NCAA Division III
MONTHLY UPDATE // ISSUE NO. 158 // FEBRUARY 2019

This update is a tool to enhance communication between the NCAA national office and the Division III membership, with distribution to athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives, presidents, national SAAC, conference commissioners and the NADIIIAA listserv.  We encourage athletics directors to share this communication with their athletics department members.  Please contact Louise McCleary to include an item or share comments, and remember to check out the Division III governance homepage for the latest news and information.


HOT TOPICS
 

2019 NCAA Convention Voting Results

The 2019 NCAA Convention was held January 23-26 in Orlando.  Delegates adopted all six Division III proposals and the Association-wide proposal also was adopted.  The final voting results grid and the final roll call vote report are now available on NCAA.org.  A summary of each proposal appears in the AMA section of this monthly update.  All Division III Convention PowerPoints and resources also are located in the 2019 Convention Resource link on the Division III homepage.

Division III University

The NCAA Division III staff is excited to introduce Division III University, a new online learning platform, to provide educational modules to Division III athletics directors, senior woman administrators, head coaches and conference commissioners.  Division III University contains educational modules related to the following areas: 1.) NCAA Division III overview; 2.) Student-athlete well-being; and 3.) Compliance. 
 
Each chapter contains an interactive course or series of courses that will educate users on everything from compliance and governance to improving student-athlete health and safety.  The NCAA Sport Science Institute developed the sexual violence prevention and mental health modules – two student-athlete health and safety priority areas for Division III.   
 
Access to Division III University is through NCAA MyApps on ncaa.org.  To access Division III University, open the NCAA Learning Portal app (once it is assigned to you by your single source sign-on administrator) and click on the Division III University icon.  Please note that you can launch the Division III University modules with any web browser, except Internet Explorer.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hot Topics

ADR Updates

360 Proof Updates

SSI Updates
CoSIDA Updates

Diversity Spotlight

Special Olympics

AMA Updates

Educational Information

PROP Updates

Committee Updates

Key Dates

Championships Portal/Digital Logo Library

The NCAA Digital Logo Library can now be accessed via MyApps on ncaa.org.

NCAA Division III Webinars

The next Division III webinar will be 1:30-2 p.m. Eastern time, Tuesday, Feb. 5.  The topic will be a recap of the 2019 NCAA Convention.
 
Future webinars will be conducted on the following dates from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Eastern time:

  • March 5 – Mental health module – part I.
  • April 2 – Mental health module – part II.

 
Each webinar will be limited to the first 250 participants. All past webinar PowerPoints are on the Division III website.

ACTION ITEM:  Division III Week

Mark your calendars - the 2019 Division III Week will be here before you know it! The week-long celebration will take place April 1-7.  Be on the lookout for updated materials and more information to assist in your planning efforts. Please email Adam Skaggs with any questions or suggestions.

Don't Bet on It

With the Super Bowl this coming weekend, the NCAA reminds you and your student-athletes to Don’t Bet On It.  Betting on a pro sporting event is a sports wagering violation that risks eligibility.

ADR UPDATES

2019 Division III Athletics Direct Report Institute Recap

Thirty (30) athletics direct reports (ADRs) gathered at the 2019 NCAA Convention for a one and one-half day program focused on enhancing the integration of athletics into the institution. Sample participant takeaways from the Institute include:
 

  • Intentionally discuss how the value of athletics is measured on our campus.
  • Create a shared financial philosophy to supporting budgeting and other decision-making.
  • NCAA IPP data can inform many important decisions.
  • Use zero based budgeting as a management tool.
  •  Provide training for coaches to have identity-related conversations.
  • Train coaches and admissions staff on recruiting for the college, and not just the team.
  • Work to engage the FAR, AD  and SAAC in deeper conversations.

 
The 2020 ADR Institute nomination process will open June 15.  Please contact Leah Kareti with any questions about the event.

360 PROOF UPDATES

Monthly Prevention Tip

The NFL's Superbowl is this weekend. This event tends to be a potentially high-risk weekend related to a range of behaviors (even more so if a local team is playing in the game).  Consider what needs to be done on- and off-campus, if anything, to prepare for this weekend.  Why do college students “Drink Too Much and Party So Hard?”  Re-watch the webinar from April 11, 2018  with author and researcher Dr. Tom Vander Ven as he provides insights from a sociologist’s perspective with implications for 360 Proof campuses.

