Stevenson University

Stevenson University Name, Image and Likeness



PURPOSE
Stevenson University is committed to supporting and educating student-athletes in pursuit of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities in compliance with Stevenson University policy and NCAA, state, and/or federal laws. The purpose of this policy is to inform Stevenson student-athletes as well as other university stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members) of behavioral expectations and to provide information and resources on NIL.

WHAT IS NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS (NIL)?
NCAA college athletes now have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness. NCAA student-athletes may engage in and earn compensation for their name, image and likeness for commercial or promotional purposes as part of their "right to publicity."

WHO MUST FOLLOW THIS POLICY?
The Stevenson University NIL policy applies to all student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletic programs at Stevenson University. The Athletics Department has established clear expectations surrounding a student-athlete's involvement in permissible NIL activities. Furthermore, these NIL guidelines apply to prospective high school and transfer student-athletes who may attend Stevenson University in the future.

WHAT ARE NIL ACTIVITIES?
NIL activities include any situation where a student-athlete's name, image, likeness or appearance is used commercially or promotionally by an entity outside of the institution. Compensation for NIL activities must be within fair market value and may not be provided in exchange for athletic performance or attendance at Stevenson University.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS FOR STEVENSON UNIVERSITY STUDENT-ATHLETES?
Under Maryland law and in accordance with NCAA rules, the following name, image and likeness requirements are applicable to Stevenson University student-athletes:

• Compensation may not be earned based on athletic performance or achievement.  
• Compensation earned for NIL activity must be commensurate with fair market value.
• NIL compensation opportunities may not be performed when engaged in official team activities, on or off-campus (e.g., athletically related and academic activities). This includes, but is not limited to media activities, team travel, community service, and Stevenson University fundraising events.
• Compensation may not be arranged or provided by Stevenson University employees.
• Stevenson University may prohibit NIL for compensation if such opportunity conflicts with existing institutional sponsorship agreement or contract or goes against the values of the institution, including but not limited to; tobacco products, adult entertainment, and NCAA banned substances. 
• Use of University or athletic department registered trademarks, products protected by copyright, or official logos or marks, is prohibited without the express written permission from the University Vice President for Marketing and Digital Communications.
• Student-athletes may secure representation (agent or lawyer) ONLY for Name, Image, Likeness, or persona and NOT for future professional athletic contract negotiations. NIL agents must be compensated with their regular rate. Failure to do so will jeopardize intercollegiate eligibility. Student-athletes may not hire an agent to represent them directly or indirectly for the purpose of marketing athletics ability or reputation.
• Student-athletes may be compensated for NIL by Stevenson University boosters, provided the activity is in accordance with university, state, and federal law and is not an impermissible inducement, and it does not constitute pay-for-play. 
• Use of University or athletic department facilities for NIL activities is prohibited without the express written permission from the University and/or athletics department. Please contact the Assistant Athletics Director responsible for External Rentals for additional information related to athletic department facility rental contracts. 
• International student-athletes may face additional NIL limitations due to visa requirements where employment is prohibited. It is recommended that international student-athletes seek guidance from the Stevenson University NIL Committee to prevent any potential immigration issues.
• Grant or need-based financial aid could be impacted based on compensation from NIL. Those questions should be directed to the office of Financial Aid.

MANDATORY DISCLOSURE
Student-athletes must disclose all compensated NIL activities within 14 days of the activity occurring to Stevenson University through at nil@stevenson.edu.
Required information includes, but is not limited to the compensating third-party, business category of the third-party, individuals and businesses connected to the activity, type of compensation, and all verbal or written NIL agreements.
Failure to disclose NIL activities may jeopardize NCAA eligibility for practice and/or competition.
  
CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE  
Violations of the policy may result in a student-athlete and/or others facing appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with this policy state law, federal law, other applicable University policies, procedures and/or codes of conduct. Consequences for student-athletes found in violation may include NCAA sanctions up to and including permanent ineligibility to participate in collegiate athletics.

OTHER NIL RESOURCES
For more information about NIL: 

• Maryland State law
• NCAA RESOURCES:
  • Interim Name, Image and Likeness Policy
  • Name, Image and Likeness NCAA Interim Policy Q&A
  • New Interim Policy Key Takeaways
• Other Educational Resources
• Stevenson University Name, Image and Likeness Disclosure Form

Questions regarding NIL agreements should be directed to the Stevenson University NIL Committee (NIL@stevenson.edu).