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Student-Athlete Handbook - Section 1

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Guiding Principles

MISSION STATEMENT  |  CRITERIA FOR EXCELLENCE  |  RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENT-ATHLETES 
  ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND INTEGRITY  |  DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION  |  CLASS ATTENDANCE  |  RESPONBILITIES OF COACHES  |  
PROHIBITED RELATIONSHIPS POLICY | TIME MANAGEMENT PLAN  |  EQUIPMENT RETURN POLICY  |   STUDENT ATHLETE GRIEVANCES  |  STUDENT-ATHLETE HAZING POLICY  |   SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY  |   GAMBLING, BRIBERY AND OTHER SPORTS WAGERING ACTIVITIES
 KEY POLICIES GOVERNING STUDENT CONDUCT  |    STUDENT-ATHLETE ALCOHOL AND DRUG EDUCATION AND DRUG TESTING PROGRAM 

Mission Statement

Unify. Inspire. Develop. Achieve.

Criteria for Excellence

The following criteria for excellence will guide the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics efforts to achieve its mission:

  • Integrity: Our successes will be achieved through honest and ethical efforts.

  • Academic Performance: Student-athletes will be supported and encouraged to achieve their full academic potential.
  • Financial Health and Stability: DIA will make sound financial decisions to sustain fully funded and nationally competitive programs.
  • Championship Programs: Programs and student-athletes will be provided with the resources needed to achieve at the highest levels.
  • Equity and Diversity: DIA will achieve diversity, equity and fairness in the number and quality of opportunities available to student-athletes.
  • Facilities: Excellent facilities will enhance our student-athletes’ experience and create in each sport a “home court advantage.”
  • Student-Athlete Welfare: DIA programming for student-athletes will protect and enhance their physical and educational well- being and provide them with opportunities for leadership and personal development.
  • Engagement: Student-athletes will be provided with opportunities to engage all our constituent groups in a positive manner.

Rights and Responsibilities of Student-Athletes

Overall Responsibilities

Admission to the University and its baccalaureate programs is a privilege which must be earned by each student’s academic promise and continuing performance. Representing the University in intercollegiate competition is also a distinct privilege and it too must be earned and maintained by promise and continuing performance.

Student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate athletics are highly visible representatives of their team, DIA, the University as well as of the missions and goals of each of these entities. Therefore, student-athletes must conduct themselves with integrity, sportsmanship and character and must uphold the University’s and DIA’s high ethical and moral standards at all times, whether they are on the field or court, in the classroom or in the community.

Student-athletes must understand and follow the rules and regulations governing all University students, found in the Student Code (a copy of which is available on the University’s website), as well as any rules and regulations established by their college and the departments from which they take courses. Student-athletes must also understand and comply with the rules, regulations and requirements of their team, DIA, the Big Ten and the NCAA.

Student-athletes also enjoy all rights and privileges common to all University students.

Sportsmanship Policy

Student-athletes represent the mission and goals of this athletic program and their conduct is a direct reflection upon DIA and the University. Student-athletes shall conduct themselves in a manner that exemplifies honesty and good sportsmanship, including fundamentals such as maintaining the integrity of the competition, observing the rules of fair play, and acting with civility and respect towards all, especially opponents and officials. Student-athletes’ behavior shall, at all times, reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in competitive sports at the University of Illinois.

Academic Responsibilities and Integrity

The goal of the DIA is for each student-athlete to pursue and obtain an academic degree. To achieve this goal, student-athletes must attend class on a regular basis, complete all classroom assignments, and conduct themselves in all academic matters in ways that are consistent with acceptable classroom performance. Student-athletes must give their full cooperation and attention to college, departmental, and DIA personnel in all academic matters.

Students at the University must share in the values common to all members of the University community. These values include “the freedom to learn, free and open expression within limits that do not interfere with the rights of others, free and disinterested inquiry, intellectual honesty, sustained and independent search for truth, the exercise of critical judgment, respect for the dignity of others, and personnel and institutional openness to constructive change.” [Student Code Preamble].

In order to protect the atmosphere of distinguished education and research found at the University, all students are expected to “refrain from infractions of academic integrity,” such as:

  • Cheating: “Using or attempting to use in any academic exercise materials, information, study aids, or electronic data that the student knows or should know is unauthorized.”
  • Plagiarism: “Representing the words or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic endeavor.”
  • Fabrication: “Unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic endeavor.” [Student Code 1-402].

