Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct an outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment, athletic experience, or leadership/community service/campus involvement. Division III Week is a strategic initiative that achieves its desired impact from a unity of effort. It harnesses everyone working toward the same goal at the same time to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.

The event is part of Division III’s Identity Initiative, which was introduced in 2010 to sharpen the division’s identity and enable schools, conferences, and student-athletes to consistently explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The initiative is guided by a strategic-positioning platform, describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can “follow your passions and develop your potential,” through an approach that combines rigorous academics, competitive athletics and an opportunity to pursue other interests.

What Kind of Outcomes Should We Expect From Division III Week?

• The specific charge is to conduct and promote at least one academic, athletic, co-curricular or extracurricular activity. On the macro-level, each institution will be encouraged to report its activity to the national office so the collective impact of our division can be shared on a broader scale. Ultimately, through both local and national activation, the goal is to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.

Academic Accomplishment Activities:

In Division III, we realize that the classroom is the primary setting for preparing student-athletes for future success. However, academics are more than just GPAs, test scores and majors; they are a comprehensive learning experience that develops successful leaders and professionals. Check out the ideas below of how to celebrate the academic accomplishments of your student-athletes:

• Allow student-athletes to speak at local elementary schools about their majors and the importance of an education and playing a sport.
• Pitch stories to campus and local media outlets about the academic success of your student-athletes, including data from Division III research initiatives and stories about current and former student-athletes.
• Encourage each coach to plan an academic-focused workshop for their team.

Athletic Experience Activities:

Passion and sportsmanship are attributes of the “athlete” in the Division III “student-athlete” paradigm. The “athlete” plays for the love of the game, strives for excellence in all facets of life and perseveres through adversity. During Division III Week, choose an event that celebrates the athletic component of our identity – a true homage to the symbiotic relationship of athletics and higher education.

• Host a student-athlete banquet, highlighting team and individual athletic and academic achievements for the year.
• Schedule a nutritionist, sports psychologist or fitness expert to educate student-athletes about athletic best practices and well-being.
• Sponsor a reunion or recognition event that honors former student-athletes.

Leadership / Community Service / Campus Involvement Activities:

Citizenship and responsibility are Division III attributes. Student-athletes giving back enhances the comprehensive learning component of Division III, and provides a venue for passion and service. Division III institutions are strongly encouraged to engage in an activity with Special Olympics, the division’s official community service partner. If your institution is unable to organize a Special Olympics event in this timeframe, below is an assortment of other activities to help observe Division III Week. The NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) also has multiple initiatives that campuses are encouraged to embrace.

• Host a blood drive on campus sponsored by the athletics department, with student-athlete volunteers and organizers.
• Organize a fundraiser for Special Olympics or a local charity, such as a dance marathon, a golf outing, a 5K, tricycle races, etc.
• Organize a trip to a food bank to help sort and package food.

Who Should Be Involved in Division III Week?

• The true essence of Division III athletics is the full integration of our student-athletes into the campus culture. Therefore, in addition to primary participation and organization by the athletics administration and student-athletes, Division III Week could involve the president, faculty, student body, admissions, student affairs or alumni.

Will This Be an Annual Event?

• Yes! The NCAA national office will continue to solicit feedback from the membership to determine the frequency and timing for future celebrations.