JWU is committed to ensuring adherence to all required policies and expectations. All student-athletes at Johnson & Wales University are obligated to abide by NCAA, GNAC/CNE Conference and University rules and regulations. All athletes will complete NCAA 101 rules orientation and University code of conduct educational sessions annually, at the beginning of each academic year. These are mandatory meetings for all NCAA student-athletes and are a requirement for practice and/or competition.
Please
ASK before you
ACT whenever any question arises. Our Compliance office is always available to assist you in any way or answer any questions you may have.
Additional information regarding University expectations and polices can be found in the
JWU Student Athlete Handbook.
Questions & Answers
What is CARA?
CARA is any required activity with an athletics purpose, involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by, any member or members of an institution’s coaching staff. NCAA rules regulate the number of hours a student-athlete can participate in countable athletically related activity per week and per day. In each sport, the allowable CARA varies and each sport has specific guidelines that must be followed. Coaches are to submit a Declaration of Practice & Playing Season at the beginning of each academic year and must track all athletically related activity for their applicable sports.
What are some examples of CARA?
- Practice, which is defined as any meeting, activity or instruction involving sports-related information and having an athletics purpose, held for one or more student-athletes at the direction of, or supervised by, any member or members of an institution’s coaching staff. Practice is considered to have occurred if one or more coaches and one or more student-athletes engage in any of the following activities:
- Field, floor or on-court activity;
- Chalk talk;
- Lecture on or discussion of strategy related to the sport;
- Activities using equipment related to the sport;
- Discussions or review of game films, motion pictures or videotapes related to the sport;
- Competition;
- Required weight-training and conditioning activities held at the direction of or supervised by an institutional staff member;
- Participation in a physical-fitness class (including a summer class) conducted by a member of the athletics staff not listed in the institution’s catalog and not open to all students. Such a class may not include practice activities conducted under the guise of physical education class work;
- Required participation in camps, clinics or workshops;
- Individual workouts required or supervised by a member of the coaching staff. A coach may design a voluntary general individual-workout program for a student-athlete (as opposed to a specific workout program for specific days) but cannot conduct the individual’s workout;
- On-court or on-field activities called by any member(s) of a team and confined primarily to members of that team that are considered requisite for participation in that sport (e.g., captain’s practices);
- Visiting the competition site in cross country, golf and skiing;
- Reservation or use of an institution’s athletics facilities when such activities are supervised by or held at the direction of any member of an institution’s coaching staff;
- Involvement of an institution’s strength and conditioning staff with enrolled student-athletes in required conditioning programs; and
- Observation by an institution’s coaching staff member of enrolled student-athletes in non-organized sport-specific activities (e.g., “pick-up games”). Captains practice that was required by a member of the coaching staff
What are some examples of activities that would NOT be considered CARA?
- Administrative and academic activities that are non-athletics in nature (e.g., academic meetings and compliance meetings);
- Fundraising and community service activities not involving the use of athletics ability by student-athletes to obtain funds provided the activities receive approval from the institution’s chancellor or president (or his or her designee) prior to the activity
- Observation of an officiating clinic related to playing rules that is conducted by video conference and does not require student-athletes to miss any class time to observe the clinic;
- Observation of enrolled student-athletes in organized competition (e.g., summer league), provided institutional athletics personnel do not direct or supervise the organized activity; and
- Voluntary individual workouts monitored for safety purposes by strength and conditioning personnel. If the strength and conditioning coach is also a coaching staff member for one of the institution’s intercollegiate teams, the monitoring may occur only if that staff member performs monitoring duties for all student-athletes using the facility at that time.
How many days are included in the playing and practice season?
The NCAA governs the length of the playing season. Your coach cannot instruct or observe you outside of that designated time period. All sports have 114 days playing and practice season model except cross country and track and field has 144 days.
What is the process for athletes interested in transferring to another institution?
