NCCU Eagles Soaring to NCAA Division I
On Wednesday, November 16, 2005, the North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees voted unanimously approving the University to move forward with making an application to the NCAA to reclassify its athletics program to Division I and Division I-AA (now Championship Subdivision) in football.
NCCU DIVISION I RECLASSIFICATION PROCESS:
MOVING FORWARD!!!
WHY ARE WE MAKING THIS MOVE?
The athletics program must keep pace with the rapidly expanding academic program:
Our student population has exceeded 8,000. Our SAT scores are systematically improving with each new admission class.
• The number of National Achievement Scholars is also improving.
• These talented students are attracted by our nationally reputable research and teaching faculty, our BBRI, our BRITE programs, our Law School, our expanding graduate programs, our plans to roll out doctoral programs in two or three disciplines (This includes reclaiming the doctoral program in our School of Education).
• Studies consistently show that a highly visible athletics program add prestige and attractiveness, in terms of recruiting and retaining students and first-rate faculty. Such programs also result in assuring significant support from alumni, students and faculty. the business community and the community in general.
NCAA MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
There are three divisions in NCAA Division I organizational structure:
1. Division IA - Football Bowl Subdivision
2. Division IAA - Football Championship Subdivision
3. Division IAAA
NCCU has applied for membership to the Championship Division, or formerly known as Division IAA. We have submitted a letter requesting for membership, along with the application and a $10,000.00 deposit. We have also submitted an application and deposit to the MEAC Conference for membership. On June 1, 2007, we submitted, as required to the NCAA a letter of our intent to move forward, along with the NCCU Division I Strategic Plan. This plan was developed by a group of individuals who represent the administration, faculty, staff and alumni of NCCU.
In order to meet NCAA Division I membership requirements we must meet the following provisions:
1. A Division I member must sponsor at a minimum of 14 sports. We currently offer: Football, Volleyball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Bowling, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Women's' Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Baseball, Softball, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Golf.
2. Financial Aid Requirements. There are minimum requirements for athletic grant-in aids for each sport:
3. There are minimum contests requirements for Division I.
4. There are no facility requirements for the Championship Division, only for the Bowl Division. However, in order to increase our revenues from gate receipts (ticket sales); we need to enhance our present facilities to accommodate more spectators.
5. There are also NCAA Compliance and Eligibility rules and regulations which differ from Division II requirements. The Academic Performance Program/Rate is an example. This report tracks the retention and eligibility of student-athletes each year. Sports program can potentially be sanctioned (public reprimand or loss of athletic grants) for not meeting the minimum standards.
NCAA FIVE YEAR TRANSITION PROCESS
In order to be classified as an NCAA Division I member, NCCU must successfully transition through a five year process. This process is outlined below:
1. Exploratory Year - 2006-2007. The Exploratory Year, the Chancellor, Faculty Athletic Representative, Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Director must attend the NCAA National Convention, NCAA Compliance Regional Rules Seminar, and an Orientation session. NCCU must submit in writing by June 1, 2007 a letter stating our intent to proceed with the process, and submit a strategic plan.
2. Year One - 2007-08. The Chancellor, Faculty Athletic Representative, Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Director must attend the NCAA National Convention, NCAA Compliance Regional Rules Seminar, and an Orientation session. Updates to the Strategic Plan and an Annual Report will be submitted to the NCAA on June 1, 2008.
3. Year Two - 2008-2009. The Chancellor, Faculty Athletic Representative, Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Director must attend the NCAA National Convention, NCAA Compliance Regional Rules Seminar, and an Orientation session. Updates to the strategic plan and the Annual report must be submitted by June 1, 2009. An NCAA Compliance Review will be conducted on campus during this year.
4. Year Three - 2009-2010. The Chancellor, Faculty Athletic Representative, Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, and Compliance Director must attend NCAA National Convention, NCAA Compliance Regional Rules Seminar, and an Orientation session. Updates to the strategic plan and Annual report must be submitted by June 1, 2010. The NCAA Certification Process will begin.
5. Year Four - 2010-2011. The Chancellor, Faculty Athletic Representative, Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Director must attend the NCAA National Convention, NCAA Compliance Regional Rules Seminar, and an Orientation session. Updates to the Strategic Plan and the Annual Report must be submitted by June 1, 2011. The NCAA Certification process will conclude this year.
2011-2012. NCCU is eligible for full membership providing all requirements and NCAA Certification standards are met.
