A prospective student-athlete (prospect) is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if SDSU provides such an individual (or the individual's relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that SDSU does not provide to prospective students generally. An individual remains a prospective student-athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is earlier):
· The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term of a four-year collegiate institution's regular academic year (excluding summer); or
· The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution that occurs before the beginning of any term; or
· The individual officially registers and enrolls and attends classes during the summer prior to initial enrollment and receives institutional athletic aid.
Actions by staff members or athletic representatives that cause a prospective student to become a "recruited" student-athlete for SDSU include, but are not limited to the following:
· Providing transportation to the prospect to visit SDSU
· Entertaining the prospect in any way on campus, except SDSU may provide a complimentary admission to an athletic event in which our team is competing when the prospect visits campus as a member of a group tour.
· Initiating or arranging a telephone contact with the prospect, family member or guardian for the purpose of recruitment on more than one occasion.
· Visiting a prospect, family member or guardian for the purpose of recruitment
RECRUITING CALENDAR
Each sport has a recruiting calendar that determines when and what type of recruiting can take place over the course of the year. Recruiting can take many forms (e.g., letters, visits to a prospect's home, emails, official visits) and as a result, there are rules to guide and limit these and all the other activities. For example, only coaches that pass the NCAA Coaches Recruiting Exam are allowed to participate in off-campus recruiting activities. Football, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball have slightly different guidelines compared to the rest of the sports. Regardless of the sport, the recruiting year is divided into Contact, Evaluation, Quiet and Dead periods.
Contact Period
During a contact period, only authorized SDSU coaching staff are allowed to make in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations. Contacts involve a face-to-face encounter with a prospect and/or their families. This can occur at the prospect's home, school or other off campus sites. Evaluations can be for academic or athletic purposes. Typically an evaluation consists of visiting a prospect's school to review their grades or observing a practice or competition. Whatever the reason, it is imperative that no contact is made with the prospect.
In all sports other than football, SDSU may contact a prospect no more than three times at any off campus site prior to their signing a National Letter of Intent. Any contacts made within the same calendar day only count as one contact (per prospect). Also, if an evaluation and contact occur within the same calendar day, it is recorded as just one contact (this holds true for football, too).
In terms of football, SDSU is limited to six in-person, off campus recruiting contacts with a prospect at any site prior to the signing of a National Letter of Intent. However, a member of the SDSU football staff may not contact each prospect more than once a week, and may not visit any one high school more than once per week. Also, a visit to a prospect's school or an evaluation site that occurs during a contact period is a contact for that week even if no contact is made with a prospect.
Evaluation Period
During an evaluation period, SDSU coaching staff members may assess the academic qualifications and athletic ability of a prospect off SDSU's campus. In-person, off campus recruiting contacts are not permitted during the evaluation period. The coach may speak with counselors and high school coaches, but may not speak with prospects.
In all sports other than Division I football and basketball, SDSU is allowed at least 4 evaluations per prospect during the academic year. (Out of the seven recruiting opportunities, no more than 3 can be contacts). Any number of evaluations within the same calendar day count as only one evaluation. When a coach visits a school and utilizes an evaluation, an evaluation has been used for all prospects at that school.
SDSU football staff members are allowed no more than one evaluation in the fall evaluation period and not more than two in the spring evaluation period. Also, observing a practice or contest during a contact period will count as one contact.
In basketball, SDSU has five recruiting opportunities (a combination of contacts and evaluations) per prospect; however, not more than three of the five opportunities may be contacts. Evaluations made during the same calendar day, tournament games held on consecutive days and tournament games held within the same tier (district, regional, etc.) count as one evaluation. Also, if a coach makes an in-person contact at a prospect's school, all other evaluations (on that same calendar day at that same institution) do not count towards the permissible evaluations for any prospect at that site in the sport of basketball.
Quiet Period
During a quiet period, SDSU staff members are permitted to make in-person contacts with prospects only on SDSU's campus. Off campus contacts and evaluations are not permitted during a quiet period.
