The Big Sky Conference announced Monday it would implement a new student conduct rule for incoming athletes.
The rule, titled the Serious Misconduct Rule, would forbid any individuals who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or been disciplined by an academic institution to receive athletic-related financial aid or participate in practice or competition.
The rule was created over the past year with consultation from administrators, faculty and student athletes from universities that make up the Big Sky Conference along with the NCAA’s Title IX office.
The Big Sky Conference has defined “serious misconduct” as “any act of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, or any assault that employs the use of a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury.”
“(The Serious Misconduct Rule) sets the tone and expectations the Conference has for its institutions,” Big Sky commissioner Andrea Williams said in a statement. “The Big Sky is taking ownership and accountability for the culture we create and reputation we project on campus, within our community and in our conference. We are most proud that this step supports the commitment that our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has already taken to address and end violence on campus.”
The rule will be effective for students signing during the December 2019 signing period and beyond.
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