Spalding University is a provisional member at the NCAA Division III level, and all of our athletic teams strictly adhere to NCAA Division III guidelines.

In order for new students to compete in intercollegiate athletics at Spalding University, an incoming freshman or transfer student must meet the necessary standards to be admitted into the university. Unlike NCAA Divisions I and II, it is not necessary to file with the NCAA Clearinghouse to gain initial eligibility.

Spalding student-athletes must remain in “Good Academic Standing” to be eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics. The following minimum standards must be met in order for a student to meet eligibility requirements for athletic participation:

After 1 semester or 12 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 1.75 or above
After 2 semesters or 24 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 1.80 or above
After 3 semesters or 36 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 1.90 or above
After 4 semesters or 48 credit hours: Spalding GPA of 2.00 or above

After the fourth semester of attendance, a student-athlete must maintain a GPA of 2.00 or higher to remain eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Any student whose cumulative GPA drops below the above standards may be placed on “Probation.” Students on “Probation” are not eligible to compete in NCAA Division III athletics. In addition, students must earn a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year to be eligible to compete the following year. They may earn up to 6 hours in the summer session to count toward that total. Any student who fails to pass 24 credit hours in an academic year will not be eligible to participate in athletics throughout the entire following academic year.

All student-athletes who wish to participate at Spalding University are required to attend the NCAA Compliance Meeting at the beginning of each school year and to fill out all of the necessary forms. Every student is required to have a physical examination by a physician prior to participation in a sport. Spalding University’s Athletic Training staff provides the opportunity for free physical examinations to anyone wishing to participate, but students may opt to use their personal physicians for physical exams if they so desire. Every student who participates must have proof of primary health insurance prior to being allowed to practice or play a sport. If a student has no health insurance, they can purchase a student policy through the University at a reasonable cost. Spalding University also carries an excess insurance policy on all of our athletes to pay costs that the primary provider does not cover.

Spalding athletes are expected to adhere to all NCAA, University and team rules and regulations. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and dismissal.

Any questions regarding NCAA rules and regulations may be directed to Spalding University Director of Compliance, Charlie Just. He can be reached by phone at (502) 585-9911 Ext. 2778 or by email at cjust@spalding.edu.

 Non-Discrimination Policy:

Spalding University is an equal opportunity educational institution. The University does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, veteran status or other protected status. The Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for the coordination of the University’s efforts to meet its obligations under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title IX and their implementation regulations. The Dean of Student Affairs’ office is located in the Egan leadership Center Building; the Dean of Student Affairs may be contacted at (502) 873.4488.  The Assistant Title IX Coordinator is Lisa M. Bash-DeFrees, lbash-defrees@spalding.edu.