If you are exploring the possibility of transferring to another Division III school, you must complete the NCAA self-release form. Once this form has been completed and you have sent it to the other school(s), you are free to contact the coach at the new school(s). This release is good for 30 days. During this 30-day period, your current coach will not know about your possible transfer unless you tell them. After the 30-day period, the school(s) you have sent a release to is allowed to contact your current institution regarding your transfer status. You can sign a second release to extend the time for an additional 30 days, if needed. You are highly encouraged to talk to your coach prior to exploring a possible transfer.
NCAA Division III Permission to Contact / Self-Release Form (PDF)
If you are looking to transfer (and play) at a Division I or II school, you must contact the JWU compliance officer to send out a formal release to the school of interest.
How many credits do I need to be enrolled in to be considered a full-time student?
A student must be enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester to be considered full-time as an undergraduate student and at least 9 credits as a graduate student. A waiver of the minimum full-time enrollment requirement may be granted for a student enrolled in the final term of the baccalaureate program.
What other academic requirements are needed to be eligible for participation?
A student-athlete must be in Good Academic Standing and meet the following requirements:
- Minimum of a 1.85 after 1st semester and 2.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible for practice and competition after 2 full-time semesters.
- The student athlete must be in good academic standing with the institution; if the student is on probation or dismissed the athlete is no longer eligible to represent the institution in athletics.
A student-athlete must be making satisfactory progress towards degree requirements.
What is a Medical Hardship Waiver?
A medical hardship waiver may be granted from the conference office/NCAA office if a student-athlete is incapacitated from an injury or illness that occurred under outlined conditions. There are specific parameters that must be met for athletes applying for a medical hardship waiver and significant medical and other documentation that must be submitted. Student-athletes who wish to apply for a hardship waiver should first discuss with their coach and the Director of Sports Medicine. Once medical documentation is secured, it will be sent to the Compliance Coordinator for review and submission to the NCAA.
What is the timeline for visiting campus on an Official or Unofficial Visit?
- Official Visit: An official visit to a member institution by a prospective student-athlete (prospect) is a visit financed in whole or in part by the member institution. A member institution may finance only one visit to its campus for each prospect. A prospect may not be provided an official visit before January 1 of the prospective student-athlete’s junior year in high school.
- Unofficial Visit: An unofficial visit to a member institution by a prospect is a visit made at the prospect’s own expense. A prospect may visit a member institution’s campus at his or her own expense an unlimited number of times. A prospect may make unofficial visits at any time.
What is are my responsibilities as a hosting a Prospective Student-Athlete (PSA)?
Hosting a PSA on an overnight visit often plays a crucial role in the college decision-making process therefore appropriate conduct is expected. Each host must meet with their coach and review and sign the student athlete host form. The student host must observe state law, NCAA rules and College regulations; a summary is listed below:
- You may be provided with money to entertain yourself, the prospect, the prospect’s parents (or legal guardians) and the prospect’s spouse (if applicable). Other students may assist with hosting the prospect, but they must pay for their own entertainment expenses.
- No cash may be given to the visiting prospect, their parent(s) or guardian(s), or anyone else.
- No souvenirs may be given to the visiting prospect, their parent(s) or guardian(s) or anyone else.
- You may not use any vehicle provided or arranged for by an institution staff member or friend of the program.
- You may not transport the prospect or anyone accompanying the prospect.
- You may receive a complimentary admission (but no hard ticket) when accompanying a prospect to a campus event.
- A prospect may participate in physical workouts or other recreational activities during a visit to an institution’s campus provided the activities are not organized or observed by members of the coaching staff and are not designed to test the abilities of the prospect. The prospect must use their own equipment and apparel, so you may not loan these items to them.
- You must avoid inappropriate activities and refuse participation in any unethical or illegal activity, or activities at any location that may cause a perception of impropriety. You must not provide the prospect with any alcohol or illegal substances, and you must not encourage or condone inappropriate behavior by the prospect.
NCAA rules prohibit publicizing the recruitment of a prospective student-athlete. You are not allowed to post images or names of any PSA. It is best practice for all communication between current student-athletes and prospective student-athletes to be limited to private messaging while using social media outlets.
What should I know about Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)?
Effective July 1, 2021, NCAA student-athletes are now generally permitted by the NCAA to earn compensation from the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL). Please contact the Compliance Office directly for more information on NIL.
