University of Illinois Student-Athlete Handbook
The information below comprises the official student-athlete handbook of the University of Illinois. It provides direction on nearly every facet of the student-athlete experience. It contains policies and procedures that all Illinois student-athletes are responsible for knowing and following.
The intercollegiate athletics program at the University of Illinois serves many purposes to a variety of different stakeholders, including student-athletes, staff, the campus, our community, our state, University alumni, fans and ticketholders, donors, business partners, and many others. In service to all these people and organizations, we have developed a concise mission statement, which defines, in broad terms, our reason for being. This mission statement is as powerful in its simplicity and scope as it is straightforward in its recital: Unify. Develop. Inspire. Achieve.
It is a privilege, and not a right, to be associated with our program. Your responsibilities:
- Live a life of integrity, in which you do things the right way and in which you stand accountable for any mistakes you might make;
- Respect other people – all people, all backgrounds, on all issues – even if you do not understand or agree with them;
- Immerse yourself in the academic mission of the University of Illinois, and work steadily toward an Illinois degree;
- Train and prepare your mind and body with an intensity befitting a champion; and
- Compete, every day and in everything you do. Strive to be the best.
Last updated June 5, 2026
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Mission Statement
- Criteria for Excellence
- Rights and Responsibilities of Student-Athletes
- Academic Responsibilities and Integrity
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Class Attendance
- Responsibilities of Coaches
- Prohibited Relationships Policy
- Time Management Plan
- Equipment Return Policy
- Student-Athlete Grievances
- Student-Athlete Hazing Policy
- Gambling, Bribery and Other Sports Wagering Activities
- Social Networking Policy
- Key Policies Governing Student Conduct
- Student-Athlete Alcohol and Drug Education and Drug Testing Program
ACADEMIC SERVICES
- Irwin Academic Services Center
- Athletic Academic Counselors
- Learning Specialists
- Monitoring Academic Progress
- Academic Coaching
- Tutoring Program
- Study Table Program
- Computer Access
- The Illini Way Student-Athlete Development Program
- Academic Expectations and Eligibility
- Navigating the University
- Irwin Academic Services Center Buckley Agreement
- Tutor Program Agreement
- Study Table Agreement
SPORTS MEDICINE/ATHLETIC TRAINING SERVICES
- Certified Athletic Trainers
- Team Physicians
- Policies for Care of Student-Athletes
- Promoting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
- Payment of Medical Bills
- Out-of-Network Medical Provider Policy
- Student-Athlete Pregnancy Policy and Guidelines
- Sports Nutrition Services and Illini Fuel
COMPLIANCE
- Amateurism
- Employment
- Extra Benefits
- Representatives of Athletic Interests
- Practice and Competition Time
- Team Travel
- Ticket Policy
- Involvement with Recruits
- Impermissible Agents and Advisors
- Transfer Rules
NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS (NIL)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
- Types of Financial Assistance
- Monitoring Financial Aid
- Incoming Freshmen Eligibility for Financial Aid and Assistance
- Athletic Scholarship Rights and Responsibilities
- Outside Aid
- Summer School and Degree Completion Aid
- Financial Aid Grievances
- Other Financial Aid Matters
STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARDS
- VARSITY AWARDS
- The Oskees
- National Awards
- Big Ten Awards
- Scholar-Athlete of the Week Award
- Student-Athlete Graduation Breakfast
VARSITY “I” ASSOCIATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Athletic Administration
- Athletic Facilities
- Faculty Athletics Representatives
- Sports
- Social Media Index
- Campus Resources
- Colleges & Programs
- Websites
- Emergency and Health Numbers
