The Atlantic Coast Conference has sent its the initial priorities as part of the NCAA’s new autonomy structure, the conference announced in a release Tuesday afternoon.

The priorities were decided upon by the ACC’s Council of Presidents in lieu of the NCAA’s autonomy ruling in August, and are being sent to meet the NCAA’s Oct. 1 deadline.

The autonomy structure allows power-conference teams to create rulings to enhance the welfare of student-athletes.

Here is the list of the priorities the ACC will send along, from the release:

Examination of scholarship protections for student-athletes;

· Meeting a student-athlete’s cost of attendance.

· Ensuring institutional flexibility to provide educational support for former student-athletes.

· Examination of career-related insurance options for student-athletes.

· Ensuring that nutritional needs of student-athletes are met in a reasonable way.

The conference will also consider the time demands of student-athletes in regards to them being able to enjoy the full collegiate experience, according to the release.

The ACC Council of Presidents had three subcommittees — consisting of five members each — to look into the how these topics related to prospective, current and former student-athletes. All 15 ACC schools were represented on those subcommittees.

“The collegiate model is a very special part of this country’s educational system and culture, and we believe the priorities set forth continue to focus on the importance of better addressing the needs of our student-athletes,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said.

“The work that’s been done by our membership and now sent forth by the Council of Presidents shows a commitment to highlighting a more effective structure where these benefits can be realized.”

Published on September 30, 2014 at 5:48 pm

Contact Sam: sblum@syr.edu | @SamBlum3