For complete information about NCAA compliance at EMU, visit
www.emich.edu/compliance.
NCAA Principle of Institutional Control
In accordance with the NCAA Constitution, an institution has a responsibility to control its intercollegiate athletics program in compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. The institution is responsible for the actions of all its staff members and for the actions of all its staff members and for the actions of any other individual or organization engaged in activities promoting the athletics interests of the institution. The institution’s chief executive officer is responsible for the administration of all aspects of the athletics program, including approval of the budget and audit of all expenditures.
NCAA Principles of Rules Compliance
Per the NCAA Constitution, a member institution will comply with all applicable NCAA rules and regulations. An institution is also responsible for monitoring its athletics programs to assure compliance for identifying and reporting all instances in which compliance has not been achieved.
EMU Compliance Policy
It is the policy of EMU to adhere to all applicable NCAA, MAC and University rules and regulations in the conduct of its athletics programs. It is the obligation and responsibility of all Department of Athletics staff members to act within all applicable rules and regulations at all times.
All Department of Athletics coaching and administrative staff members are required by NCAA Bylaws to sign the NCAA Certification of Compliance annually in good faith.
Information on Boosters
The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics is pleased and grateful for the support of our alumni and friends. Because the responsibility for the conduct of EMU's athletics program includes the actions of all individuals and organizations involved in promoting the athletics interest of the institution, it is important that we inform our alumni and friends about the NCAA rules that apply to their actions.
As we strive for excellence in academics and athletics, we must always seek the highest standard of ethical conduct. With your cooperation, we believe we can accomplish this goal. Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with this information that applies to all boosters of EMU athletics.
What is a Representative of EMU's Athletics Interests (booster)?
Under NCAA rules, a representative of EMU?s athletics interests (i.e., a booster) is any individual who has ever:
- made any type of contribution to the athletics department or to a booster club;
- joined EMU's Athletics Club or any sport specific support group;
- provided or helped arrange employment for a student-athlete;
- provided benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families;
- assisted in any manner in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes;
- promoted the institution's athletics program in any manner.
The NCAA stipulates that once an individual has been identified as a representative or "booster" of the University's athletics program, he or she retains this status forever. This is true even if the individual no longer contributes to the athletics program.
What is an extra benefit?
The NCAA defines an extra benefit as any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution's athletics interests (booster) to provide a student athlete, or a student athlete's relative or friend, a benefit that is not generally available to other Eastern Michigan University students and their relatives and/or friends or, is not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Therefore, please be aware of the following:
A student athlete cannot accept anything from a booster or an employee of EMU that would be considered an extra benefit not available to the general student body. Examples include the use of a car, clothing, gifts, money, tickets, entertainment, etc.
A student athlete cannot accept free or reduced-cost room and board from any EMU employee or booster of EMU. A student athlete cannot accept free or reduced merchandise or services from any merchant unless that free or reduced-cost item is also available to the general public.
A student athlete cannot receive a special discount arrangement or credit on a purchase (e.g. airline ticket, clothing) or service (e.g., laundry, dry cleaning) from an employee of EMU or a booster.
A student athlete cannot eat at a restaurant as the guest of an athletics booster or an employee of EMU.
On infrequent, special occasions (e.g., birthday), a student athlete may accept an invitation to the home of an employee of EMU or booster for a meal.
A student athlete cannot use a Department of Athletics' copy machine, fax machine, or make long distance phone calls using departmental equipment or the long distance access code of an employee of EMU or a booster.
A booster or employee of EMU cannot type reports, letters, papers, etc., for a student athlete.
An EMU employee or booster cannot provide a student athlete with a loan of money, a guarantee of bond, the use of an automobile or the signing of a note to arrange a loan.
A student athlete cannot accept frequent traveler miles for trips that are financed by the Department of Athletics.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Eastern Michigan University responsible for the acts of boosters?
Yes, boosters are governed by the same NCAA and institutional rules and regulations as those placed upon all institutional athletics staff members.
Is it permissible for a booster to transport, pay or arrange for the payment of transportation costs incurred by relatives or friends of a prospective student athlete to visit campus?
No.
Can boosters entertain prospective student athletes and/or relatives and friends of prospective student athletes at any site either on or off campus?
No.
What types of inducements does the NCAA prohibit?
NCAA-prohibited inducements include, but are not limited to, the following:
- promise of employment after completion of college education;
- special discounts or payment arrangements on loans;
- employment of relatives or friends of a prospective student athlete;
- involvement in arrangements for free or reduced charges for professional or personal service, purchases or charges;
- use of an automobile;
- providing transportation to or from a summer job or to any site;
- signing or co-signing a note for a loan;
- guarantees of bond;
- purchasing services from a prospect or the prospect's family at inflated prices;
- providing any financial aid other than that administered by the institution;
- cash or loans.
For more information about permissible and impermissible booster activities, please contact Melody Riefel Werner (734.487.2327) in the NCAA Compliance office at Eastern Michigan University