The NCAA Division I Board of Directors adopted major changes Thursday that could change the landscape of collegiate athletics.

Acting on widespread call for reform in college athletics, the Division I Board of Directors adopted proposals that toughen academic standards and increase academic support to student-athletes. The board also revamped its men’s basketball recruiting rules, allowing for coaches to contact recruits without many of the current restrictions.

Specifically, the major changes will include: The option to provide $2,000 in additional aid to student-athletes, a postseason ban for failure to meet minimum Academic Progress Rate scores, and unlimited phone calls and text messages to recruits.

“These changes demonstrate a remarkable resolve by presidents,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said on the NCAA’s official website. “They represent a return to and a focus on values that are at the core of what intercollegiate athletics are all about. They also represent a clear signal to the world about what we care about and what we stand for.”

The NCAA does not make it clear when the financial and recruiting changes will take effect.

Schools must meet new APR mark to make postseason play

Under the new package of proposals, schools must meet a certain level of academic performance in order to participate in postseason competition.

The new postseason eligibility structure will take effect in the 2012-13 academic year, with a two-year implementation window before the benchmark moves from 900 to 930. For access to postseason competition in 2012-13 and 2013-14, teams must achieve a 900 multiyear APR of a 930 average over the most recent two years to be eligible.

In 2014-15, teams that don’t achieve the 930 benchmark for their four-year APR or at least a 940 average for their four-year APR or at least a 940 average for the most recent two years will be ineligible for postseason competition. In 2015-16, the 930 benchmark for postseason competition participation – and additional penalties – will be implemented fully.

The board voted to set the minimum academic standard for postseason participation at 930, which predicts roughly a 50 percent Graduation Success Rate.

Even under the new rules, John Calipari’s team is well in the clear.

Kentucky team posted a mark of 974 in the latest four-year composite, tied for the best mark in the Southeastern Conference and among the nation’s 80th-90th percentile for Division I men’s basketball APR scores. In 2009, the Wildcats received an NCAA public recognition award for its score of 979 for placing in the top 10 percent of the country.

Board supports $2,000 in aid to student-athletes

The Division I Board of Directors also adopted legislation that will approve student-athletes who receive full athletic scholarship or other school financial aid to have the opportunity to receive additional aid up to the full cost of attendance or $2,000, whichever is less.

The board agreed not to revisit the amount for three years.

The new rules makes the additional aid available to student-athletes in head-count sports (football and basketball) and those in equivalency sports who reach the value of a full scholarship.

Approval by the board opens the doors for schools to allow for additional aid, but the conferences will have the final say for their respective schools. Conferences are expected to vote on the proposal immediately.

Calipari has been in favor of additional aid, although he said at SEC Media Day on Thursday that he would like to see the amount closer to $4,000.

In addition to the aid, schools can also now award multiyear grants up to the full term of eligibility, although one-year grants will remain the minimum. Only non-athletically related conditions for reduction or cancellation of scholarships will be permitted.

Like the additional aid proposal, conferences must vote to adopt the new rule.

Unlimited calls, texts highlight wholesale recruiting changes

Perhaps the biggest changes announced by the board on Thursday were sweeping reforms to the NCAA’s current recruiting model.

Coaches will be allowed to send unlimited phone calls and text messages to men’s basketball recruits. The deregulation extends to social media, starting June 15 after a recruit’s sophomore year, but the messages must be private. Any social network messages broadcasted in a public forum will continue to be prohibited because of the rule preventing institutions from publicizing their recruiting efforts.

The new model is aimed to build stronger relationships between coaches and student-athletes while reducing some of the influence of third parties on the recruiting process.

In addition to the unlimited phone contact, two weekends of recruiting at non-scholastic events in April have been restored, while the summer recruiting period has been cut to three four-day periods in July. The changes are a result of a study by the Leadership Council.

Calipari has long called for shorter recruiting periods in the summer and more frequent opportunities during the rest of the year. He has frequently said that coaches should be with their teams developing their players during the summer.

Prospective student-athletes can begin taking official visit beginning January 1 of their junior year, with schools able to pay the travel expenses for the prospect and a parent or guardian.

“This model recognizes that men’s basketball recruits are vulnerable to mixed messages concerning athletic skills and education at an early age and that college coaches offer the best hope to promote higher education,” said Michael Alden, chairman of the Leadership Council and the athletic director at the University of Missouri. “It also attempts to provide for a natural progression of communication, contact and paid visits for coaches to establish relationships with prospective student-athletes and their families.”

For more information on additional academic, student-athlete support and recruiting changes, please visit the NCAA’s website.