CONTACT INFORMATION

Emily Kuhn
Brand and Licensing Manager
kuhne@MiamiOH.edu

    Alex Reid
Director of Compliance
reidap@MiamiOH.edu 
 

STUDENT ATHLETE FAQ
Do I need to disclose NIL opportunities to my institution?
All NIL opportunities must be disclosed to Miami University. If student athletes are receiving compensation for NIL Activity, student athletes must submit a proposed verbal or written NIL agreement to Miami University through ARMS in advance.
 
Can I use Miami University branded gear and/or Miami University logos for NIL activities?
Miami University trademarks, service marks, logos, names, symbols, brand indicia, or other intellectual property (the “Miami Marks”) or any copyrighted materials owned by or licensed to Miami University (“Miami Copyrights,” and together with the Miami Marks, the “Miami IP”) cannot be used during NIL Activities without the express written permission of the Brand and Licensing Manager. To submit a request to use the Miami Marks or for questions, please submit this form. (Miami University NIL Brand Request Form)

Can I promote that I am a student athlete at Miami University?
Yes. Student athletes may disclose, in connection with NIL Activities, that they are a student-athlete at Miami University and list their personal academic or athletic accolades. Student athletes may not imply, directly or indirectly, that Miami University is endorsing NIL Activities or any products or services associated with NIL Activities. 

Can I participate and/or be compensated for NIL activities during mandated team activities?
No. Student athletes may not participate in an NIL Activity while required to be present for practice, scrimmage, competition, or another required team event. This time period covers the time student athletes have to report for practice, scrimmage, competition, or other required team events. Student athletes should understand that there may be academic and disciplinary consequences if classes or any other academic obligations are missed to participate in any NIL Activity. 

Are there categories that are not permitted for NIL activities?
Student Athletes may not enter into a NIL agreement with any of the following industries: 
Alcohol Products 
Tobacco products (including electronic smoking devices, vapor products or products or devices that consists of or contains nicotine that can be ingested into the body); 
Casinos or any entity that sponsors or promotes gambling activities; 
Controlled substances; 
Marijuana (including legalized or medical) products; 
Medical marijuana cultivator, processor, lab or retail dispensary; or 
Any business engaged in the sale, rental, or exhibition for any form of consideration of adult entertainment that is characterized by an emphasis on the exposure or display of sexual activity. 
Miami University reserves the right to restrict other categories of companies, brands or types of contracts that are similar to the above industries (or other areas that are permitted under Ohio law) if Miami University communicates this information to you before you enroll at Miami University. 

Are NIL deals with companies that may conflict with institution sponsors permitted?
Student athletes may not enter into a contract that conflicts with any Miami University contractual obligations. If student athletes are receiving compensation for NIL Activity, student athletes must submit a proposed verbal or written NIL agreement to Miami University through ARMS in advance. The proposed agreement will be reviewed to determine if there is a conflict with any Miami University contract. If there is a conflict:
Miami will inform the student athlete of the relevant contract provision that is in conflict;  
Student athletes cannot enter into the proposed NIL agreement or otherwise engage in the proposed NIL Activity, but may negotiate a revision to the proposed NIL agreement to avoid the conflict; and 
Student athletes must submit the revised NIL agreement to Miami University, within the ARMS system, for review before entering into the NIL Activity to ensure compliance with these guidelines and Ohio law. 
A list of current partners is linked HERE. 

International Student Athlete FAQ
International student-athletes should not enter into any NIL Activities without consulting with Miami University’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services as this could impact your U.S. Visa status (https://www.miamioh.edu/global-initiatives/isss/index.html). 

May I receive payment to appear in a commercial or endorse a commercial product?
No, not if the service is performed in the United States. 
 
May I receive compensation for a personal appearance at an event?
No, not if the appearance is in the United States.
 
May I receive compensation for signing an autograph?
No, not if you are signing in the United States. 
 
May I establish my own business selling products and services?
No, not in the United States. Note: an F-1 student can invest in the United States (e.g., buy stock in a company), but cannot receive income or remuneration as a result of providing services to any company, including one owned by the F-1 student. 
 
May I sell institutional awards (rings, apparel, etc.) once I have finished my athletics eligibility?
Yes. An F-1 student may sell personal possessions, provided this is not undertaken as a regular business or trade. (Any questions should be addressed to an immigration attorney.) 
 
May I use my name, image, or likeness in connection with a personal crowdfunding page to raise money for my personal education expenses or family hardships?
If the page is set up while the student-athlete is outside the U.S. and no further activity is undertaken related to promotion of the page while in the U.S., then this activity may be permissible. (Please consult with an immigration attorney.) However, the U.S. government may consider active operation\updating\promotion of such a page while in the U.S. to be no different than operating a business for income.