2024-25 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.

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

LOYALTY SONGS