oculomotor function, and balance.
A venue-specific emergency action plan will be activated and followed that includes further evaluation for a student with a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 13, prolonged loss of consciousness, focal neurological deficit, repetitive emesis, deteriorating mental status, or spinal injury. The emergency action plan is an organized and coordinated plan that provides directive to team physicians, athletic trainers, and EMS personnel to manage the aforementioned circumstances.
Student showing any signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion will be removed from practice or competition and evaluated by an athletics healthcare provider with experience in the evaluation and management of concussion.
A student diagnosed with a concussion will be withheld from competition or practice and will not be permitted to return to athletics activities for the remainder of that day.
Academic accommodations, if necessary, will be requested and coordinated by a designated member of the Student Services staff.
The post-concussion management is directed by the team physician. The need for initial physical and cognitive rest will be determined based on individual serial assessments, concussion history, modifying factors, and specific needs of the student-athlete. Initial assessment will be performed within 72 hours of report of injury and serial follow up will be repeated at least every seven days, or at the discretion of the team physician. Once serial evaluations and monitoring confirm the student has returned to a symptomatic level consistent with his/her baseline, return to play will follow a medically supervised stepwise progression. Gradual increase in physical activity that includes both an incremental increase in physical demands and contact risk will be implemented.
Final authority for “Return-to-Play” resides with the team physician.
The incident, evaluation, continued management, and clearance of the student with a concussion will be documented and maintained in his/her medical file. Documentation will include oral and/or written instruction provide to the student and/or other responsible adult.

This section provides guidelines for initiating cognitive rest following sports-related concussion and establishing a process to guide the transition back into the academic classroom. Return-to-learn is a parallel concept to return-to-play. The foundation of return-to-learn includes:

Return-to-learn should be managed in a stepwise program that fits the needs of the individual.
Return-to-learn guidelines assume that both physical and cognitive activities require brain energy utilization, and that such brain energy is not available for physical and cognitive exertion because of the concussion-induced brain energy crisis.
The hallmark of return-to-learn is cognitive rest immediately following concussion, just as the hallmark of return-to-play is physical rest. Cognitive rest refers to avoiding potential cognitive stressors such as school work, video games, reading, texting and watching television, as well as team meetings and instruction. Current evidence suggests that providing both physical and cognitive rest allows the brain to heal more quickly as well as having a beneficial effect of cognitive rest on concussion recovery.
Return-to-learn recommendations are based on consensus statements, with a paucity of evidence-based data to correlate with such consensus recommendations.
Return-to-learn recommendations should be made within the context of a multi-disciplinary team that includes Sports Medicine and Student Services personnel.
Like return-to-play, it is not always easy to provide prescriptive recommendations for return-to-learn because the student may appear physically normal but is unable to perform at his/her expected baseline due to concussive symptomatology.

Policy:

Pursuant to the NCAA Sports-Related Concussion Policy and Concussion Safety Protocol, Texas Athletics implements the following:

A policy that ensures that a student diagnosed with concussion will be prescribed an initial period of physical and cognitive rest.
A process that ensures the gradual return to cognitive activity is based on the absence of concussion symptoms following cognitive exposure.

Return-to-Learn Management Plan:
The multidisciplinary team involved in the Return-to-Learn process will be directed by the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services. The following tenets of cognitive recovery will be addressed

Cognitive Rest:
Cognitive rest following concussion involves avoiding the classroom for at least 24 hours.

If the student cannot tolerate the amount of time required to participate in a class requiring light cognitive activity, he or she should remain at home or in the residence hall.

For example, once the student can tolerate 30-45 minutes of cognitive activity without return of symptoms, he/she should return to the classroom in a step-wise manner. Such return should include no more than 30-45 minutes of cognitive activity at one time, followed by at least 15 minutes of rest.

The levels of adjustment needed should be decided by a multi-disciplinary team that includes Sports Medicine and Students Services personnel, including but not limited to the Team Physician, athletic trainer, and academic coordinator, and other faculty or individual teachers as appropriate. The level of multi-disciplinary involvement should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Procedures:
Academic adjustment a student-athlete’s academic schedule requires some modification in the first one to two weeks following concussion. In this case, full recovery is anticipated, and the student will not require any meaningful curriculum or testing alterations.

Academic accommodation the student has persistent symptoms for more than two weeks following concussion. Because the student has not recovered in the anticipated period of time, he or she may require a change in the class schedule and special arrangements may be required for tests, term papers and projects. Although there is no fixed timeline for academic accommodation, this generally applies to students who have more prolonged concussion symptoms, or who may be suffering with post-concussion syndrome. It is important to verify, as best as possible, the diagnosis instead of assuming that the student has prolonged concussion symptoms.

Academic modification a more difficult scenario in which the student suffers with prolonged cognitive difficulties, which thereby requires a more specialized educational plan.

Athletic Performance and Applied Sports Science In certain medical situations, including those involving sports-related concussion, SSD may need to be contacted to determine eligibility and approval for reasonable classroom and/or testing accommodations. ADAAA-compliant mitigating measures to lessen the impairment of the condition will be implemented as appropriate.

Athletic Performance Enhancement and Strength Training Programs
Musculoskeletal strength, endurance capabilities and speed and flexibility must be improved and maintained for performance enhancement and injury prevention purposes. All coaches incorporate weight training and conditioning programs in their workouts.

Athletic Performance and Weight Training Facilities
There are a number of venues available for strength training and conditioning purposes. Two of our main facilities – one located in Moncreif-Neuhaus Athletic Center and another in the Red McCombs Red Zone – are equipped with the latest resources and staffed with skilled athletic performance professionals to meet your performance training needs. Additionally, other sport venues (i.e., UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Denton Cooley Pavilion, Texas Tennis Center) have a full complement of resources to optimize your strength and conditioning status.

Weight Room Procedures
Sport-specific training regimens are developed by the strength and conditioning professionals in consultation with the head coaches and athletic trainers. Instruction on safe and proper techniques in the use of equipment is given to all students at the beginning of each year.

The use of the weight room is limited to team members only. You cannot bring friends. The weight room is to be used for weight training, not socializing.

Applied Sports Science
Housed in the North End Zone, the Texas Athletics Center for Applied Sports Science is staffed with sports and analytics experts who collect, manage, analyze, and report student-athlete physical performance metrics to support team training and recovery. With a state of the art information system, the use of technologies such as markerless 3-dimensional motion analysis, force plates, and testing capabilities such as body composition and maximal oxygen uptake assessments, we aim to achieve the best results in the shortest period of time, with the least physiological coast.