Dead Period
During a dead period, no one associated with SDSU can make on-campus contacts, off-campus contacts or any type of evaluation. It remains permissible for a coach to write or call a prospect during a dead period. A coach may not say more than "hello" if during these periods, they encounter a prospect.
Each NCAA sport sponsored by SDSU has its own guidelines for evaluating or contacting prospects for the purpose of recruitment. For more details, you can access this information on www.ncaa.com.
RECRUITING MATERIALS
Letters and Phone Calls
Prior to September 1, at the beginning of the prospect's junior year of high school, San Diego State University may send only the following:
· Camp brochures
· Questionnaires
· NCAA educational information
· Non-athletic institutional publications that are available to the general public
After Sept. 1 of the beginning of the prospects junior year in high school, the University may send the following information to the prospect:
· General correspondence (letters, faxes, e-mails, text messages, etc.)
· Educational information published by the NCAA
· Copies of newspaper clippings
· Pre-enrollment information that is available to the general public
· One annual athletics publication (e.g., a media guide)
During an official or unofficial visit, the university can provide the prospect with:
· Game day programs
Once a prospect has signed a National Letter of Intent or has been accepted for enrollment, SDSU may provide:
· Information pertaining to orientation, conditioning, practice activities and academics
In sports other than football and basketball, phone calls from a member of the SDSU staff may not start until July 1 after the completion of the prospect's junior year in high school.
In terms of football, one telephone call to a prospect (or a prospect's relatives or legal guardian(s) may occur during the month of May of the prospect's junior year in high school. Additional telephone calls to a prospect (or a prospects relatives or legal guardians) may not be made prior to September 1 of the beginning of the prospect's senior year in high school. Thereafter, telephone contact is limited to once per week outside of a contact period. During a contact period, telephone contact may be made at the institution's discretion.
In the sport of men's basketball, an SDSU coach is permitted to make one telephone call a month to a prospect (or the prospect's parents or legal guardian) beginning June 15 of the prospect's sophomore year in high school through July 31 of the prospect's junior year in high school. Beginning August 1 prior to the prospect's senior year in high school, an SDSU coach may make 2 telephone calls per week to a prospect. With respect to two-year and four-year college prospective student-athletes, an SDSU coach may make one telephone call per week to those prospects.
In women's basketball, an SDSU coach may make one telephone call to a prospect during each of the months of April and May of the prospect's junior year in high school. After that, one call may be made on or after June 1 through June 20 and one call may be made on or after June 21 through June 30 of the prospect's junior year in high school. Only three telephone calls may be made to a prospect during the month of July following the prospect's junior year in high school, with no more than one call per week. Thereafter, an SDSU coach may only make one call per week to a prospect.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
The NCAA has made important changes to the Academic Eligibility Requirements. These changes affect both initial and continuing eligibility. As of 2005, only the new standards will be in place.
Current NCAA Standards for Initial Eligibility
No matter which school you choose to attend you will have to meet two different standards of eligibility, the NCAA standard for eligibility to compete (initial eligibility) and the campus standard for admission.
"Initial Eligibility" is the first time a student-athlete is certified as eligible to compete for an SDSU athletic team. The following freshman initial eligibility requirements must be met:
· Graduated from high school
· Successfully completed the required core curriculum in high school (See Table A or B)
· Earned the minimum required GPA in the core curriculum (See Table A or B)
· Earned the minimum required SAT or ACT test score. (See Table C)
Whether an athlete has met the above requirements is determined by the NCAA Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse determines whether each prospect is one of the following:
· A qualifier (eligible to compete immediately at an NCAA school)
· A non-qualifier (eligible to compete after an athlete has attended an NCAA school for one year)
Qualifier
A qualifier is one who has met the following three requirements:
1. Graduated from high school (proof of graduation must be sent to the Clearinghouse)
2. Successfully completed specific number of core curriculum courses as listed in either Table A or B
3. Have the proper combination of GPA and Standardized Test score. The student must achieve a minimum cumulative grade-point average (based on a maximum 4.000) in the core courses listed above that correspond with the test scores below in Table C.
