UT – NCAA
PROGRESS TOWARD
DEGREE ELIGIBILITY
GUIDELINES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
OVERVIEW……………………………………………………….. ..Page 2
2.
GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING REQUIREMENT…………..Page 3
3.
FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENT……………. ..Page 4
4.
DESIGNATION OF DEGREE PROGRAM
REQUIREMENT...........................................................Page 7
5.
CREDIT HOUR REQUIREMENTS………………………….. Page 11
6.
PERCENTAGE OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS…………. Page 24
7.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENTS……………. Page 29
8.
TRANSFER REGULATIONS AFFECTING PROGRESS
TOWARD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS…………………….. Page 30
9.
FINAL ELEGIBILITY CHECK………………………………… Page 32
10.
PROCEDURES…………………………………………………….Page 33
Comments and questions can be directed to Dr. Earl Schliesman
(865) 974-9351
schlies@UT.edu
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1. OVERVIEW
All returning student-athletes are subject to an eligibility check
each semester by the NCAA Compliance Specialists under the
supervision of University Registrar after the semester grades are
available through Student Academic Management Systems (SAMS).
The University Registrar has the final authority to certify a
student’s continuing eligibility. In the Registrar’s absence, the
Registrar’s designee has the authority to sign for the Registrar.
Any problems uncovered should be reported immediately to the
Academic Compliance Officer in the Thornton Center. To assist the
NCAA Compliance Specialists, a NCAA Continuing Eligibility
Tracking System and a NCAA Continuing Eligibility Checklist have
been developed using the Microsoft Excel and Access Software
programs respectively, along with the student-athlete’s academic
history to assess the student’s progress toward completion of all
degree requirements. These forms provide for checking each of the
following items for all continuing student athletes:
A. Good Academic Standing Requirement
B. Full-time Enrollment Requirement
C. Designation of Degree Program Requirement
D. Credit-Hour Requirements
E. Percentage of Degree Requirements
F. Grade Point Average Requirements
G. Transfer Regulations Affecting Progress Toward Degree
Operational Definitions
For the purposes of this document, Progress Toward Degree, Credit Hour
Requirements, Percentage of Degree, and Correspondence Courses will
be defined as follows:
Progress Toward Degree Requirements. All academic achievement
regulations which determine whether a student-athlete may compete
during the upcoming season based on her/his performance during the
preceding semester and/or year.
Credit-Hour Requirements. The portion of Progress Toward Degree
Requirements that mandates the passing of a specific number of credithours of course work applicable toward a degree during the calendar
year, regular academic year, the semester prior to the time of
certification, or post-season competition.
Percentage of Degree Requirements. The portion of Progress Toward
Degree Requirements that mandates that a percentage of credit hours
toward a degree be attained during a given period of time (Percentage of
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Degree), and that a given percentage of the grade point average (Grade
Point Average Requirements) required for graduation be maintained
during a given period of time.
UT Correspondence Courses. Credited educational opportunities which
take place outside of the traditional classroom setting. Traditional
written correspondence courses are administered through the UT
Distance Education and Independent Study office.
2. Good Academic Standing
Regulation
Good Academic Standing. To be eligible to represent an institution
in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be
in good academic standing as determined by the academic
authorities who determine the meaning of such phrases for all
students of the institution, subject to controlling legislation of the
conference(s) or similar association of which the institution is a
member. 14.01.2.1
Application of Good Academic Standing Requirement
At The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a student who is eligible to
enroll for classes is considered to be in good academic standing.
Ineligibility Due to Academic Dismissal. Student-athletes who are
academically dismissed at the conclusion of fall semester, spring
semester or summer term, will be declared ineligible on the first day of
classes for the next regular academic semester, at which time
appropriate designation will be made on the squad list. Should an appeal
for reinstatement be denied prior to the first day of classes, the studentathlete will be declared ineligible at the time the appeal is denied.
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3.
FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT
Regulation
Requirement for Practice. To be eligible to participate in organized
practice sessions, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in a minimum
full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or
equivalent degree as defined by the regulations of the certifying
institution 14.1.8.1
Requirement for Competition. To be eligible for competition, a
student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time
program of studies, leading to baccalaureate or equivalent degree
as defined by the institution , which shall not be less than 12
semester hours. 14.1.8.2
Exceptions to the Full-Time Enrollment Requirement
Final Semester/Quarter. A student-athlete may compete while enrolled
in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, provided the
student is enrolled in the final semester or quarter of the baccalaureate
program and the institution certifies that the student is carrying (for
credit) the courses necessary to complete degree requirements. The
student granted eligibility under this provision shall be eligibile for any
NCAA championship and for any postseason licensed bowl game or
National Invitation Tournament that begins within 60 days following said
semester or quarter, provided the student has not exhausted the five
years for completion of the individual’s four seasons of eligibility (see
Bylaw 14.2). Thereafter, the student shall forfeit eligibility in all sports,
unless the student completes all degree requirements during that
semester or quarter and is eligible to receive the baccalaureate diploma
on the institution’s next degree-granting date. The Legislative Council
Subcommittee for Legislative Relief may waive the 60-day requirement for
instances in which an NCAA championship, postseason licensed bowl
game or National Invitation Tournament is conducted at the conclusion
of the traditional playing season but begins more than 60 days following
the end of said term. 14.1.8.2.13.
Final Semester. A student-athlete with athletics eligibility remaining
may participate in organized practice sessions while enrolled in a less
than a minimum full-time program of studies, provided the student is
enrolled in the final semester or quarter of the baccalaureate program
and the institution certifies that the student is carrying (for credit) the
courses necessary to complete the degree requirements, as determined
by the faculty of the institution. 14.1.8.1.3
Final Semester/Quarter. …The student granted eligibility under this
provision shall be eligible for any NCAA championship and for any
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postseason licensed bowl game or National Invitation Tournament that
begins within 60 days following said semester, provided the student has
not exhausted the five years for completion of the individual’s four
seasons of eligibility (see Bylaw 14.2). Thereafter, the student shall forfeit
eligibility in all sports, unless the student completes all degree
requirements during that semester and is eligible to receive the
baccalaureate diploma on the institution’s next degree-granting date.
The Legislative Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief, may waive
the 60-day requirement for instances in which an NCAA championship,
postseason licensed bowl game or National Invitation Tournament is
conducted at the conclusion of the traditional playing season but begins
more than 60 days following the end of said term. 14.1.8.2.1.3
An undergraduate student-athlete in her/his final semester who is
carrying fewer than twelve semester hours may be eligible for competition
if the Registrar certifies that the student is enrolled in course work
sufficient to fulfill all the requirements for her/his designated degree
program. Counselors should notify the Academic Compliance Officer
when they have an undergraduate student who wishes to enroll in less
than full-time hours. The Academic Compliance Officer will contact the
NCAA Compliance Specialists who will verify the number of hours
remaining to graduate. In order for the verification process to occur, the
student must submit the Application for Graduation by the published
deadline. Written notification will be sent to the Faculty Athletics
Representative with copies mailed to the Academic Compliance officer,
the appropriate Compliance Coordinator and Director of the Thornton
Center.
The student will sign a Statement of Understanding pertaining to the
forfeiture of further eligibility in the event she or he fails to meet all
graduation requirements during that semester. The Academic Counselor
will submit the original signed copy of the form to the Academic
Compliance Officer and will provide a copy for the head coach, the squad
list manager and will keep a copy.
Admitted graduated students may be eligible for competition while
enrolled in a minimum of nine (9) hours of course work.
Graduate school status is verified by the NCAA Compliance Specialists in
order for a student to be considered full-time with 9 to 11 hours.
Exception-Practice during First Week of Class. A student-athlete may
practice, but may not compete during the institution’s first five days of
classes if the student-athlete is enrolled in less than a minimum full-time
program of studies, provided the student is otherwise eligible under all
institutional, conference and NCAA requirements. 14.1.8.1.5
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Drop/Add Course. A student-athlete no longer shall be considered
enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies (after dropping a
course that places the student below full-time status) when the dropped
course becomes official in accordance with procedures determined by the
institution for all students. A student who is adding a course to reach
full-time status shall become eligible for practice and competition once
the course has been approved by the appropriate department head (or
designated representative) and submitted to the registrar. 14.1.8.1.2
Full-Time Enrollment Check
Beginning five working days prior to the first day of classes, an
enrollment check for student-athletes is run daily continuing through
the end of the competitive season. These reports are distributed to the
Squad List Coordinator, Director of the Thornton Center, Academic
Compliance Officer, Faculty Athletic Representative, Athletics
Compliance Officers, Academic Counselors, and the NCAA Compliance
Specialists.
Students who drop below the twelve-hour minimum requirement are
reported to the Head Coach or the Head Coach’s designee by the Squad
List Coordinator. Ineligibility is declared as of the date the studentathlete dropped below full-time enrollment.
No drop/add transaction after the deadline is considered to be official
without the Registrar’s final approval.
Exception to the Full-Time Enrollment Requirement for Olympic,
Pan American, World Championships, World Cup, or World
University Games. The Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet may
waive the minimum full-time enrollment requirement for any
participant in the Olympic, Pan American, World Championships, World
Cup, World University Games or World Youth Championships (including
junior levels of such events) who, because of such participation, may lose
eligibility for practice and competition in any sport. 14.1.8.2.7.2
Documentation of this waiver will be forwarded to the Academic
Compliance Officer who will send a copy to the NCAA Compliance
Specialists.
Eligibility Between Terms. To be eligible for competition that takes
place between terms, the student-athlete shall:
A. Have been registered for the required minimum full-time load
(see Bylaw 14.1.8.2) at the conclusion of the term immediately
preceding the date of competition, if the student is continuing
enrollment, or
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B. Be accepted for enrollment as a regular full-time student for the
regular term immediately following if the student is either
continuing enrollment or beginning enrollment (see Bylaw
14.1.10)
Full-time enrollment is determined using the University enrollment data
in the IMS system.
Correspondence Courses. A student-athlete may not use a
correspondence course to meet the minimum 12-hour enrollment
requirement. 14.1.8.2.6.
4. DESIGNATION OF DEGREE PROGRAM
Regulations
A student-athlete shall designate a program of studies leading
toward a specific baccalaureate degree at the certifying institution
by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester or
seventh quarter) and thereafter shall make satisfactory-progress
toward that specific degree.
This provision shall be appointed to the eligibility not only of a
continuing student, but also of a transfer student from a four-year
or two-year collegiate institution who is entering her or his third
year of collegiate enrollment, even if the student has not yet
completed an academic year in residence or utilized a season of
eligibility in a sport at the certifying institution. Designation of a
specific baccalaureate degree program may be accomplished by:
a) Formal enrollment by the student-athlete in a specific
baccalaureate degree program, or
b) Approval by an appropriate academic official (who must not
be an academic advisor/ counselor employed by the athletics
department) of the program leading to the specific
baccalaureate degree that the student-athlete is pursuing
14.4.3.1.6.