The mission of the Texas Athletics performance nutrition program is to provide world class performance nutrition expertise and care for students, resulting in improved sports performance, decreased illness/injury, and optimal long-term health.

Nutrition services are available to all students. Registered dietitians/nutritionists who specialize in sports (Sports RD) performance nutrition provide individual and team nutrition education sessions, grocery store tours, cooking demonstrations and more. If improving performance through optimized nutrition or changing your weight or body composition are goals you are interested in working on, do not hesitate to request a consult. Any team rule, regulation or request that involves weight loss or weight gain must be developed according to the requirements of Texas Athletics protocol for dealing with weight as a performance factor. If you have questions on the specifics of this protocol, contact a staff athletic trainer or registered dietitian/nutritionist for additional information.

Fueling Opportunities
The Texas Athletics Sports RDs are passionate about ensuring all the food (aka “fuel”) served to the students is delicious, nutritious, safe and effective at achieving our overall goal of “fueling to win.” Pre- and post-workout nutrition, snacks and grab/go food options are available at fuel stations at the main training facilities. Meals are served at the Texas Athletics Nutrition Center (TANC). Menu planning and selection for the TANC, and for home and road competitions, is under the supervision of the Texas Athletics Sports RDs who ensure students have the nutrition they need to perform, recover, and feel their best.

Supplements
Nutritional supplements include “designer” protein and carbohydrate supplements, amino acids and enzyme formulations, vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts. NCAA guidelines permit institutions to provide nutritional supplements for additional calories and electrolytes, provided they do not contain any banned substances. Permissible supplements for distribution are carbohydrate/electrolyte drinks, energy bars, carbohydrate boosters, and vitamins and minerals. The distribution of muscle-building supplements by institutions is limited. There is continued dispute regarding the safety of these products, and most over-the-counter nutritional supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some may contain untested or inaccurate ingredients and impurities which could cause health problems or cause you to test positive for NCAA banned substances, resulting in a loss of eligibility.

If you are taking any supplements at this time or are entertaining thoughts of taking such products, you are required to consult with the sports dietitian or athletic trainer for product clearance.

INSTITUTIONAL DRUG EDUCATION AND TESTING PROGRAM

All student-athletes participating in Intercollegiate Athletics (“Texas Athletics”) at The University of Texas at Austin ("University") are subject to institutional drug screening on a year-round basis to permit testing for any or all of the substances that appear on the list of banned drug classes as determined by the NCAA. The NCAA requires random drug testing of student-athletes on a year-round basis in addition to testing at selected certified bowl games and national championship events. Additionally, the Big 12 Conference, of which the University is a member, conducts random drug tests of student-athletes in the fall and spring semesters in addition to testing at conference championship events.

The Intercollegiate Athletics program sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that encourages student-athletes to avoid the use of unauthorized controlled substances, performance-enhancing drugs, illicit street drugs, alcohol, unapproved dietary supplements, and products containing nicotine. While the primary purpose of this program is education- and support-oriented, the serious nature of substance abuse requires development of sanctions as a deterrent to drug use. Student-athletes should be assured that the University’s Institutional Drug Education and Testing Program is designed to maintain and promote their physical and mental well-being. The objectives of the program are:

To ensure that no one athletics participant might have an artificially induced advantage through the use of performance enhancing drugs and/or might be pressured to use performance enhancers in order to remain competitive;
To safeguard the health and safety of participants;
To maintain the integrity of the Intercollegiate Athletics program by emphasizing abstinence from the use of unauthorized controlled substances, illicit street drugs, alcohol, unapproved dietary supplements, and products that contain nicotine;
To educate student-athletes on the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of substance use and abuse;
To encourage self-identification for, and to provide an early detection system of, substance users and abusers;
To offer treatment for any student-athlete who may have a substance use and abuse problem; and
To abide by all University, Big 12 Conference, and NCAA policies and procedures relative to drug testing and sanctions for positive tests.

All Texas Athletics staff members must be aware of, and be committed to, the drug education and testing program and nutritional supplement acquisition and distribution policies issued by the University. Athletics coaches and staff members are encouraged to refer student-athletes who are suspected of substance use and abuse to Athletics health care providers for assessment and concerned intervention.

Texas Athletics staff members shall not encourage or advise any student-athlete to take performance enhancing/non-therapeutic drugs or unapproved dietary supplements and should report suspected use to the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine. Furthermore, Athletics staff members shall not issue to or assist student-athletes in obtaining any performance enhancing/non-therapeutic drugs or unapproved dietary supplements. Any staff member who violates these policies is subject to disciplinary action.

Texas Athletics staff members shall direct any student-athlete who desires to use dietary supplements to the Assistant Athletics Director/Sports Dietitian. Due to incomplete regulation of dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration, the student-athlete may jeopardize his/her health and/or eligibility by taking products that may contain banned substances. The Sports Medicine staff annually conducts educational sessions for student-athletes for the purposes of: (1) deterring dietary supplement use; (2) providing student-athletes with an opportunity to disclose any dietary supplements that they currently are taking; and, (3) familiarizing student-athletes with institutional procedures to evaluate the safety of the products.

IV. SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION

Texas Athletics staff members representing Sports Medicine, Risk Management and Compliance Services and Student Services are responsible for educating student-athletes with regard to the hazards of substance use and abuse. Student-athletes are required to attend at least one drug/alcohol education session per school year and are encouraged to attend additional educational sessions, events and awareness classes as available.

Use of illicit substances violates University policy, and infractions are managed as outlined in this document. Use of alcohol, a nervous system depressant, may result in mood swings, impaired judgment and inability to control motor functions. Alcohol can impair a student-athlete’s performance. It is ill-advised for student-athletes to consume or over-consume alcohol, and it is illegal for underage student-athletes to consume alcohol. Any incident which involves underage drinking, operation of a motor vehicle after consumption of alcohol, acts of violence, destruction of property or disorderly conduct while consuming or after consumption of alcohol may be met with strict consequences. Additionally, any intoxication level that requires emergency medical treatment may be met with strict consequences. Education and treatment of chemical dependency are available for a range of substances, including alcohol.

If a student-athlete’s substance abuse is evident, he/she is required to undergo assessment and, if indicated, treatment. If a student-athlete self identifies as having a substance abuse problem, he or she may be eligible for the University’s Safe Harbor Program . Note that the Safe Harbor Program does not exclude student-athletes from being tested by the NCAA or Big 12 Conference or preclude a student-athlete from sanctions imposed for a positive drug test administered by the NCAA or Big 12 Conference drug testing programs.