TABLE (A)
Option 1 - Current
Core Curriculum Requirements for those first entering college on or after 8/1/2003.
| COURSE | # OF YEARS | COMMENTS |
| English | 4 | |
| Mathematics | 2 | Two years of Algebra I or higher |
| Natural or Physical Science | 2 | Including at least one laboratory course if offered by the high school. Computer science courses containing significant programming elements that meet graduation requirements in the area of natural or physical science may also be accepted. |
| Additional Courses in English, Math or Natural of Physical Science | 1 | |
| Social Science | 2 | |
| Additional Academic Courses | 3 | In any of the above areas or foreign language, computer science, philosophy or nondoctrinal religion courses) |
| TOTAL | 14 |
TABLE (B)
Option 2 - To be implemented 2008-2009
New Core Curriculum Requirements for those first entering college on or after 8/1/2008
| COURSE | # OF YEARS | COMMENTS |
| English | 4 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | Two years of Algebra I or higher |
| Natural or Physical Science | 2 | Including at least one laboratory course if offered by the high school. Computer science courses containing significant programming elements that meet graduation requirements in the area of natural or physical science may also be accepted. |
| Additional Courses in English, Math or Natural of Physical Science | 1 | |
| Social Science | 2 | |
| Additional Academic Courses | 4 | In any of the above areas or foreign language, computer science, philosophy or nondoctrinal religion courses) |
| TOTAL | 16 |
TABLE (C)
Option 2 - Current
Initial Eligibility Index for those first entering college on or after 8/1/2003.
| Core GPA | SAT | Sum ACT |
| 3.550 & Above | 400 | 37 |
| 3.525 | 410 | 38 |
| 3.500 | 420 | 39 |
| 3.475 | 430 | 40 |
| 3.450 | 440 | 41 |
| 3.425 | 450 | 41 |
| 3.400 | 460 | 42 |
| 3.375 | 470 | 42 |
| 3.350 | 480 | 43 |
| 3.325 | 490 | 44 |
| 3.300 | 500 | 44 |
| 3.275 | 510 | 45 |
| 3.250 | 520 | 46 |
| 3.225 | 530 | 46 |
| 3.200 | 540 | 47 |
| 3.175 | 550 | 47 |
| 3.150 | 560 | 48 |
| 3.125 | 570 | 49 |
| 3.100 | 580 | 49 |
| 3.075 | 590 | 50 |
| 3.050 | 600 | 50 |
| 3.025 | 610 | 51 |
| 3.000 | 620 | 52 |
| 2.975 | 630 | 52 |
| 2.950 | 640 | 53 |
| 2.925 | 650 | 53 |
| 2.900 | 660 | 54 |
| 2.875 | 670 | 55 |
| 2.850 | 680 | 56 |
| 2.825 | 690 | 56 |
| 2.800 | 700 | 57 |
| 2.775 | 710 | 58 |
| 2.750 | 720 | 59 |
| 2.725 | 730 | 59 |
| 2.650 | 760 | 62 |
| 2.625 | 770 | 63 |
| 2.600 | 780 | 64 |
| 2.575 | 790 | 65 |
| 2.550 | 800 | 66 |
| 2.525 | 810 | 67 |
| 2.500 | 820 | 68 |
| 2.475 | 830 | 69 |
| 2.450 | 840-850 | 70 |
| 2.425 | 860 | 70 |
| 2.400 | 860 | 71 |
| 2.375 | 870 | 72 |
| 2.350 | 880 | 73 |
| 2.300 | 900 | 75 |
| 2.275 | 910 | 76 |
| 2.250 | 920 | 77 |
| 2.225 | 930 | 78 |
| 2.200 | 940 | 79 |
| 2.175 | 950 | 80 |
| 2.150 | 960 | 80 |
| 2.125 | 960 | 81 |
| 2.100 | 970 | 82 |
| 2.075 | 980 | 83 |
| 2.050 | 990 | 84 |
| 2.025 | 1000 | 85 |
| 2.000 | 1010 | 86 |
The record of the above courses and course grades must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse using official transcripts forwarded to the Clearinghouse from the prospect's high school. A prospect must possess a corresponding GPA (based on Core Course requirements) & SAT/ACT score according to the index for Initial Eligibility. A prospect is a Qualifier if he or she meets the above Initial-Eligibility Index.
