The purpose of the Athletic Direct Report (ADR) professional development program is to engage Division III ADRs in best practices to oversee and manage athletics programs and improve the relationship between ADRs and their presidents, athletics directors, and conference commissioners. The program will focus on enhancing the effectiveness and involvement of the ADR at the campus, conference, and national levels. The program includes both networking opportunities and interactive discussions with ADR peers and other expert presenters.

The objectives of the ADR Professional Development Program are:

• Create and support a network of ADRs.
• Provide on-going professional development.
• Provide an orientation for ADRs.

The program includes in-person programing conducted during the NCAA Convention and virtual sessions conducted during the academic year for the following groups:

New ADRs. Each fall up to 15 ADRs who are new to their role or who have never attended the ADR Institute will be selected to attend programing at the NCAA Convention that provides an overview of the NCAA, best practices, and the role of the ADR. Participants in this program will receive funding to cover their costs to attend this professional development and Convention (travel, lodging and convention registration).

Experienced ADRs. For up to 60 ADRs that have been in their role for more than two years or who have previously attended the ADR Institute, programming will be provided for one day at the NCAA Convention. The programing will focus on current issues the ADRs are facing on campus, such as athletics budgeting, managing athletics personnel, student-athlete health and safety, current issues, role of athletics in enrollment and retention, etc. Participants in the program will receive a Convention registration fee waiver and an honorarium to help offset other costs to attend the Convention. 

Nomination/Application Process and Timeline

New ADRs - 15 participants each year. All Division III ADRs who have been in their role for at least one year or who have never attended the ADR Institute are eligible to participate.

Nominations are accepted from conference commissioners, institutional presidents or chancellors, athletics directors, and athletics direct reports (self-nominations). Nominations and applications accepted via Program Hubuntil September 14 at 5 p.m. Eastern.

Experienced ADRs. 60 ADRs that have been in their role for more than two years of who have previously attended the ADR Institute.

Applications accepted via Program Hub until September 14 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Participants will be selected on a first come, first serve basis.

For questions about the ADR Professional Development Program, please contact Ali Spungen, Division III Associate Director.