The league West Virginia calls home adopted three bylaws Monday that “further ensure the success of its student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and in life.” More casually, the Mountaineers and the other nine institutions will provide its student-athletes these three items beginning Aug. 1, 2015.

• Athletics aid based on the maximum amount permitted by NCAA bylaws. It is anticipated the maximum amount will increase from Full Grant-in-Aid to Cost of Attendance through the Autonomy legislative process this January. Full Grant-in-Aid consists of tuition and fees, room and board, and required course-related books. Cost of Attendance more broadly reflects the full expense of a college education and includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses reasonably related to attendance at the institution;
• Multi-year scholarships for no less than the student-athlete’s period of eligibility. This guarantees athletics aid until a student-athlete has exhausted his/her eligibility, provided the student-athlete meet the terms of his/her aid agreement per institutional policy;
• Athletics aid to former student-athletes per institutional policy. This permits student-athletes who depart the institution prior to graduating the opportunity to return on athletics aid to complete degree requirements.

In June, the Charleston Daily Mail produced a five-part series that previewed what was coming and, in part, what has just arrived.

Part 1: Athletic directors, commissioners provide insight into NCAA reform, what lies ahead
http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140622/DM03/140629806/1309

Part 2: NCAA reform widens gap between D-I schools, WVU and Marshall
http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140623/DM03/140629749/1309

Part 3: In-state recruits could be swayed by schools that can do more for the student-athlete
http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140624/DM03/140629602/1309

Part 4: Mountain East Conference, UC, W.Va. State anticipate effects of NCAA reform
http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140625/DM03/140629493

Part 5: Athletic directors at WVU, Marshall give their opinions on NCAA reform
http://www.charlestondailymail.com/article/20140626/DM03/140629368/1309

The Big 12 believes NCAA-wide legislation is coming, which makes this proactive, but it also takes away what’s referenced in stories above as “permissive” participation. It’s mandated now as part of three new bylaws, and that’s standard for subsequent conferences to consider.