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) believes that athletics provides a forum to bring together people across all spectra of identities. We are committed to welcoming, affirming, and celebrating students, coaches, staff, and spectators of all races and ethnicities, sexes, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and abilities. DIA's mission is to "unify, develop, inspire, and achieve." It is no mistake that "unify" is our first priority, a priority which requires a level of empathy and respect to create a culture of community, inclusivity, and belonging. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a part of who we are and a standard that we are all responsible for upholding.

Class Attendance

All University students are expected to regularly attend classes. Student-athletes are encouraged to inform their instructors of any known conflicts, which will keep them out of the classroom, and are, advised to remind their instructors of conflicts no later than one week before the date of a quiz/ examination or the due date of an assignment. Professors must reasonably accommodate student- athletes who miss class because of formal participation in their team’s scheduled athletic events.

The maximum number of school days a team can miss for athletic contests is ten per semester, excluding estimates for championship and other postseason events. No regular season athletic events are allowed during final examinations period. Refer to the procedures for notifying about absences in the Academics Services section of this handbook. [For more detailed discussion of these and other attendance policies, see The Student Code 1-501 and 1-502.)

Responsibilities of Coaches

Coaches also have responsibilities in a number of areas. They have the responsibility to represent DIA, the University, and the State of Illinois in a manner that will enhance the athletic program and promote confidence in the program. They have a responsibility to all student-athletes to take a sincere interest in their academic and athletic activities and ensure that they are treated with fairness and provided with the optimal opportunity to excel. Finally, coaches must operate all programs and activities within the rules and regulations of the University, DIA, the Big Ten and the NCAA.

Prohibited Relationships Policy

Coaches, DIA administrators and other employees with authority over or direct service relationships with student-athletes are prohibited from entering into a sexual, dating or romantic relationship with any University of Illinois varsity student-athlete, so long as that individual remains a member of a varsity team. Student-employees must immediately notify their direct supervisor if a relationship exists with a student-athlete. The supervisor will create a conflict management plan to ensure the student-employee is not assigned any authority over and does not provide any services to the student-athlete with whom the student-employee is in such a relationship.

Time Management Plan

In conjunction with an annual playing season declaration, every sport program must develop a time management plan (TMP) to provide student-athletes with greater predictability and transparency in their athletic schedules for the upcoming academic year. TMP’s are intended to provide student-athletes adequate advance notice of future athletically related activities in order to effectively plan their academic and non-athletically related activities. All TMP’s must, at a minimum, include the provisional scheduling of the following:

  • All countable athletically related activities (competition, practice, film, weights, conditioning, etc.);
  • One (1) day off per week during the playing season;
  • Two (2) days off per week outside of the playing season;
  • One (1) day off per week during preseason and vacation periods;
  • Seven (7) days off immediately after the end of the championship playing season;
  • Fourteen (14) additional days off during the academic year while classes are in session or during breaks that occur within the playing season; and
  • Continuous eight-hour overnight period when no required activities can take place (no activities prior to 5 AM).

An annual end-of-the-year review and report to the [president/chancellor] of all TMP’s is required.

Declaration of the Time Management Plan

The head coach (or his/her designee) must complete and submit a playing season declaration and preliminary TMP for the academic year upon request from the Sport Administration through the Teamworks program and by the date specified (generally mid-July). Compliance will review the playing season declaration for NCAA compliance and provide any preliminary feedback on the TMP.

A final TMP for each semester should be submitted by the following dates:

  • Fall semester: Prior to first date of countable activities, or first day of classes
  • Spring semester: January 1

Review and TMP Signers

  1. Head Coach
  2. Sport Administrator
  3. Student-Athlete*
  4. Compliance

*Student-athletes identified as sport representatives serving on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) or team captain.

The head coach (or designee) is responsible for sharing and reviewing the final approved TMP with student-athletes on the current active roster promptly upon receiving approval, but no later than the first day of class each semester.

Changes to Time Management Plan

All departments within athletics are responsible for coordinating with the head coach (or designee) in advance of scheduling any activity with a student-athlete to ensure such activity does not conflict with the established TMP.

