DIVISION III PRESIDENTS QUARTERLY UPDATE - MAY 2025
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR, PRESIDENT JIM TROHA
I am Jim Troha, president of Juniata College and chair of the Division III Presidents Council. I hope this quarterly update finds you, your students, staff, and faculty well, as the spring semester comes to a close. This newsletter has some valuable information, and I encourage you to review and discuss the topics included in this update with your presidential colleagues, athletics direct reports and commissioners.
ELIGIBILITY WAIVER PILOT PROGRAM
The council approved a pilot program that will permit Division III student-athletes, pursuant to specific criteria, to continue to represent their institution in intercollegiate competition while enrolled at another institution that has a formal academic agreement with their institution and does not sponsor varsity athletics. The general guidelines for the waiver are identified here. The program begins with the 2025-26 academic year, but institutions may submit waiver requests immediately. The council will assess the pilot program in the spring of 2026 to determine if it should continue.
SPORTS BETTING
The council supported the Management Council's noncontroversial legislation deregulating the prohibition of betting on professional sports. Additionally, the council supported the directive to develop concepts for the appropriate Division III committees regarding a safe harbor, limited immunities or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in prohibited sports betting but seek help for problem gambling.
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROJECT
The council discussed amplified efforts to inform members about potential cost savings through E&I Cooperative Services. E&I helps institutions procure athletics supplies and services by assisting them in making informed, analytics-driven decisions to spend and optimize their education dollars. Enrollment in the program is free, and there is no commitment required to use contracts. The NCAA cooperative purchasing pilot program has seen success. Of the schools that provided data, an average cost savings of 34% was seen across athletics equipment products. Additionally, schools realized an average of savings of 12% in athletic training supplies, including bandages, athletic tape, heat packs and braces. Click here to learn more information.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
The council discussed efforts to inform the membership about the recent agreement with Mental Health First Aid. The mental health program directly delivers Mental Health First Aid training to all NCAA Division III schools, with a focus on head coaches and athletic trainers, to support the mental well-being of student-athletes throughout the division. Institutions will be eligible to receive one fully funded training during the program, which is in effect until Aug. 1, 2027. To learn more about the program, click here.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
The council discussed the division’s strategic priorities and identified potential future strategies. It also endorsed a new one-page document that outlines the principles and expectations institutions, conferences and the governance structure strive for regarding the student-athlete collegiate experience. The document also outlines the division’s strategic priorities and vision to support student-athletes. The governance structure encourages institutions and conference offices to use this new resource with key constituent groups to help clarify the division’s mission and demonstrate the value of being part of Division III.
CONCLUSION
It is my intent that the quarterly update provides the necessary and critical information to assist you in the oversight of Division III athletics on your campus. You can find a full recap of the April Presidents Council meeting here and the Summary of Actions, which highlights all recent council actions. As always, I welcome any feedback or questions.
This email was sent to NCAA Division III presidents and chancellors;conference commissioners and athletics direct reports based on contact information in the NCAA Directory.
