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.
Purpose, charge, and timeline. The working group reviewed its purpose and charge developed by the Presidents Council Futures Subcommittee and endorsed by the full council. The charge has the following objectives:
Codify Division III’s distinctive core commitments, experiences, and values, particularly those currently under stress.
Analyze internal tensions and external pressures that threaten Division III values.
Identify, develop, and propose actionable solutions within the current structure to reinforce the division’s values.
Recommend governance or structural reforms, as necessary, to strengthen alignment between the current Division III governance structure or decision-making process to address pressing challenges and advance Division III values.
Propose any additional structural or legislative recommendations needed to strengthen and sustain the core values, philosophical tenets, rules and legislation, and governance structure and processes of Division III for long-term viability.
The working group identified initial information, research, and data it needs to fulfill its charge.
Issues Forum executive summary. The working group provided initial thoughts regarding the four areas of identified tensions. It also highlighted post-Convention discussions and reactions to the Issues Forum executive summary. It acknowledged the complexities and the importance of working within the environment that institutions are experiencing, while also reaffirming the need to focus on issues within the NCAA’s structure and influence.
Deloitte consultants. The Deloitte consultants outlined the proposed 12-week process to assist the working group. They heard the working group’s discussion on what is driving the identified tensions and sought feedback on stakeholder engagement. Deloitte will focus on collecting data and stakeholder engagement leading up to the working group’s April 19-20 in-person meeting.
Meeting cadence. The committee approved a proposal to add a third videoconference to move to a quarterly meeting cadence (i.e., three videoconferences and one in-person meeting).
Division III analysis. The committee received an update on the Division III analysis. The committee urged that the review be structured so that all Division III members feel they have had the chance for their voice to be heard.
FY27 and FY28 budget planning. The committee reviewed initial budget request for championships and the Enrichment Fund and will forward to the councils to discuss during their April meetings. The committee will make its final recommendations during its June videoconference and forward to the councils to approve during their summer meetings. The new two-year budget cycle starts Sept. 1.
Championships Committee, March 31 Championships ticketing review. The committee received an update regarding the on-going data-informed review of championships ticket prices and provided feedback on a potential standardized pricing model to compare with the minimum pricing approach that had been proposed for 2026-27. The committee appreciated the consistency of the standardized pricing model and agreed to forward that as its preference for the Division III Management Council to consider during its April meeting. The committee will review the feedback in total and finalize changes to ticket prices for 2026-27 during its May or June meeting.
Championship budget initiatives. The committee noted that it will continue its budget requests evaluation for the upcoming budget cycle (FY27-FY28) during its upcoming meetings.
Coaches’ Connect Program. The committee reviewed a draft survey to be sent to first year participants, athletics directors, and commissioners to evaluate the program and how it can be built upon. During its May meeting, the committee will look to make recommendations for the next sports to be added to the program starting with the 2026-27 academic year.
NPI. Staff updated the committee on an established internal working group charged with determining the appropriate tools and resources sport committees need to evaluate NPI dials in addition to educational resources for the membership. The committee was reminded that NPI dial adjustments must be complete by June for fall and winter sports and by August for spring sports.
Football. The committee approved a recommendation to allow coach-to-player communication devices for the NCAA Division III Football Championship. It also noted that coach-to-player communication systems are not required to host a preliminary-round game.
Cross Country. The committee, via electronic vote, approved the following 2026 regional championship sites:
Region I – Northeast – Bates College at Wainwright Sports Complex.
Region II – Mideast – Trinity College (CT) at Wickham Park.
Region III – Niagara – SUNY Fredonia at Fredonia Campus Cross Country Course.
Region VI – South – University of Lynchburg at Panorama Farms.
Presidents Council Futures Subcommittee, April 2
Division III Analysis. The subcommittee discussed and provided feedback on the recent steps taken by the working group in regard to the analysis.
Upcoming Meetings and Anticipated Discussions.
Management Council, April 13-14 Championship Committee. The council will consider and provide the committee with feedback regarding new ticket prices for Division III championships.
Interpretations and Legislation Committee. The council will consider a request to approve, in concept, two noncontroversial proposals. One would amend the practice and competition start date for men’s water polo to align with the start date for Division I and II. The other would increase the size of the manufacturer's uniform logo to four square inches.
The council also will consider a recommended approach to review name, image and likeness activities in Division III as required with the adoption of the resolution at the 2026 convention.
Nominating Committee. The council will consider a recommendation to approve noncontroversial legislation to allowindividuals who take over a departing committee member's term from the same conference to be eligible for reappointment if they have served less than two years. The council also will consider changes to the committee’s policies to improve the candidate pool for open committee vacancies and approve various committee appointments.
Division III analysis. The council will receive an update on the status of the Division III Analysis, including the working group’s first meeting. The council also will meet with Deloitte, the consultants supporting the working group.
Subcommittee for Legislative Relief. The council will review a recommendation from the committee regarding the continuation of the eligibility pilot waiver that permits a Division III student-athlete to remain eligible to compete for the Division III institution while enrolled in another collegiate institution, per specific criteria.
Division III analysis. The committee will receive an update on the status of the Division III Analysis, including the working group’s first meeting. The committee will also meet with Deloitte, the consultants supporting the working group.
NCAA Board of Governors – Division III graduated student-athlete representative. The committee will review and vote to advance its recommendation for the Division III Graduated Student‑Athlete Representative position to the NCAA Board of Governors. The Presidents Council will act on the recommendation during its late April meeting. The new representative will start their term in August.
SAAC student-athlete engagement initiatives. The committee willhighlight key student‑athlete engagement initiatives, including a Division III Week recap, the Special Olympics partnership, and continued congressional engagement supporting the SCORE Act.
DIII Downloads. Stay up to date with Division III SAAC and follow along on Instagram @diiisaac.
Reminders.
Football wearable technology. At its February meeting, the Division II and III Football Rules Committee did not support Division III continuing to explore using wearable communication technology as an alternative to coach-to-player helmet technology.
Division III Week. The division’s annual Division III Week is April 6-12. The week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution or conference to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus, in the conference and in the surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct an outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment, athletic experience, or leadership/community service/campus involvement.
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.
