Pacific Lutheran University Athletics

Introduction

The NCAA took action to support student-athletes’ usage of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), effective July 1, 2021. Student-athletes will be able to engage in various NIL endeavors (such as appearing at autograph signings at local businesses or appearing in advertisements) without impacting their eligibility for intercollegiate athletics. While student-athletes might be directly affected, NIL is open to any student.

Students should be aware that there is a rapidly changing legal landscape both on a state and federal level, and future policies may require changes to these guidelines in response.

Purpose and rationale

Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) has adopted the Pacific Lutheran University Policy on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) which summarizes the university requirements for NIL. 

Once accepted for admission into the PLU community, PLU assumes that each student who enters the university possesses an earnest purpose; the ability to exercise mature judgment; the ability to act in a responsible manner; a well-developed concept of, and commitment to honor, morality and integrity; a respect for laws and the rights of others; and a commitment to making a positive contribution to the community. These expectations extend to working with NIL. 

PLU encourages students to understand NIL fully before initiating and maintaining their brand identity and marketing platforms. PLU Athletics looks forward to providing educational programs and resources for student-athletes to understand and positively influence their brands and platforms in this new NIL world. Other resources also will be developed for students who do not identify as student athletes and who wish to engage NIL policies.

Overview 

• NIL agreements must adhere to all relevant federal and state laws, university policies including, without limitation, regarding disclosure, as well as additional governing bodies, e.g., the NCAA, Northwest Conference, etc.

• NIL compensation earned by a student consistent with this policy will not affect athletics eligibility, but may affect the receipt of need based financial aid. Grant-in-aid awarded by the university to a student is not considered compensation. 

Impermissible NIL Activities

Student will not be permitted to enter into NIL agreements under the following circumstances: 

• NIL activities cannot violate Pacific Lutheran’s Student Code of Conduct or other governing documents, such as the PLU Athletics Department Student-Athlete Handbook.

• A student may earn compensation for their NIL. Such compensation must be within fair market value and cannot be for work not performed.

• Compensation may not be provided in exchange for athletic performance (pay-for-play), attendance, or continuing attendance at Pacific Lutheran University.

• PLU, members of the PLU Athletic Department, or university employees may not compensate or arrange compensation to current or prospective students for their NIL.

• The NIL contract or agreement may not involve gambling or sports wagering, firearms, drugs and alcohol, tobacco or any smoking products or any vendors associated with tobacco or any smoking products. 

Use of PLU’s Facilities & Trademarks

When PLU students appear in PLU logo wear or in a uniform, they represent all students to the community that is interacting with them. As a result:

• The use of PLU Athletic or other PLU department-related marks and logos, including all aspects of the uniform, is not permitted without prior authorization from the PLU Athletic Department. 

• Students may not use PLU facilities, grounds, or social media while participating in NIL activities.

For Student-Athletes Only: Disclosure Requirement 

Student-athletes must disclose any and all NIL agreements to the athletic department compliance office seven days prior to participation in a NIL activity. 

Failure to disclose or participation in an impermissible NIL activity may result in penalties imposed by the NCAA that could impact the student-athlete’s eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Penalties could include removal from an athletics team.

For Student-Athletes Only: Use of Athlete Agents or Athlete Attorneys 

• Student-athletes may secure representation — athlete agent or lawyer — ONLY for NIL purposes and NOT for future professional athletic contract negotiations.

• The term of a contract for representation or compensation for the use of student-athlete NIL cannot extend beyond participation on a PLU Athletics team or other formal PLU affiliation.

Other Considerations

• International students should seek guidance from Student Financial Services and International Student Services before entering into any NIL agreements.

• Pell Grant or need-based financial aid could be impacted as a result of receiving compensation from NIL. Those questions should be directed to Student Financial Services.

Additional resources

NCAA NIL Policy Takeaways

NCAA NIL Policy Q&A

NCAA Quick Guide To New Policy