Student-Athlete Enrolled in Two Separate Degree Programs. b.
Student-Athlete Enrolled in Two Separate Degree Programs. (I/II) The
membership services staff confirmed that a student-athlete who has
designated two separate degree programs must satisfy all applicable
satisfactory-progress requirements (e.g., credit-hour requirements) in one
of the two degree programs. The student-athlete may not combine credits
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from two separate degree programs to meet the applicable satisfactoryprogress requirements. [References: NCAA Bylaw 14.4.3 (eligibility for
competition -- Divisions I and II) and staff minute 02/03/95, item a]
Staff Interpretation: April 22, 1998
Student-Athlete Enrolled in Two Majors Within the Same
Baccalaureate Degree Program. a. Student-Athlete Enrolled in Two
Majors Within the Same Baccalaureate Degree Program: The Legislative
Services Staff confirmed that a student-athlete who has designated a
double major within the same baccalaureate degree program is permitted
to use credits obtained toward either major to meet the satisfactoryprogress credit-hour requirement (24 hour or averaging method) and/or
the percentage of degree requirements (50 percent and 25/50/75
percent). Hours earned in a minor may also be used to meet the
satisfactory-progress credit-hour requirement and/or the percentage of
degree requirements provided the hours earned in the minor are
acceptable toward the student-athlete’s baccalaureate degree program.
[References: 14.4.3.1 (fulfillment of credit hour requirements -- 24 hour
or averaging method), 14.4.3.1.4 (designation of degree program);
14.4.3.2.1 (percentage of degree requirements -- 50 percent) and
14.4.3.2.2 (percentage of degree requirements -- 25/50/75 percent).
Staff Interpretation: February 3, 1995
All credit hours required to fulfill both of the double major programs
must be totaled up to calculate the percentage of degree requirements.
Application of the Degree Designation Rule
UT Degree Designation Policy. Many students are undecided about
their major when they enter UT Knoxville. All undecided students are
designated University Students and are advised by Arts and Sciences
Advising Services. While it is proper to explore alternative choices,
students should also pursue a course of study that culminates in
graduation. For this reason there is a limit to the length of time students
may remain as University Students.
At the completion of 45 hours, University Students who have entered The
University of Tennessee, Knoxville as freshmen must associate with a
college or officially declare a major prior to the end of the next term of
enrollment.
Students who transfer from another college or university may enroll as
University Students. However, transfer students may remain as
University Students no longer than through the completion of fifteen
semester hours if the total number of hours transferred is 30 or more.
UT Knoxville students who fail to progress in a given major, college, or
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school and are undecided about an alternative course of study may
continue at University of Tennessee, Knoxville as University Students for
a maximum of fifteen semester hours.
Degree Designation Check. Student-Athletes will be checked for
fulfillment of the Degree Designation Requirement using official
university records. In the absence of an official Degree Designation Form
(DDF) the screen located at AH DISSAP will be used as the most current
record of Degree Program Declaration.
During the first two years of enrollment, a student-athlete may use
credits acceptable toward any of the institution’s degree programs.
14.4.3.1.5 (a)
Student-athletes who are in their first four semesters, will be
certified as undecided, regardless of their official degree designation
with the University.
Degree Designation Form Policy. Due to the lag time until the new
Degree Declaration is officially posted, and due to progression
requirements which may delay a student’s official admission to a
particular degree program, student-athletes may indicate the degree
program under which they wish to be checked by filing a Degree
Designation Form (DDF).
This form will over-ride any program which is indicated in the University
Records Management System (SAMS) and will stand as the actual
declaration until such time as another DDF is filed.
Once a DDF is on file with the NCAA Compliance Specialists, no
additional DDF is necessary unless the student chooses to pursue a
different degree program.
Pre-Majors with Specific Degree Requirements. In the absence of a
DDF, degree designations shown on SAMS (screen AH DISSAP) beginning
with the fifth semester, indicating Arts and Sciences, Pre-Professional
Programs will be checked against the curriculum listed for the
appropriate concentration. Concentrations in Pre-Professional Programs
post specific curriculum requirements which include but are not limited
to: Pre-Dental, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Nuclear Medicine Technology, PrePharmacy, Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Animal ScienceScience Technology Pre-Veterinary, Biosystems Engineering Major- PreProfessional Concentration, and Food Science and Technology MajorPre-Professional Concentration.
Since each of these degree programs represents a special case, some
having a “3+1” or “3+2” configuration, it is important to remember that
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the degree completion requirements will be calculated on the basis of the
number of hours required in order to graduate and not just the hours
earned at UT during the first three years.
Pre-Teaching. Some Pre-teaching programs are majors, while
Elementary and Secondary are minors which do not have to be declared.
If Elementary Education is chosen as a minor, then a major can be any
Arts and Sciences major or Pre-teaching Environmental Science, Math,
and/or Science. If Secondary Education is chosen as a minor, then a
major can be in any Arts & Sciences field of teaching.
Majors “Interest” Without Specific Degree Requirements. In the
absence of a DDF, a student whose SAMS screen (AH DISSAP) indicates
a Major “Interest” which does not have a specific set of degree
requirements will be checked for continuing eligibility as “Undecided.”
Such majors include, but are not limited to: Accounting Interest,
Communication Studies Interest, Exercise Science Interest, and Sport
Management Interest.
Catalog Year. The catalog used for degree audit purposes is presumed
to be the catalog in effect upon the student-athlete’s first term of
enrollment unless the student designates otherwise. Students may
declare a program listed in any catalog in effect during the whole of their
enrollment at UT as long as it is not outdated by more than six years.
Declaring and Changing Degree Program. Student-athletes who wish
to change colleges, majors, catalog year, concentrations, and/or other
options within the major are responsible for processing their own official
university change or major forms and, if necessary, the NCAA Degree
Designation Form under certain conditions. DDF forms are required:
 When a student wishes to be checked for progress toward degree
under the provisions of a degree program other than the one
currently designated;
 When a student-athlete who is ineligible for admission into a new
college or major wishes to pursue course work in that new area;
 When a student wishes to declare or change a concentration or
other option available within the major;
 When the student-athlete wishes to be checked for progress toward
degree under the provisions of a catalog other than the one in
effect during her/his first year of enrollment;
 When the student-athlete is enrolled in a Major “Interest” program
of study, in which case admission to a degree program could be
delayed;
 When the student-athlete wishes her/his degree program change
to be reflected in a timely manner.
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Filing an NCAA DDF allows the NCAA Compliance Specialists to certify
the student’s eligibility for satisfactory-progress even if the process of
declaring a major on her/his academic history should be delayed, and/or
the major on the academic history is not currently accurate.
Degree designation forms are to be properly completed and on file with
the Registrar’s Office by the last day to add classes of the semester in
which the student wants the new DDF to be effective.
Students who meet percentage of degree completion requirements
at the beginning of a given term may change their designation to a
different degree program effective that same term. The deadline for
making such change is the last day of the first session for that term.
When the intended major is known in advance, continuing students
whose fifth semester occurs in the Fall will submit a DDF, if necessary
by April 1st. Students whose fifth semester occurs in the Spring will
submit a DDF, if known, by November 1st.
Students who are required to designate a degree program will be notified.
Failure on the part of the student to respond within five working days
will result in the student being suspended from practice.
University approved DDFs are available to all Athletic Academic
Counselors online at https://web.UT.edu/~tccomply/ddf/. Dated
signatures of the student-athlete, the Athletic Academic Counselors, and
the University Registrar are required before the form is considered
official. All DDFs are submitted by the Athletic Academic Counselors
online to the Academic Compliance Officer and NCAA Compliance
Specialist. The hard copy is signed and submitted to the Academic
Compliance Officer, then forwarded the NCAA Compliance Specialist.
Counselors are encouraged to retain a copy of the signed DDF for their
files. Once final approval of the DDF has been determined, the Registrar
will notify the Academic Compliance Officer and the Academic Counselor
via email.
Percentage Toward Degree Certification Timing for Transfers.
Timing of certification of degree designation, degree-completion and
grade point average requirements is established by examining all college
transcripts and determining the number of terms of full-time enrollment.
Transfer “W”. Transfer students who at one time during a term were
enrolled as full-time students, then obtained one or more “W’s” which
dropped them to less than full-time, will be considered enrolled full-time
for that particular term for purposes of determining degree designation,
degree-completion and grade point average requirements.
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The student’s college transcript from the previous institution will be used
to determine fulltime enrollment.
5. Credit-Hour Requirements
Regulations
Fulfillment of Credit-Hour Requirements. Eligibility for
competition (for those student-athletes first entering a collegiate
institution full-time on or after 8/1/03, 3/10/04, 4/28/05) shall be
determined based upon satisfactory completion of at least:
a) 24 semester or 36 quarter-hours of academic credit prior to
start of student-athlete’s second year of collegiate enrollment
b) Eighteen semester or 27 quarter-hours of academic credit
since the beginning of the previous fall term or since the
beginning of the certifying institution’s preceding regular two
semesters or three quarters; and
c) Six semester or six quarter-hours of academic credit the
preceding regular academic term in which the studentathlete has been enrolled full-time at any collegiate
institution. 14.4.3.1
Application of Credit/Hour Requirements
Application of Rule. For purposes of Bylaw 14.4.3.1(b), once a studentathlete initially enrolls as a full-time student, she or he must meet the
eighteen semester/27 quarter-hour requirement prior to the start of the
institution’s third semester or 36-quarter hours during the previous two
semesters or three quarters. 14.4.3.1.4
Application to a Midyear Enrollee. After a midyear enrollee’s initial
certification, (prior to the start of the institution’s third semester or
fourth quarter following the student-athlete’s initial full-time enrollment),
the student-athlete’s completion of the 18-semester/27 quarter hour
requirement shall be certified prior to the start of each academic year
based on the student-athlete’s record since the beginning of the previous
fall term. 14.4.3.1.4.1
Regular Academic Year. For purposes of Bylaw 14.4.3.1, the regular
academic year shall be defined as the time beginning with the opening of
the institution’s fall term and concluding with the institution’s spring
commencement exercise. 14.4.3.1.1
Regaining Eligibility. For purposes of Bylaw 14.4.3.1(a), a studentathlete who does not meet the 24-semester or 36-quarter credit-hour
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requirement prior to the start of her or his second year of collegiate
enrollment (i.e., third semester, fourth quarter), may become eligible at
the beginning of the next academic term by successfully completing 24semester or 36-quarter hours during the previous two semesters or three
quarters. 14.4.3.1.3
Exception-Baseball. In baseball, a student-athlete who is subject to the
24-semester or 36-quarter credit-hour requirement at the beginning of
an institution’s fall term and fails to meet the requirement based on the
student-athlete’s academic record in existence at the time shall not be
eligible during the remainder of the academic year. 14.4.3.1.3.1
Additional Application-Baseball. In baseball, a student-athlete who is
subject to the 18-semester/27-quarter hour requirement at the
beginning of an institution’s fall term and fails to meet the requirement
based on the student-athlete’s academic record in existence at that time
shall not be eligible during the remainder of the academic year.