For more information regarding eligibility, please visit the NCAA Clearinghouse website at: http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/ncaa/NCAA/common/.
NonQualifier
A Nonqualifier is a prospective student-athlete who does not meet the definition of either a Qualifier or Partial Qualifier.
A Nonqualifier:
· May not practice during their first academic year of residence
· May not compete during their first academic year of residence
· May be considered for financial aid so long as the it is non-athletics institutional aid that is not from an athletics source and is based on financial need only, consistent with institutional and conference regulations.
NOTE* - San Diego State University and the Mountain West Conference do not accept Nonqualifiers.
Where to start
A Prospective Student-Athlete must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse to participate for San Diego State University as a Freshman Student-Athlete. The Clearinghouse ensures consistent interpretation of NCAA initial-eligibility requirements for all prospects at all member institutions.
The following are things you can do to prepare for the possibility of participation in college athletics:
· Meet with your Guidance Office to insure that your High School Form 48H has been updated and approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse in the past year
· Meet with your Guidance Office to insure that the courses you are currently enrolled in (as well as past courses you have taken) meet the definition of a "core course"
· Meet with your Guidance Office to determine which set of academic standards apply to you (based on the first year you enter college) and insure that you have enrolled in the minimum number of core courses (14 for 2005-2007, 16 for 2008)
· Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. You may obtain the Clearinghouse material from your High School Guidance Office, from the coach who is recruiting you from SDSU or online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/ncaa/NCAA/student/index_student.html
· Complete and Sign the Student-Release form
· Insure that all of your high school transcripts are sent to the Clearinghouse (include all high schools you may have attended) and, most important, that your final high school transcript is sent to the Clearinghouse, showing proof of graduation
· Insure that your SAT/ACT scores are sent to the Clearinghouse
Once all your materials have been submitted to the Clearinghouse the NCAA will determine whether you are eligible to compete at NCAA schools. The Clearinghouse will send you a written notice of your status. Do not assume that you are eligible. Follow up with the Clearinghouse to obtain the written notice of your final certification. For information on contacting the Clearinghouse and other eligibility issues visit: www.ncaa.org/eligibility/.
*Note: On the Clearinghouse form there is a checkbox for students with disabilities to receive a packet of information as well as forms to be used to take advantage of the accommodations provided for such students.
Waiver Requirements
Waivers of the initial-eligibility requirements may be granted based on evidence that demonstrates circumstances in which your overall academic record warrants a waiver. All requests for such waivers must be initiated through the NCAA school that has officially accepted you for enrollment as a regular student or if acceptance is contingent on a favorable subcommittee decision. You should contact the school recruiting you for more information about this waiver process. Students with learning disabilities should initiate the initial-eligibility waiver process on their own while in high school. You can contact the NCAA national office for more information.
An exception also may be granted if you left high school after completion of your junior year or during your senior year to enter a Division I or II school under an early admissions program on the basis of outstanding academic performance and promise. To be granted this exception, you must have maintained an accumulative 3.500 G.P.A. and must have ranked in the top 20 percent of your class for the last four semesters completed in high school. In addition, all requirements of a qualifier (core curriculum and test scores) must be met except graduation from high school and a fourth year of English.
Prospects with Disabilities
Prospective Student-Athletes with disabilities can take advantage of specific accommodations to attain initial eligibility at NCAA Division I Institutions. In order to do this the NCAA must be provided with:
· A copy of the most recent (within the last three years) signed, professional evaluation report of the prospect's disability, including diagnostic test results.
· A copy of the prospects current individualized education plan (IEP), individual transition plan (ITP), 504 plan or other statement relating to accommodations received as a student with a disability.
· Obtain a packet of information from NCAA by checking the appropriate box on the clearinghouse registration form or contacting the NCAA Disabilities services at the address below.
