In 2014, Division I redesigned its governing system to create a structure that is more nimble, streamlined and responsive to membership needs.
 
Members adopt bylaws governing Division I through two legislative processes. These two systems are referred to as autonomy and Council governance.
 
Both processes include input from presidents and chancellors, directors of athletics, other athletics administrators, coaches, faculty representatives, conference personnel and student-athletes from Division I schools and conferences. NCAA committees populated by membership personnel conduct the division’s day-to-day business and establish strategic direction for the future.
 
Division I’s committee structure oversees everything from championships administration and sport oversight to strategic planning and the overall health of Division I.
 
The student-athlete voice is an important component of the Division I governance structure. Two members of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee participate and vote in meetings of the Division I Council, the division’s primary policymaking body. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also has a voting student-athlete on each of the seven standing committees of the Council. Students also participate actively in the autonomy governance structure. Conferences choose 15 student-athletes to be part of the 80 votes cast on autonomy legislation.
 
Many of these potential regulations — as well as proposals to change existing policies — develop within the committee governance structure throughout the year, while other legislative measures are submitted by member conferences.