14.4.3.1.4.2
Eligibility for Postseason Competition – Between Terms. To be
eligible to compete in a postseason event (e.g., conference tournament,
bowl game, National Invitation Tournament, NCAA championship) that
occurs between regular terms (including summer) a student-athlete shall
have satisfactorily completed six-semester or six-quarter hours of
academic credit during the preceding regular academic term of full-time
enrollment (see Bylaw 14.4.3.1). 14.1.10.2
Transfer
Transfer. To be eligible for competition, a transfer student-athlete
must meet the following credit-hour requirements based on
attendance at the previous institution(s) for the specified time and
may use any hours of academic credit earned at any collegiate
institution:
a) Equivalent of one semester/ one quarter: six-semester or sixquarter hours of academic credit;
b) Equivalent of one academic year (e.g., two semesters/ three
quarters): 24-semester or 36-quarter hours of academic credit;
c) Equivalent of three semesters/ four quarters: 30-semester of
42-quarter hours of academic credit; or
d) Equivalent of four semesters/six quarters and thereafter: sixsemesters or six-quarter hours of academic credit during the
previous term of full-time enrollment, if applicable (see Bylaw
14.4.3.1.1.1) 14.4.3.1.2.
Six-Hour Requirement for Transfer. A transfer student-athlete from a
domestic two-year or four-year collegiate institution must complete six
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hours of academic credit during the previous term of full-time enrollment
institution. A transfer student-athlete from a foreign collegiate
institution is not required to complete six hours of academic credit in the
previous term of full-time enrollment. 14.4.3.1.2.1
Split Certification. Students who change majors during the year will be
checked for continuing eligibility according to the major declared as of
the end of each academic term. Courses which count toward the degree
program in effect during a given term will count toward fulfillment of
progress toward degree requirements.
Change in Eligibility Status. If a student-athlete’s academic eligibility
changes at the end of a semester, the student-athlete shall become
eligible or ineligible to compete on the date her or his eligibility officially
is certified by the appropriate institutional authority. In a case in which
the student becomes eligible at the end of the term, the earliest date on
which the student can become eligible to compete is the day after the
date of the last scheduled examination listed in the institution’s official
calendar for the term that is ending. In a case in which the student
becomes ineligible, the ineligibility shall become effective not later than
the first day of classes of the following semester or quarter. In any case
if the student-athlete is academically eligible to compete at the time of
the student-athlete’s or the institution’s first participation in an NCAA
championship, he or she shall remain eligible for the remainder of the
championship. 14.1.10
Factors that Impact Degree Applicability
Non-Regular Academic Year Hours. The following course work may not
be used to satisfy the Regular Academic Year requirements per Bylaw
14.4.3.1.1:
 UT Mini-Term
 Summer Term Transfer Course
 UT Correspondence Course
 UT Summer Term
 UT credit earned prior to initial enrollment on a part-time basis.
 Credit by examination earned prior to full-time enrolment and
during summers and mini terms thereafter.
Hours Earned or Accepted for Degree Credit. The provision that the
calculation of credit hours under the progress toward degree regulation
shall be based on hours earned or accepted for degree credit at the
certifying institution in a student-athlete’s specific baccalaureate degree
program shall be met as follows:
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a) During the first two years of enrollment, a student-athlete may use
credits acceptable toward any of the institution’s degree programs.
b) By the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester or
seventh quarter), a student-athlete shall be required to have
designated a program of studies leading toward a specific
baccalaureate degree. From that point, the credits used to meet
the progress-toward-degree requirements must be degree credit
toward the student’s designated degree program.
c) A student-athlete who changes her or his designated degree
program may comply with the progress toward degree requirement
if:
1. The change in programs is documented appropriately by the
institution’ academic authorities
2. The credits earned prior to the change are acceptable toward
degree previously sought; and
3. The credits earned from the time of the change are
acceptable toward the new desired degree.
d) A student-athlete who has designated a specific degree program
with an identified major may not use a course to fulfill the credithour requirement for meeting a progress toward degree even if the
course fulfills an elective component of the student-athlete’s degree
program, if the student ultimately must repeat the course to fulfill
the requirements of the student’s major. 14.4.3.1.7
Student-athletes who are in their first four semesters, will be
certified as undecided, regardless of their official degree designation
with the University.
Non-Traditional Coursework
Credit from Other Institutions. Credit hours earned at another
institution while enrolled as a full-time student may be utilized to satisfy
academic progress requirements specified in Bylaws 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.2. 14.4.3.4.7
Correspondence and Extension Courses from Another Institution.
Correspondence, extension and credit-by-examination courses taken
from an institution other than the one in which a student-athlete is
enrolled as a full-time student shall not be used in determining a
student’s academic standing or progress toward degree. 14.4.3.4.3
UT Correspondence Courses. UT correspondence courses may be
applied to both the 24-hour regulation in the first year and the
percentage of degree completion regulation. Credit earned via UT
correspondence courses may not be applied to the regular academic year
requirement. Correspondence work taken at an institution other than
15
the one in which the transfer student was enrolled full-time may be used
to fulfill the transfer student credit-hour requirements but may not be
applied to the percentage of degree requirement (Educational Column,
February, 20, 2008).
Centralized Correspondence-Course Exception. In a state that
centralizes the offering of correspondence courses through one state
institution, a student enrolled in another of the state’s institutions may
use a correspondence course from the institution authorized to offer
such courses in determining the student’s academic standing or progress
toward degree. 14.4.3.4.3.2
Correspondence courses which are administered at UT, but whose
instructor may be located at UT Chattanooga or UT Martin may also be
used to meet satisfactory-progress requirements per Bylaw 14.4.3.4.3.2
Credit earned via UT correspondence courses may be applied toward the
credit hour requirement for a given season only if the grade for such
course is posted by the end of the day before classes begin for the
following semester.
Distance Learning Courses. Credit hours earned via distance learning
may be used to meet all progress toward degree requirements provided:
a) Evaluation of student’s work is conducted by the appropriate
academic authorities in accordance with the institution’s
established academic policies.
b) The course is available to any other student at the certifying
institution and is reflected on the certifying institution’s
transcript. 14.4.3.4.8
Double Major Same Degree Program. Student-Athlete Enrolled in Two
Majors Within the Same Baccalaureate Degree Program: The Legislative
Services Staff confirmed that a student-athlete who has designated a
double major within the same baccalaureate degree program is permitted
to use credits obtained toward either major to meet the satisfactoryprogress credit-hour requirement (24 hour or averaging method) and/or
the percentage of degree requirements (50 percent and 25/50/75
percent). Hours earned in a minor may also be used to meet the
satisfactory-progress credit-hour requirement and/or the percentage of
degree requirements provided the hours earned in the minor are
acceptable toward the student-athlete’s baccalaureate degree program.
Staff Interpretation Feb. 3, 1995
Prior Approval (Equivalency) Forms. While the NCAA no longer
requires that student-athletes obtain prior approval for course work
taken off campus during the summer in order to be applied to Progress
Toward Degree requirements, the University will continue to require that
16
equivalency forms be processed internally. This procedure helps ensure
that student-athletes are taking courses that lead toward a degree and
provides advanced notice for the NCAA Compliance Specialists to be on
the alert for off campus transcripts.
Transfer Work Transcript. An official transcript must be received by
the Office of the University Registrar before credit can be applied to
Progress Toward Degree Requirements.
Grades of Incomplete
Incomplete Grades. A student who receives an incomplete grade in a
course may utilize the course in question to fulfill the minimum progress
toward degree requirements, subject to the following conditions:
a) The incomplete grade must have been removed in accordance with
the institution’s regulations applicable to all students.
b) Such a course may be counted only once after a grade has been
achieved that is acceptable to the institution for determining
progress toward degree; and
c) The course with the acceptable grade shall be counted either
during the term in which the student initially enrolled in the
course or during the term in which the incomplete grade was
removed an acceptable credit was awarded. 14.4.3.4.5
UT Policy for Grades of Incomplete. Under extraordinary
circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor, the grade of I
(Incomplete) may be awarded to students who have satisfactorily
completed a substantial portion of the course but cannot complete the
course for reasons beyond their control.
 The I grade is not issued in lieu of the grade of F.
 The terms for the removal of the I, including the time limit for
removal of the I, is decided by the instructor.
 It is the responsibility of the student receiving an I to arrange with
the instructor whatever action is needed to remove the grade at
the earliest possible date, and in any event, within one calendar
year of the assignment of Incomplete.
 Students may not remove an I grade by re-enrolling in the course.
 The I grade does not carry quality points and is not computed as a
grade of F in the grade point average.
 If the I grade is not removed within one calendar year or upon
graduation, it shall be changed to an F and count as a failure in
the computation of the grade point average.
 A student need not be enrolled at the university to remove a grade
of incomplete.
17

In addition, a grade of IW may be assigned if a student cannot
fulfill the requirements for a course because of an inability to
communicate in writing.
As stated in The University of Tennessee 2009-2010 Undergraduate
Catalog.
Incomplete Course. Hours for any course for which the student-athlete
received a grade of “Incomplete” are not counted toward the credit-hour
requirement until a letter grade is earned and posted to the student’s
academic history.
If the incomplete grade is removed after the original term of enrollment,
the hours earned can be credited either toward the original term of
enrollment or toward the term when the grade was received.
A course in which an “Incomplete” grade is earned during the summer
term may not be applied to the regular academic year requirement
regardless of when the letter grade is posted.
Repeated Courses
Repeated Courses. Credit for courses that are repeated may be used by
a student to satisfy the minimum academic progress requirements only
under the following conditions:
a) A course repeated due to an unsatisfactory initial grade may be
utilized only once, and only after it has been satisfactorily
completed;
b) Credit for a course that may be taken several times (e.g., a physical
education activities course) shall be limited by institutional
regulations; and
c) Credits earned in courses that may be taken several times may not
exceed the maximum institutional limit for credits of that type for
any baccalaureate degree program (or for the student’s specific
baccalaureate degree program once a program has been
designated). 14.4.3.4.6
Repeat Course. Repeated courses originally passed with a satisfactory
grade will not be counted again toward compliance with the credit-hour
or the degree-completion requirement.
Foreign Language 150 Enrollment. Foreign languages which offer a
review course numbered 150 may not receive credit for both 150 and the
two elementary language courses. For example, if Spanish 150 is taken
after 111, and 112 then credit will be deducted as if it were a repeat for
BOTH 111, 112. In our case, whichever class was taken first (ex.
Spanish 111) the student will receive 3 hrs credit for that course
according to our first taken, first used rule.
18
Bio 101-102 and 130. Same rule applies, however if taken 130 and 140
the office of the university’s registrar will adjust for 130-140 to count
since 140 is not included in this repeat. Sometimes these are prerequisite in biological sciences majors. We still used first taken, first used
unless the student has requested otherwise.
