Northwest Regents Approve NIL Policy

Northwest Missouri State University’s Board of Regents approved a Name, Image, and Likeness policy to align with the NCAA interim policy that began July 1st and allows college athletes to be compensated for endorsement and sponsorship contracts. The approval came during their meeting on Thursday.

The Northwest policy allows student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness, but student-athletes cannot receive a payment for their athletic performance or within the recruiting process. Northwest’s conference, the MIAA, has partnered to create Empower U. Empower U is intended to aid the student athletes with direction through the process.

Northwest has also received about $6.8 million in federal emergency grant funding to be used for student support. Northwest is required to prioritize students with exceptional need with the funding. Northwest plans to distribute the most recent funding to Pell-eligible, undergraduate students enrolled during the summer 2021 term.

Regents also approved a contract to provide roof repairs with Straub Construction for roof repairs to the Lamkin Activity Center. The contract has a ceiling amount of $1.2 million. Northwest closed the facility after a May evaluation reported that the facility is not safe for occupancy because of the roof. University President Dr. John Jasinski issued an emergency procurement declaration based on safety concerns and the need for immediate repairs.

Phase one of the repairs includes erecting a shoring system to support the structure’s wood frame ceiling and minimize further damage until the second phase, which will involve repairs to the roof.

In addition to classrooms, the Student Recreation Center and staff offices, the Lamkin Activity Center includes Bearcat Arena, which is the home of the Bearcat volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball teams. Because Northwest expects the arena to be offline through October, the volleyball team will play its home season in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse, resulting in additional investments for flooring underlayment, a Sport Court, bleachers and other equipment.