V. INSTITUTIONAL DRUG TESTING NOTIFICATION

Each student-athlete receives a copy of the University’s Institutional Drug Education and Testing Program and is tested only after providing written consent to be tested. Signing of the consent form is a pre-condition for participation in Texas Athletics. The student-athlete indicates understanding of the program and provides consent to the drug testing process through his/her signature on the consent form. The consent form also authorizes release of the testing results to a limited and pre-defined number of individuals. The University’s Institutional Drug Education and Testing Program is made available to each student-athlete in writing and online.

VI. METHOD OF INSTITUTIONAL TESTING

All student-athletes are subject to drug screening for any or all of the substances that appear on the list of banned drug classes as determined by the NCAA (see NCAA Banned Drug List) . Detection of a non-banned, but non-physician prescribed controlled substance also may result in a positive test.
Drug tests may take place any day of the week. Because of the random nature of the testing, student-athletes may be tested numerous times during any given academic year.
Drug testing subjects may include entire teams, randomly selected student-athletes from a particular team, randomly selected student-athletes from several teams or student-athletes selected at the discretion of the Head Team Physician and/or Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine.
A student-athlete also may be subject to testing at any time when the Vice President/Athletics Director or his designee or the Head Team Physician determines there is reasonable suspicion to believe the participant is using a prohibited substance. Such reasonable suspicion may be based on objective information as determined by the Vice President/Athletics Director, Head or Assistant Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Team Physicians, and/or Student Services staff and when the information is deemed reliable by the Vice President/Athletics Director or his designee. Reasonable suspicion may include, without limitation, the following: (1) observed possession or use of substances appearing to be prohibited drugs; (2) arrest or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession or transfer of prohibited drugs or substances; and, (3) observed abnormal appearance, conduct or behavior reasonably interpretable as being caused by the use of prohibited substances.
Random institutional drug testing shall occur in the fall and spring semesters. Testing shall not be scheduled in either summer term unless requested by the head coach.
Random testing will continue to be administered on a no-notice basis, with as little notice given to student-athletes as is practical. A good faith effort will be made to complete testing of all teams during the first half of each semester.
The number of samples collected in both the fall and spring semesters will be equal to 50% of the number of student-athletes on an active roster in each semester. The rounding method will be utilized for selection.
A sport head coach may request black-out dates, in advance, for up to 10 class days per semester. The black-out date requests must be made in writing to the Drug Testing Program Administrator prior to the twelfth (12^th) class day of each semester. Requests received after this will not be accepted.
Student-athletes shall be selected randomly from the active squad list. A student-athlete who was randomly tested the previous semester is no more or less likely to be selected for random testing in the current semester. A student-athlete who had previous positive tests is no more or less likely to be selected for random testing.
Among the indicators which may be used in evaluating a student-athlete’s conduct, performance or abnormal appearance are: inconsistent class attendance, significant GPA changes, inconsistent athletics practice attendance, increased injury rate or illness, changes in physical appearance, changes in academics/athletics motivational level, emotional condition, mood changes and/or legal issues.
The collection of urine or oral fluid samples from student-athletes shall be made under the supervision of an independent drug collection team. Athletic Trainers or Team Physicians are not permitted to collect urine or oral fluid specimens under any circumstances.
After collection of the urine or oral fluid specimens by the drug collection team, the specimens immediately are sent to an independent laboratory commissioned to perform the tests. The results are returned to the Head Team Physician who, as the only person capable of matching a specimen number and the name of the student-athlete, reviews the results and determines which, if any, are positive.
Every possible step is taken to ensure the integrity of the testing procedures and maintenance of the accuracy and confidentiality of test results. The drug collection team adheres to a series of custody procedures to account for the integrity of each urine and oral fluid specimen by tracking handling and storage from the point of collection to final disposition. Such procedures are designed to disclose evidence of specimen tampering.
student-athlete who refuses to sign the notification form, fails to arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification, fails to provide a sample according to protocol, leaves the collection station before providing a sample according to protocol, or attempts to manipulate or alter the integrity or validity of the sample and/or collection process will be treated as if there was a positive for a banned substance.
The drug testing schedule and list of selected student-athletes are provided to Athletics Risk Management and Compliance Services, who provide serial monitoring to ensure that appropriate controls are in place and that institutional policy is followed.

VII. CONCERNED INTERVENTION TESTING

A Head Coach may request institutional drug testing for a student-athlete or a group of student-athletes, up to the entire roster, at his/her discretion under "concerned intervention." In this circumstance, a positive test for any banned substance would neither result in additional institutional sanctions for the student-athlete(s) nor initiate or extend a student-athlete's probationary period. A "concerned intervention" test is performed for informational purposes only. Parent notification for a positive "concerned intervention" test is at the discretion of the Head Coach.

A "concerned intervention" test may be requested at any time, but may not be requested more than one time per academic year per student-athlete and may not be requested after a student-athlete has been notified of an impending drug test. For this purpose, the academic year begins on the first class day of the Fall semester.

A "concerned intervention" test may include a request to test for alcohol in addition to illicit drugs.

VIII. SAFE HARBOR

A student-athlete who self-discloses substance use/abuse is eligible for Safe Harbor. A student-athlete may voluntarily seek Safe Harbor for chemical dependency assessment and treatment.

The Head Team Physician works with the student-athlete to prepare a treatment plan which may include additional drug testing. The student-athlete is tested for banned substances upon entry into Safe Harbor. A positive initial test does not result in a policy infraction or disciplinary action. The team physician may suspend the student-athlete from practice or competition if a health risk is determined. A student-athlete is permitted to remain in Safe Harbor for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed forty-five (45) days, as determined by the treatment plan. Any extension of a student-athlete’s status in Safe Harbor, if indicated, is determined by the Head Team Physician in consultation with the substance abuse treatment team. A student-athlete only is permitted to enter Safe Harbor one time during his/her enrollment as a student-athlete.

If a student-athlete seeks Safe Harbor and the subsequent test results are negative for banned substances, the one-time Safe Harbor opportunity is relinquished and the student-athlete does not have another opportunity to request a Safe Harbor during his/her student-athlete enrollment.

