The NCAA Division III staff has created this bi-weekly communication for the Division III membership to provide up-to-date communications on recent Division III governance meeting discussions and outcomes. Please share this communication with your campus and conference colleagues.
Recent Governance Meetings - Key Discussions and Outcomes.
Financial Aid Committee, Feb. 10-11 Level II reviews. The committee discussed 16 Level II Reviews and referred five to NCAA enforcement.
Championships Committee, Feb. 16-17 Championships budget. The committee began its initial review of championships budget requests for 2026-27 and 2027-28. Budget enhancements forwarded to Strategic Planning and Finance for initial considerations during its March meeting include: increase to per diem, increased championships opportunities in several sports, and officiating enhancements. Final recommendations will be made during the committee’s June meeting.
NCAA Power Index (NPI). The committee discussed the previously established timeline for NPI review and affirmed next steps for sport committees potentially looking to adjust their dials for future championships. Fall and winter sports must submit proposed changes by June 2026 and spring sports by August 2026 to be effective for 2027-28 championships.
Championships live streaming. The committee heard that the Fall 2025 live streaming (ncaa.com and ESPN+) produced 33 million minutes of viewing – a 70% increase from Fall 2024.
Instant replay and technology resources. The committee discussed instant replay and technology resources, their impact on championships and subsequent impact on the regular season. The committee will continue to discuss this topic. Click here for the current championship requirements.
Men’s and women’s golf regional model. The committee discussed the work the men’s and women’s golf committees have done to formulate a regional qualifying model for advancing to the finals. The committee recommends that the golf committees consider other options based on its feedback and submit a revised proposal at a later date. At this time, the existing championship date formula will remain unchanged. If an alternate model is adopted in the future, the membership will be given ample notice to adjust schedules and/or conference play.
Championships ticketing review. The committee received an update and provided feedback on proposed minimum Division III championships ticket prices for preliminary rounds. The committee also requested additional information regarding a model that would standardize ticket prices. The Management Council will review the information and provide feedback during its April meeting. The Championships Committee will review the feedback in total and look to act at an early summer meeting to implement changes to ticket prices for 2026-27.
Membership Committee, Feb. 17-18 New member applications. The committee approved reclassification applications from Saint Francis University (PA) and Azusa Pacific University effective September 1. The committee approved the University of Maine at Augusta for an exploratory year in 2026-27.
Conference rules seminar application. The committee approved an application from the Middle Atlantic Regional Commissioners Association (MARCA) to host a Conference Rules Seminar in Summer 2027 at York College (PA).
Interpretations and Legislation Committee, Feb. 18 and 20 Manufacturer’s uniform logos. The committee forwarded a noncontroversial legislative proposal to the Management Council to consider during its April meeting. The proposal would increase the permissible size of a manufacturer’s logo on uniforms from 2 ¼ inches to 4 inches. The change was recently adopted by Division I and is being considered by Division II.
Name, Image, and Likeness. The committee reviewed 2026 Proposal No. 3 – Resolution Name, Image, and Likeness, and discussed approaches to monitoring NIL that is responsive to the resolution. The committee will discuss again during its March meeting with an anticipated recommendation for Presidents Council’s consideration during its April meeting.
Convention voting. The committee started to discuss ways in which the Division III Business Session at convention can be more efficient, including a process for allowing a consent package if the situation warrants.
Transfer Portal education. The committee provided input on developing the Division III specific educational module that student-athletes will be required to view if requesting entry into the NCAA transfer portal.
Presidents Council Futures Subcommittee, Feb. 20 Division III analysis. The subcommittee reviewed the analysis’ initial objectives, discussed the executive summary of the Issues Forum feedback, and forwarded a recommendation to the full Presidents Council regarding the composition of a representative working group. The Presidents Council will approve the working group composition via electronic vote, preferably by March 1.
Campus leadership initiative. The subcommittee provided feedback regarding a new initiative to increase engagement and education of Division III presidents/chancellors and athletics direct report.
Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Discussions.
FAR Advisory Group, March 2 2026 FAR Institute. The group will review the schedule and logistics for the 2026 FAR Institute to be held in conjunction with the FARA Annual Meeting in November.
Summary of Actions. The group will review the Division III Presidents and Management Councils Summary of Winter 2026 Quarterly Meetings.
Administrative Committee, March 2 Discussion topics. The committee will use the in-person meeting to discuss the division’s strategic priorities for the coming year. Key discussions include the Division III analysis, budget planning for FY27/28, identifying ways to support institutional staff, amplifying the Division III brand, championships enhancements, eligibility standards, congressional engagement, NIL education, use of the NCAA purchasing cooperative, reviewing Sport Science Institute initiatives, monitoring legal and governmental actions, and identification of campus and conference issues.
Nominating Committee, March 4 Committee vacancies. The committee will meet in-person to review the nominations for the September 2026 vacancies along with a handful of immediate vacancies. It also will discuss options to improve nominee pools.
Reminders.
Division III Analysis. In October, the NCAA Division III Presidents Council approved a narrowly focused analysis of the division. This analysis aims to ensure Division III continues to operate efficiently and effectively to meet the evolving needs of student-athletes and member institutions/conferences. This work officially launched at the 2026 NCAA Convention through several engagement sessions. Click here for an executive summary of the feedback gathered during a joint breakfast with the councils and the national Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, as well as the Division III Issues Forum.
With every communication, we also anticipate additional questions. Please send all questions to DIIIGovernance@ncaa.org.
This email was sent to NCAA Division III Presidents Council, Management Council, commissioners, directors of athletics and the NADIIIAA executive board based on contact information in the NCAA Directory.