· Send Information along with prospect disability documentation form to:
Disability Services
NCAA
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222
317/917-6222
· Or Log onto http://www.ncaa.org, click "site index", and go to the section entitled "Students with Disabilities."
Nonstandard Test for Students with Disabilities
Prospects with disabilities may use a nonstandard test score to meet the ACT or SAT requirements for Initial Eligibility. There are several requirements for the acceptance of a nonstandard test.
· Prospects must register for nonstandard tests directly with the testing service
· Prospects must provide documentation to the testing service that a professional has diagnosed and properly documented the disability within the last three years
· The individual(s) administering the test may not be a member of the prospect's secondary school athletic department or an NCAA college or university athletics department, unless the test is taken at a national test site
*Note: a prospect with a disability does not have to take the nonstandard test on a national testing date.
Core Courses for Students with Disabilities
All prospects, including prospects with disabilities, must show that they have met a certain GPA in the core courses in specific subjects to be certified for Initial Eligibility. (Please refer to the tables in the Academic Eligibility section).
Acceptable NCAA Core Courses for Prospect With Disabilities Must Meet the Following:
· A course for a prospect with a disability must meet a graduation requirement in an academic subject to be accepted as an NCAA core course
· A course for a prospect with a disability must be substantially comparable, qualitatively and quantitatively, to a regular course offered in that academic area
· The comparable course must be listed on the high school's list of NCAA approved core courses as an approved core course
· Courses for students with disabilities that are approved for use in meeting core course requirements will be listed on the high school's list of approved core courses from the clearinghouse
A prospect with a disability (other than panic/anxiety disorder) is allowed to use all core courses completed before initial full-time enrollment at a college or university. For example a prospect with a disability may use courses taken after graduating from high school (summer courses as well as prep-school courses) prior to full-time enrollment.
Waiver Procedures for Prospects with a Disability
If a prospect with a disability is not considered a qualifier, he or she may be able to get a waiver of Initial Eligibility Standards. The prospect should ask the school to which they plan to attend to file a waiver request on their behalf. A prospect may also file a request. In order to file yourself, contact the NCAA disability services. You will forward the following to the NCAA:
· A completed waiver application form, which will ask for a written copy of the high school's policy and curriculum guide for students with disabilities and documentation listing all accommodations available at the high school, plus a list of which accommodations were used by the prospect
· A completed documentation of the prospect disability if the prospect has not already documented such with the NCAA including:
· Written diagnosis, including IEP, ITP, 504 Plan or other statement relating to accommodations received as a student with a disability. (Diagnosis should indicate the specific measure and application of the diagnosis)
· Name and location of the person issuing the diagnosis, his or her professional credentials and, if applicable, relationship to the athletics department at the college or university submitting the waiver
· The date (s) of the diagnosis. (Not more than 3 years old)
· Copy of the prospect's final high school transcript(s) from all high schools attended by the prospect
· Copy of the final 48-C from the Clearinghouse
If a core-course waiver is requested, additional information may be requested.
FINANCIAL AID
The U.S. Department of Education has several major student financial assistance programs. They can be categorized in three different ways:
1. Grants - Financial aid you do not have to pay back
2. Work-Study - Allows you to work and earn money to help pay for school
3. Loans - Money borrowed that must be repaid with interest
To receive aid from the federal programs, you must:
· Have a financial need
· Have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
· Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate
· Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
· Have a valid Social Security Number
· Make satisfactory progress
· Register with the Selective Service, if required
Aid from the federal government in most cases, is awarded based on financial need. When you apply for federal student aid, the information you report is used in a formula established by the U.S. Congress. The formula determines your Expected Family Contribution, an amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education. If your Expected Family Contribution is below a certain amount, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements.
How to determine if you are a dependent
When you apply for federal student aid, your answers to certain questions will determine whether you are considered dependent on your parents or not. If you are considered dependent, you must report their income and assets as well as your own. If you are independent, you must report only your own income and assets (and those of your spouse, if married).