NASPA Annual Conference

Book a one on one appointment or come to the user session at NASPA! Email experthelp@360proof.org for details. 

Webinar Schedule

360 Proof offers a monthly webinar series to bring current prevention research to a Division III and NASPA Small College and University audience.  Remaining sessions for 2019 include:
 

  • February 6, 1 p.m. Eastern time:  “College AIM Version 2: Updates and Implications for 360 Proof,” Jessica Cronce,  Associate Professor; Director of Family and Human Services, University of Oregon.
  • NEW DATE: March 19, 3 p.m. Eastern time:  “Pregaming and Drinking Games: Implications for Work with Student-Athletes,” Byron Zamboanga, Professor of Psychology, Smith College.
  • April 10, 1 p.m. Eastern time: "Looking Back and Looking Forward: Lessons Learned in Evaluating Prevention”,  David Anderson Professor, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Health, George Mason.

 
All 360 Proof account holders will receive an invitation to attend these webinar sessions.  Please contact Leah Kareti with any questions about 360 Proof.

SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE (SSI) UPDATES

SSI Welcomes New Staff Member

The Sport Science Institute welcomes Kim Shea as its new coordinator. She joined the SSI January 14, 2019 from Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare in Naperville, IL, where she coordinated medical education opportunities and projects for physicians within a large multihospital health care setting. In addition to supporting CSMAS, Shea will provide cross-functional support to the sports medicine and prevention and health promotion service lines on projects such as the concussion safety protocol review process and Step Up! bystander intervention.

NCAA CHOICES Alcohol Education Grant Program

The NCAA Sport Science Institute announces that the application for the 2019 NCAA CHOICES Alcohol Education Grant Program is now open via the NCAA Program Hub.  For more information, including grant guidelines, a guide for writing a grant proposal and abstracts from past winners, visit www.ncaa.org/choices. The deadline for schools to apply through the NCAA Program Hub is not later than 5 p.m. Eastern time, Wednesday, Feb. 13.

CoSIDA UPDATES

ACTION REQUEST:  NCAA and D3SIDA Recognition Award

The next submission round for the NCAA Division III and D3SIDA recognition award is now open.  All submissions must be received not later than February 15.  Click here  for more details. The recognition program seeks to honor the best work - including news releases, feature articles, videos, blogs and other materials - produced by Division III campus and conference athletics communication offices.  Each top honoree will receive a $1,500 credit to attend DIII Day at the annual CoSIDA convention. A panel of D3SIDA members will select the recipients, with winners publicized through ncaa.org and social media platforms. Participants can self-nominate or be nominated by peers. Entries should be submitted via email to  d3identity@ncaa.org with "NCAA Division III and D3SIDA Recognition Award Nominee" as the subject February Nominees.

CoSIDA Student Program

For the third consecutive year, Division III will support eight women and/or ethnic minority students to attend the annual CoSIDA Convention, including Division III Day, June 10-12, 2019, through the Division III CoSIDA Student Program
 
Program participants who meet the following criteria will be given preference: 

  • Female and/or ethnic minority students,
  • Current junior class academic standing;
  • Work experience in a campus or conference athletics communication/sports information office; and
  • Strong interest in a career in Division III athletics communication (sports information). 

 
At the 2019 CoSIDA Convention in Orlando, the selected students will participate in Division III Day, be exposed to the CoSIDA Convention, its delegates and the athletics communication profession. Grant recipients will attend welcome and debrief meetings and be assigned a mentor.  The goal is to build the pipeline in an effort to ultimately diversify the Division III athletics communication landscape.

The nomination/application process will be available on NCAA Program Hub, February 18 through March 15.

DIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE

Centre College is the recipient of the December/January Division III Diversity Spotlight Initiative. The college created a student-athlete diversity board that has representation from all 23 varsity programs.  The board has developed a mission, vision and goals in addition to adding language related to diversity and inclusive environments in the athletics department’s mission and student-athlete surveys.  Click here for more information.

