UC panel adopts expanded student-athlete protections

A policy that would nearly triple the number of University of California student-athletes guaranteed continued financial aid in the event of a career-ending sports injury received unanimous approval Wednesday from a committee of the university’s governing board.

The proposal came from a working group of UC athletic directors tasked with making recommendations for improving the academic and emotional well-being of students who participate in college sports at the highest levels.

A 2012 state law required the four California universities in the Pac-12 Conference, including Cal and UCLA, to continue providing financial support to athletes permanently sidelined by injuries.

The university system awarded 2,686 athletic scholarships last year, including 528 to students at Cal and 460 to students at UCLA, officials said.

The financial support was among 14 recommendations put forward by the athletic directors and passed by the regents’ educational policy committee on Wednesday.

Other proposals include identifying recruits who might need extra academic help once they get to college; requiring students who are struggling in the classroom to meet with counselors trained to work with athletes; making sure new athlete orientations cover topics such as sexual misconduct, mental health and diversity; and giving student-athletes priority in registering for classes that suit their schedules.