Last week the topic of inter-terms was covered as it relates to certification of continuously identified students. This week we would like to talk about inter-terms as it pertains to transfer students establishing identification.
This topic can be a bit complicated particularly when you have to consider how the NAIA institution’s inter-terms can effect continuing identified and transfer students differently. The chart below answers some common questions about how an inter-term can effect transfer students specifically.
Inter-Term Attached to First Term |
Inter-Term Stands Alone |
Inter-Term Attached to Second Term |
No Inter-Term at the Institution |
|
Can the student play right away? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
When can the student identify? |
May identify in inter-term, but cannot play until certification after conclusion of inter-term |
May identify in inter-term, and can play once identified |
May identify in inter-term, and can play once identified |
Can identify only with the start of second term. Cannot play until start of second term |
Student may practice with the team |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
May use the inter-term to start the residency period |
Yes, if identified with the institution |
Yes, if identified with the institution |
Yes, if identified with the institution |
There is no inter-term to attend |
Students who transfer schools are classified as prospective students until they identify with their new institution. After the first term a prospective student may become identified only by attending classes, either during the inter-term or during a regular term. A student may identify with an institution during the inter-term by enrolling in three-fourths (or two-thirds, if three-fourths is not appropriate) of the normal inter-term load as noted on the institution’s official transcript. The bylaws allow for prospective students to practice and participate for a team only in the summer prior to identifying. However, after the first term, if a student is classified as a prospective student, they may only practice with a team (provided that the practices are counted in the team’s 24-week season).
Inter-terms, unlike summer terms, may be used to begin a student’s residency period if they are transferring without a release or a 2.0 cumulative GPA from their previous four-year institution.