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.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Nov. 9 and 13
2026 NCAA Convention legislation. After feedback from their conferences, SAAC took its initial positions on the proposals. The committee supported all convention proposals with the exception of the Multiple AQ Model. Click here to view SAAC’s initial official positions.

SAAC subcommittees and convention planning. The committee evaluated progress and discussed its plans to meet the 2025 goals for the following subcommittees – DIII Download (follow along on Instagram @diiiSAAC), Mental and Physical Health – Life After Sport, and Congressional Engagement. 

Convention events for student-athletes. SAAC also encourages student-athletes attending the 2026 NCAA Convention to click here to review recommended programs and events. 

Strategic Planning and Finance Committee, Nov. 10
FY27/28 budget planning. The committee started to discuss the FY27/FY28 budget planning process. During its March meeting, it will make its initial recommendations to the councils to review during their April meetings.

Convention Planning Subcommittee, Nov. 11
Convention schedule and agendas. The subcommittee reviewed the schedule and agendas for the Division III programing at the 2026 convention.

Financial Aid Committee, Nov. 12
Level I Reviews. The committee conducted Level I Reviews for 43 institutions and determined 16 for a Level II Review. The Level II Review is where the committee assesses all financial aid policies and procedures, and the potential impact on student-athletes. 

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Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Discussions. 

Championships Committee, Nov. 18
Bench size. The committee will provide input on a possible new policy that will formalize that squad size violations may result in a misconduct with a financial penalty.

Future bracket expansion. The committee will review projected bracket growth for 2026-27 based on sport sponsorship and the legislated access ratios as it prepares for FY27-FY28 budget discussions.

Women’s lacrosse. The committee will consider the Division III Women’s Lacrosse Committee’s recommendation to participate in a joint Divisions I, II and III women’s lacrosse national championship in 2027 and 2028.

Interpretations and Legislation Committee, Nov. 19
2026 legislative proposals. The committee will be reviewing the NCAA Division III Convention Question and Answer document.

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Reminders

SAVE THE DATE: Division III SAAC Town Hall – Nov. 17
The Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Mental and Physical Health Subcommittee will be hosting a virtual town hall for student-athletes, coaches and administrators at 8 p.m. Eastern time Monday, Nov. 17. This year’s Town Hall will feature discussions on mental and physical health, the Division III Mental Health First Aid partnership, and how these initiatives are shaping healthier, more supportive athletics environments. In addition, participants will hear updates from DIII SAAC’s Subcommittees, highlighting how Division III student-athletes are using their voices to make a difference on and off the field. To register, click here. 

Division III Analysis. During its late October meeting, the Presidents Council approved a narrow analysis on key issues. This analysis will build on recent evaluations by Deloitte (finances), Lewis Rice (Enrichment Fund), and the Division III Philosophy Working Group. The council also emphasized that the analysis will be conducted to find ways to strengthen, not divide, the division. The initial discussions will begin at the 2026 NCAA Convention. The council urges Division III presidents and chancellors to attend this year’s convention and actively engage in these critical discussions. Click here for questions that will help frame the initial discussions.

NCAA National Office Thanksgiving Closure. The NCAA national office will close at 3 p.m. Eastern Wednesday, November 26, and will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume Monday, December 1. The NCAA governance and member services (GMS) emergency phone line will be unavailable while the office is closed. RSRO and Academic Portal requests submitted after 2 p.m. Eastern Wednesday, November 26, will be reviewed when the office reopens.

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