ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Begin Second Year of Autonomy Process

Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
Pac-12 Logos of Pac-12 North, Pac-12 South
Pac-12 Press Release
ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Begin Second Year of Autonomy Process
Preliminary Concepts have been Submitted; Final Proposals to be Released on Nov. 15; Autonomy Session on Jan. 15 at NCAA Convention
SAN FRANCISCO— Over the past several years, the five conferences of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC have worked both individually and collectively to create a 21st Century experience for student-athletes.  Areas of reform have included enhancements to the health and well-being of students, including liberalizing meal legislation and focusing on sport-related injuries, notably concussions. The five conferences have also adopted protections for athletic scholarships as well as increased the value of a full grant-in-aid to cover the full cost of attendance.  Finally, additional benefits incidental to participating in athletics have been made available to student-athletes and their families, which have been in addition to the millions of dollars in direct assistance provided each year through the Student Assistance Fund.
 
The 2015-16 year marks the second year in which the five conferences have autonomy over certain areas of NCAA rules.  Numerous preliminary concepts intended to enhance the student-athlete experience have been submitted into this year’s legislative cycle.  These concepts will now undergo a period of preliminary review and refinement, during which time amendments may be proposed and any or all of the five conferences may join together to support a concept through co-sponsorship.  Proposals will take their final form by November 15th, at which point they will be published and made available for comment by all of the Division I membership.  The proposals will then be voted on during the autonomy session at the NCAA Convention on January 15, 2016.    
 
The commissioners of the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC commented on the importance of the autonomy process: “Our universities have made significant strides to modernize college athletics and improve the student-athlete experience. There is more work to do, but collectively we have sharpened our focus on the overall objective of preparing our student-athletes to succeed on and off the field – in college and in life.”