Unsatisfactory Grades
Course in which a Grade of Less Than “C” is Earned. Such courses
may be counted for progress toward degree requirements under the
following conditions:

If there is no institutional restriction for counting a course in
which a grade of less than “C” has been earned for a specific
graduation requirement,

If the student has electives available which could include the
course in which a grade of less than “C” is earned,

If the course is not usable in the major, but does fulfill a different
graduation requirement (e.g., an Upper Level Distribution
requirement in Arts and Sciences).
Hours Earned for Degree Credit. A student-athlete who has designated
a specific degree program with an identified major may not use a course
to fulfill the credit-hour requirement for meeting progress toward degree
even if the course fulfills an elective component of the student-athlete’s
degree program, if the student ultimately must repeat the course to fulfill
the requirement of the student’s major. 14.4.3.1.7 (d)
A specific major course requirement in which a grade of less than “C” has
been earned and cannot be counted toward the major because of the
grade of less than “C,” cannot be used to fulfill satisfactory-progress
requirements in any alternative category.
Prerequisites which Require a “C” Grade or Higher. A prerequisite
course in which a grade of “C” or higher is required in order to obtain
admission into a particular degree program will be treated the same as a
specific program requirement in terms of the application of grades of less
than “C” to Progress Toward Degree Requirements.
Grade Changes. Student-athlete grade changes received by the
Registrar’s Office which immediately impact the student-athletes
eligibility are forwarded to the University Provost, the Faculty Athletics
Representative, and the Academic Compliance Officer by the NCAA
Compliance Specialists.
19
Courses Not Meeting All the Credit-Hour Requirements. If a student,
due to transferring quarter hours or for other reasons, completes enough
courses but fails to satisfy the total number of hours mandated for a
block of curriculum requirements (e.g., Natural Science), the student
must either successfully complete another course to make up the
difference, or obtain a waiver for the remaining hours.
In the case of the specific course requirements (e.g., Econ 201) for four
credit hours, where a substitution has been approved to fulfill the
requirement with a course for less that four hours, the remaining hours
are automatically waived and additional hours are added to electives.
Remedial, Tutorial, or Noncredit Courses. Remedial, tutorial, or
noncredit courses may be used by the student to satisfy the minimum
academic progress requirements of Bylaw 14.4.3.4.1 only if they meet all
of the following conditions:
(a) The courses must be considered by the institution to be
prerequisites for specific courses acceptable for any degree
program;
(b) The courses must be given the same weight as others in the
institution in determining the student’s status for full-time
enrollment;
(c) Noncredit courses may not exceed the maximum institutional
limit for such courses in any baccalaureate degree program (or
the student’s specific baccalaureate degree program once a
program has been designated); and
(d) Credit in such courses shall not exceed six semester or nine
quarter hours, and the courses must be taken during the
student’s first academic year of collegiate enrollment.
14.4.3.4.4
Remedial Course. Math 100 is the only remedial course offered at UT.
Math 100 may count toward the credit-hour requirement if applicable,
when taken during the first year of enrollment, inclusive of summer.
However, it may not be used to fulfill the percentage of degree completion
rule.
High School Deficiency
Courses taken to fulfill high school core course requirements are degree
applicable. Additional credit hours in order to graduate are not required.
Courses taken to fulfill high school core course deficiencies do not need
to be treated as remedial work. They may be applied to both the credithour requirements and the percent of degree completion
20
requirements and may be used at any time during the studentathlete’s academic career.
This policy is effective with 2010 Undergraduate Catalog. Previously
enrolled students may take advantage of the new policy by changing to
the 2010 Undergraduate Catalog. In cases where such change is not
desired, an appeal process is in place whereby a student may remain
under a previous catalog, and be permitted to follow the new policy.
Excess Electives. Elective hours which are in excess of the maximum
number of electives allowed in a particular major can not be used to
fulfill progress toward degree requirements.
Courses Which are Waived. When courses are waived due to high test
scores or completion of higher level courses, the hours for those courses
will revert to available elective hours.
Credit from Other Institutions. Credit hours earned at another
institution while enrolled as a full-time student may be utilized to satisfy
academic progress requirements specified in Bylaws 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.2. 14.4.3.4.7
Variable Credit. In curricula with requirements which may be fulfilled
by successfully completing a variable number of credit hours, the lowest
number of hours will be assumed to determine the number of allowable
electives until course completion commits a student to a higher number
of hours.
Overlapping Courses in Arts & Sciences. In applicable cases where a
student has successfully completed up to six hours of designated
overlapping courses in the major, the student will be given an equivalent
number of additional elective hours. (Under certain circumstances nine
or more hours of overlapping courses could feasibly result in additional
hours being put into free electives.)
Excess Hours. Hours earned in a given curricular category (e.g., Social
Science requirement in Arts and Sciences) which are in excess of the
required number of hours in that particular requirement will be placed in
the electives category. For example, if Economics 201 puts the total
number to thirteen hours when only twelve are needed to fulfill the Social
Science requirement, then one excess hour from the final course taken
will go into the electives.
Transferred Quarter Hours. Transferred Quarter hours which result in
a decimal will remain a decimal (no rounding). Degree hour totals which
remain short of the degree which remain short of the required degreecompletion percentage by a fraction of an hour will have to be fulfilled by
21
taking a course for a whole hour or more, unless a petition to waive the
remaining credit requirement is granted.
Advanced-Placement Tests/Credits by Examination. Credit received
through advanced-placement tests or by examination may be utilized by
the student to meet the minimum progress toward degree requirement,
provided the subject for which the examination is an alternative is
offered by the institution as acceptable degree credit. 14.4.3.4.2

AP, IB, DP, CLEP and Proficiency Exams: Hours earned by
Advance-Placement, International Baccalaureate Departmental
Placement, CLEP, or Proficiency Examinations are ways that credit
may be awarded by examination.

Exact timing of credit by examination will be determined for the
purpose of tracking hours to be applied toward meeting
satisfactory-progress requirements.

For student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution on or
after August 1, 2003, credit earned via credit-by-examination and
advanced placement courses completed prior to initial full-time
collegiate enrollment shall not be used to satisfy the 18/27 credithour requirement or the six credit-hour requirement. However,
such credit may be used to satisfy the 24/36 credit-hour
requirement and percentage of degree requirements (i.e.,
40/60/80). Subsequent to initial full-time enrollment, credit
earned while enrolled during a regular academic term via creditby-examination and advanced placement courses may be used to
meet all progress toward degree requirements. Official
Interpretation October 1, 2003
Minors
Minors. Minors must be earned using available electives and general
education requirements in order to count for eligibility.
Minor in Education. A minor in education must be earned using
available electives in order to count for eligibility. Even though the
Education Minor is required for teaching licensure, it is not a
requirement for the degree.
Petitions
Petitions for Substitutions or Waiver. Petitions for substitution or
waiver of curriculum requirements should be submitted at the time of
enrollment into the courses in question. The target date for petitions to
22
be submitted is the final day to add classes in order to allow time to seek
alternative courses.
Exception: Courses in which a student earned an unsatisfactory grade
would reasonably be petitioned at the end of the semester.
Courses Petitioned After the Fact: Credit hours earned for a course
that is not initially applicable toward the designated degree program, and
then is later approved for substitution may be applied to fulfill the
progress toward degree requirements.
Approaching Graduation
Less than Full-Time Enrollment. A student-athlete who was enrolled
in less than a minimum full-time program of studies pursuant to an
exception or waiver during the term immediately prior to the postseason
event is subject to the following requirements:
a) If the student-athlete was enrolled in at least six credit hours, he
or she shall have satisfactorily completed six semester or six
quarter hours of academic credit; or
b) If the student-athlete was enrolled in less than six credit hours, he
or she shall have satisfactorily completed the number of semester
or quarter hours of academic credit in which he or she was
enrolled. 14.1.10.2.1
Exception-Final Academic Year of Degree Program-Six-Hour
Requirement. A student-athlete who is in the final academic year (final
two semesters or three quarters) of her or his designated degree program
may use credit hours acceptable toward any of the institution’s degree
programs to satisfy the six-hour requirement states in Bylaw 14.4.3.1,
provided the institution certifies that the student is enrolled in courses
necessary to complete degree requirements at the end of the two
semesters or three quarters. Thereafter, the student shall forfeit eligibility
in all sports, unless the student completes all degree requirements
during the final two semesters or three quarters and is eligible to receive
the baccalaureate diploma on the institution’s next degree-granting date.
14.4.3.1.7.1
Exceptions and Waivers-Progress Toward Degree Requirements
a) Missed Term. One time during a student-athlete’s entire period of
collegiate enrollment, the provisions of Bylaw 14.4.3.1 (b) may be
prorated at nine hours per term of actual attendance if the
student-athlete misses a complete term or consecutive terms
during an academic year, subject to the following conditions: (1)
The student-athlete engaged in no outside competition in the sport
23
during the academic term or terms in which the student was not in
attendance; and (2) At the time of certification, the student has
fulfilled the progress toward degree requirements (per Bylaw
14.4.3.1) for the terms in which the student was in attendance.
14.4.3.5
A transfer student from a two-year college is not eligible to use this
one-time exception during the first academic year of residence at
the certifying institution in order to maintain eligibility during the
second year in residence. Hours earned while enrolled as a parttime student during the “missed term” may be used to satisfy the
24/36 hour (see Bylaw 14.4.3.1 (a)), percentage of degree (see
Bylaw 14.4.3.2) and grade-point average requirements (see Bylaw
14.4.3.3) 14.4.3.5
One-Time Missed Term Exception Procedure. Students wishing
to use the one-time missed term exception must present
verification that they did not compete during the term(s) not in
attendance. In a staff interpretation issued May 21, 1993, “the
legislative services staff confirmed that, for purposes of 14.5.6 (a)
(missed-term exception to satisfactory-progress), outside
competition includes both individual and team competition.”
Verification will be submitted to the Academic Compliance Officer
who will send it on to the NCAA Compliance Specialists. The NCAA
Compliance Specialists will document the use of the one-time
missed term exception and forward a copy to both the Faculty
Athletics Representative (FAR) and the Academic Compliance
Officer. The FAR will review all documentation and approve or
deny use of the one-time missed term exception.
b) Nonrecruited, Nonparticipant. A student-athlete may qualify for
an exception to the application of the progress toward degree
regulation for the initial season of eligibility if the student was not
recruited; has not received athletically related financial assistance;
has never practiced or participated in intercollegiate athletics,
except that a student may have participated in limited preseason
tryouts; and is otherwise eligible under all institutional, conference
and NCAA rules. The student-athlete’s eligibility in subsequent
seasons would be governed by the provisions of the progress
toward degree rule, which would be applied from the beginning of
the first term the student began participation. This exception shall
not apply to the percentage-of-degree (Bylaw 14.4.3.2) and
minimum grade-point average (Bylaw 14.4.3.3) requirements.