Coach Initiated Changes

All changes initiated by coaches must be communicated to the team at least 24-hours in advance and must be updated in the original TMP in Teamworks. The communication must be to the current active roster and in writing via email and/or a text message sent through Teamworks. The sport administrator and compliance representative must be copied on the communication.

Student-Athlete Initiated Changes

The SAAC representative(s) or team captain(s) may request changes to the team practice schedule, but must request to the head coach (or designee) at least 24-hours in advance of the currently scheduled activity or proposed new time for activity, whichever is earlier, and only for reasonable health and medical, academic, or other extenuating circumstances outside the student-athlete’s control. If the head coach is able to accommodate the requested change, he/she must update/record the change in the original TMP in Teamworks and communicate the change to the current active roster in writing via email and/or a text message sent through Teamworks. The sport administrator and compliance representative must be copied on the communication.

Exceptions to 24-Hour Requirement

Exceptions to the 24-hour advance notification requirement may be made in cases of inclement weather, travel delays or other reasonable extenuating circumstances outside of the head coach’s or student-athlete’s control. In these situations, the change must be approved in advance by the sport administrator.

Individual Variances in the TMP

The head coach (or designee) must ensure that individual student-athlete variances in the TMP are established through Teamworks.

Annual Review

The Sport Administrator will conduct a year-end review with the parties listed below and submit the annual review form to compliance for each sport program.

  1. Student-Athlete
  2. Head Coach
  3. Athletic Director

The Compliance office will provide a review of all TMP’s and determine if individual programs have complied with the established policies throughout the year in coordination with the FAR.  The compliance office will provide a report to the Director of Athletics to be reviewed by the chancellor and included as part of the head coaches’ yearly performance evaluation.

Reporting Issues/Violations

Student-athletes or staff should report issues/concerns with the TMP to the sport administrator and compliance office. When appropriate, the sport administrator will review and address the issue with the head coach. If the sport administrator believes the issue may result in a NCAA violation, he/she must report such information to the compliance office.

Student-athletes or staff should report alleged NCAA rules violations to the compliance office.

EQUIPMENT RETURN POLICY

Student-athletes are required to return reusable equipment and apparel (i.e. uniforms, helmets, shoulder pads, etc.). Student-athletes do not need to return anything that is not reusable (i.e. shoes, practice apparel, etc.). Whether an item is reusable will be decided by the head coach.

Student-Athlete Grievances

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) is fully committed to the health, safety and well-being of all student-athletes.  If a student-athlete feels he or she has been subjected to improper treatment by a University of Illinois employee or fellow student, he or she is encouraged to notify the appropriate individuals to address the issue.

The following procedure provides multiple avenues of reporting to encourage prompt, positive and equitable resolution of all grievances and ensure fair treatment for all involved parties. The DIA and University do not tolerate retaliation against those making a complaint or otherwise participating in the grievance process (e.g., witness). To avoid bias or conflicts of interest, the DIA and University will make every effort to ensure that those named in a complaint, or too closely associated with those involved in the complaint, will not be part of the investigative team or efforts. The DIA and University reserve the right to utilize a neutral third-party investigator to respond to grievances or allegations of misconduct. The student-athlete should make a reasonable effort to bring forward any grievance or allegations of misconduct so the DIA and University may resolve problems and stop misconduct.

While this student-athlete grievance procedure is not intended to address all forms of misconduct (e.g., unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation under Title IX), this procedure provides additional resources that student-athletes may utilize to address such misconduct. It is the goal of the DIA to clearly communicate to all student-athletes the various resources available within the DIA and on campus to promptly address grievances or misconduct. Therefore, a student-athlete is encouraged to utilize any of the grievance procedures listed below.

Procedure for grievances related to treatment by coaches, staff or student-athletes

  • A student-athlete need not follow the steps in this procedure in any particular order and may utilize any of the described reporting resources within or outside of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics to raise a concern.
  • The student-athlete is encouraged to discuss the problem or concern in a timely manner with any member of his or her coaching staff with whom the athlete feels comfortable to promptly and effectively resolve the grievance. The student-athlete may choose voluntarily to approach the individual(s) most directly responsible (e.g., if the matter involves a team policy established by the coach, the student-athlete may contact the coach and/or the captain(s) of the team and work to resolve the issue with the coach).