What is an extra benefit?
An extra benefit is any gift, service, or special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution’s athletics interests that is provided to you, your family or friends that is not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Generally, you are only allowed to receive benefits from JWU Athletics directly related to practicing or competing in your sport or benefits that also are offered to the general student population. You could lose your eligibility, and your right to compete in intercollegiate athletics if you accept extra benefits not authorized by NCAA legislation. Be extremely cautious of “free” or “special” benefits that you may be offered, including but not limited to cash, any tangible items or merchandise, rentals, or purchases of any type, and free or reduced-cost housing.
What do I need to know about Sports Wagering?
Before participation in intercollegiate competition each academic year, a student-athlete shall submit information related to involvement in organized gambling activities related to intercollegiate and professional athletics competition under the Association’s governing legislation (Sports Wagering Activities 10.3).
Sports Wagering according to the NCAA is defined as:
- Soliciting a bet on any intercollegiate team
- Accepting a bet on any team representing the institution?
- Soliciting or accepting a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item that has tangible value.
- Participating in any sports wagering activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics in which the NCAA sponsors that particular sport, through a bookmaker, a parlay card, or any other method employed by organized gambling.
What you need to know…
- Student-athletes may not place or accept a bet on any college or professional sporting event.
- Student-athletes may not give information to anyone who places bets on college or professional sports.
- No wagers on ANY professional or college sports events.
- No sports “pools” or fantasy leagues, even those run by your friends, if there is an entry fee and chance to win anything of value.
- No Daily Fantasy Leagues.
- No Internet gambling on sports events.
- No sport wagering over the phone
- No sports wagering event if it is legal in that state or country (e.g. Las Vegas).
- Do not provide information about you to ANYONE who gambles. In other words, do not give out information about injuries, team plays, team morale, discipline problems or anything else.
Student-athletes who engage in gambling activities may lose some or all their remaining eligibility, depending on the severity of the infraction.
The following individuals shall not knowingly participate in sports wagering activities or provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur, or professional athletics competition.
1- Staff members of an institution’s athletics department.
2- Non-athletics department staff members who have responsibilities within or
over the athletics department (e.g., chancellor or president, faculty athletics
representative, individual to whom athletics reports).
3- Staff members of a conference office; and
4- Student-athletes
Who are considered Athletic Boosters?
Athletic representatives of the institution are commonly known as boosters or donors.
The NCAA defines a booster as anyone who:
- Have participated in or to be a member of an agency or organization promoting the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program.
- Have made financial contributions to the athletics department or to an athletics booster organization of that institution.
- Be assisting or to have been requested (by the athletics department staff) to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes.
- Be assisting or to have assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families; or
- Have been involved otherwise in promoting the institution’s athletics program.
Once an individual has been identified as a booster, he or she retains that identity forever and is governed by the same NCAA and University rules and regulations as athletic staff members. Any violation of these rules could result in loss of eligibility.
May I ‘crowdfund’ to help cover my tuition and other expenses?
There are many different NCAA rules to crowdfunding. Please ask before you set up a site. You may not use your ‘athletics ability’ to crowdfund. You may not use a picture of yourself playing your sport, dressed in a uniform, or anything like that to raise money. You may crowdfund for a charity if your athletics ability is not used.
If I think any NCAA rules have been broken, what do I do?
Contact the compliance coordinator immediately.
Resources for Students
NCAA Sexual Violance Prevention & Education
Johnson & Wales University Athletics is committed to compliance with the August 8, 2017 NCAA Board of Governors Policy on Campus Sexual Violence
Sexual Violence Prevention: An Athletics Tool Kit for a Healthy and Safe Culture, Second Edition
JWU Title IX Policy & Contacts
https://www.jwu.edu/files/pdfs/about/title-ix-policy-and-procedure.pdf
Matthias Rubekeil, J.D.
Title IX CoordinatorContact Information:
91 Friendship Street, Providence, RI 02903
titleix@jwu.edu
Phone: 401-598-2703
Betsy Gray, Ed.D.
