Rules Working Group: Nontraditional Courses
The NCAA has defined nontraditional coursework as distance learning, correspondence, extension, online, independent study, or any
other course that is not earned in a face-to-face classroom environment with regular interaction between the instructor and the student.
In 2011 legislation defi ning acceptable nontraditional coursework was adopted by the NCAA. The following conditions must be met:
1. The course is available to any student at the institution;
2. The student-athlete enrolls in the course in the same manner as is available to any student;
3. Enrollment in the course occurs within the institutions regular enrollment periods (pre-registration or drop/add period) in
accordance with the institution’s academic calendar and applicable policies and procedures; and
4. The course is conducted during the institution’s regular academic schedule (term time) in accordance with the institution’s
academic calendar and applicable policies and procedures.
At the moment, current legislation does not limit the number of nontraditional courses a student-athlete may use to meet the
full-time requirement for competition. The legislation also leaves requirements such as timing of enrollment, length of the course, and
date of completion to the institution.
The NCAA Board of Directors is now debating whether the current legislation on nontraditional courses should be reconsidered,
as well as whether there should be a limit on the number of nontraditional courses student-athletes may be enrolled in in order to
satisfy the full-time enrollment requirement for competition (12 hours/semester).
During the October NCAA Division I Board of Directors meeting, the board questioned whether reliance on online courses
is consistent with the existing resident academic programs for student-athletes. Because more information is needed, the Board of
Directors referred the issue to the Leadership Council for more extensive review.
Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Office of Athletic Compliance
Manley Field House
Syracuse, NY 13244-5020