If a student-athlete is determined to have new substance use after the initial Safe Harbor test (as determined by follow-up serial testing) or fails to comply with Safe Harbor treatment, the student-athlete may be removed from Safe Harbor and may be subject to disciplinary action.

While in compliance with Safe Harbor treatment, the student-athlete is subject to frequent follow-up testing. He or she may be included in scheduled, no-notice team testing, but is not subject to sanctions from a positive test unless new substance use is detected.

A student-athlete is eligible to enter Safe Harbor before or after he/she has been notified and provided a sample, but not after a positive test result for a banned substance has been received by the Head Team Physician.

Because Safe Harbor applies only to institutional drug testing, a student-athlete in Safe Harbor remains subject to and may be selected for drug testing by the NCAA and Big 12 Conference, and is subject to any sanctions incurred for a positive drug test for a banned substance.

A student-athlete’s enrollment in Safe Harbor remains confidential. The Head Team Physician has the discretion, however, to notify a limited number of Athletics staff members of the student-athlete’s participation in Safe Harbor only for implementation of substance abuse treatment.

IX. DISPOSITION OF POSITIVE TEST RESULTS

All test results are forwarded by the designated laboratory directly to the Head Team Physician, who interprets the results and notifies the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine of any infractions. The Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine notifies the Vice President/Athletics Director or his designee.

It is the role of the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine or his/her designee to arrange a meeting with the student-athlete to inform him/her of the test results within five working days. The student-athlete is directed to meet with the Head Team Physician for assessment and referral to initiate substance abuse treatment. The Head Team Physician informs the student-athlete’s parent(s) or guardian(s) of the positive test result in the presence of thestudent-athlete. Additionally, the student-athlete meets with the Head Coach regarding any punitive action and may meet with the Vice President/Athletics Director and his designee if circumstances warrant.

Concurrently, the Vice President/Athletics Director may notify the University President and/or designee. Other University administrative personnel may be notified if deemed necessary by the University President. The Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director/Chief of Staff, the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Risk Management and Compliance Services and a limited number of other Athletics staff members as determined necessary for business purposes may be notified by, or at the direction of, the Vice President/Athletics Director.

X. DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR POSITIVE TESTS: INSTITUTIONAL

Cannabis

1. First positive test during the student-athlete's enrollment at UT or after end of previous probationary period:

The Head Team Physician arranges a preliminary chemical dependency evaluation for the student-athlete by a Chemical Dependency Counselor for determination of an appropriate treatment plan and additional professional medical assistance as needed. The treatment plan is communicated to all individuals initially notified.

During the course of treatment, the student-athlete is subject to monthly drug testing during the fall and spring semesters and may, at the discretion of the Head Team Physician and/or Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, be subject to more frequent, unannounced drug testing for a period of no less than 12 months. If a subsequent positive test indicates the presence of a banned substance, the Head Team Physician assesses whether or not the detection of the substance is a continued presence of the original substance taken or is a new positive test.

The student-athlete is required to comply with the testing and treatment program as a condition of continued athletics participation. The Head Team Physician monitors and documents non-compliance issues, such as missed appointments, inappropriate conduct during treatment/counseling sessions (e.g., argumentative or confrontational behavior) and resistance to the serial collection of urine or oral fluid specimens. Any issues related to non-compliance subsequently are communicated to the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine and the Vice President/Athletics Director, who jointly determine whether the student-athlete is suspended from all athletics activities. The Vice President/Athletics Director or his designee is responsible for communicating with the non-compliant student-athlete with regard to suspension from all athletics activities.

A student-athlete who tests positive for cannabis use shall be placed on probation for a period of 12 months from the date of the positive test. There is no mandatory disciplinary action for the first positive test. The student-athlete is subject to monthly drug testing during the fall and spring semesters for the duration of the probationary period.

Suspension may be considered in the following circumstances:

Health and safety reasons. Depending on the nature of the substance abuse
and the frequency of use, the student-athlete may, in the judgment of the Head Team Physician in consultation with the Chemical Dependency Counselor, require immediate and indefinite suspension for health and safety reasons. The length of the medical suspension is determined by the Head Team Physician.

Violation of team rules. Team rules may provide for sanctions that are more stringent than those previously described. Consequently, the student-athlete may be suspended at the discretion of the Head Coach for violation of team rules.

If the student-athlete is suspended as a result of any of the preceding scenarios, consideration for reinstatement follows according to the guidelines established in Section XIV.

2. Second positive test during the student-athlete’s probationary period:

The student-athlete is reassigned to a treatment program approved by the Head Team Physician. The student-athlete is subject to monthly drug testing during the fall and spring semesters and may, at the discretion of the Head Team Physician and/or Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, be subject to more frequent, unannounced drug testing for a period of no less than 12 months.

The current probationary period extends for a new 12-month period from the date of the positive test. The student-athlete is suspended from the Texas Athletics program for 10% of his/her season’s contests.

3. Third positive test during the student-athlete’s probationary period:

The current probationary period extends for a new 12-month period from the date of the positive result. The student-athlete is suspended from the Texas Athletics program for 50% of his/her season’s contest

4. Fourth positive test during the student-athlete probationary period:

The current probationary period extends for a new 12-month period from the date of the positive result. The student-athlete is suspended from the Texas Athletics program for the number of games equal to one full season.

Continued: B. Illicit drugs (excluding cannabis)

XII. PROBATION

Definition:
A positive test result for any banned substance results in the student-athlete being placed on probation for a period of 12 months from the date of the positive test. The student-athlete is subject to monthly drug testing during the fall and spring semesters for the duration of the probationary period. Probation does not affect the student-athlete’s access to Student Services.
Timing of Probation:
Probation is levied immediately after confirmation of the positive result and disposition of said result has occurred.
End or Extension of Probationary Period:
The probationary period ends after a student-athlete completes 12 months without testing positive for any banned substance, or extends for a new 12-month period if the student-athlete has a subsequent positive test for any banned substance while on probation. A student-athlete who successfully completes his/her probationary period no longer is subject to probationary testing.

XIII. SUSPENSION

4. Definition:
A disciplinary action resulting in suspension affects a student-athlete’s participation in regularly scheduled intercollegiate competition during the championship or non-championship segment, including exhibition or scrimmage contests as permitted within each sport’s playing rules. A sanction resulting in suspension does not apply to post season contests. A student-athlete must be eligible for competition in order for a suspension to be fulfilled. A student-athlete’s medical status, intention or ability to redshirt, or pending hardship waiver do not impact his/her ability to serve a suspension. Unless deemed unsafe by the Head Team Physician, participation in strength and conditioning sessions and team practice for a suspended student-athlete are at the discretion of the Head Coach. The suspension does not affect the student-athlete’s access to Student Services.

