The University of Maryland becomes the first Division I school to protect student athletes’ rights by offering a “lifetime degree guarantee.” The school calls the initiative “The Maryland Way Guarantee.”
Beginning in November of 2014-15, ‘The Maryland Way Guarantee’ will provide all incoming student-athletes with a multi-year scholarship guarantee. Pursuant to this program, should a student-athlete exhaust his or her eligibility prior to graduating, Maryland will guarantee his or her aid will continue through graduation. If a student-athlete is injured and unable to compete, we will guarantee his or her aid will continue through graduation.
The guarantee provides student-athletes who return in time to complete their degrees with tuition, books and fees as long as they are in good academic standing. In addition, the school extends the program to all student athletes and not just football and basketball.
“Our vision is to be the best intercollegiate athletic program while producing graduates who are prepared to serve as leaders in the local, state and global communities,” director of athletics Kevin Anderson said in the release. “We are confident ‘The Maryland Way Guarantee’ will further demonstrate our commitment to our student-athletes’ pursuit of a college degree.”
This is definitely a huge consideration for incoming athletes trying to decide where to attend college. Under the rules of the NCAA, schools can cancel and reduce athletes’ scholarships for any reason. This guarantee provides Maryland athletes with protection, especially to those who are seriously injured while participating in sports.
[h/t SB Nation]