However, the student-athlete is not required to directly confront any person(s) who are the source of the problem or misconduct, or closely associated with the person(s) who is the source of the problem or misconduct. Instead, the student-athlete may utilize any of the other various avenues of reporting or grievance within the DIA or other University resources.

  • The student-athlete may report a problem or grievance in a timely manner to the applicable sport administrator. The sport administrator will meet in person or otherwise communicate directly with the student-athlete to attempt to resolve the issue or grievance. Likewise, the student-athlete may report a problem or grievance to any other sport administrator or any member of DIA administration with whom the student-athlete feels comfortable.
Sport Administrator Sports Email Phone Number
Josh Whitman Football, Men's Basketball jwhitman@illinois.edu (217) 333-3631
Sara Burton Women's Basketball, Men's Gymnastics, Softball, Women's Soccer sarab4@illinois.edu (217) 300-8112
Roger Denny Football (Secondary), Track & Field, Cross Country rdenny@illinois.edu (217) 333-0745
Marty Kaufmann Baseball, Men's Basketball (secondary), Men's and Women's Golf mekaufma@illinois.edu (217) 333-2474
Breanna Robinson Swimming & Diving, Volleyball bcrobin@illinois.edu (217) 333-1831
Cassie Arner Wrestling, Women's Gymnastics, Men's and Women's Tennis  arner@illinois.edu (217) 300-2714
  • A student-athlete may report a problem or grievance in a timely manner to Ryan Squire, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Integrity Officer.
  • The student-athlete may elect to initiate a formal grievance to the Director of Athletics. In such a case, the following steps shall be followed:
  1. The written grievance shall be submitted to the Director of Athletics (illiniad@illinois.edu) and must be filed in a timely manner so the DIA and/or University can promptly and effectively respond to student-athlete concerns. The written grievance must set forth the facts of the complaint, the grounds on which it is based, and details of any efforts taken to date to resolve the matter.
  2. The Director of Athletics shall provide a copy of the student-athlete’s written grievance and any relevant related information and documentation to the Chief Integrity Officer, the applicable Faculty Representative and the Office of the Chancellor.
  3. The Director of Athletics shall be responsible for initiating a timely and comprehensive review of the grievance. The Director may designate other DIA and/or University personnel such as the Chief Integrity Officer, Sport Administrator and/or Faculty Representatives to conduct or assist with the review. Other University or external personnel will be involved as needed to properly review a grievance. For example, a grievance related to treatment by a sports medicine staff member may involve a review by a team physician.
  4. The Director of Athletics (or his/her designee) shall issue a final decision in writing to the student-athlete. The written decision shall be copied to the sport administrator, the Office of the Chancellor and the applicable Faculty Representative and shall include a statement of the decision, a description of the process used to reach the decision and the rationale for the outcome.

Additional Reporting and Support Resources

•    Student-athletes may, at any time, contact Faculty Athletics Representatives Brian Quick (bquick@illinois.edu) and Tiffany White (tbwhite@illinois.edu) for assistance with academic issues or issues of student-athlete welfare.

•    Student-athletes may, at any time, contact the Student Assistance Center in the Office of the Dean of Students (helpdean@illinois.edu or 217-333-0050). In the Student Assistance Center, Assistant Deans help students understand university policies and procedures, educate them about and connect them to campus resources, and support students in crisis.

•    Cases involving possible Title IX violations, discrimination on the basis of sex (i.e., sex discrimination), including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence, may be reported by a student-athlete to a coach, sports administrators, any member of DIA administration, Athletics Director, the Title IX and Disability Office (844-616-7978, titleixcoordinator@illinois.edu) or to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Access (217-333-0885, diversity@illinois.edu) if the discrimination or harassment was allegedly perpetrated by an employee. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Access will conduct any resulting investigation, if necessary, related to sexual harassment, Title IX or unlawful discrimination. If the harassment or discrimination was allegedly committed by another student, the student-athlete may also contact the Office for Student Conflict Resolution (217-333-3680 or conflictresolution@illinois.edu) or the Emergency Dean (217-333-0050) for investigation and resolution under the student disciplinary system procedures.  Reports of sexual misconduct shall be promptly investigated and also reported to the University of Illinois Police Department (217-333-1216).  Employees who fail to report alleged or suspected violations of this policy to the appropriate campus office in a timely manner may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

•    Through the Office of the Dean of Students, students may report acts of intolerance (i.e., acts of stereotypes and bias on campus) in the following ways: (1) if injured or if there is concern of immediate danger, call 911 or 9-911 from a campus phone; (2) send an e-mail to tolerance@illinois.edu; (3) submit an anonymous report online to go.illinois.edu/intolerance; (4) contact the Office of the Dean of Students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 217-333-0050; or (5) report to any University official.

