INDIANAPOLIS---With a new academic year about to begin, NCAA officials remind students, coaches, counselors and parents that initial eligibility requirements have changed.

The new requirements increase the number of required core courses from 14 to 16 for students entering a Division I college or university in 2008 or after.  Students entering a Division I or II institution in 2005, 2006 or 2007 are required to take 14 core courses.

The changes are part of the NCAA’s overall effort to strengthen intercollegiate athletics by ensuring that student-athletes are succeeding academically, as well as athletically, and making steady progress toward earning a college degree.

"It’s important that high school athletes, their coaches, guidance counselors and parents understand that the guidelines for initial eligibility have changed,” said Julie Cromer, NCAA director of membership services.  “If student-athletes plan to enter college in 2008, they need to prepare for the new requirements.”

If a student plans to enter college in 2008 or after, and compete as an NCAA student-athlete, he or she will need to have successfully completed 16 core courses in high school in the following breakdown:

• Four years of English
• Three years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
• Two years of natural/physical science (one must be a lab science)
• One year of additional English, math or science
• Two years of social studies
• Four years of additional core courses (from any area listed above, or from foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy)

It is important that students check to make sure the courses they are taking are on their high school’s list of NCAA approved courses.  Each high school has its own individualized list, which may be viewed on the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse website (link provided in Helpful Links box above).

Prospective student-athletes may register with the Clearinghouse online, as well.  By registering online, prospects will be able to view their eligibility information online and will not have to call the clearinghouse for eligibility updates.  Online registration saves time and allows prospective student-athletes to view their eligibility status up to six weeks faster than through the paper registration process.

For more information, contact the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse at 877/262-1492 or www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.