The Council reviews 2027 Convention proposals
At its meeting this week, the Division III Management Council recommended the Presidents Council oppose a 2027 NCAA Convention proposal to adopt an age-based eligibility model, noting that more time is needed to observe the implications of the legislation adopted by Divisions I and II and assess the division’s current eligibility model.
The Management Council also recommended the Presidents Council oppose a proposal to establish a spring practice period in football, saying changes to any playing seasons should be paused pending the holistic review of the traditional and nontraditional playing seasons by the Division III Analysis Working Group. The council also expressed concerns regarding the burden on institutional resources.
The council did recommend supporting a proposal to address the period of time when a vacancy on the Presidents and Management Councils may be filled. The Presidents Council will meet next week.
NIL Working Group
The Name, Image and Likeness Working Group advised the council of the findings from the recent membership survey, which had over 3,000 responses. The working group will use those themes that emerged from the survey to help inform its future work and its presentation at the 2027 NCAA Convention Issues Forum.
Analysis Working Group
The council received an update from the Division III Analysis Working Group, which highlighted its development of a case study on age-based eligibility. The working group also identified the division’s playing and practice seasons and addressing economic tensions as its top priorities.
The council also discussed the two options referred to the council, the Collective Purchasing Consortium and Model 2035 membership, and will provide feedback to the Division III Analysis Working Group.
Transfer Portal Dashboard
NCAA Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Brian Higgins updated the council on the newly created Transfer Portal Dashboard. The dashboard, which is anticipated to go live in late November, will provide statistical information about what happens to student-athletes who enter the Transfer Portal (e.g., successful transfer, increased or decreased playing time, athletics aid). Initially, the dashboard will include information on football and basketball, with the intent of adding additional sports over time. The goal of the dashboard is to provide a more transparent view of transfer activity to help inform current student-athletes and their families.