•    In cases of possible violations of University policies or ethical violations, student-athletes may contact a coach, sports administrators, any member of DIA administration, the DIA Relations Team, the Athletics Director, or the University of Illinois Ethics and Compliance Office via the toll-free EthicsLine (866-758-2146 or by email at ethicsofficer@illinois.edu; may report anonymously). The University Ethics and Compliance Office will conduct or direct any investigation related to violations of University policies or ethical violations.

•    Hazing is a violation of Illinois state law. Student-athletes who feel they have been victims of hazing may contact a coach, sport administrator, any member of DIA administration, the DIA Relations Team, the Athletics Director, or the Dean of Students (helpdean@illinois.edu or 217-333-0050)

•    Student-athletes may report possible violations of NCAA rules to the sport administrator, the Director of Athletics, the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance (217-333-5731), any member of the DIA Compliance staff or may anonymously report via the web at http://www.fightingillini.com/compliance/reportaviolation.html. The Compliance Office shall conduct any investigation, if necessary, related to potential violations of NCAA rules.

•    Note that there are specialized grievance procedures regarding transfer grievances (denials of the one-time transfer exception and/or permission to contact) and cancellations/reductions of athletic aid. These procedures are published annually in the Student-Athlete Handbook.

Grievances Related to Former Student-Athletes

When a third party makes a report to the DIA regarding the health, safety and/or welfare of a former student-athlete, the Director of Athletics, the Chief Integrity Officer, and the applicable Sport Administrator will review the report and determine what, if any, investigative steps the DIA should take. As necessary, and consistent with all reporting obligations, the DIA may contact the Title IX Office, the Office for Access and Equity, and/or the Office of the General Counsel to appropriately investigate and address the report and its related circumstances. The DIA Chief Integrity Officer shall create a record of each report and support for the action taken.

In cases in which an investigation is conducted, a written report will be issued. The report shall be copied to the applicable sport administrator, the Office of the Chancellor and the applicable Faculty Representative and shall include a statement of the findings, a description of the investigative process used, and the rationale for the outcome.

Student-Athlete Hazing Policy

Hazing is strictly prohibited under University and DIA policies and will not be tolerated among or between student-athletes.

In Section 1-302(d) of the Student Code, the University defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate that is:

  1. committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
  2. causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization (such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic team), of physical or psychological injury including but not limited to:
  • whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other similar activity;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food, liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
  • causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual acts;
  • any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words or conduct;
  • personal servitude
  • degrading or humiliating activities;
  • any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local, state, or federal law; and
  • any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, state, or federal law.

    3. An individual’s willing participation in an activity does not justify participation in or sponsorship of the activity.

Any violation of this policy should be reported to DIA, Dean of Students, or the Office for Student Conflict Resolution.

NOTE: Hazing activities may also violate the Illinois Hazing Act 720 ILCS 120/0.01

Sanctions

Any activity or language that amounts to hazing in violation of the above policy is subject to investigation and possible sanction by the University and/or DIA.

Sanctions imposed by the Director of Athletics may include but are not limited to, the following:

Gambling, Bribery and Other Sports Wagering Activities

Sports wagering is a serious issue that can have tragic consequences for student-athletes who participate in such activities.

Student-athletes are strictly prohibited from participating, directly or indirectly, in any gambling activity involving intercollegiate or professional athletics.

Prohibited sport wagering activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Putting up anything of value (money, merchandise, gift certificates, and meals) in order to potentially win anything else of value. Examples of this type of prohibited wagering include, but are not limited to:
  • Betting with a bookie or with your friends, family or teammates;
  • Sports wagering at a casino or online betting venue, whether legal or illegal under state and federal law;
  • Participating in fantasy leagues that involve a wager;
  • Participating in internet contests and betting pools; and
  • Participating in March Madness or other similar brackets.

