March 26, 2015
Vanderbilt officials have announced that the university and its Department of Athletics will not participate with UBooster, an online platform that allows individuals to pledge donations to a collegiate athletics program contingent upon the school signing a designated prospective athlete.
Citing potential compliance concerns and its desire to remain focused on current development priorities, Vanderbilt has issued a cease and desist letter to UBooster specifically stating the university will not accept any gift funds or pledge commitments solicited through the their online platform. The school joins a number of other universities that have also announced they will not associate with UBooster.
A thorough review of the UBooster model revealed the online fund-raising site did not consult with the NCAA or other power conference leadership before launching. Accordingly, neither the NCAA nor the Southeastern Conference has issued guidance on accepting or declining UBooster funds. As such, UBooster could be construed as an impermissible gift or benefit.
Vanderbilt officials noted the school’s existing fund-raising efforts, which allow alumni and friends to make gifts to all 16 of the university’s sport programs, have seen significant growth in recent years. It is unclear that UBooster would be as comprehensive in its initial application, and it is likely to support only revenue sports where recruiting is followed closely by alumni, fans and donors.
While the UBooster model presents a creative way for donors and fans to become engaged in the excitement around the recruitment of student-athletes, it is not yet a proven and officially sanctioned giving vehicle for collegiate athletics. Thus, the potential risks – real and perceived – associated with accepting UBooster gifts are, at this time, significant enough to warrant actions by Vanderbilt that will ensure UBooster is not raising funds on the university’s behalf.