Simon Fraser University became the first institution outside the United States to enter the NCAA membership process after the Division II Membership Committee accepted the institution’s application during a July 7-9 meeting in Indianapolis.

Simon Fraser, located in Burnaby, British Columbia, will begin a two-year candidacy period September 1. Prospective members also must complete at least one year of provisional status before being accepted as full-time Division II members, meaning the Canadian institution could become an active Division II member by fall 2012.

The NCAA Executive Committee approved a 10-year pilot program in 2007 to allow the Association to explore the idea, and Division II delegates overwhelmingly approved legislation at the 2008 Convention to open the door to its northern neighbors.

“We’re excited about having Simon Fraser working toward joining a unique group of institutions that have strong values and are continuously striving to enhance what it means to be a Division II member,” said Division II Vice President Mike Racy.

Simon Fraser has explored potential membership in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, composed primarily of members with which Simon Fraser already has established competitive rivalries. Conference members include Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Fairbanks, Central Washington, Montana State Billings, Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin’s, Seattle Pacific, Western Oregon and Western Washington.

“No one would dispute that the highest level of intercollegiate sport in North America is played at the NCAA, and that’s where we want to be,” Athletics Director David Murphy told Champion magazine in January. “We’re a Division II fit in philosophy, with our emphasis on student-athlete balance, facilities and level of athletics competition.”