14.4.3.5
24
Nonrecruited, Nonparticipant Exception Procedure. Studentathletes who meet these criteria and have not fulfilled progress
toward degree requirements may be certified. Nonrecruited status
is verified using the Recruited Status form completed by the
student-athlete and signed by the head coach or the coach’s
designee.
An examination of previous squad lists will verify that the student
meets the definition of a nonparticipant. The NCAA Compliance
Specialists will document that the nonrecruited, nonparticipant
exception was used and will forward a copy to the Academic
Compliance Officer.
c) Graduate Student/Postbaccalaureate Exception. A graduate
student-athlete or a student-athlete who graduates and returns for
a second baccalaureate degree or who is taking course work that
would lead to the equivalent of another major or degree who is
otherwise eligible for regular-season competition shall be exempt
from the provisions of this regulation, except the student-athlete
shall successfully complete a minimum of six-semester or -quarter
hours of academic credit during each regular academic term in
which the student enrolled full time as a graduate student at any
collegiate institution or as a student who has graduated and is
seeking a second baccalaureate or taking course work that would
lead to the equivalent of another major degree at the same
institution from which he or she previously received a
baccalaureate degree (see Bylaw3 14.1.9). 14.4.3.5
Waivers of Progress Toward Degree Rule. The Division I Progress
Toward Degree Waivers Committee shall establish appropriate criteria for
waivers of this legislation. Such waivers shall be administered by the
conference members of the Association or, in the case of an independent
institution, by the Division I Progress Toward Degree Waivers Committee.
14.4.3.6
(a) Medical Absence. The credit hours required under the
progress toward degree regulation of Bylaws 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.5 (c) may be prorated at nine hours per term of actual
attendance during an academic year in which a student misses
a term or is unable to complete a term as a full-time student as
a result of injury or illness. Such an exception may be granted
only when circumstances clearly supported by appropriate
medical documentation establish that a student-athlete is
unable to attend a collegiate institution as a full-time student
as a result of an incapacitating physical injury or illness
involving the student-athlete or a member of the studentathlete’s immediate family. Credits earned by the student
25
during the term to which the waiver applies may be used to
satisfy the 24/36 hour (see Bylaw 14.4.3.1(a) ), percentage of
degree (see Bylaw 14.4.3.2), and grade-point average
requirements (see Bylaw 14.4.3.3).
(b) International Competition. The credit hours required under
the progress toward degree regulation Bylaw 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.5 (c) may be prorated at nine hours per term of actual
attendance during the academic year in which a student is not
enrolled for a term or terms or is unable to complete a term as a
result of participation in the FIFA World Youth Championship,
Pan American, Olympic, World Championships, World Cup or
World University Games (including final Olympic tryouts and
the officially recognized training program that directly qualifies
participants for those tryouts). This waiver provision may be
applied to no more than two semesters. 14.4.3.6
Waiver-Olympic Games. The Division I Progress Toward Degree Waiver
Committee may waive this general progress toward degree requirement
for any participant in the Olympic Games who, because of such
participation, may lose eligibility for practice and competition in any
sport. 14.4.3.7
6. PERCENTAGE OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Regulation
Fulfillment of Percentage of Degree Requirements. A studentathlete who is entering her or his third year of collegiate
enrollment shall have completed successfully at least 40 percent of
the course requirements in the student’s specific degree program.
A student-athlete who is entering her or his fourth year of
collegiate enrollment shall have completed successfully at least 60
percent of the course requirements in the student’s specific degree
program. A student-athlete who is entering her or his fifth year of
collegiate enrollment shall have completed successfully at least 80
percent of the course requirements in the student’s specific degree
program. The course requirements must be in the student’s
specific degree (as opposed to the student’s major). 14.4.3.2
Student-athletes following a four-year degree program entering their:
5th semester must have completed at least 40% of the course
requirements in their degree.
26
7th semester must have completed at least 60% of the course
requirements in their degree.
9th semester must have completed at least 80% of the course
requirements in their degree.
Five-Year Degree Program. If the student-athlete’s degree program
is identified in the institution’s official catalog as a five-year
program or otherwise requires the completion of a minimum of
150-semester hours, the student-athlete who is entering her or his
third year of collegiate enrollment shall have completed
successfully 33 percent of the course requirements in the student’s
specific degree program. A student-athlete who is entering her or
his fourth year of collegiate enrollment shall have completed
successfully 50 percent of the course requirements in the student’s
specific degree program. A student athlete who is entering her or
his fifth year of collegiate enrollment shall have completed
successfully 67 percent of the course requirements in the student’s
specific degree program. 14.4.3.2.1
Student-athletes following a five-year degree program entering their:
5th semester must have completed at least 33% of the course
requirements in their degree.
7th semester must have completed at least 50% of the course
requirements in their degree.
9th semester must have completed at least 67% of the course
requirements in their degree.
Application of Degree-Completion Requirements
Change in Eligibility Status. If a student-athlete’s academic eligibility
changes at the end of a semester, the student-athlete shall become
eligible or ineligible to compete on the date her or his eligibility officially
is certified by the appropriate institutional authority. In a case in which
the student becomes eligible at the end of the term, the earliest date on
which the student can become eligible to compete is the day after the
date of the last scheduled examination listed in the institution’s official
calendar for the term that is ending. In a case in which the student
becomes ineligible, the ineligibility shall become effective not later than
the first day of classes of the following semester or quarter. In any case
if the student-athlete is academically eligible to compete at the time of
the student-athlete’s or the institution’s first participation in an NCAA
championship, he or she shall remain eligible for the remainder of the
championship. 14.1.10
27
Timing of Certification. A student-athlete’s eligibility under this
provision shall be determined on the basis of the student’s academic
record in existence at the beginning of that student’s third or subsequent
academic year (i.e., fifth semester) of full-time enrollment. If the studentathlete is ineligible under the provisions of the satisfactory-progress
legislation at the beginning of that term, eligibility may be reinstated at
the beginning of any other regular term of that student’s specific
academic year, based upon the student’s subsequent fulfillment of the
necessary degree requirements. 14.4.3.2.3
Exception-Baseball. In baseball, a student-athlete who is ineligible
under this provision at the beginning of an institution’s fall term shall
not be eligible during the remainder of the academic year. 14.4.3.2.3.1
Application of Rule to Transfer Student. The provisions of 14.4.3.2
shall be applicable to the eligibility of a transfer student from a two-year
or four-year collegiate institution, even if the student has not yet
completed an academic year in residence or used a season of eligibility in
a sport at the certifying institution. 14.4.3.2.2
Eligibility Certification Timing for Transfers. Timing of certification of
degree-completion and grade point average requirements is established
by examining all college transcripts and counting the number of terms of
full-time enrollment.
Transfer “W”. Transfer students who at one time during a term were
enrolled as full-time students, then obtained one or more “W’s” which
dropped them to less than full-time, will be considered enrolled full-time
for that particular term for purposes of determining degree designation,
degree-completion and grade point average requirements.
The student’s college transcript from the previous institution will be used
to determine fulltime enrollment.
Factors Which Impact Total Degree Hours
Hours Earned or Accepted for Degree Credit. The provision that the
calculation of credit hours under the progress toward degree regulation
shall be based on hours earned or accepted for degree credit at the
certifying institution in a student-athlete’s specific baccalaureate degree
program shall be met as follows:
a) During the first two years of enrollment, a student-athlete may use
credits acceptable toward any of the institution’s degree programs.
28
b) By the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester or
seventh quarter), a student-athlete shall be required to have
designated a program of studies leading toward a specific
baccalaureate degree. From that point, the credits used to meet
the progress-toward-degree requirements must be degree credit
toward the student’s designated degree program.
c) A student-athlete who changes her or his designated degree
program may comply with the progress toward degree requirement
if:
1. The change in programs is documented appropriately by the
institution’ academic authorities
2. The credits earned prior to the change are acceptable toward
degree previously sought; and
3. The credits earned from the time of the change are
acceptable toward the new desired degree.
d) A student-athlete who has designated a specific degree program
with an identified major may not use a course to fulfill the credithour requirement for meeting a progress toward degree even if the
course fulfills an elective component of the student-athlete’s degree
program, if the student ultimately must repeat the course to fulfill
the requirements of the student’s major. 14.4.3.1.7
Non-Traditional Coursework
Correspondence and Extension Courses from Another Institution.
Correspondence, extension and credit-by-examination courses taken
from an institution other than the one in which a student-athlete is
enrolled as a full-time student shall not be used in determining a
student’s academic standing or progress toward degree. 14.4.3.4.3
UT Correspondence Courses. UT correspondence courses may be
applied to both the 24-hour regulation in the first year and the
percentage of degree completion regulation. Credit earned via UT
correspondence courses may not be applied to the regular academic year
requirement. Correspondence credit transferred from other institutions
many not be used in determining a student-athlete’s satisfactoryprogress. Correspondence work taken at an institution other than the
one in which the transfer student was enrolled full-time may be used to
fulfill the transfer credit-hour requirement, but may not be applied to the
percentage of degree requirement (Educational Column, February 20,
2008).
Centralized Correspondence-Course Exception. In a state that
centralizes the offering of correspondence courses through one state
institution, a student enrolled in another of the state’s institutions may
use a correspondence course from the institution authorized to offer
29
such courses in determining the student’s academic standing or progress
toward degree. 14.4.3.4.3.2
Correspondence courses which are administered at UT, but whose
instructor may be located at UT Chattanooga or UT Martin may also be
used to meet satisfactory-progress requirements per Bylaw 14.4.3.4.3.2
Credit earned via UT correspondence courses may be applied toward the
credit hour requirement for a given season only if the grade for such
course is posted by the end of the day before classes begin for the
following semester.
Distance Learning Courses. Credit hours earned via distance learning
may be used to meet all progress toward degree requirements provided:
a) Evaluation of student’s work is conducted by the appropriate
academic authorities in accordance with the institution’s
established academic policies.
b) The course is available to any other student at the certifying
institution and is reflected on the certifying institution’s
transcript. 14.4.3.4.8
Double Major Same Degree Program. Student-Athlete Enrolled in Two
Majors Within the Same Baccalaureate Degree Program: The Legislative
Services Staff confirmed that a student-athlete who has designated a
double major within the same baccalaureate degree program is permitted
to use credits obtained toward either major to meet the satisfactoryprogress credit-hour requirement (24 hour or averaging method) and/or
the percentage of degree requirements (50 percent and 25/50/75
percent). Hours earned in a minor may also be used to meet the
satisfactory-progress credit-hour requirement and/or the percentage of
degree requirements provided the hours earned in the minor are
acceptable toward the student-athlete’s baccalaureate degree program.
All credit hours required to fulfill both of the double major programs
must be totaled up to calculate the percentage of degree requirements.
Staff Interpretation Feb. 3, 1995
Prior Approval (Equivalency) Forms. While the NCAA no longer
requires that student-athletes obtain prior approval for course work
taken off campus during the summer in order to be applied to Progress
Toward Degree requirements, the University will continue to require that
equivalency forms be processed internally. This procedure helps ensure
that student-athletes are taking courses that lead toward a degree and
provides advanced notice for the NCAA Compliance Specialists to be on
the alert for off campus transcripts.
