The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Committee on Infractions has assessed penalties on Shepherd University for NCAA rules infractions during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years.  The Committee found that the University failed to adequately monitor the Athletics Department's  eligibility certification processes and financial aid policy compliance.
 
The University self-reported these infractions to the NCAA with an initial report in fall 2023 and proceeded with an extensive internal investigation.  The University ultimately determined that 44 ineligible student-athletes in 10 sports had been allowed to practice or compete in 265 athletics contests including 15 postseason contests during those two years. Many of these student-athletes also received actual and necessary expenses and/or financial aid while ineligible or not certified.
 
"We communicated with the NCAA immediately when we learned about these infractions," Shepherd University President Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix said. "I am grateful to our current administrators in the athletics department for working with our legal counsel and the NCAA on completing a thorough review and in establishing renewed policies and practices to maintain the integrity of our athletic programs."

The University and NCAA enforcement staff agreed on the following penalties and corrective actions:

• 2 years of probation.
• $5,000 fine.
• Vacation of team and individual records in which student-athletes competed while ineligible. 
• The University must provide written monitoring reports to the NCAA.

 
Prospective student-athletes will receive written notification that the University is on probation and the reasons for that before an official paid visit to campus, or before signing an institutional financial aid agreement when being recruited for the following sports:

• Baseball
• Football
• Men's Basketball
• Men's Soccer
• Men's Tennis
• Softball
• Women's Basketball
• Women's Cross Country
• Women's Lacrosse
• Women's Tennis

 
More information can be found on the Shepherd Athletics website. (link)