In the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball, and baseball, student-athletes must sit out two academic years before being eligible to play at the new Conference school.

In the other 14 sports, student-athletes must sit out one year before regaining athletic eligibility. The rule, passed last week at the SWAC Winter Meetings held in Birmingham, goes into effect in August 2010.

“This is significant legislation passed by the SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors,” SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said.

“This rule not only puts us on par with every Division I Conference in the nation, but will immediately impact and improve our APR (Academic Progress Report) rating at each individual member institution and as a  Conference as a whole.”