30
Transfer Work Transcript. An official transcript must be received by
the Office of the University Registrar before credit can be applied to
progress toward degree requirements.
Grades of Incomplete
Incomplete Grades. A student who receives an incomplete grade in a
course may utilize the course in question to fulfill the minimum progress
toward degree requirements, subject to the following conditions:
d) The incomplete grade must have been removed in accordance with
the institution’s regulations applicable to all students.
e) Such a course may be counted only once after a grade has been
achieved that is acceptable to the institution for determining
progress toward degree; and
f) The course with the acceptable grade shall be counted either
during the term in which the student initially enrolled in the
course or during the term in which the incomplete grade was
removed an acceptable credit was awarded. 14.4.3.4.5
UT Policy for Grades of Incomplete. Under extraordinary
circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor, the grade of I
(Incomplete) may be awarded to students who have satisfactorily
completed a substantial portion of the course but cannot complete the
course for reasons beyond their control.
 The I grade is not issued in lieu of the grade of F.
 The terms for the removal of the I, including the time limit for
removal of the I, is decided by the instructor.
 It is the responsibility of the student receiving an I to arrange with
the instructor whatever action is needed to remove the grade at
the earliest possible date, and in any event, within one calendar
year of the assignment of Incomplete.
 Students may not remove an I grade by re-enrolling in the course.
 The I grade does not carry quality points and is not computed as a
grade of F in the grade point average.
 If the I grade is not removed within one calendar year or upon
graduation, it shall be changed to an F and count as a failure in
the computation of the grade point average.
 A student need not be enrolled at the university to remove a grade
of incomplete.
 In addition, a grade of IW may be assigned if a student cannot
fulfill the requirements for a course because of an inability to
communicate in writing.
As stated in The University of Tennessee 2009-2010 Undergraduate
Catalog.
31
Incomplete Course. Hours for any course for which the student-athlete
received a grade of “Incomplete” are not counted toward the credit-hour
requirement until a letter grade is earned and posted to the student’s
academic history.
If the incomplete grade is removed after the original term of enrollment,
the hours earned can be credited either toward the original term of
enrollment or toward the term when the grade was received.
A course in which an “Incomplete” grade is earned during the summer
term may not be applied to the regular academic year requirement
regardless of when the letter grade is posted.
Repeated Courses
Repeated Courses. Credit for courses that are repeated may be used by
a student to satisfy the minimum academic progress requirements only
under the following conditions:
d) A course repeated due to an unsatisfactory initial grade may be
utilized only once, and only after it has been satisfactorily
completed;
e) Credit for a course that may be taken several times (e.g., a physical
education activities course) shall be limited by institutional
regulations; and
f) Credits earned in courses that may be taken several times may not
exceed the maximum institutional limit for credits of that type for
any baccalaureate degree program (or for the student’s specific
baccalaureate degree program once a program has been
designated). 14.4.3.4.6
Repeat Course. Repeated courses originally passed with a satisfactory
grade will not be counted again toward compliance with the credit-hour
or the degree-completion requirement.
Foreign Language 150 Enrollment. Foreign languages which offer a
review course numbered 150 may not receive credit for both 150 and the
two elementary language courses. For example, if Spanish 150 is taken
after 111, and 112 then credit will be deducted as if it were a repeat for
BOTH 111, 112. In our case, whichever class was taken first (ex.
Spanish 111) the student will receive 3 hrs credit for that course
according to our first taken, first used rule.
Bio 101-102 and 130. Same rule applies, however if taken 130 and 140
the office of the university’s registrar will adjust for 130-140 to count
since 140 is not included in this repeat. Sometimes these are prerequisite in biological sciences majors. We still used first taken, first used
unless the student has requested otherwise.
32
Unsatisfactory Grades
Course in which a Grade of Less Than “C” is Earned. Such courses
may be counted for progress toward degree requirements under the
following conditions:

If there is no institutional restriction for counting a course in
which a grade of less than “C” has been earned for a specific
graduation requirement,

If the student has electives available which could include the
course in which a grade of less than “C” is earned,

If the course is not usable in the major, but does fulfill a different
graduation requirement (e.g., an Upper Level Distribution
requirement in Arts and Sciences).
Hours Earned for Degree Credit. A student-athlete who has designated
a specific degree program with an identified major may not use a course
to fulfill the credit-hour requirement for meeting progress toward degree
even if the course fulfills an elective component of the student-athlete’s
degree program, if the student ultimately must repeat the course to fulfill
the requirement of the student’s major. 14.4.3.1.7 (d)
A specific major course requirement in which a grade of less than “C” has
been earned and cannot be counted toward the major because of the
grade of less than “C,” cannot be used to fulfill satisfactory-progress
requirements in any alternative category.
Prerequisites which Require a “C” Grade or Higher. A prerequisite
course in which a grade of “C” or higher is required in order to obtain
admission into a particular degree program will be treated the same as a
specific program requirement in terms of the application of grades of less
than “C” to Progress Toward Degree Requirements.
Grade Changes. Student-athlete grade changes received by the
Registrar’s Office which immediately impact the student-athletes
eligibility are forwarded to the University Provost, the Faculty Athletics
Representative, and the Academic Compliance Officer by the NCAA
Compliance Specialists.
Courses Not Meeting All the Credit-Hour Requirements. If a student,
due to transferring quarter hours or other reasons, completes enough
courses but fails to satisfy the total number of hours mandated for a
block of curriculum requirements (e.g., Natural Science), the student
33
must either successfully complete another course to make up the
difference, or obtain a waiver for the remaining hours.
In the case of the specific course requirements (e.g., Econ 201) for four
credit hours, where a substitution has been approved to fulfill the
requirement with a course for less that four hours, the remaining hours
are automatically waived and additional hours are added to electives.
Remedial, Tutorial, or Noncredit Courses. Remedial, tutorial, or
noncredit courses may be used by the student to satisfy the minimum
academic progress requirements of Bylaw 14.4.3.4.1 only if they meet all
of the following conditions:
(a) The courses must be considered by the institution to be
prerequisites for specific courses acceptable for any degree
program;
(b) The courses must be given the same weight as others in the
institution in determining the student’s status for full-time
enrollment;
(c) Noncredit courses may not exceed the maximum institutional
limit for such courses in any baccalaureate degree program (or
the student’s specific baccalaureate degree program once a
program has been designated); and
(d) Credit in such courses shall not exceed six semester or nine
quarter hours, and the courses must be taken during the
student’s first academic year of collegiate enrollment.
14.4.3.4.4
Remedial Course. Math 100 is the only remedial course offered at UT.
Math 100 may count toward the credit-hour requirement if applicable,
when taken during the first year of enrollment, inclusive of summer.
However, it may not be used to fulfill the percentage of degree completion
rule.
High School Deficiency
Courses taken to fulfill high school core course requirements are degree
applicable. Additional credit hours in order to graduate are not required.
Courses taken to fulfill high school core course deficiencies do not need
to be treated as remedial work. They may be applied to both the credithour requirements and the percent of degree completion
requirements and may be used at any time during the studentathlete’s academic career.
This policy is effective with 2010 Undergraduate Catalog. Previously
enrolled students may take advantage of the new policy by changing to
the 2010 Undergraduate Catalog. In cases where such change is not
34
desired, an appeal process is in place whereby a student may remain
under a previous catalog, and be permitted to follow the new policy.
Excess Electives. Elective hours which are in excess of the maximum
number of electives allowed in a particular major can not be used to
fulfill progress toward degree requirements.
Courses Which are Waived. When courses are waived due to high test
scores or completion of higher level courses, the hours for those courses
will revert to available elective hours.
Credit from Other Institutions. Credit hours earned at another
institution while enrolled as a full-time student may be utilized to satisfy
academic progress requirements specified in Bylaws 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.2. 14.4.3.4.7
Variable Credit. In curricula with requirements which may be fulfilled
by successfully completing a variable number of credit hours, the lowest
number of hours will be used to determine the number of allowable
electives until course completion commits a student to a higher number
of hours.
Overlapping Courses in Arts & Sciences. In applicable cases where a
student has successfully completed up to six hours of designated
overlapping courses in the major, the student will be given an equivalent
number of additional elective hours. (Under certain circumstances nine
or more hours of overlapping courses could feasibly result in additional
hours being put into free electives.)
Excess Hours. Hours earned in a given curricular category (e.g., Social
Science requirement in Arts and Sciences) which are in excess of the
required number of hours in that particular requirement will be places in
the electives category. For example, if Economics 201 puts the total
number to thirteen hours when only twelve are required, then one excess
hour from the final course taken to fulfill the Social Science requirement
will go into the electives.
Transferred Quarter Hours. Transferred Quarter hours which result in
a decimal will remain a decimal (no rounding). Degree hour totals which
remain short of the required degree-completion percentage by a fraction
of an hour will have to be fulfilled by taking a course for a whole hour or
more, unless a petition to waive the remaining credit is granted.
Advanced-Placement Tests/Credits by Examination. Credit received
through advanced-placement tests or by examination may be utilized by
the student to meet the minimum progress toward degree requirement,
35
provided the subject for which the examination is an alternative is
offered by the institution as acceptable degree credit. 14.4.3.4.2

AP, IB, DP, CLEP and Proficiency Exams: Hours earned by
Advance-Placement, International Baccalaureate Departmental
Placement, CLEP, or Proficiency Examinations are ways that credit
may be awarded by examination.

Exact timing of credit by examination will be determined for the
purpose of tracking hours to be applied toward meeting
satisfactory-progress requirements.

For student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution on or
after August 1, 2003, credit earned via credit-by-examination and
advanced placement courses completed prior to initial full-time
collegiate enrollment shall not be used to satisfy the 18/27 credithour requirement or the six credit-hour requirement. However,
such credit may be used to satisfy the 24/36 credit-hour
requirement and percentage of degree requirements (i.e.,
40/60/80). Subsequent to initial full-time enrollment, credit
earned while enrolled during a regular academic term via creditby-examination and advanced placement courses may be used to
meet all progress toward degree requirements. Official
Interpretation October 1, 2003
Minors. Minors must be earned using available electives and general
education requirements in order to count for eligibility.
Minor in Education. A minor in education must be earned using
available electives in order to count for eligibility. Even though the
Education Minor is required for teaching licensure, it is not a
requirement for the degree.
Petitions for Substitutions or Waiver. Petitions for substitution or
waiver of curriculum requirements should be submitted at the time of
enrollment into the courses in question. All petitions are to be submitted
prior to the final day to add classes in order to allow time to seek
alternative courses.
Exception: Courses in which a student earned an unsatisfactory grade
may be petitioned at the end of the semester.
