The NCAA Eligibility Center under the regulatory affairs division of the Association, ensures college-bound student-athletes, member institutions and high schools understand the requirements to participate in Divisions I and II athletics and to certify their academic and amateur credentials in accordance with NCAA standards and philosophy.

Eligibility Center interns work closely throughout the yearlong program with each unit of the department, which includes academic certification, academic waivers, amateurism certification, customer service and high school review.

These interns gain extensive knowledge and understanding of each of these functions and how they are integral to the certification of prospective student-athletes. Interns who have worked in the Eligibility Center have gone on to work in compliance, event operations, as well as student-athlete and academic affairs at both the campus and conference level. Including:

• Libby Padgitt (NCAA) associate director of academic review, eligibility center
• Christine Neuman (Horizon League) senior associate commissioner, external strategies and competition.
• Paul Perrier (University of South California) executive senior associate athletic director, competitive excellence.

Job Description: Eligibility Center

Job description: The NCAA Eligibility Center is responsible for certifying initial-eligibility status for Division I, II and III prospective student-athletes. The Eligibility Center comprises six teams that work together to support this process: core processing; high school review; academic and amateurism review; customer service; outreach and strategic partnerships; and operations, analytics and innovation. The Eligibility Center interns will have the unique opportunity to rotate among the different teams throughout the internship and collaborate on a multitude of projects with NCAA staff.

Ideal candidates: The ideal Eligibility Center intern candidates are well-rounded, as the internship is heavily rotational and requires various professional skills to be successful. Candidates must be able to maintain their composure and balance numerous responsibilities. Student-athletes and students who were active in leadership roles on campus are good examples. Candidates with regulatory, legal affairs and customer service backgrounds have been successful in the past. Candidates must provide a polished resume and cover letter. 

Experience Level: Postgraduate degree (e.g., law degree, master’s) preferred. Compliance experience preferred. 

Successful candidate traits: 

• Strong communication skills (both written and oral). 
• Attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical skills. 
• Expertise in research. 
• Skilled time management. 
• Quick learner. 
• Problem solver. 
• Strong work ethic. 
• Initiative taker. 
• Collaborative worker. 
• Supportive team member. 
• Adaptability. 

Applicants interested in the Eligibility Center are typically also interested in academic and membership affairs, enforcement and governance internships.

Download the Eligibility Center job description.