  • Providing any information concerning intercollegiate competition to any individual involved in gambling activities. (Thus, student-athletes and their families should be alert for individuals who are inquiring about the expectations of the team or the status of a key player for an upcoming competition); and
  • Engaging in activities designed to influence the outcome of an intercollegiate contest or in an effort to affect win-loss margins (“point shaving”).

Sanctions

Gambling on athletic events or bribing participants is a violation of NCAA rules. and carries stiff penalties for offenders. Per NCAA rules, any violation of the rules regarding gambling by prospective or enrolled student-athletes will result in a loss of eligibility for further intercollegiate competition for a minimum of one season. Involvement in point shaving or wagering on DIA teams will result in student-athletes losing all remaining regular-season and post-season eligibility in all sports.

Student-athletes may be expelled from the University for failure to report a solicitation to be a party to sports bribery or if they become agents of the gambling industry through the process of distributing handicap information or handling bets.

Finally, student-athletes engaged in point shaving, bribery and other activities might be subject to criminal fines and incarceration.

US Integrity

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has partnered with US Integrity, to implement a monitoring service called Prohibet that identifies potential impermissible wagering activity by student-athletes and athletic department employees. If a student-athlete or employee attempts to place a wager, Prohibet will prevent the wager and will notify DIA administration that an attempted wager has been flagged. 

Student-athletes and employees may be subject to disciplinary action if they engage in impermissible wagering activity. If a wager is successfully placed, then NCAA penalties will apply. If Prohibet blocks an attempted wager before it is successfully placed, disciplinary action may still be imposed depending on the nature of the attempted wager.

The chart below lists the disciplinary action that will be imposed on student-athletes engaging in wagering activity:

Violation

NCAA Penalty

(Successfully placed wager)

DIA Penalty

(Wager blocked by ProhiBet)
Knowingly provide information to individuals involved in sports betting activities Up to permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports Up to permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports
Wager on their own games Up to permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports

1st Offense: withheld from 10% of competitions

2nd Offense: withheld from 30% of competitions

3rd Offense: one season of eligibility

4th Offense: permanently ineligible at UIUC
Wagers on other sports at their own school One season of ineligibility and a loss of one year of eligibility. Student-athletes will also be required to participate in sports wagering rules and prevention education as a condition of reinstatement

1st Offense: withheld from 10% of competitions

2nd Offense: withheld from 20% of competitions

3rd Offense: withheld from 30% of competition

4th Offense: permanently ineligible at UIUC
Wagers on their own sport at another school Education on sports wagering rules and prevention will be required as a condition of reinstatement, and the loss of 50% of one season of eligibility will be considered

1st Offense:  sports wagering rules education

2nd Offense: withheld from 5% of competitions

3rd Offense:  withheld from 10% of competitions

4th Offense:  permanently ineligible at UIUC
$200 or less Sports wagering rules and prevention education

1st Offense: Sports wagering rules education

2nd Offense: withheld from 5% of competitions

3rd Offense: withheld from 10% of competitions

4th Offense: permanently ineligible at UIUC

*DIA reserves the right to escalate the penalty for attempted wagers valued at or above $1,000.
$201-$500 Loss of 10% of a season of eligibility, plus rules and prevention education (same as $200 or less)
$501-$800 Loss of 20% of a season of eligibility, plus rules and prevention education (same as $200 or less)
Greater than $800 Loss of 30% of a season of eligibility, plus rules and prevention education (same as $200 or less)
greatly exceed $800 Reinstatement staff are directed to consider whether additional loss of eligibility, including permanent ineligibility, are appropriate (same as $200 or less)

Social Networking Policy

Public Media

Public media refers to techniques used to communicate messages (dissemination of fact, opinion, and entertainment) and whose mission is to serve or engage a public. Public media domains include print outlets (such as newspapers, books, magazines, posters, flyers, etc.), traditional public and commercial broadcasts (such as TV, radio, film), digital (such as the Internet, email, social networks, podcasting, chat rooms and blogging), and any new platforms and distribution mechanisms to expand reach and engage audiences (listeners, users).