5. Timing of Suspension:
A disciplinary action involving suspension is levied immediately after confirmation of the positive result and disposition of said result has occurred. The Head Coach may appeal to the Vice President/Athletics Director, who may grant a one-time (one contest) temporary delay in the suspension for mitigating circumstances that warrant such approval. The decision to delay the suspension may not be at the sole discretion of the Head Coach. Further, the Head Coach may appeal to the Vice President/Athletics Director to allow outstanding sanctions to be served during post season contests, and such request may be granted if deemed appropriate.

A suspension that is incomplete at the conclusion of the regular season in which the suspension is issued shall be carried over to the following regular season.

6. Suspensions for Multiple Positive Tests:
Suspensions for multiple positive tests are cumulative if a positive test that results in suspension occurs prior to fulfilling the requirement of a previous suspension. Suspensions from positive tests from different drug classes result in the more restrictive sanction being applied, except termination is applied separately and results only if the student-athlete tests positive in the same drug class for the number of times that warrants termination for that drug class.

XIV. REINSTATEMENT

The student-athlete is reinstated after the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine and the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Risk Management and Compliance Services confirm that the student-athlete has served his/her suspension, and the Head Team Physician confirms he/she has demonstrated compliance with required substance abuse counseling program. The Vice President/Athletics Director, in collaboration with the Head Coach, Head Team Physician and Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, may determine additional suspension is warranted for failure to comply with a prescribed treatment program.

XV. TERMINATION

Termination from team participation and/or of athletically-related aid occurs when sanctions imposed from positive tests warrant such action. The Vice President/Athletics Director, in collaboration with the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, informs the Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Risk Management and Compliance Services and Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Student Services that termination from team participation and/or athletically-related aid will occur. The Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Risk Management and Compliance Services (or designee) coordinates with the Office of Financial Aid to issue a notification of cancellation of athletics aid in accordance with NCAA rules and University policy. The Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Student Services coordinates the Departure from Program process in accordance with University policy.

XVI. RESPONSE FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

In the event that a student-athlete is unable to attend a drug test, he/she shall contact the drug testing coordinator (usually the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine or his/her designee), who determines if the absence is excusable. The absence is unexcused, the following protocol shall be followed:

The Drug Testing Coordinator notifies the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine (if different), who notifies the Vice President/Athletics Director or his designee. The Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine subsequently notifies the designated individuals as identified in Section IX, Disposition of Positive Test Results . The student-athlete is subject to suspension from all athletics activities for a period of time to be determined by the Vice President/Athletics Director and the Head Coach. A make-up test is scheduled by the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine in consultation with the Head Team Physician. The student-athlete also is subject to frequent, unannounced testing.

XVII. PENALTIES: UNIVERSITY RULES AND REGULATIONS

Federal and state laws regarding the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are strictly enforced by the UT Police Department. Any student who is arrested or convicted for a criminal offense related to the illegal use, possession and/or sale of drugs or alcohol on campus that are prohibited by state, federal, or local law is subject to a minimum disciplinary penalty of suspension from the institution for a specified period of time and/or suspension of rights and privileges, or both. Other penalties that may be imposed for conduct related to the unlawful use, possession or distribution of drugs or alcohol include disciplinary probation, payment for damage to or misappropriation of property, permanent expulsion or such other penalties as may be deemed appropriate under university guidelines.

XVIII. NICOTINE USE

The University of Texas at Austin is a tobacco-free campus. The University prohibits the use of any tobacco or nicotine products on campus property, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, water pipes (hookah), bidis, kreteks, electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and any non-FDA approved nicotine delivery device. The tobacco-free campus policy is part of the University’s commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable environment for all members of our campus community.

The NCAA prohibits the use of all nicotine products by student-athletes and all game personnel, including coaches, athletic trainers, managers and game officials during practice and competition. The NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport has instituted increased penalties for student-athlete nicotine use during practice or competition.

If a student-athlete is discovered using nicotine products during practice or competition, the student-athlete and the Head Coach are immediately disqualified for the remainder of that practice or competition and possibly for additional practices or competitions, at the discretion of the Vice President/Athletics Director.

Any Head Coach or Assistant Coach found to be using nicotine products during practice or competition is immediately disqualified from that practice or competition and could be disqualified for additional practices or competitions, at the discretion of the Vice President/Athletics Director.

XVIV. SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT

A student-athlete referred for substance use/abuse undergoes an assessment followed by development of a behavioral health plan outlining expected behaviors, treatment goals and potential consequences for non-compliance.

Assessment and treatment are not intended, and should not be construed, as punitive action. They reflect an intense concern for the health and welfare of our student-athletes by licensed and credentialed health-care professionals, who work cooperatively with our team physicians in the areas of assessment, treatment, referral and aftercare. All cases are regarded with strict confidentiality.

Treatment is individualized and determined based on the assessed needs of the student-athlete. Treatment recommendations may involve, but are not limited to, personal counseling, group counseling, enrollment in a community-based intensive out-patient program, in-patient treatment facility and/or appropriate aftercare. Medical management of the student-athlete’s substance abuse is overseen by the Head Team Physician. The determination of whether a subsequent positive test obtained during the course of treatment is deemed an infraction of this policy is made solely by the Head Team Physician, in consultation with the substance abuse treatment team. Treatment is coordinated by the Behavioral Health Coordinator Assistant Director of Clinical Behavioral Health. Compliance with treatment is monitored by the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine or his designee.

Non-compliance with substance abuse treatment may result in additional disciplinary action up to and including, the student-athlete being permanently dismissed from the team and the Texas Athletics program, and his/her financial aid issued by Texas Athletics being permanently cancelled as permitted within NCAA rules.

INSURANCE/MEDICAL EXPENSES

Texas Athletics maintains an insurance policy that provides “excess” coverage only. This coverage is considered secondary to all other collectible medical insurance policies carried by your parents or guardians (or responsible third party). Texas Athletics’ excess insurance policy covers medical expenses resulting from injuries that you may sustain while participating in intercollegiate athletics after the primary policy (usually your family’s policy) has reached its limits of coverage.

Texas Athletics insurance only provides coverage for athletic injuries. It does not provide coverage for non-athletic injuries or illnesses. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged – regardless of athletics aid status – to maintain a health insurance policy that provides coverage for such instances.

