1. Team Character and Values

The CMU Cross Country Ski Team is built on a simple idea: we’re here to give, not just take. Being part of this team means showing up for others— volunteering, caring about your teammates, respecting everyone, and getting involved in our community outreach efforts.

Speed is great, but it’s not what matters most. The Head Coach’s top priority is that everyone has a fun, meaningful, and rewarding experience on the team. We want teammates who contribute to a positive, supportive environment—people who make the team stronger both on and off the snow.

2. Academic Standards

  • Keep at least a 2.0 GPA and meet practice participation expectations.
  • Be enrolled full-time during the competition season.
  • Complete at least 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter hours) since the start of the last competition season.
  • You have ten semesters (or fifteen quarters) of full-time enrollment to use your four years of eligibility— this clock starts once you begin college.
  • Stay on track toward your degree.

3. USCSA Eligibility Criteria

The United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association (USCSA) follows the NCAA Division II eligibility rules (Article 14).

Competitors generally must be:

  • Enrolled full time as defined by their institution
  • In good academic standing with the institution
  • Making steady progress toward a degree
  • Within their window of eligible years of competition

Detailed information: https://www.uscsa.org/eligibility.html

4. Age Limit Policy

The CMU Cross Country Ski Team generally limits participation to student-athletes who are 25 years old or younger, regardless of when they began their college education.

Team participation does not guarantee eligibility to compete. Student-athletes must also meet USCSA competition eligibility requirements, which follow NCAA Division II rules.

Under the new age-based rules, a continuous five-year eligibility period begins at the earlier of first full-time college enrollment or the applicable academic-year start after the athlete's 19th birthday, using the NCAA's September 1 cutoff. This period runs continuously, even when the athlete is not enrolled or competing.

Injury and illness do not extend the five-year period. Limited exceptions cover documented pregnancy-related inability to compete and qualifying active-duty military service, official religious missions, or similar service commitments. Service exceptions require that the athlete not participate in organized competition during that service.

Transition provisions: Athletes with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year and those first enrolling full time during 2026-27 receive the more favorable outcome under the previous or new rules. Athletes first enrolling full time in fall 2027 or later follow only the new rules.

Exceptions to CMU's team participation age limit may be considered under extraordinary circumstances. These exceptions do not override USCSA competition eligibility requirements. Athletes must confirm their competition eligibility with CMU and USCSA before competing.

Full eligibility information: NCAA Division I and Division II Age-Based Eligibility Rules 

5. Volunteering Requirements

Student-athletes are required to participate in at least one team fundraising event to remain active members of the club. In lieu of volunteering at a fundraiser, students may choose to pay an additional $1,500 in club membership fees.

A student-athlete who does not participate in at least one team fundraising event and does not pay the additional $1,500 fee is ineligible to participate in the USCSA National Championships, regardless of qualification points, ranking, race results, or otherwise meeting the competitive qualification standard.

In addition to fundraising, the team is actively involved in community service and outreach programs that promote inclusion and access to cross country skiing. These activities include:

  • Teaching veterans through the VA’s Recreational Therapy program
  • Mentoring high school cross country skiers
  • Providing ski lessons for participants in Hilltop Brain Injury Services
  • Leading free community gear and waxing clinics through REI

These volunteer activities are an important part of the team’s mission to grow the sport, serve the community, and represent the team with leadership and integrity.

6. Skiing Ability

We’re a competitive team and can’t accommodate true beginners or offer learn-to-ski lessons. But if you’re an intermediate or higher-level skier, you’re welcome to apply! You should be able to:

  • Move forward on skis using your poles effectively.
  • Glide mostly on one ski at a time.
  • Ski comfortably on intermediate-level terrain.
  • Control your speed and direction on downhills.
  • Know the basics of both classic and skate techniques (like diagonal stride, double pole, V1, and V2).

Exceptions made for exceptional individuals.