Division III is a leader in supporting faculty athletics representatives (FARs) in governance, strategic planning, academic standards and student-athlete advocacy. As a vital link in an institution’s strategic communications chain, FARs help articulate the relationship between intercollegiate athletics and higher education.
Why participate?
- Build a strong network of Division III FAR peers
- Enhance leadership skills to more effectively serve in the FAR role at the campus, conference and national levels
- Deepen collaboration with presidents, athletics directors, commissioners and other campus leaders
- Engage in interactive case studies and discussions focused on real Division III governance and campus scenarios
- Develop a practical action plan to support FAR-led change on campus or within a conference
Program structure
The Division III FAR Institute is conducted in person in conjunction with the FARA Annual Meeting each November. Programming focuses on strategic issues facing Division III, clarity of the FAR role and skill development in areas such as communication, collaboration and decision-making. The institute is fully funded by Division III, covering participant expenses for both the FARA Annual Meeting and the institute.
Eligibility
- Must be serving as the FAR at an active or provisional Division III member institution
- Must not have previously attended a Division III FAR Institute or Division III FAR Orientation
- Must be nominated by a conference commissioner, institutional president or chancellor, director of athletics, senior woman administrator or athletics direct report
Once nominated, FARs will receive instructions to log into Program Hub to complete their nominee profile and respond to the nomination questions.
Nominations and selection
Nominations are submitted via Program Hub by conference commissioners, institutional presidents or chancellors, directors of athletics, senior woman administrators or athletics direct reports. Following the nomination period, Division III staff review nominations and select participants for the institute.
Quick Guide: How to Nominate in Program Hub (PDF)
Nominee questions
These questions are completed in Program Hub after a FAR has been formally nominated for the institute.
- Nominee and institutional information: name, preferred email address(es), optional demographic information, institution, title, institutional type (public or private), academic discipline and tenure status
- FAR role details: conference affiliation, number of years serving as FAR and any prior participation in a Division III FAR institute or orientation
- Professional development goals: why the nominee wants to attend the Division III FAR Institute and what they hope to gain from the experience
- Current challenges: key issues the nominee is facing in the FAR role, such as communication, governance or institutional processes
- Availability and acknowledgments: confirmation of availability for the November 18-22, 2025, institute dates and acknowledgment that nomination information may be used for planning and selection
