Out of the uncertainty and chaos of the cancellation of the NCAA Winter championships and Spring seasons caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, digital and social media leaders at a small group of 50 schools came together to launch the #UnitedAsOne campaign to show unity and support for all student-athletes in college sports.

In less than two weeks,

more than 1,1000 member institutions across all three NCAA divisions have joined the campaign using social media hashtags and postings.

Individual athletic departments have also used the campaign to promote the importance of social distancing on campus and to thank first responders.

The campaign was used as a rallying point in a March 29 open letter to student-athletes from NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee leaders in advance of the NCAA Division I Council vote on additional eligibility for student-athletes impacted by COVID-19. On March 30, the NCAA Division I Council voted to allow additional eligibility to spring athletes who had their 2020 canceled.

The NCAA now has a #UnitedAsOne webpage, providing links to COVID-19 resources and the latest NCAA updates.

These resources include need-to-know information for member institutions, NCAA COVID-19 FAQs, information about the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel and its recommendations, mental health resources, and healthy tips for athletes, athletics personnel, and fans. The site also provides links to additional COVID-19 information and travel guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Jackson Lewis’ Collegiate and Professional Sports Practice Group will continue to monitor the NCAA in its ongoing response to COVID-19. Please feel free to reach out to any member of the Collegiate and Professional Sports Practice Group with questions.