Eligibility & Expectations
JJC student-athletes represent the college on the court and in the classroom. Those choosing to represent in the JJC uniform must adhere to the standards set forth by Joliet Junior College as well as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Further guidelines are offered to help ensure the JJC Wolves lead the pack academically as well as athletically. Students wishing to participate in JJC Athletics have rules and responsibilities in order to represent as JJC Wolves! Some of the general expectations include:
• All student-athletes must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (full-time) to practice and compete during their season.
• Student-athletes must be making satisfactory progress within an approved college program or course as listed in the college catalog (
per NJCAA Compliance).
• Student-athletes must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher to remain eligible.
• Ineligible student-athletes may not dress for or participate in any athletic contest until they regain eligibility.
• Student-athletes may be required to miss class for competition only. It is the student’s responsibility to work with their professor to ensure any missed work is completed or materials gathered.
• Professors will communicate student-athletes grades, attendance, and level of work to the retention specialists in Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS).
• Student-athletes may be required to attend weekly/bi-weekly meetings with their respective retention specialists and/or coach to monitor academic performance.
• Student-athletes must pass at least 12 credit hours to maintain eligibility for the following semester.
• Student-athletes must be in good academic standing (as determined by their institution) in order to remain eligible with the NJCAA.
• All student-athletes participating in any of the NJCAA certified sports must have passed a physical examination administered by a qualified health care professional licensed to administer physical examinations.
• Student-athletes cannot repeat a course to obtain full time-status. If a course needs to be repeated, student-athletes need to be enrolled in at least 12 other credit hours to remain eligible for competition.
• Student-athletes are held to the same JJC Honor Code and Academic Misconduct standards as the rest of the JJC student population.
NJCAA legislation requires every school to maintain and adhere to written academic policies that apply to the entire student body.
• NJCAA rules prohibit JJC from providing substantial academic assistance that is not generally available to all students or otherwise allowed by NJCAA rules.
• The NJCAA defers to each institution to determine their own criteria for "good academic standing," as applied to all JJC students. Please click the link to review Joliet Junior College’s Academic Standards of Progress. https://www.jjc.edu/standards-of-progress
• Student-athletes enrolled in 12 credit hours should spend at least two hours in the tutoring center and five hours in study hall per week, to maintain an above average GPA.
• Student-athletes whose goal it is to transfer to a four year institution should earn at least 48 degree applicable credit hours to their prospective four year institution (after at least 2 year of eligibility at JJC and/or other junior college). Most 4 year institutions have majors that total 120 total credit hours. In order to finish a bachelor’s degree on time and maintain athletic eligibility, ideally student-athletes would be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours per semester. 4 years= 8 semesters; (15 credit hours) x (8 semesters) = 120. ***Calculation does not include enrolling in developmental courses, summer hours or intersessions.***
Services & Support
JJC Athletic Department is committed to assisting student-athletes in academic, athletic, and personal development and providing the leadership, resources, and support to fulfil this commitment.
Administration and Coaching Staff
Athletic Department Administration staff and each team’s head coach work together to support the student-athletes in their goals to excel in their sports, remain compliant with NJCAA standards, and celebrate individual and team successes.
Find your coach here.
Student-Athlete Academic Services
All current and incoming JJC student-athletes are assigned to a student-athlete retention specialist to enhance academic support for student success.
The retention specialists offer academic and professional support by providing guidance to student-athletes pursuing an associate's degree/certification, transferring to a 4- year institution, and preparing students for their post-graduate career. The retention specialists assist student-athletes in finding and maintaining a balance between the demands of academics and athletics. Through collaboration and integration with campus resources, programs and services are designed to enhance student-athletes’ overall development, well-being, and undergraduate experience. Retention specialists have the ability to track academic progress through monitoring and communication with professors, advisors, and students.
The Joliet Junior College Athletic Department emphasizes individual responsibility and personal integrity, with the end result being the overall development and preparation of the student-athlete for a successful life during and after college.
Find out more here.
Training Staff and Sports Medicine
The JJC Sports Medicine Staff, in cooperation with ATI Physical Therapy, provides a variety of medical services to approximately 200 college student-athletes.
Our Athletic Trainers work with Physical Therapists, Physicians, Coaches, and Student-Athletes to prevent, evaluate, manage, and rehabilitate sports injuries. As a part of a complete sports medicine team, the Athletic Trainer is recognized by the American Medical Association as an allied health care profession.
The efforts of the Sports Medicine Staff help the athletes return from injury quickly and safely, avoid disruption of athletic participation, and learn methods of injury prevention. The JJC Sports Medicine Program is supported by Hinsdale Orthopaedic Associates, leaders in health care in the Joliet/Plainfield community.
Learn more here.