The Diversity Spotlight Initiative recognizes and promotes outstanding diversity related projects, programming and initiatives that are occurring on Division III campuses and in conference offices.  All selected recipients receive $500 toward their next diversity initiative.  To submit an initiative for consideration for February, email Louise McCleary, with a brief statement (no more than 500 words) as to why your institution or conference office deserves to be the spotlight recipient. Attach a video or photo if applicable. The nomination deadline is Feb. 21

Diversity Tip of the Month

If you are looking to diversify an athletics applicant pool, remember that the governance staff has created a Division III Diversity database.  The database identifies all past female and ethnic minority intern and grant participants, as well as participants in any other Division III diversity programming (e.g. SWA Program, Student Immersion and Institute for Administrative Advancement).  To date, we have identified over 300 individuals.  The database provides current positions and contact information.  If you want access to the database, please email Louise McCleary.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Spotlight Poll

The NCAA Division III Special Olympics Spotlight Poll is a story-telling initiative located on ncaa.org/D3SpecialOlympics .  It features new stories each month that highlight a Division III and Special Olympics joint activity or event.  The story with the highest number of votes on the 25th day of each month is the winner. That institution or conference receives $500 to use for its next Special Olympics event. Both written and digital submissions are accepted.  Featured stories are selected based on inclusion of the student-athlete perspective and Division III messaging. To submit a story for consideration, please email d3specialolympics@ncaa.org.

December/January Winner

After 4,468 total votes Shenandoah SAAC Hosts Special Olympics Event won the December/January Special Olympics Spotlight Poll by gathering 84 percent (3,742) of the total votes! The Hornets will receive $500 to use for its next Special Olympics event. To submit a story for consideration, please email d3specialolympics@ncaa.org.

February Nominees

Here are the stories for the February Special Olympics poll: 

 Click here to vote starting Monday, Feb. 4. The winner will be announced Feb. 26, 2019.

Special Olympics 50 for 50th Challenge

This summer marked 50 years of Special Olympics! In honor of this milestone and in celebration of our partnership with this incredible organization, the national Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has initiated the 50 for 50th Challenge. Each Division III institution is challenged to have at least 50 student-athletes participate in a Special Olympics event(s) from Aug. 1, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2019. Institutions should report their Special Olympics participation in the 50 for 50th Challenge via the Division III Special Olympics website . All institutions that complete the challenge will receive a prize, and the three institutions with the highest percentage of student-athlete participation will face off in the May 2019 Special Olympics Spotlight Poll. The institution with the most votes in the Spotlight Poll will be declared the champion during the 2019 Division III Week and receive a special grand prize. For more information on the 50 for 50th Challenge, click here.
 
Division III and Special Olympics also have joined forces to present 50 profiles honoring the unified work of the NCAA, Division III and Special Olympics. To follow the conversations, use the hashtag #d3SO50for50th for more profiles and Division III/Special Olympics activities.

ACADEMIC AND MEMBERSHIP AFFAIRS (AMA)

Rule of the Month

Currently, NCAA Division III Bylaw 13.02.11 required all electronic communication (e.g., electronic email, Instant Messenger, social media) with a prospective student-athlete (or their parents or legal guardians) must be private between the sender and the recipient. However, at the 2019 NCAA Convention, the membership adopted Proposal No. 2019-7 which has an immediate effective date. As a result, athletics department staff members may now connect with (e.g., friend, follow) prospective student-athletes via social media platforms.  Athletics department staff are also now permitted to take actions that indicates approval (e.g., “like,” “favorite”) of content generated by the prospective student-athletes or in which prospective student-athletes are publicly linked.  This is not, however, a complete deregulation of the existing electronic transmissions legislation.  Among the actions that are still not permitted for staff are “tagging” PSAs and commenting on prospective student-athlete’s posts using text or emoticons in the comment section of the post.  A helpful list of social media platforms and their permissible/impermissible actions is available in the 2019 NCAA Convention DIII Legislative Proposals Question and Answer Guide, which can be found in LSDBi.

2019 NCAA Convention Legislation

Division III delegates gathered in Orlando, Florida to vote on one Association-wide proposal and six Division III legislative proposals during the 2019 Convention. Below is a summary of the voting on these proposals:
 
Proposal No. 2019-1. ADOPTED. Adds five independent members to the NCAA Board of Governors; Defines an independent member; Specifies the term for each independent member and outline the process for selecting the independent members. This proposal has an August 1, 2019, effective date, but nominations are currently being accepted for these positions (insert weblink for the nomination process).
 