When utilizing any public media outlets, student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves responsibly as members of their respective team, DIA, and our University.

Social Networks

Social network sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter and any other new digital platforms and distribution mechanisms facilitate students communicating with others. Participation in such networks has both positive appeal and potentially negative consequences. It is important that our student-athletes be aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate.

Student-athletes are not restricted from using any online social network sites and digital platforms (such as the Internet, email, podcasting, chat rooms, and blog sites). However, users must understand that any content they make public via online social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, State of Illinois, University, DIA, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations.

Facebook and similar directories are hosted outside the University server. Violations of University policy (e.g., harassing language, University alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) or evidence of such violations in the content of online social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanction under the University’s Student Code, DIA policies, and other University policies. Matters may also be pursued by law enforcement officers and student-athletes may be sued in a civil proceeding for abusive or false statements made about another person.

It is incumbent upon student-athletes to be aware of University regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse student-athletes from adhering to them.

Guidelines

The following guidelines are intended to provide the framework for student-athletes to conduct themselves safely and responsibly in an online environment. Student-athletes at Illinois should:

  1. Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information is posted on online social network sites. Virtually anyone with an email address can access social networking pages.  It is unwise to make available information such as full date of birth, social security number, address, resident hall room number or other home addresses, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Facebook and other sites provide numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages; use these settings to protect private information.
  2. Be aware that potential current and future employers often access information placed on online social network sites. Student-athletes should think about the impact any information posted on Facebook or similar directories might have on prospective employers’ image of them. The information posted is considered public information. Student-athletes should maintain a self-image that they can be proud of several years from now.
  3. Be careful in responding to unsolicited emails asking for passwords or PIN numbers. Reputable businesses do not ask for this information in emails.
  4. The University respects its students’ freedom to examine and discuss all questions of interest to them and permits them to express their opinions publicly and privately as guaranteed by the First Amendment and the Student Code. However, not all speech is protected speech. Speech that is threatening, vulgar, lewd, or that invades the rights of others will not be protected, even if done in an online social network forum.

Conduct

The University and DIA prohibit inappropriate behavior that seriously undermines the goals and integrity of the University and the mission of DIA when utilizing public media outlets. It is important that student-athletes recognize the power of public media domains and the potentially negative image that they can portray about student-athletes, coaches, the athletics program, and the University.

Student-athletes are expected to communicate about their teammates and coaches respectfully while using online social networks or any public media domain. Examples of disrespectful comments and behavior that will not be tolerated are:

  1. Derogatory language and personal comments about their teammates or coaches; other Illinois student-athletes or coaches; student-athletes, coaches, athletics administrators or representatives of other universities or colleges; University faculty or staff; or other athletics officials,  administrators, or representatives.
  2. Threats to any person.
  3. Comments that create a serious danger to the safety of another person or that make a credible threat of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
  4. Incriminating photos or statements depicting violent conduct; hazing; sexual harassment; gambling; vandalism; stalking; underage drinking; selling, possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other illegal or prohibited conduct.

If student-athletes are found to be inappropriately using an online social network, they will be in direct violation of this policy and subject to the appropriate sanctions administered by the University and/or DIA.

Sanctions

Any activity or language in violation of the above policy is subject to investigation and possible sanction by the University and/or DIA, as well as civil authorities.

Sanctions imposed by the Director of Athletics may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Written notification to the student-athlete outlining the policy and requiring that content in violation of this policy be removed or the social network account be deactivated;
  • Temporary suspension from the team until prescribed conditions are met;
  • Suspension from the team for a prescribed period;
  • Indefinite suspension from the team;
  • Dismissal from the team;
  • Or non-renewal or reduction of athletic grant-in-aid.

Reporting Social Media

If student-athletes experience any type of threatening, abusive or inappropriate messages via their social media accounts, they are encouraged to report those unwanted interactions to: diareportsocialmedia@illinois.edu

Examples of inappropriate social media interactions include but are not limited to:

  • Mentions or messages that are harassing in nature
  • Directed bigotry
  • Threats or actions that indicate violence
  • Unwanted sexual advances
  • Requests for non-public team information 
  • Mentions or messages in reference to gambling activities

Student-athletes are to “screenshot” the social media interaction and send to the email above.