Who Is Eligible for Excess Insurance Coverage?
Scholarship Athletes: All scholarship student-athletes who have been pre-registered as students are automatically covered under Texas Athletics’ excess insurance policy the first day they arrive on campus.

Walk-ons and Try-out Participants: Any UT student who requests to try out for an athletics team may try-out/train only after providing proof of a having undergone a physical examination resulting in physician clearance to participate, sickle cell test result, and proof of insurance coverage. The insurance plan must cover sports related injuries and must be maintained by the participant throughout his/her longevity with the Texas Athletics program. Texas Athletics’ excess insurance policy does not cover these individuals until he/she is added to the roster.

Fifth-Year Student-Athletes on Scholarship: Student-athletes who have completed their athletics eligibility, are enrolled in classes, and are on athletics aid remain covered under Texas Athletics’ excess insurance plan. All such participants must complete departmental medical and release forms required of active students. Insurance benefits for fifth-year students are considered only in circumstances where an injury was sustained as a direct result of performing duties specific to an event sponsored by Texas Athletics.

UT Students or Former Student-Athletes Who Are Training With a Member of the Coaching Staff and/or Practicing with Athletics Teams: Athletes classified in this category are not eligible for coverage under Texas Athletics’ insurance plan. Prior to working out with athletics teams, participants must show proof of insurance and sign all appropriate medical release and indemnification forms.

For Athletic Injuries:
There are a number of expenses for which Texas Athletics may assume financial responsibility after the primary policy (usually your family’s policy) has reached its limits of coverage. These include medical expenses incurred from illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions resulting from athletics participation, exacerbated due to training, or preventing a student-athlete from training. Medical expense coverage guidelines are as follows:

Physicians: Texas Athletics does not cover expenses for a visit to a physician of your choice unless you have received authorization from our team physicians or attending athletic trainers prior to the visit.
Second Opinions: Requests for second medical opinions are reviewed and approved on an individual basis. Texas Athletics does not accept financial responsibility for any costs associated with a second opinion that was not preauthorized by the Executive Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine. Requests for second opinions must be made to a member of the Sports Medicine staff to be considered.
Surgery/Physical Therapy: For injuries which require surgery, we encourage you to use our team of consulting physicians from Austin. The close proximity of attending physicians helps facilitate follow-up care and expedite recovery. Your rehabilitation is the sole responsibility of our staff athletic trainers under the supervision of the attending physicians. Physical therapy charges from outside sources are not covered by Texas Athletics unless specifically authorized by the Sports Medicine staff.
Dental Care: Texas Athletics assumes the financial responsibility for payment of dental repairs in the event that an injury is sustained in practice or competition. Other dental problems are considered for coverage if deemed necessary to prevent interruptions in training and competition.
Eye Care: Texas Athletics pays for medical expenses resulting from eye injuries sustained during formal practice or competition. Texas Athletics also covers medical expenses if you require visual aid for athletics participation (glasses, contact lenses or protective eye wear). This includes payment for the comprehensive eye examination as well as corrective lenses.
Medications: Prescriptions are covered by Texas Athletics if they are related to an athletic injury or medical condition considered essential for maintaining health status for competition.

For Non-Athletic Injuries and Illnesses:
There are a number of expenses for which Texas Athletics may assume financial responsibility after the primary policy (usually your family’s policy) has reached its limits of coverage. These include medical expenses incurred from illnesses, non-athletic injuries, or medical conditions that may be exacerbated by training or may prevent a student-athlete from participating/training.

Consideration for payment of medical claims associated with non-athletic injuries and illnesses will be given according to the following categories and guidelines:

Enrolled student-athlete on active roster with eligibility remaining:

Medical expenses associated with medical examinations.
Medical expenses resulting from an injury sustained while participating in mandatory or voluntary team activities.
Medical expenses resulting from treatment of injury or illness necessary to enable the student-athlete to participate in intercollegiate athletics, regardless of whether the injury or illness was sustained while participating.
Expenses associated with mental health counseling/therapy.
Expenses resulting from eye health examinations and necessary vision correction. Glasses or contacts will be provided, but not both, except when approved by the Associate Athletics Director, Sports Medicine.
Expenses resulting from dental examinations and dental/oral procedures necessary to enable the student-athlete to participate in intercollegiate athletics.
Travel expenses associated with transportation to and from medical consultations. Expenses for student-athlete and one parent/guardian will be covered, when applicable, when approved by the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sports Medicine.
Expenses resulting from prescription medications used in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions, including those for reproductive health, and those used for academic performance.
Durable medical goods, including custom orthotics and bracing, necessary to enable the student-athlete to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Enrolled student-athlete who has forgone remaining eligibility for medical reasons:

Medical expenses resulting from an injury sustained while participating in mandatory or voluntary team activities.
Expenses associated with mental health counseling/therapy.
Expenses resulting from eye health examinations and vision correction necessary for academic performance. Glasses or contacts will be provided, but not both, except when approved by the Associate Athletics Director, Sports Medicine.
Expenses resulting from prescription medications used in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions, including those for reproductive health, and those utilized for academic performance.

Enrolled student-athlete whose eligibility is exhausted (eg. “5th year”):

Medical expenses resulting from an injury sustained during period of eligibility while participating in mandatory or voluntary team activities.
Expenses associated with mental health counseling/therapy.
Expenses resulting from eye health examinations and vision correction necessary for academic performance. Glasses or contacts will be provided, but not both, except when approved by the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sports Medicine.
Expenses resulting from prescription medications utilized for academic performance. Prescription medications used in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions, including reproductive health, are excluded from coverage.

Enrolled student-athlete who is no longer on active roster, remains on Athletics financial aid:

Medical expenses resulting from an injury sustained during period of eligibility while participating in mandatory or voluntary team activities if within 2 years benefit period.
Expenses associated with mental health counseling/therapy, when approved by the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sports Medicine.
Expenses resulting from prescription medications utilized for academic performance, when approved by the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, Sports Medicine.

Enrolled former student-athlete: Medical expenses resulting from an injury sustained during period of eligibility while participating in mandatory or voluntary team activities if within 2 years benefit period.

Non-enrolled former student-athlete and/or graduate:Medical expenses resulting from an injury sustained during period of eligibility while participating in mandatory or voluntary team activities if within 2 years benefit period.