Proposal No. 2019-2 (as amended by Proposal No. 2019-2-1). ADOPTED. For the sport of football, establishes the first permissible practice date as 23 days before the institution’s first regular-season contest or 23 days from the following Friday if the first permissible contest occurs on a Thursday of the opening weekend; and prohibits physical related activity one day per week of the preseason following the five-day acclimatization period. This proposal has an August 1, 2019, effective date.
 
Proposal No.  2019-3. REFERRED. For the sports of soccer and field hockey, would have added a three-day acclimatization period; and limit the remainder of the preseason to no more than two on-field practices for a maximum of six hours of athletically related activity with three hours of rest between practice sessions. This proposal was referred to the Division III Management Council and the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport.
 
Proposal No. 2019-4. ADOPTED. To include as a condition of Division III membership the annual submission of student-athlete graduation rate data, and annual championship eligibility is contingent on submission of this data. This proposal has an August 1, 2019 effective date.
 
Proposal No.  2019-5. ADOPTED. To permit individuals to accept expenses for secondary education prior to collegiate enrollment; these expenses can not be provided by an agent, professional sports team/organization or from a representative of an institution’s athletics interest; these expenses must be disbursed directly through the secondary educational institution. This proposal has an August 1, 2019 effective date.
 
Proposal No. 2019-6. ADOPTED. Extends the existing final term exception to full-time enrollment requirement for student-athletes with an outstanding experiential learning requirement. This proposal has an August 1, 2019 effective date.
 
Proposal No.  2019-7. ADOPTED. Establish an exception to permit athletics department staff members to connect with prospective student-athletes and take actions on social media platforms that indicate approval of content generated by users of the social media platforms. This proposal has an immediate effective date.

Regional Rules Seminars

NCAA Constitution 3.2.4.15 (Convention and Regional Rules Seminar Attendance) requires all Division III institutions to attend an NCAA Regional Rules Seminar (RRS) at least once every three years.  The three-year window for attendance includes attendance at the 2017, 2018 and 2019 RRS.  Any institution that did not send a representative in 2017 or 2018 should plan to attend the 2019 Regional Rules Seminars.  Registration open March 4. Before the seminars, attendees are encouraged to review the LSDBi and RSRO training videos to prepare for on-site learning objectives. The 2019 dates and locations are May 13-15 in Indianapolis; and June 3-5 in Denver.

2019 Institutional Self-Study Guide

Constitution 6.3.1 requires all NCAA Division III institutions to conduct a comprehensive self-study and evaluation of their athletics programs at least once every five years.  The Institutional Self-Study Guide (ISSG) is due on June 1, 2019. The full ISSG and requirements for supporting documentation must be completed online by all institutions; fax, hard copy, or email submissions of the ISSG will not be accepted.  The ISSG can be accessed via the My Apps link on NCAA.org (if access has been granted by the institution’s single-source sign-on administrator).  The manual is designed to assist member institutions in accessing the ISSG.   Click here for a list of institutions that need to complete the ISSG this year.  Institutions that need technical assistance are asked to send questions via email to Corey Berg.

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

Student-Athlete Leadership Forum

The NCAA encourages you to submit nominations for the Student Athlete Leadership Forum.  The application closes Friday, Feb. 15, 2019.   The forum has provided life-changing experiences for more than 5,000 student-athletes across its 10-plus year history. Student-athletes who complete the programming have grown personally and professionally, gained a new network of peers and friends, and felt the rewards and importance of community service.  Student-athletes selected to attend the forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, the experience of exploring the relationship between personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and a thorough understanding of the different divisional perspectives, the valuable role of Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC) and the NCAA as a whole.
 
For Division III, the forum, scheduled for April 11-14, is open to all institutions in an identified region based on a first-come, first-served basis in the eligible region. For Division III in 2018-19, schools in Region 3 are eligible to attend. States included in Region 3 include AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MI, MS, NC, OH, PR, SC, TN, VA and WV. For a complete list of eligible intuitions, go here . Division III institutions in Region 3 may submit nominations via the “Nominator” tab in NCAA Program Hub by entering the first name, last name and email address of their nominees. Each eligible institution can send up to two student-athletes and one administrator.

