Andrea Adelson, ESPN Senior Writer 9y

ACC outlines autonomy priorities

The ACC has focused its initial priorities under the new autonomy structure on student-athlete welfare, outlining five main points it will submit to the NCAA by a Wednesday deadline.

In a statement Tuesday, the league said that its Council of Presidents has decided on these main priorities for student-athletes:

  • Examining scholarship protections, including further discussion on multi-year scholarships

  • Meeting cost of attendance needs

  • Ensuring institutional flexibility to provide educational support for former student-athletes

  • Examining career-related insurance options

  • Ensuring that nutritional needs are met in a reasonable way

The council previously asked three subcommittees to evaluate NCAA autonomy topics as they relate to prospective, current and former student-athletes. All 15 member institutions were represented in the three subcommittees, and recommendations were forwarded to the Council of Presidents.

The NCAA steering committee gave Power 5 leagues until Wednesday to put together their first proposals. They could potentially be adopted as early as the 2015 NCAA convention in January.

The priorities mentioned are in line with the statements commissioner John Swofford made during ACC Kickoff in July, when he said the league would be looking at ways to help student-athletes first. He also said the league would be in favor of guaranteeing four-year scholarships.

^ Back to Top ^