University of Albany

UAlbany is committed to its role in educating our current student-athletes on the NCAA rules and regulations surrounding permissible use of the NIL. 

UNLEASHED Student-Athlete Education Plan

NIL 101
Educate UAlbany student-athletes on the rules and regulations on NCAA legislation, America East, CAA, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and University rules, as well as applicable federal and state laws, to help them understand their rights and responsibilities to ensure compliance with various regulations.

Personal Branding/Social Media
Educate UAlbany student-athletes on the strategies and techniques needed to increase the awareness of their NIL and social media activities through positive brand associations, images and personal brand identity.

Entrepreneurship/Financial Literacy
Educate UAlbany student-athletes on the assets needed to become their own personal small businesses including general business planning, understanding tax implications, wealth management, and elements of licensing.

Personal and career transition
Educate UAlbany student-athletes on how to connect NIL activities into networking and interviewing skills.  

Influencer provides college athletic departments with the content delivery and compliance platform to assist NCAA athletics programs in the management and monitoring of student-athlete Name, Image, and Likeness activities. Influencer's Verified suite of products ensures student-athletes are provided the tools, content, financial literacy, and more to participate in opportunities from NIL legislation. Powered by flagship new products like the Compliance Exchange administrator dashboard and Storyteller Playbook video library, Influencer Verified enhances the student-athlete experience by offering a comprehensive solution for responsible brand-building on social media, as well as a fully compliant path to external commercial activity from NIL.

Brand Voice and Tone
Your Brand Voice and Tone are critical to the authenticity of your platform.  See what goes into each and think about how to tackle this area of your brand.

Best Practices
Posting on social media for a brand is complex.  Learn the ins and outs of posting online to help support your brand and the brand you are representing.

Focus Point
UAlbany Athletics is defined by tradition and authenticity.  At the forefront of the UAlbany brand are two main pieces that reinforce a powerful brand equity; the UAlbany Great Dane and our UAlbany purple color.  

Platform Philosophy
Influencer gives a quick breakdown of each platform and strategies on effective use.  Platforms include; X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Click Here to view the full Social Media Strategies document.

To help UAlbany student-athletes understand our NIL policy, here are some frequently asked questions with answers to help navigate the NIL policy.

Can I use the University at Albany photos and videos in my partnership?
A: You cannot utilize any photos and videos from UAlbany’s Athletics Department in paid partnership without approval from the Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Strategy and NIL.  This includes content provide via Influencer or gathered from any other outlet.  You cannot make any alterations to photos and videos generated by the UAlbany Athletics Department.

Can I get paid based on how many points I score in a game or because I am a UAlbany student-athlete?
No, it is impermissible to receive pay for play

Can I receive payment for my autograph?
Yes

Can I sell my autograph at UAlbany sponsored events?
No

Can I autograph and sell items I receive from UAlbany’s Athletic Department (ie: shoes, apparel, awards)?
No, you are not allowed to sell items that the university has not deemed expendable

If I sign an agreement with an apparel company, can I wear these items during competition/practice instead of the items my team issues?
No, you must wear team-issued apparel during all practice and competition activities and other team-sponsored activities and appearances

Can I miss a class for my NIL opportunities?
No, UAlbany policy does not allow student-athletes to miss class for practice or NIL activities

Can I use photos from Influencer to print, sign and sell to fans?
You may sell autographs, but must obtain proper approval through the Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Strategy and NIL if University marks and logos are included

Will the money I earn from NIL effect my financial aid package?
Athletic scholarships will not be impacted; however federal pell grants and need-based aid maybe impacted due to increased income.  Be sure to contact the Office of Financial Aid for further information

As an international student, can I earn income for NIL activities?
Right now, it is best if you wait.  As soon as guidance comes out, we will let you know as we don’t want you to start something that in turn, turns into unauthorized employment.

Do I need to report income I make on NIL activities on my taxes?
Yes. Based on income requirements, you may need to file state and federal taxes.

Can I offer a sports camp and/or provide private lessons?
Yes. If the camp/lessons occur on campus, you must follow university policy including facility rentals.

Can I hire an agent, lawyer, advisor to assist with my NIL activities?
Yes. It must be disclosed through the Influencer app and can only include NIL activities.  They cannot advise on potential professional sport opportunities.

Can I endorse a product on my social media account?
Yes, it must be disclosed through the Influencer app

Can I endorse a product or business that also has a current sponsorship/agreement with UAlbany?
Yes, subject to UAlbany Athletics approval.

Can my coach/staff arrange NIL activities for me?
No. Athletics coaches and staff may not be involved in the arrangement of NIL activities.

Can I include University Marks in my NIL activities?
Prior approval from the Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Strategy and NIL is required. A licensing fee may also be required if compensation is received.

Can I continue to use my same social media account for NIL activities if I have posts in my UAlbany uniform?
Yes, each post is separate from each other.  If a sponsored post contains university marks and logos, you must obtain approval from the Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Strategy and NIL. 

What is a UAlbany trademark?
A UAlbany trademark can be any word, phrase, logo, symbol, design, or combination of these things associated with UAlbany goods or services.  Individuals (fans, customers, alumni, etc) identify with UAlbany trademarks in the marketplace and distinguish the UAlbany trademarks from others and competitors.

Why does UAlbany require permission be granted before using its trademarks?
Permission is needed when its trademarks are used to both protect and manage its brand.  UAlbany trademarks are the intellectual property of and thus owned by the University. Using trademarks without the permission of the University is considered trademark infringement and is a violation of UAlbany’s intellectual property rights, which are protected by state and federal law.

How does one obtain permission to use UAlbany trademark?
Requests for use of the UAlbany trademarks takes many forms and evaluated per existing policies and according to branding guidelines and strategies. Permission is managed by the Assistant Athletic Director for Brand Strategy and NIL with vendors who are licensed to make specific items in specific product categories for the marketplace. 

Can I use Influencer picture as my social media profile picture?
You can use an Influencer picture per the terms of the agreement you signed with Influencer. Those terms do NOT permit commercial use.