CLEVELAND, Ohio – During the fall 2024 semester, Mid-American Conference (MAC) Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher once again asked the Council of Student-Athletes (COSA) to assess the ongoing discussions surrounding the classification of student-athletes and their potential reclassification as employees.
The MAC Council of Student-Athletes is responsible for reviewing and recommending initiatives that enhance student-athlete welfare and experience. As part of the Conference’s governance structure, COSA consists of two student-athlete representatives from each MAC institution who collectively advocate on behalf of their peers.
Building upon their initial submission from 2023, COSA has prepared and submitted COSA Comment 2.0, a detailed document addressing the unique challenges faced by student-athletes. The comment emphasizes the importance of preserving amateurism in collegiate athletics while advocating for a “special status” that reflects their distinctive roles—without classifying them as employees.
The student-athletes determined the most effective way to convey their perspective and aspirations for the future of college athletics was to submit this white paper to members of Congress. On behalf of the Council of Student-Athletes, the Mid-American Conference is publicly releasing its submission.
“The Mid-American Conference commends the continued efforts of our Council of Student-Athletes in engaging with this critical issue,” said Commissioner Steinbrecher. “This latest comment underscores the commitment of our student-athletes to shaping the future of college athletics in a way that preserves educational opportunities while ensuring their well-being. Their insights, experiences, and advocacy serve as an essential voice in the national dialogue.”
COSA Comment 2.0 highlights the demanding yet rewarding experience of student-athletes, detailing the rigorous schedules they manage—from early morning workouts to late-night academic commitments. The submission outlines the essential benefits provided under the current model, including scholarships, priority healthcare access, mental health support, academic resources, and tax relief protections. The student-athletes express concerns that employment classification could jeopardize these protections, disrupt scholarship stability, and fundamentally alter the student-athlete experience.
About the Mid-American Conference
The Mid-American Conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 12-member conference that sponsors 22 championships and is one of ten members of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). With a total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in five (5) states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio. The University of Massachusetts will join the Conference as a full member on July 1, 2025.
