CLICK HERE FOR 2012-2013 SAOF APPLICATION

Intent and Principles:

The Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF) is intended to provide direct benefits to student-athletes or their families as determined by conference offices. As a guiding principle, the funds shall be used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics, enrollment in an academic curriculum or that recognize academic achievement.

Eligibility for the Funds:

All student-athletes, including walk-ons, and medicals are eligible for SAOF monies. No prospects are eligible except for those receiving summer financial aid prior to full-time enrollment.

Prohibited Uses for the Fund:

• Salaries and Benefits
• Grants-in-aid (other than summer school) for student-athletes with remaining eligibility
• Capital improvements
• Stipends
• Upgrading Team Travel (i.e. from vans to buses)
• Meals during Academic Year (i.e. training table)
• Massage Therapy (unless for medical purposes)
• Athletically Related Opportunities (i.e. foreign tour)

Permissible uses of the fund (MUST SUBMIT RECEIPTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT):

Educational Expenses and Fees (not to exceed $200 in given year):

• Expendable Supplies - theatre tickets, lab equipment, newspapers, etc.
  • Toward major courses or UC requirements
• Educational Supplies - recommended material relating to course as evidenced by syllabus
  • Toward major courses or UC requirements
• Other Educational expenses
  • Please see the ADSA for laptop or calculator check-outs
  • Funds toward calculators will only be approved once during your academic time at SMU and major must be declared             

Health and Safety Expenses:

• Recommended by Athletic Training room only and must impact participation
• Must be approved PRIOR to services. Reviewed on a case-by-case basis by Athletic Administration

Personal or Family Expenses:

• Clothing Allowance
  • Total amount in given year not to exceed $400 ($200 reimbursed per semester)
  • Pell eligible or need-based student-athletes only
  • Visit Life Skills office for need-based application
• Death or tragic event in immediate family
  • Up to $400 toward travel expenses
  • Parents, siblings, grandparents only

Institutional Academic or Programming Enhancements:

• Approved on a case-by-case basis
• Academic Support Services
• Other Academic or Programming Expenses

 SMU's Limits on SAOF:

• Funds will be distributed until the SAOF allotment is exhausted

 Deadline for Submission:

• Friday, January 25, 2013 - For applications relating to Fall Semester
• Wednesday, May 15, 2013 - For applications relating to Spring Semester
• Tuesday, August 6, 2013 - For applications relating to Summer School (if funds are available)

 Distribution:

• All applicants will be notified via email whether their application was approved or denied and when check is available for pick-up
• Every applicant has the right to request reconsideration from Monique Holland (Sr. Associate AD/Senior Woman Administrator) if your application is denied
• Fulfillment of Educational and Expendable supplies relating to a course will be distributed after the drop date. If you have withdrawn from the course your application will be denied:
• Fall Semester - Monday, November 5, 2012
• Spring Semester - Thursday, April 11, 2013
• Full Summer Session - Friday, July 25, 2013
• First Session Summer - Wednesday, June 26, 2013
• Second Session Summer - Monday, July 29, 2013