Our Division II Priorities

Division II remains dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience and strengthening the division’s future. Through a focus on championships, strategic planning, student-athlete support, and professional development, these priorities guide our ongoing efforts to build community, elevate competition, and support leaders across all levels.

Championships

• Triennial Budget Process. The Division II Championships Committee and Division II sport committees will discuss recommendations as part of the 2027-30 triennial budget cycle, with final recommendations submitted in September 2026.
• Selection Criteria. The membership will vote in January at the 2026 NCAA Convention on whether to establish the NCAA Power Index as the sole selection metric for Division II team championships effective with the 2026-27 academic year. 
• Joint Championships. For the first time since 2018, the Division II Men’s and Women’s Elite Eights will be held jointly in Pittsburgh on March 24-28. Additionally, the Division II Men’s Basketball Championship game will be played in conjunction with the Division III Men’s Basketball Championship game at the Division I Men’s Final Four in Indianapolis. This marks the first joint men’s basketball championships since 2012. 
• Potential New Championships. The membership will vote in January at the 2026 Convention on adding National Collegiate Championships in stunt and in acrobatics and tumbling. Members will also vote on adding women’s bowling as the 26th Division II championship. 

Operating Plan

Division II is in the final stages of developing a six-year operating plan, which will be launched at the 2026 Convention and extend through 2032 in alignment with the remainder of the NCAA’s current broadcast agreements. The new plan outlines five broad focus areas — Academics, Athletics, Health and Wellness, Governance, and Operations and Positioning — designed to enhance not only the student-athlete experience but also the experience of institutional personnel as members of a division that understands the balanced approach to athletics as part of the educational mission. The Division II Executive Board and the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee have worked to ensure the plan is fiscally responsible to support the initiatives necessary to carry out goals and benefit Division II members.

Goals Survey Results 

The 2024-25 Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations and Learning of Students in College Study provides data on the experiences and well-being of current student-athletes. Topics examined in the nationally representative GOALS survey include college academic, athletics and social experiences; coach-athlete relationships; recruitment and college choice; time commitments; on-campus support; and finances. Division II committees and affiliate groups will review the GOALS results to determine whether policy or legislative changes are needed and whether to allocate resources to enhance the student-athlete experience. 

Division II Eligibility Review Working Group — 2026 Convention Proposal

Following the work of the NCAA Division II Eligibility Review Working Group, Division II will consider legislation at the 2026 Convention to amend the seasons of competition legislation. If adopted, a Division II student-athlete would have five seasons to participate in intercollegiate competition and would have to complete the five seasons during the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters of full-time enrollment.

Connection Program

The NCAA Division II Connection Program has expanded beyond coaches to include athletic trainers and faculty athletics representatives, strengthening engagement with key campus leaders who support the student-athlete experience.

The Athletic Trainers Connection enhances the role of athletic trainers as advocates for student-athlete health, safety and well-being. With representatives from each conference and support from a designated Connector, the program fosters communication among athletic trainers, commissioners and NCAA staff. Monthly calls, resource sharing and engagement with the NCAA Sport Science Institute and national organizations like the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and College Athletic Trainers’ Society will occur to ensure athletic trainers have a consistent voice in Division II priorities and policies.

The FAR Connection reinforces the critical role FARs play in supporting academic integrity and student-athlete success. Through monthly conference calls, collaboration with NCAA staff and engagement with the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association, FARs gain deeper insight into legislative and governance processes. The program promotes FAR involvement in NCAA committee service and facilitates communication across conferences to support informed, student-centered decision-making.

Make It Yours Brand

Following a successful marketing campaign that leveraged public service announcements and paid social media ads in spring 2025, Division II will launch a marketing campaign this fall to continue influencing the perception and understanding of the division among prospective student-athletes and their parents. 

Partnership and Development Opportunities for the Division II Membership