IRVINE, CA (May 17, 2021) – The Big West Conference announced today it has eliminated the league’s intraconference transfer policy for student-athletes, effective immediately. This decision came via unanimous vote of the Big West Board of Directors.
 
“We commend the Big West Board of Directors for acting in the best interests of Big West student-athletes,” BW Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "Along with the NCAA DI Board of Directors passing a uniform one-time transfer exception in all sports, this decision provides greater flexibility for our student-athletes.”
 
“Permitting transfers to compete immediately aligns with our commitment to creating a holistic student-athlete experience,” said Chair of the Big West Board of Directors and University of California, Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman. “We’re pleased that we will now offer our student-athletes the same opportunities afforded any other student who wishes to transfer.”
 
The change rescinds a previous provision in the Big West bylaws requiring student-athletes who transferred within the conference in a Big West-sponsored sport to fulfill a residence requirement of one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) before becoming eligible.