Courses Petitioned After the Fact: Credit hours earned for a course
that is not initially applicable toward the designated degree program, and
then is later approved for substitution may be applied to fulfill the
progress toward degree requirements.
36
Exceptions and Waivers-Progress Toward Degree Requirements
a) Missed Term. One time during a student-athlete’s entire period of
collegiate enrollment, the provisions of Bylaw 14.4.3.1 (b) may be
prorated at nine hours per term of actual attendance if the
student-athlete misses a complete term or consecutive terms
during an academic year, subject to the following conditions: (1)
The student-athlete engaged in no outside competition in the sport
during the academic term or terms in which the student was not in
attendance; and (2) At the time of certification, the student has
fulfilled the progress toward degree requirements (per Bylaw
14.4.3.1) for the terms in which the student was in attendance.
14.4.3.5
A transfer student from a two-year college is not eligible to use this
one-time exception during the first academic year of residence at
the certifying institution in order to maintain eligibility during the
second year in residence. Hours earned while enrolled as a parttime student during the “missed term” may be used to satisfy the
24/36 hour (see Bylaw 14.4.3.1 (a)), percentage of degree (see
Bylaw 14.4.3.2) and grade-point average requirements (see Bylaw
14.4.3.3) 14.4.3.5
One-Time Missed Term Exception Procedure. Students wishing
to use the one-time missed term exception must present
verification that they did not compete during the term(s) not in
attendance. In a staff interpretation issued May 21, 1993, “the
legislative services staff confirmed that, for purposes of 14.5.6 (a)
(missed-term exception to satisfactory-progress), outside
competition includes both individual and team competition.”
Verification will be submitted to the Academic Compliance Officer
who will send it on to the NCAA Compliance Specialists. The NCAA
Compliance Specialists will document the use of the one-time
missed term exception and forward a copy to both the Faculty
Athletics Representative (FAR) and the Academic Compliance
Officer. The FAR will review all documentation and approve or
deny use of the one-time missed term exception.
b) Nonrecruited, Nonparticipant. A student-athlete may qualify for
an exception to the application of the progress toward degree
regulation for the initial season of eligibility if the student was not
recruited; has not received athletically related financial assistance;
has never practiced or participated in intercollegiate athletics,
except that a student may have participated in limited preseason
tryouts; and is otherwise eligible under all institutional, conference
37
and NCAA rules. The student-athlete’s eligibility in subsequent
seasons would be governed by the provisions of the progress
toward degree rule, which would be applied from the beginning of
the first term the student began participation. This exception shall
not apply to the percentage-of-degree (Bylaw 14.4.3.2) and
minimum grade-point average (Bylaw 14.4.3.3) requirements.
14.4.3.5
Nonrecruited, Nonparticipant Exception Procedure. Studentathletes who meet these criteria and have not fulfilled progress
toward degree requirements may be certified. Nonrecruited status
is verified using the Recruited Status form completed by the
student-athlete and signed by the head coach or the coach’s
designee.
An examination of previous squad lists will verify that the student
meets the definition of a nonparticipant. The NCAA Compliance
Specialists will document that the nonrecruited, nonparticipant
exception was used and will forward a copy to the Academic
Compliance Officer.
c) Graduate Student/Postbaccalaureate Exception. A graduate
student-athlete or a student-athlete who graduates and returns for
a second baccalaureate degree or who is taking course work that
would lead to the equivalent of another major or degree who is
otherwise eligible for regular-season competition shall be exempt
from the provisions of this regulation, except the student-athlete
shall successfully complete a minimum of six-semester or -quarter
hours of academic credit during each regular academic term in
which the student enrolled full time as a graduate student at any
collegiate institution or as a student who has graduated and is
seeking a second baccalaureate or taking course work that would
lead to the equivalent of another major degree at the same
institution from which he or she previously received a
baccalaureate degree (see Bylaw3 14.1.9). 14.4.3.5
Waivers of Progress Toward Degree Rule. The Division I Progress
Toward Degree Waivers Committee shall establish appropriate criteria for
waivers of this legislation. Such waivers shall be administered by the
conference members of the Association or, in the case of an independent
institution, by the Division I Progress Toward Degree Waivers Committee.
14.4.3.6
(a) Medical Absence. The credit hours required under the
progress toward degree regulation of Bylaws 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.5 (c) may be prorated at nine hours per term of actual
attendance during an academic year in which a student misses
38
a term or is unable to complete a term as a full-time student as
a result of injury or illness. Such an exception may be granted
only when circumstances clearly supported by appropriate
medical documentation establish that a student-athlete is
unable to attend a collegiate institution as a full-time student
as a result of an incapacitating physical injury or illness
involving the student-athlete or a member of the studentathlete’s immediate family. Credits earned by the student
during the term to which the waiver applies may be used to
satisfy the 24/36 hour (see Bylaw 14.4.3.1(a) ), percentage of
degree (see Bylaw 14.4.3.2), and grade-point average
requirements (see Bylaw 14.4.3.3).
(b) International Competition. The credit hours required under
the progress toward degree regulation Bylaw 14.4.3.1 and
14.4.3.5 (c) may be prorated at nine hours per term of actual
attendance during the academic year in which a student is not
enrolled for a term or terms or is unable to complete a term as a
result of participation in the FIFA World Youth Championship,
Pan American, Olympic, World Championships, World Cup or
World University Games (including final Olympic tryouts and
the officially recognized training program that directly qualifies
participants for those tryouts). This waiver provision may be
applied to no more than two semesters. 14.4.3.6
Waiver-Olympic Games. The Division I Progress Toward Degree Waiver
Committee may waive this general progress toward degree requirement
for any participant in the Olympic Games who, because of such
participation, may lose eligibility for practice and competition in any
sport. 14.4.3.7
7.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE REQUIREMENT
Regulation
Division I. A student-athlete who is entering her or his second year
of collegiate enrollment shall present a cumulative minimum grade
point average (based upon a maximum of 4,000) that equals at
least 90 percent of the institution’s overall cumulative minimum
grade point average required for graduation. A student-athlete
who is entering her or his third year of collegiate enrollment shall
present a cumulative minimum grade point average (based upon a
maximum of 4,000) that equals 95 percent of the institution’s
overall cumulative minimum grade point average required for
graduation. A student-athlete who is entering her or his fourth or
39
subsequent year of collegiate enrollment shall present a
cumulative minimum grade point average required for graduation.
If the institution does not have an overall grade point average for
graduation, it is permissible to utilize the lowest grade point
average for graduation, it is permissible to utilize the lowest grade
point average required for any of the institution’s degree programs
in determining the cumulative minimum grade point average. The
minimum grade point average must be computed pursuant to
institutional policies applicable to all students. 14.4.3.3
Application of Rule to Transfer Student. The provisions of 14.4.3.3.1
shall be applicable to the eligibility of a transfer student from a two-year
or four-year collegiate institution who has completed an academic term
in residence. 14.4.3.3.1
Timing of Certification. A student-athlete’s eligibility under this
provision shall be determined on the basis of the student’s academic
record in existence at the beginning of that student’s third and
subsequent academic semester of fulltime enrollment.
If the student-athlete is ineligible under the provisions of the
satisfactory-progress legislation at the beginning of that term, eligibility
may be reinstated at the beginning of any other regular term of that
student’s specific academic year, based upon the student’s subsequent
fulfillment of the necessary degree requirements. 14.4.3.3.2
Grade Changes. Student-athlete grade changes received by the
Registrar’s Office which immediately impact the student-athletes
eligibility are forwarded to the University Provost, the Faculty Athletics
Representative, and the Academic Compliance Officer by the NCAA
Compliance Specialists.
8. TRANSFER STUDENT-ATHLETES AND THE PROGRESS TOWARD
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
14.4.3.1.2 Transfer. To be eligible for competition, a transfer
student-athlete must meet the following credit-hour requirements
based on attendance at the previous institution(s) for the specified
time and may use any hours of academic credit earned at any
collegiate institution:
a) Equivalent of one semester/one quarter: six-semester or sixquarter hours of academic credit;
40
b) Equivalent of one academic year (e.g., two semesters/ three
quarters): 24-semester or 36-quarter hours of academic credit;
c) Equivalent of three semesters/four quarters: 30-semester or
42-quarter hours of academic credit; or
d) Equivalent of four semesters/six quarters and thereafter: sixsemester or six-quarter hours of academic credit during the
previous term of full-time enrollment, if applicable (see Bylaw
14.4.3.1.1.1). 14.4.3.1.2
Six-Hour Requirement for Transfer. A transfer student-athlete from a
domestic two-year or four-year collegiate institution must complete six
hours of academic credit during the previous term of full-time enrollment
regardless of when the student-athlete enrolls in the certifying
institution. A transfer student-athlete from a foreign collegiate institution
is not required to complete six hours of academic credit in the previous
term of full-time enrollment. 14.4.3.1.2.1
Progress Toward Degree Certification Timing for Transfers. Timing
of certification of percentage of degree completion and grade point
average requirements is established by examining all college transcripts
and determining the number of terms of full-time enrollment.
Transfer “W”. Transfer students who at one time during a term were
enrolled as full-time students, then obtained one or more “W’s” which
dropped them to less than full-time, will be considered enrolled full-time
for that particular term for purposes of determining degree designation,
degree-completion and grade point average requirements.
The student’s college transcript from the previous institution will be used
to determine fulltime enrollment.
Two-Year College Transfer Student
Qualifiers. Two-year college transfer students who were qualifiers out of
high school will be checked for percentage of degree completion. Using
the academic history/ transcript from the two-year college, the number
of terms of full-time enrollment will be determined.
Four-Year College Transfer Student
All four-year college transfer students will be checked for percentage of
degree completion. Using the academic history/transcript from the
previous institutions, the number of terms of full-time enrollment will be
determined.
41
SEC Regulations
SEC Transfer and Correspondence. No more than six hours of any
combination of transfer and/or correspondence course work may be
counted towards the minimum progress toward degree- requirements in
any given twelve month period. Example: A student athlete who has
three hours of credit by correspondence and is enrolled in twelve hours
at Pellissippi State Community College may count three hours, if
applicable, toward the degree program to meet the minimum
satisfactory-progress requirements.
If, at the end of the spring semester, the student athlete needs six
additional hours to become eligible, no more than three of those hours
may be transfer or correspondence credit since three of the six hours
allowed in a given twelve month period were transferred in during the fall
semester. 14.1.6.2.6 (SEC Regulations)
9. FINAL ELIGIBILITY CHECK
Priority
Priority of consideration for final eligibility checks is assigned according
to the sequence in which the respective sports groups are scheduled to
practice or compete in the upcoming season. However, emergency
eligibility checks and certifications are handled according to the urgency
of the request from the Academic Compliance Officer. The check will be
completed by the NCAA Compliance Specialists and the Academic
Compliance Officer. The Registrar then certifies the final squad list.