You are an independent student if at least one of the following applies:
· You were born before January 1, 1981
· You are married
· You are enrolled in a graduate or professional education program
· You have legal dependents other than a spouse
· You are an orphan or ward of the state
· You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
Applying
Remember that college financial aid funding is always awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Meeting deadlines, completing your application in a timely manner and tracking their progress are all vital steps in the college financial aid process.
Application for federal financial aid is made by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Apply as soon after January 1 as possible. The results will be sent to you and to San Diego State University. Additional information can be found online at www.sdsu.edu/fao.
Athletic Related Aid/Scholarships
If you are awarded an athletic scholarship at San Diego State University, you will be sent a National Letter of Intent and/or a Financial Aid Agreement form. Your National Letter of Intent (NLI) and Financial Aid Agreement must be returned by the deadline specified to be considered valid. Your athletic scholarship will be reported to the University's Financial Aid Office and will be considered in your EFC.
Athletic scholarships have a dollar value as well as an equivalency value. Because of NCAA rules and regulations there are maximum equivalency values for all sports sponsored by San Diego State University and these numbers are monitored. Other forms of aid you may receive can affect your equivalency value and must be reported to Julie Fitzgerald, Scholarship Coordinator, at (619)594-4152. Failure to report aid received can result in a degradation of your athletic aid.
Athletic related aid covers the following:
· Tuition
· Fees
· Books
· Room
· Board
Athletic related aid does not cover the following:
· Parking permits
· Long distance
· ID Cards
If you are a prospective student-athlete and wish to obtain information concerning athletic scholarships, please contact the head coach of the sport you are interested in participating. This can be done by calling them directly or by email at http://goaztecs.collegesports.com/.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETES: AMATEURISM AND ELIGIBILITY
Professional Team Issues
International student-athletes have concerns that are unique to them. In terms of their participation in athletics prior to attending college in the United States, certain questions need to be answered in regards to any organized team they may have been a part of:
· Is a member of a professional sports organization?
· Does it recognize or promote itself as a professional sports organization?
· Is it supported directly or sponsored by a professional sports organization?
· Is it supported directly or sponsored by a team that recognizes or markets itself as a professional team?
· Is it a member of a playing league that is directly supported or sponsored by a professional team or professional sports organization?
· Is it a member of a league that recognizes or promotes itself as a professional league or is directly supported or sponsored by a team or an organization that recognizes or promotes itself as a professional league?
· As an athlete on the team did he or she receive for his or her participation any kind of payment, directly or indirectly, from a professional team or professional sports organization?
If the answer to any of the questions above is "yes," the individual may have jeopardized his or her amateur status and may not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport.
To view the questionnaire that the NCAA has designed regarding international student-athletes and amateurism, click on the following link and go to "Amateurism Questionnaire:" http://www1.ncaa.org/eprise/main/Public/enf/internationalEducational.html.
Additional Amateurism Issues
Has the individual received:
· Any direct or indirect salary, gratuity or comparable compensation for the individual's participation on a team?
· Prize money or payment based on the individual's performance in competition?
· Preferential treatment, benefits, or services because of the individual's athletics reputation or skill other than expressly authorized by NCAA rules?
· Expenses to participate in a competition from sponsors (other than the individual's parents or legal guardians), the nonprofessional organization sponsoring the competition or the outside team that the individual is representing in the event?
If the answer to any of the questions above is "yes," the individual may have jeopardized his or her amateur status and may not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETE FEDERAL WITHHOLDING TAX
All international student-athletes are subject to U.S. Federal Withholding Tax on the room and board portion of their scholarships. Any international student-athlete receiving athletics aid must meet with Norma Casas, (619-594-4667) in the SDSU Business Information Office in person before an athletic check will be disbursed. It is the student's responsibility to set-up the meeting with the Business Information Office. A hold will be placed on the student-athlete's check by the Business Information Office and cannot be cleared until he/she has met with Norma Casas and all required forms are completed. A calculation will be made by the Business Office to determine the withholding tax (if required). The taxable amount will be automatically deducted from the student-athlete's athletic scholarship check each semester. Per NCAA requirements, Athletics cannot pay this tax on behalf of the student-athlete. The student-athlete could possibly receive a partial or full reimbursement of the federal withholding tax by filing an IRS Income Tax form at the beginning of each new year. Student-athlete will need to consult with the Business Information Office regarding tax forms and filing, Athletics cannot give advice regarding the filing of IRS Tax Forms.