Exclusions:

Expenses associated with elective procedures or surgeries.
Expenses associated with cosmetic procedures or surgeries.
Expenses associated with medical consultations, examinations, procedures, treatments, or other interventions that were not authorized by Intercollegiate Athletics – Sports Medicine prior to occurrence, regardless of whether associated with an injury sustained during participation.
Expenses resulting from immediate care for an injury sustained while participating with other athletic team (eg. Olympic, Summer League, All-Star, etc.), regardless of enrollment status.
Expenses incurred because of intentional or negligent misbehavior of the student-athlete. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, laboratory studies, medical evaluation, prescriptions, and other medical expenses. Examples of such conduct include self-harm, abuse of legal or illegal substances, including alcohol, driving while intoxicated, and fighting or other dangerous horseplay, including use of electric scooters.

THE T-ASSOCIATION: LONGHORNS FOR LIFE

In order to receive an athletics award, a student-athlete must be of amateur standing and eligible for athletics participation as defined by the NCAA, unless given prior permission, in writing, by the representative of The University of Texas at the time of competition. Student-athletes must meet specific standards in order to be eligible to receive an award. These standards have been established by UT Athletics and take into consideration a student-athlete’s academic standing, attention to college regulations, observance of training rules, sportsmanship and conduct, in addition to athletics performance. Head coaches must first recommend a student-athlete for meritorious service. The Athletics Director must then approve the recommendations. Upon approval, the Athletics Directors submit the recommendations to the Athletics Council.

The NCAA restricts the types of awards given to items that can be personalized with the appropriate institutional insignia or letter. These include watches, blankets, letter jackets, rings etc. Items such as cash, gift certificates, country club memberships etc. are not permitted. To ensure adherence to these regulations, the sport or individual requesting to provide an award to the student-athletes must complete the student-athlete awards approval form and have it approved prior to dispensing any awards to student-athletes.

Award Value Limitations: The total value of a single participation or “letter” award received in a year by a non-senior student-athlete may not exceed NCAA limitations, presently set at $225 per year per sport. Multiple awards may be presented only if the total value of all participation awards received during a particular academic year by an individual, non-senior student-athlete does not exceed established NCAA award values. Multiple awards may be presented to a senior student-athlete only if the total value of all participation awards presented during a particular aca- demic year to a senior student-athlete does not exceed the NCAA award value.

AWARD VALUE LIMIT	AWARD
Senior Participation Award (Maximum)	T-Ring
Senior Participation Award (Maximum)	Framed jersey or other award

NOTE: All awards, except the Special Achievement Award are ordered by the T-Association. The Special Achievement Awards is ordered through the individual sport departments. Each sport has the option to provide a second award under the special achievement award category. As such, any award outside of the T-Ring provided to seniors will be considered a special achievement award under NCAA rules and may not exceed the maximum award limit of $175.

LETTERING CRITERIA BY SPORT

Each sport has different criteria for “lettering,” as described in the following list. In cases of extenuating circumstances, criteria may be waived by the head coach.

A player must have participated in 20 or more games, with conference and/or equivalent grade non-conference schools. Pitchers must appear in a minimum of 10 games or pitch a minimum of 25 innings.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Baseball award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation

Any basketball player who has fulfilled all the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrated service to the team, spirit, scholarship and exemplary conduct;
Earned a place on the traveling squad of 15 players or less as selected by the coaching staff;
Participated in all practices unless ill or injured; and
Participated in all team activities throughout the entire season unless prohibited from doing so by illness, injury or circumstances beyond the player's control.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Men's Basketball award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Blanket
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any basketball player who has fulfilled all the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrated service to the team, spirit, scholarship, and exemplary conduct;
Earned a place on the traveling squad of 15 players or less as selected by the coaching staff;
Participated in all practices unless ill or injured; and
Participated in all team activities throughout the entire season unless prohibited from doing so by illness, injury or circumstances beyond the player's control.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Women's Basketball award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any student athlete who achieved ANY of the following accomplishments during the cross-country season qualifies as a letter winner:

Placed in the top five finishers for The University of Texas at the Big 12 Conference,
Is Selected and competes at the NCAA cross country regional championships
Is Selected and competes at the NCAA cross country championships

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made at the head coach's discretion.

Cross Country award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

A player must be a contributor to the success of the team.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Football award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Framed "T" Award
Third year: Blanket
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

To letter in men's golf one must have:

Participated in a Varsity Event

In the Senior Year, if the above requirement has not been met, and the Team Member has been a Model Team Member for four years, academically, on track to graduate, great Team Mate and no issues, Coaches can recommend a Senior Letter.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Men’s Golf award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Frames "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

To letter in women's golf one must have:

Participated in scheduled practices and workouts throughout the entire season unless prohibited from doing so by illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances beyond the player's control;
Played in a minimum of one competition listed on the team schedule

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Women's Golf award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any rower who has fulfilled all of the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Participated in all practices and team meetings unless prevented from doing so by illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances;
Contributed to the team's success through cooperation, loyalty, academic achievements and exemplary behavior; and
Competed in an NCAA boat (I eight, II eight, four) at the conference or NCAA championship

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Rowing award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation

Soccer:

Any soccer player who has fulfilled all of the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrated service to team, spirit, scholarship, and exemplary conduct;
Participated in all team activities throughout the entire season unless prohibited from doing so by illness, injury or circumstances beyond the player's control.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Soccer award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any softball player who has fulfilled the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrated service to the team, spirit, and exemplary behavior;
Attended all scheduled practices and team activities throughout the year, unless excused by the coach or medical personnel; and
Earned a place on the travel squad as selected by the coaching staff.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Softball award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch OR Blanket
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation
Fifth year: Wath OR Blanket (opposite gift chosen in third year)

A swimmer or diver who has fulfilled the following requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrates loyalty to the team, commitment to the academic and athletic goals of the team and represents The University of Texas with integrity;
Participates in all practices and a minimum of 50 percent of all regular season meets unless ill or injured; and
(Swimming) Participates in the Big 12 or NCAA Championship or achieved NCAA qualifying standard.
(Diving) Participated in the Big 12 or NCAA Zone D Diving Championships or NCAA Championship or achieved NCAA Zone D qualifying standards.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Men's Swimming & Diving award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Blanket
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any swimmer or diver who has fulfilled the following requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrates loyalty to the team, commitment to the academic and athletic goals of the team and represents The University of Texas with integrity;
Participates in all practices and a minimum of 50 percent of all regular season meets unless ill or injured; and
(Swimming) Participates in the Big 12 or NCAA Championship or achieved NCAA qualifying standard.
(Diving) Participates in the Big 12 or NCAA Zone D Diving Championships or NCAA Championship or achieved NCAA Zone qualifying standards.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Women's Swimming & Diving award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Blanket
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any tennis player who has accomplished any of the following requirements shall receive aletter award:

