NCAA Board of Directors pass 'holistic model' proposal for increased mental, physical health of college athletes

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has adopted mandates that will increase academic and health benefits for college athletes, referred to as the “holistic model.”

Shared to Twitter by Inside the NCAA, the benefits are sure to have a rousing impact on college athletes across the nation.

“DI Board of Directors unanimously adopts changes to requirements for DI schools that mandates increased academic & health benefits for college athletes, effective summer 2024,” tweeted Inside the NCAA. “Schools can offer at any time. Decisions not final until meeting concludes today.”

In the thread following, Inside the NCAA on Twitter explained what exactly it all means, reporting that Division I schools that aren’t currently offering to assist student-athletes with various medical assistance will need to during and after their time with a program.

“DI schools that do not already do so will be required to assist student-athletes with out-of-pocket medical expenses during college and must provide medical coverage for athletically related injuries for several years after college,” added Inside the NCAA. “Schools will also be required to attest that they are supporting the mental health of college athletes, in line with the @NCAA_SSI best practices.”

Additionally, scholarship protections and degree completion funds must be offered moving forward as well.

“DI schools must offer scholarship protections already required of schools in autonomy (‘Power 5’) conferences and degree completion funds for student-athletes who competed in head count sports or were on full scholarship within 10 years of completion of college eligibility,” tweeted Inside the NCAA.

Finally, adjustments will be made for topics like the highly-controversial NIL, as schools are going to be required to provided a variety of counseling for it, among other issues.

“Schools will also be required to offer career counseling and life skills programming, including topics like: NIL, mental health, financial literacy, nutrition, and career preparation,” added Inside the NCAA. “Referred to as the ‘holistic model,’ this recommendation was initially brought forward conceptually by the Division I Transformation Committee in January. It was supported earlier this month by the DI Council.”

As you can see, a bevy of fascinating updates are being made through the NCAA Division I Board of Directors to help college athletes both while they’re in school and beyond. It’s a great thing, and will sure be met with a positive reaction.