Official Visits
An official visit by a prospective student-athlete to San Diego State University is a visit that is financed in any way by SDSU. Official visits may only be made by high school seniors, high school graduates, and two-year or four-year college transfers (except non-qualifiers in their 1st year at a two year school).
Regardless of the number of sports in which the prospect is involved, the NCAA limits the amount of official (expenses paid) visits to five. The maximum visit to each institution is one.
In order for a prospect to take an official visit to SDSU, the prospect must provide the University with:
· An official copy of the ACT, PSAT or SAT score. (*NOTE - SDSU only accepts official ACT or SAT scores.)
· A copy of an official high school transcript (or for two- and four-year transfers, official college transcripts)
An official visit by a prospect to SDSU can only last 48 hours. It starts when the prospect arrives on SDSU's campus or recruitment begins. The prospect must then depart SDSU no later than 48 hours from the moment of arrival. SDSU may provide entertainment within a 30-mile radius of campus for the prospect and their parents or legal guardians. The student-host is provided reasonable funds for entertainment expenses. These funds, however, may not be used to purchase souvenir items or used on any additional friends or family members
While on an official visit, SDSU may provide a prospect with meals, lodging, and complimentary admission to SDSU athletic events. Complimentary admissions to SDSU athletic events are issued through a pass list and are only for the prospect and whoever is accompanying him or her. The tickets can not grant the prospect access to the bench area or press boxes. Prospects are permitted to sit in the general seating area only.
While on an official visit to SDSU, it is not permissible for an Athletic Representative, booster, or non-staff member of SDSU athletics to have any contact with a prospect. Brief unavoidable and accidental contact is ok.
Unofficial Visits
An unofficial visit is a visit that is financed in whole by a prospective student-athlete (prospect). San Diego State University may not provide any funds to assist a prospect or their family to visit our campus. If SDSU did so, the visit would then be considered an official visit. A prospect may take an unlimited number of unofficial visits to SDSU, however, visits are not permitted during a dead period.
On an unofficial visit, no lodging, transportation, or meals will be provided by SDSU. (Note: transportation may only be provided on-campus, to off-campus athletic facilities and to attend home athletic contests). However it is permissible for SDSU to provide a prospect up to three complimentary admissions to an SDSU athletic event. Admission may only be granted through a pass list and SDSU may not reserve additional seating for additional individuals accompanying a prospect. Other individuals accompanying a prospect must purchase admissions the same as the general public.
In addition, and similar to an official visit, an athletic representative, booster or non-staff representative of SDSU Athletics may not have contact with a prospect during an unofficial visit.
NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT
San Diego State University is a member of the National Letter of Intent Program, which is administered by the Collegiate Commissioners Association. The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a letter that certifies a student-athlete's intention to enroll at a certain institution. The Athletic Director (or designee) indicates the type and extent of financial aid that the institution is willing and able to provide. Once the letter is signed by the prospect and parent or legal guardian, other NCAA schools will recognize the offer and cease to recruit the prospect.
Once a prospect has signed a NLI, the prospect has then committed him/herself to SDSU as long as they are accepted for admission and meet NCAA requirements. SDSU also commits an athletic scholarship to the prospect. The NLI is only an agreement of scholarship from SDSU to the prospect for one year. It is not an offer of admission to SDSU. The sole decision maker concerning admissions is the SDSU Office of Admissions.
Prospects should become familiar with the procedures of the NLI before signing. For example, restrictions exist as to when you may sign a NLI. For further information regarding the national letter of intent ask the SDSU staff that is recruiting you and/or visit www.ncaa.org (National Letter of Intent is listed under "N" in the site index). There is an entire site dedicated to this topic at http://www.national-letter.org/.