Represented the University of Texas in the NCAA Championships;
Represented the University of Texas in the Big 12 Championships;
Represented the University of Texas in at least one regular season dual matches.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Men's Tennis award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any tennis player who has fulfilled any of the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrated service to the team in spirit, scholarship and exemplary behavior;
Was a member of a team that participates in the NCAA Championships;
Was a member of the Big 12 Championship team;
Was a winner or runner-up in any tournament;
Participated as a member of the team in at least two official regular season tournaments;
Participated in practice throughout the entire season unless prohibited from doing so by illness, injury or similar extenuating circumstances beyond the participant's control.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Women's Tennis award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Any student-athlete who achieved ANY of the following accomplishments during the

Indoor/ Outdoor Track & Field season qualifies as a letterwinner:

Placed in the top 8 in an event (scoring) at the Conference Championships;
Qualified for the NCAA Preliminary Round (Outdoor);
Qualified for the NCAA Championships (Indoor or Outdoor);

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made at the head coach's discretion.

Track & Field award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Watch
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation

Any volleyball player who has fulfilled all of the following minimum requirements shall receive a letter award:

Demonstrates service to the team, spirit, scholarship and exemplary behavior;
Attended all scheduled practices unless excused by the coach;
Earned a place on the traveling squad as selected by the coaching staff; and
Participated in all team activities throughout the entire season unless prohibited from doing so by illness, injury or similar extenuating circumstances beyond the player's control.

Special consideration for lettering awards may be made in unusual circumstances, even if the above requirements are not fully met.

Volleyball award selection:

First year: Letter jacket
Second year: Blanket
Third year: Framed "T"
Fourth year: T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Athletic training students who have fulfilled the following minimum requirements are eligible for awards:

Participated in the Athletic Training Education Program throughout the entire academic year;
Demonstrated skill in athletic training techniques;
Demonstrated responsible judgment in the treatment of athletic injuries;
Demonstrated an adequate time commitment to athletic training student responsibilities; and
Complied with the policies and procedures of the Athletic Training Education Program and Texas Athletics.

Athletic Trainers award selection:

First year: no award given
Second year: (sophomore year): Letter jacket
Third year: (junior year): Watch
Fourth year: (senior year): T-Ring, upon completion of degree and graduation.

Team managers may receive a letter award at the discretion of the head coach.

Please note the T-Ring award is only offered to student-athletes and is not available for managers

Recommended Manager Letter award selection: Manager award selection is at the discretion of the head coach of each sport.
Awards available include: Letter Jacket (typically the first award given), Watch, Blanket, Framed “T” (typically mirroring sport award distribution)

Special Merit Award:

Any student-athlete who has not fulfilled the above requirements for a Varsity T-Award may be granted a special merit award if in the opinion of the coach he or she is deemed worthy of such an award. Very few of these awards are presented.

This award is only given to a senior or a student-athlete who(se):

Eligibility will expire;
Has been injured or ill, continued to work-out regularly for the entire four years, and contributed to the spirit of the team; or
Has changed from a regular position to best serve the team.

To be eligible for a T-ring, student-athletes must have:

lettered
satisfied undergraduate degree requirements, and graduate from The University of Texas at Austin (“University”)
received T-Ring recommendation from acting Head Coach upon completion of final competitive season at the University
exhausted eligibility at the University*

*Graduate transfers, and student-athletes departing for professional sports please refer to T-Ring exception criteria.

If above criteria are not met, the criteria below must be satisfied. Student-athletes must have:

maintained eligibility and/or roster position up to, and including, final season at the University
satisfied undergraduate degree requirements, and graduate from the University
received T-Ring recommendation from the acting Head Coach upon completion of final competitive season at the University

The exception review process is initiated in rare cases when T-Ring criteria are not met (including exception criteria) and/or the acting Head Coach is unable to provide a recommendation. Student-athletes must have:

maintained eligibility and/or roster position for final season at UT
must have completed undergraduate degree requirements and graduation at UT
must have passed review by T-Association, Student Services and Compliance
must have received Approval from VP/Director of Athletics

(All inquiries start with T-Association)

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics

Mission

Core Purpose

Core Values

Student Honor Code

University Code of Conduct

Exception

Compliance Overview

Texas Athletics Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

Athletics and Academic Eligibility

Transferring From Texas

Recruitment

Bylaw 10.1 – Unethical Conduct

Academic Misconduct

Head Coach Control

Sports Wagering

Student-Athlete Appearances

Student-Athlete Employment

Outside Competition

Extra Benefits/Preferential Treatment

Occasional Meals

Student-Athlete Time Management Plan

Countable Athletically-Related Activities

Complimentary Admissions

Your Guests Receiving Complimentary Admissions

Standard of Conduct for Recruiting Visits

Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary Action

Principles of Sportsmanship

Athletics Scholarship

University Charges Not Covered by Athletics Scholarship

Athletics Scholarship Disbursement

Athletics Scholarship for Summer School

Post-Eligibility Aid

NCAA Student Assistance Fund

Emergency Loans Available To All Students

Additional Financial Assistance

Emergency Loans Available To All Students

The Academic Team for Learning Support

Being a Successful Student

Academic Support and Resources

Advising and Registration

Sports Medicine Overview

Healthcare Resources

Behavioral Health

Reporting Injuries and Illnesses

Student-Athletes' Rights

Student-Athletes' Responsibilities

Authorized Disclosure of Protected Health Information

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

The Performance Team

The Preventive Screening Program

Management of Sports-Related Concussion

Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Sport-Related Concussion

Sports-Related Concussion: Return-to-Learn Guidelines:

Athletic Performance and Applied Sports Science

Performance Nutrition

Introduction

Philosophy

Staff Responsibility

Substance Abuse Education

Notification and Methods

Concerned Intervention Testing

Safe Harbor

Disposition of Positive Results

Disciplinary Action for Positive Tests

Probation

Suspension

Reinstatement

Termination

Nicotine Use

Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment

Insurance Coverage Maintained By Texas Athletics

Medical Expense Coverage

Non-Athletic Injuries and Illnesses

Exclusions

Lettering Criteria

Letter Awards

Baseball