Mid-Year Degree-Completion and GPA Certification
Mid-year certification of Degree-Completion and GPA requirements may
become necessary when a student initially enrolls at the beginning of the
spring semester, when a student has been granted a one-time missed
term exception, or a medical exception, or when the student has enrolled
less than full-time one or more semesters. After fall term grades are
available, an additional eligibility check will be made for all studentathletes who must meet progress toward degree requirements prior to the
beginning of the spring semester.
Mid-Year Progress Toward Degree Certification. Student-athletes who
are declared ineligible for the fall semester will be checked for spring
eligibility.
42
Review of Special Circumstances. When unique situations surface
concerning a student-athlete’s enrollment hours and/or courses, a
committee (members to include, but not limited to, the Registrar, the
NCAA/SEC Faculty Athletics Representative, the Athletics Compliance
Officer and the Academic Compliance Officer) will meet to determine
what attention and/or action the situation will receive. One such
situation would be when a student-athlete wishes to “late add” a course,
or courses, after a regular term has ended. The committee’s findings will
be documented and followed-up by written notice to all concerned
parties. Requests for review of the committee’s findings will be
considered.
10.
PROCEDURES
Checking Transfer Student-Athletes. All transfer student-athletes are
checked for satisfaction of percentage of degree-completion requirements.
The Office of Admissions sends the Transfer Athletes’ Certification Form
with copies of transcripts to the NCAA Compliance Specialist.
Using official transcripts, the NCAA Compliance Specialist determines
the number of full-time terms. Transfer student-athletes who are
beginning or have completed their 4th, 5th, or subsequent semester of
full-time enrollment, will submit a DDF and will be checked for the
appropriate percentage of degree completion.
The signed Transfer Athletes Certification form is sent to the Admissions
Office, the FAR, the Academic Compliance Officer, and the Athletics
Compliance office.
Clearing Academically Ineligible Students. If a change of status
occurs, due to petition, grade change, etc., and a current student-athlete
is deemed to be eligible after the initial signing of the Squad List, the
NCAA Compliance Specialist will enter an “X” into the squad list and
forward it to the FAR and appropriate athletics department officials a
signed Squad List Modification Form stating that the student-athlete has
been certified eligible. Appropriate comments are also entered on the
Comments Screen.
Comparing Tracking Sheets. At least three times during the year, the
NCAA Compliance Specialist and the Academic Compliance Officer
compare Tracking Sheets in an ongoing effort to ensure accuracy.
The Academic Compliance Officer may email a copy of the tracking sheet
to the NCAA Compliance Specialist for review, or the Academic
Compliance Officer may print a copy of the tracking sheet and meet
43
personally with the NCAA Compliance Specialist in order to reconcile any
discrepancies on the spot.
All parties remain aware that agreement does not necessarily guarantee
accuracy and continue to re-check their work.
Either the Academic Compliance Officer or the NCAA Compliance
specialist initiates tracking sheet comparisons. Both parties are open to
discussion regarding any discrepancies. Both parties make whatever
modifications to their records that are needed.
Data is checked early to mid February, mid June, and early to mid
August.
Emergency Certification. If it is anticipated that the eligibility status of
a student-athlete is likely to change where short-notice certification is
desired, it is the responsibility of the head coach or an Athletics
Compliance Officer to make prior arrangements to see that the
certification process is completed.
Reasonable notice should be provided to the office of the University
Registrar in order to ensure accuracy in the certification process. In
most cases two business days prior to the day of competition would be
considered reasonable. Emergency certification with less than 24 hour
advance notice is not guaranteed.
Exception to the Six-Hour Rule. In the event that one or more
student-athletes qualify for an exception to the Six-Hour Rule, the
Athletics Compliance staff will cause the SEC Office to be notified in
writing.
First Taken, First Listed. Consistent with established university
registrar policy, courses are listed on the audit sheet on a “first taken,
first listed” basis. A course taken later in the student’s academic career
may not replace a previously completed course in a given requirement
category, unless the first course is placed in an alternative category in
which it will count toward completion of the degree.
Full-Time Enrollment Check
Beginning five working days prior to the first day of classes, an
enrollment check for student-athletes is run daily continuing through
the end of the competitive season. These reports are distributed to the
Squad List Coordinator, Director of the Thornton Center, Academic
Compliance Officer, Faculty Athletic Representative, Athletics
Compliance Officers, Academic Counselors, and the NCAA Compliance
Specialists.
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Students who drop below the twelve-hour minimum requirement are
reported to the Head Coach or the Head Coach’s designee by the
Athletics Compliance Officer. Ineligibility is declared as of the date the
student-athlete dropped below full-time enrollment.
No drop/add transaction after the deadline is considered to be official
without the Registrar’s final approval.
Internal Audit Sheet Review
At least once each term, the Audit Sheets, (a.k.a. Continuing Eligibility
Checklists) are reviewed by the NCAA Compliance Specialists, the
Academic Compliance Officer, and the Academic Counselors.
Once Audit Sheet listings for the courses completed and the currently
enrolled courses are updated, the two NCAA Compliance Specialists
double check first their own work, then each other’s work by reviewing,
in detail, each Audit Sheet. Consensus is achieved and corrections
entered.
Each Audit Sheet is independently reviewed by the Academic Compliance
Officer and at least one trained Graduate Assistant. Once a consensus is
reached, a list of possible problem areas is sent to the appropriate NCAA
Compliance Specialist for comment, and if necessary, Audit Sheet
modification.
At some point in the term, the Academic Counselors check the accuracy
of the Audit Sheets pertaining to the student-athletes with whom they
work. Any potential problems they find are called to the attention of the
Academic Compliance Officer who then validates the potential problem
and notifies the NCAA Compliance Specialists.
In all cases, a combination of the AHR and the DARS reports are used as
the basis for the review.
Medical Scholarship or Exhausted Eligibility. Students who are on
medical scholarship or scholarship student-athletes who have exhausted
their eligibility will continue to be checked for eligibility for APR
purposes.
Mini-Term Enrollees. The Academic Compliance Officer will, at the
conclusion of Mini-Term, forward a list of student-athletes who are
enrolled in Mini-Term to the NCAA Compliance Specialists.
Monitoring Grade Changes. The NCAA Compliance Specialists will
routinely monitor grade changes which occur in the records of student45
athletes. Upon discovery of grade changes, the NCAA Compliance
Specialists will notify the University Provost, the Faculty Athletics
Representative and the Academic Compliance Officer.
Monitoring Petitions. Counselors will file a copy of petitions for
substitutions and/or waivers with the Academic Compliance Officer who
will monitor the progress of final approval by the Registrar. The NCAA
Compliance Specialists will routinely check for petitions submitted
by/for student-athletes and forward a copy of the signed document to
the Academic Compliance Officer who will distribute a copy to the
appropriate counselor.
Nonrecruited, Nonparticipant Exception Procedure. Student-athletes
who meet these criteria and have not fulfilled progress toward degree
requirements may be certified. Students will verify their nonrecruited
status by completing and signing the Recruited Status form. The NCAA
Compliance Specialists will document that the nonrecruited,
nonparticipant exception was used and will forward a copy to the
Academic Compliance Officer.
One-Time Missed Term Exception Procedure. Students wishing to
use the one-time missed term exception must present verification that
they did not compete during the term(s) not in attendance.
Verification will be submitted to the Academic Compliance Officer who
will send it on to the NCAA Compliance Specialists. The NCAA
Compliance Specialists will document the use of the one-time missed
term exception and forward a copy to both the Faculty Athletics
Representative (FAR) and the Academic Compliance Officer. The FAR will
review all documentation and approve or deny use of the one-time
missed term exception.
Pre-Squad List Signing Meeting. Prior to the official signing of the
squad lists, a meeting of individuals involved in the certification process
will be held to identify potential problems. Included in the meeting is
identification of student-athletes who have not yet met progress toward
degree requirements.
Procedures for Exception to the Full-time Enrollment Requirement
An undergraduate student-athlete in her/his final semester who is
carrying fewer than twelve semester hours may be eligible for competition
if the Registrar certifies that the student is enrolled in course work
sufficient to fulfill all the requirements for her/his designated degree
program. Counselors should notify the Academic Compliance Officer
when they have an undergraduate student who wishes to enroll in less
than full-time hours. The Academic Compliance Officer will contact the
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NCAA Compliance Specialists who will verify the number of hours
remaining to graduate. In order for the verification process to occur, the
student must submit the Application for Graduation by the published
deadline. Written notification will be sent to the Faculty Athletics
Representative with copies mailed to the Academic Compliance officer,
the appropriate Compliance Coordinator and Director of the Thornton
Center.
The student will sign a Statement of Understanding pertaining to the
forfeiture of further eligibility in the event she or he fails to meet all
graduation requirements during that semester. The Academic Counselor
will submit the original signed copy of the form to the Academic
Compliance Officer and will provide a copy for the head coach, the squad
list manager and will keep a copy.
Admitted graduated students may be eligible for competition while
enrolled in a minimum of nine (9) hours of course work.
Graduate school status is verified by the NCAA Compliance Specialists in
order for a student to be considered full-time with 9 to 11 hours.
Procedure for Graduate Student Full-Time Enrollment
Graduate school status must be verified in order for a student to be
considered full-time with nine to eleven hours. Upon notification by a
counselor that a student intends to enroll in graduate level courses, the
Academic Compliance Officer will request that the NCAA Compliance
Specialists verify that the student in question is fully admitted into the
graduate school. NCAA Compliance specialists will then inform the
appropriate athletic and academic personnel.
Squad List Changes. The Assistant Athletics Director for Operations
will notify the appropriate university officials of additions and changes in
status for squad list members. These officials will include the NCAA
Compliance Specialists, the Academic Compliance Officer, the
appropriate academic counselor, and any other such university officials,
as deemed necessary.
Squad List Signing. At an appropriately scheduled time prior to the
start of competition, a meeting will be called to determine final
certification of all student-athletes. Among other university personnel,
the participants will include the Academic Compliance Officer, both
NCAA Compliance Specialists, and the University Registrar or the
Registrar’s designees who will sign the squad lists certifying eligibility.
Timing of Certification. A student-athlete’s eligibility under this
provision shall be determined within 14-business days (regardless of the
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date in which the grades are posted or submitted) after the date of the
last scheduled examination listed in the institution’s official calendar for
the term that it is ending. If the postseason event occurs prior to the
conclusion of the 14-business days, eligibility shall be determined by
using grades from the immediately preceding regular academic term (e.g.,
fall term if certifying for a bowl game), provided a sufficient number of
grades from the term have been posted. All grades posted in accordance
with institutional procedures by 5 p.m. local time (where the institution
is located) on the day prior to the postseason event must be considered.
If the postseason event occurs prior to the conclusion of the 14-business
days and an insufficient number of grades from the immediately
preceding term have been posted, eligibility shall be determined by using
grades from the most recent regular academic term for which a sufficient
number of grades have been posted. 14.1.10.2.2
Tracking Sheets. The Academic Compliance Officer will, at the
beginning of each term, forward an updated copy of the tracking sheets
to the NCAA Compliance Specialists.
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