CONNECTED INSIGHTS QUARTERLY UPDATE
AUGUST 2026

Did You Know?

The following are the latest updates in Division III:  

Student Immersion Program

The Student Immersion Program will be Jan. 12-15 in Anaheim, California, held in conjunction with the NCAA Convention. Division III will provide funding for 30 students to gain an inside look at the division, connect with its members and engage with the governance process.  Commissioners and directors of athletics can make nominations in Program Hub by 5 p.m. Eastern time Sept. 16. If you have questions, contact Malik Henry. 

Division III Analysis

During its early August meeting, the working group reviewed feedback from the Division III Management and Presidents Councils regarding the 36 options it developed to mitigate the six identified tensions. With the Presidents Council’s approval, it referred almost 25 options to standing governance committees and the membership, as well as moved several options to a “parking lot” for future discussion. The working group also reviewed and updated a case study regarding eligibility standards that will assist the membership in its discussions regarding the division’s current eligibility model and a 2027 Convention proposal that proposes an aged-based, five-year model. The case study outlines research, data and implications. The Division III analysis webpage is a central resource to stay informed of the analysis. 

International Athletics Certification 

With the fall semester beginning soon, this is a great time to review the status of the international students that are activated in your Eligibility Center Membership Portal. Ensure your incoming international recruits have created an Athletics Certification Account, responded to the sports participation questions, and requested final athletics certification. Additionally, domestic students must create a Profile Page to obtain an NCAA ID and confirm it in the Eligibility Center portal. If you have questions, use the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of the Eligibility Center portal or reach out to ecinfo@ncaa.org or ec-international@ncaa.org.

Division III Rules Test

The test is live on the NCAA Learning Portal. To access the exam, you must have an active NCAA MyApps account and be assigned NCAA Learning Portal access. Institutional email addresses are preferred, but not required, to create an account. Questions about the Rules Test, contact d3coachesexam@ncaa.org and for questions about the NCAA Learning Portal, contact webhelpdesk@ncaa.org.


Tip of the Quarter

Since 2023, the USOPC and NCAA have teamed up for Para-College Inclusion Project events at various NCAA championships. The 2025-26 academic year included activations in tennis, swimming, basketball and outdoor track and field. For more on the Para-College Inclusion Project or to explore Para sport, visit our website or contact Jean Merrill or Emily Brauer.

If your institution has student-athletes with a disability, for example, those with physical, visual or intellectual disabilities, they might qualify for Para sports. Encourage them to fill out the Para Recruiting Questionnaire: Collegiate Athlete to see if they qualify.


Inside Perspective

We asked Bryn Mangold, the assistant director for NCAA Division III Governance and Member Services, a few questions. 

What were you most memorable experiences as a student-athlete?
When I look back on my college experience, it's often the little things I remember most, from road trips and practices to the everyday moments we spent together off the court. Those experiences helped create deep friendships and connections that have lasted well beyond our time playing together.

As an NCAA employee, what have you learned that most student-athletes may not know?
Most student-athletes may not realize is just how many passionate people work behind the scenes to support the student-athlete experience. As a student-athlete, I had no idea how many professionals dedicate their time and energy to creating opportunities for student-athletes and ensuring they have meaningful experiences throughout their collegiate careers.

Click here to read the remaining questions and answers.


Opportunities and News to Share!   

Division III Committee Vacancies

Interested in serving on an NCAA Division III committee? Check out the current openings and click here for the nomination form.  

Required Forms

Stay on track throughout the year with a list of required forms and key actions for institutions and conference offices. 

Show me the Money

Looking for professional development and funding opportunities? Check out the chart outlining Division III grants and programs, along with application timelines and program benefits for 2026-27.

Mental Health First Aid Program

Division III has engaged the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to fund Division III institutions to receive Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education.

Institutions are eligible to receive one fully funded training, which is in effect until Aug. 1, 2027. To schedule a fully funded MHFA training, your athletics directors or head athletic trainer should complete an inquiry form. 


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This email was sent to selected individuals in the NCAA Division III Diversity & Inclusion database, and Division III Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designees based on contact information in the NCAA Directory.