Deputy Title IX & Equity Coordinator91 Friendship Street, Providence, RI 02903
Betsy.Gray@jwu.edu
Phone: 401-598-2733
JWU Confidential On-Campus Resources
JWU has confidential resources who are not required to share any information provided to them by an individual unless the individual gives them express permission or as otherwise permitted or required by law. These resources are available for complainants and respondents. Individuals should direct any questions about the confidentiality status of an individual to the Title IX Coordinator.
On campus, Korina Ramsland Short and Michael Waugh have been designated by the university to serve as confidential resources for students.
Students may also seek out JWU employees in Counseling Services and Health Services for support. These employees serve in a professional capacity that provides them confidential status under the law.
Korina Ramsland Short
Director of Student Support & Advocacy Services
401-598-2248
Michael Waugh
Director of Inclusion & Belonging
401-598-1784
Counseling Services
Wales Hall, second floor, 401-598-1016
Appointments are available. In case of an emergency, the on-call counselor is available after hours by calling 1-888-222-4805 or through Campus Safety & Security (401-598-1103).
Health Services
Harborside Campus: 401-598-1151, Harborside Academic Center
Downcity Campus: 401-598-1104, Wales Hall, third floor
Off-Campus Resources
1-800-494-8100 (24-hour)
Day One provides services to help and inform victims of sexual violence, including assistance when moving through the prosecution process, if desired, and counseling services for sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking.
401-421-4100 (Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm)
Mass. Safelink
1-877-785-2020 (24-hour)
Dating and domestic violence services (including criminal justice and protective order advocacy, emergency shelter, transitional housing, safety plans, counseling, education and/or policy) are available at the following member agencies of the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
Sojourner House: 401-765-3232 (24-hour)
Crossroads Rhode Island Domestic Violence Program: 401-861-2760 (24-hour)
Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center: 401-738-1700 (24-hour)
Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center: 401-723-3057
Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County: 401-782-3995
Women’s Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties: 401-846-5263
Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships (SOAR), a survivor task force: 401-467-9940
Violence Recovery Program (VRP) at Fenway Community Health (Boston, Mass.) provides counseling, support groups, advocacy and referral services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of sexual assault, dating/domestic violence and stalking.
617-927-6250 (Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm)
Information regarding how to obtain a temporary restraining order in the State of Rhode Island may be found online and by visiting or calling the Restraining Order Office for Providence County, Garrahy Judicial Complex, 1 Dorrance St., second floor, Providence, RI, 401-458-3372. After business hours, on weekends or during holidays emergency restraining orders can be obtained at your local police department.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) (24-hour)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (24-hour)
The National Stalking Resource Center provides online tools and information for victims of stalking, and links to local resources nationwide.
Text “loveis” to 1-866-331-9474 to text with an advocate via loveisrespect for support and information regarding dating violence. You can also visit loveisrespect.org/for-yourself/contact-us for more information.
Medical Assistance
Please note that victims of sexual assault may request a specifically-trained sexual assault nurse examiner at each of the following hospitals:
Women & Infants 101 Dudley St., Providence, R.I., 401-274-1100
Rhode Island Hospital 539 Eddy St., Providence, R.I., 401-444-4000
Kent Hospital 455 Tollgate Road, Warwick, R.I., 401-737-7000
Roger Williams Medical Center 825 Chalkstone Ave., Providence, R.I., 401-456-2000
Morton Hospital 88 Washington St, Taunton, MA, 508-828-7000
Sturdy Memorial Hospital 211 Park St, Attleboro, MA, 508-222-5200
You may reach these medical providers by bus (RIPTA/MBTA) or rideshare services. The university does not pay for transportation.
EADA Reporting
The JWU Athletic Department annually submits the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid. The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act requires co-educational institutions of postsecondary education that participate in a Title IV, federal student financial assistance program, and have an intercollegiate athletic program, to prepare an annual report to the Department of Education on athletic participation, staffing, and revenues and expenses, by men's and women's teams. The Department uses this information in preparing its required report to the Congress on gender equity in intercollegiate athletics. JWU’s EADA report can be accessed online via the U.S. Department of Education website:
Equity in Athletics Data Analysis.
