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. 12-13 Level II reviews. The committee reviewed the policies and procedures for administering student financial aid and referred three cases to NCAA Enforcement for processing.
Financial Aid Reporting Program. After its review, the committee adjusted the data file format to align with the Department of Education’s adoption of the Student Aid Index, replacing Estimated Family Contribution on the FAFSA.
Management Council, Feb. 17 Convention debrief. The council provided feedback on this year’s convention. It also reviewed a summary of the Division III Issues Forum discussions.
Council policies and procedures. The council approved updates to its policies and procedures to reflect the Division III federated playing rules process, and the adoption of a new legislative process voted on during the 2025 Division III Business Session.
2025 priorities. The council initially outlined its priorities and areas of focus for 2025. It will engage in a more in-depth discussion during its April meeting.
Interpretations and Legislation Committee, Feb. 18-19 Major Junior Hockey. The committee recommended non-controversial legislation eliminating the legislated eligibility ramifications specific to Major Junior Hockey participation and instead supported that such participation should be subject to the same conditions as like participation.
Transfer portal. The committee discussed pros and cons of working with the transfer portal and agreed further input from SAAC and the membership is necessary as they continue to consider the value of the portal to Division III.
Bylaw 16. The committee continued its discussion of Bylaw 16 and expects to have a package of legislative recommendations to the Management Council in April to modernize the bylaw with the intent of reducing administrative burden and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
Sponsorship relationships. The committee discussed flexibility and simplification of current regulations limiting the opportunity for different organizations (professional sports organizations, NGBs, etc.) to sponsor Division III activities.
Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Discussions.
Management Council Federated Playing Rules Subcommittee, Feb. 25 Overview. During its initial meeting, the subcommittee will review its role in the federated playing rules process and review key dates for sports that are currently considering new playing rules this academic year.
Membership Committee, Feb. 26-27 Provisional membership applications. The committee will consider two applications for provisional membership. If approved, the institutions will begin provisional membership September 1.
Convention proposal referral. The committee will discuss the next steps related to a convention proposal that was not sponsored by the Presidents Council and referred to the committee from the Management Council. This proposal sought to establish eligibility opportunities for graduate-level student-athletes enrolled at a non-member institution with a formal academic agreement with the certifying institution. A response is expected by the Management Council for its April meeting.
Administrative Committee,March 3 Discussion topics. The committee will use the in-person meeting to discuss the division’s strategic priorities for the coming year. Key discussions include identifying ways to support institutional staff, amplify the Division III brand, graduate eligibility standards, NIL education, maintaining Congressional engagement, sport betting resources, use of the NCAA purchasing cooperative, monitoring legal and governmental actions, and identification of campus and conference issues.
Reminder.
Post Eligibility Insurance Coverage. The NCAA Board of Governors approved post-eligibility injury insurance coverage for all student-athletes. The coverage will be effective for two years after student-athletes complete their college athletics experience and covers injuries that occur while playing for their institution. The policy is secondary to other insurance policies. Click here for more information.
Resources.
NPI ranking release dates. Click here for a chart that details the NPI ranking release dates for winter and spring team championships in relation to the selection shows.
With every communication, we also anticipate additional questions. Please send all questions to DIIIGovernance@ncaa.org. Thank you for your continued collaboration and leadership.
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.
