V530.13 VCSU Student-Athlete Policy for The NAIA Senior Exception
The current NAIA policy for the senior exception reads . . .
3. The student must be identified and enrolled in a minimum of 12 institutional credit hours at the time of participation.
EXCEPTION: A student who will complete requirements for graduation within 10 semesters, 15 quarters, 12 trimesters or less may retain eligibility during the last term of attendance of the senior year by enrolling in fewer than 12 institutional credit hours. Official verification must be provided by the registrar that the student has completed all other academic requirements for graduation except for the currently enrolled credits. Such verification must be provided to the eligibility chair.
Based on the NAIA policy cited above, VCSU approved the following institutional policy regarding this one-time exception for student-athletes:
ACADEMICS
- For the 2022-23 academic year, any VCSU student-athlete using this exception must enroll in a minimum of three (3) institutional credits and must provide evidence from the Registrar that he/she will meet graduation requirements at the end of the term the exception is used.
- For 2023-24 any VCSU student-athlete using this exception must enroll in a minimum of six (6) institutional credits and must provide evidence from the Registrar that he/she will meet graduation requirements at the end of the term the exception is used.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
- The athletic scholarship for any student-athlete using the senior exception will not exceed the total charges for tuition and fees plus an additional maximum allowance of $3,000 for housing and personal expenses during that semester.
- Housing expenses apply to both on and off campus expenses.
- Student-athletes who enroll in six or more credits will be eligible to receive additional aid as determined by federal financial aid policy.
NOTE: Student-athletes may file an appeal to these policies by contacting the Director for Financial and submitting an appeal to the Financial Aid Committee. The Financial Aid Committee will process the appeal. Student-athletes can file the appeal based on the following issues:
- Academic requirements to fulfill this policy
- Scholarship allocations
- Unique circumstances
The student athlete can appeal the decision of the Financial Aid Committee to the Vice President for Student Affairs. The VPSA decision is final.
Sponsor: Vice President for Student Affairs
Effective: October 2017
Revised: Spring 2022