Student-Athlete NIL: Name, Image and Likeness
Student-Athlete FAQ NIL Disclosure Form NCAA Resources
General Policy
Effective July 1st, 2021
According to the new NCAA's name, image and likeness (NIL) policy and state of Texas legislation, the University of St. Thomas may no longer restrict enrolled student-athletes from earning compensation for use of their name, image or likeness when they are not engaged in official team activities. Furthermore, UST may not provide or solicit a prospective student-athlete with compensation for use of their name, image or likeness.
Official Team Activities
As stated above, UST student-athletes can only receive compensation for their name, image and likeness while they are not engaged in official team activities. The University of St. Thomas defines “official team activities” as any activity with an athletic or academic purpose involving student-athletes. Such activities include the following:
- Practices
- Competition, including travel to and from away from home contests
- Mandatory class attendance
- Academic study hall
- Community service events
- Organized team promotional events
Disclosure
Before entering an agreement for the use of their name, image or likeness, UST student-athletes must disclose the proposed contract or opportunity with the UST Athletic Department NIL Committee. The UST NIL Disclosure form that a Student-Athlete should complete during this process can be found in the links above. After completion, send form to Zariah McInnis, Director of Media Relations (zariah.mcinnis@stthom.edu). After all necessary documents are received, the NIL Committee will approve or deny the sponsorship opportunity within ten (10) days. If the request is denied, the student-athlete will have five (5) days to submit an appeal to the Dean of Students Office.
Restricted Opportunities
Per NCAA rules and guidelines, University of St. Thomas student-athletes may not enter into a contract or obtain an opportunity for use of their name, image and likeness if compensation is provided in exchange for their athletic performance or attendance at the University. Any endorsement that conflicts with the University of St. Thomas' mission and core values is strictly prohibited. Restricted endorsements include, but are not limited to the following:
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Tobacco products
- Anabolic steroids
- NCAA banned substances
- Gambling
- Firearms
Finally, property owned by the University of St. Thomas, including intellectual property, logos and symbols, may not be used in conjunction with a student-athlete’s name, image and likeness opportunity/contract.
Mandatory Education
The University of St. Thomas looks forward to educating all student-athletes and staff on all matters related to name, image and likeness. In accordance with Texas state law, all first year and third year student-athletes will receive mandatory financial literacy and life skills training upon enrollment at the University. In doing so, student-athletes will be well-informed and prepared to properly take advantage of their name, image and likeness. Additional knowledge or advice can be sought out if the student-athlete is interested.
Frequently Asked Questions
University of St. Thomas Athletics and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) has compiled a FAQ page to assist with providing guidance for student-athletes and third parties seeking to maximize NIL opportunities. Please navigate the links at the top of the page to review. For specific questions or more guidance, contact the UST Athletic Compliance Office.