2019 NCAA Inclusion Forum

Registration is now open for the 2019 NCAA Inclusion Forum, which will be held April 26-28 in Atlanta.  The forum, in its eighth year, offers useful knowledge, engaging dialogue, and practical takeaways to empower participants’ efforts on equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives on their campuses. Sessions will focus on core identities such as race/ethnicity, women/gender equity, LGTBQ, disability sport, and international students.  In addition, to end the first day of programming, the 2019 NCAA Inclusion Forum features a special welcome reception Friday, April 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the  Center for Civil and Human Rights, where attendees can explore the fundamental rights of all human beings and leave empowered to join the conversation in their own communities.

NCAA Leadership Development Programming

Applications for several NCAA leadership development programs, held in the summer of 2019, will open on February 11 at 8 a.m. Eastern time. Visit the program websites to learn more about these professional development opportunities:
 

FLAME Program

The United States Olympic Committee is seeking applicants for its annual Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere (F.L.A.M.E.) program, which is an eight-day forum that aims to prepare undergraduate and graduate students of color for career opportunities in the world of sports.  This year’s program will be May 27-June 3 in Colorado Springs, Colo., and will be conducted by individuals in the Olympic and Paralympic movements, along with others who have experienced success as athletes and/or sport administrators.  Applicants should be between the ages of 18-28 at the time of the program and enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students in a college or university.  The program seeks individuals who have demonstrated leadership through academics, athletics and community involvement and have a strong desire to pursue a career in the field of sports business, administration, medicine or management. Interested candidates can get the program application and more details at the following hyperlinks: FLAME application and FLAME website.
 

Women Leaders in College Sports Institutes

Applications for our NCAA/Women Leaders 2019 Women's Leadership Symposium (WLS) and Institute for Administrative Advancement (IAA) are open through February 11.  WLS is perfect for administrators with approximately one to three years' experience in college athletics. Participants will develop their skills, build their network, and learn more about women working in college athletics. Apply here.  IAA is for those further along in their careers, with approximately three to six years' experience. Participants be inspired by engaging speakers and pioneers in women's athletics. Apply here!  There are a variety of scholarships available to those who may need assistance to attend. Discover options and apply here.

DiSC Assessments Available

Use of the DiSC is strongly encouraged on member campuses. Participants gain personalized feedback on their specific leadership style, and student-athletes, coaches and administrators gain valuable understanding of everyone’s unique behavioral style. Applying this knowledge can develop effective team dynamics, leadership, and communication among the group.
 
In 2018-19, each Division III school interested in utilizing the DiSC resource will be provided assessments for up to 50 student-athletes, as well as 30 coaches or administrators, at no cost. Funding is limited, and requests will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here, to learn more about the DiSC resource.

PROP UPDATES

Softball Rules Committee

The Softball Rules Committee is now accepting rules change proposals for consideration at its annual meeting in June. Proposals will be for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. All proposals must be submitted using this link and received by March 1. Please contact Ashlee Follis if you have any questions.

Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Rules Committee

The Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Rules Committee is now accepting rules change proposals for consideration at its annual meeting in May. Proposals will be for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. All proposals must be submitted using this link and received by February 12. Please contact Barb Hallam if you have any questions.

Men's Basketball Playing Rules

As noted in the January 15 memorandum that was emailed to all Division I, II, and III men’s basketball coaches, commissioners and directors of athletics, the Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee and the Men’s Basketball Rules Committee continue to consider the following four major potential rules changes:
 

  • Extend the three-point line by approximately 1 foot, 5 inches (from 20 feet, 9 inches to 22 feet, 1¾ inches).
  • Widen the lane from 12 feet to 16 feet.
  • Reset the shot clock after an offensive rebound to 20 seconds (rather than 30 seconds).
  • Use four 10-minute quarters instead of two 20-minute halves.

 
The Men’s Basketball Rules Committee is scheduled to meet May 7-10 to decide on these four potential rules changes (as well as other potential changes). The Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) will then review and take final action on any potential rules changes when it meets by teleconference on June 13.  Please contact Dan Calandro if you have any questions.

COMMITTEE UPDATES

Several committees conducted in-person meetings in December and January. 

Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports, December 10-11
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, January 22-23
Management Council, January 23
Presidents Council, January 24
NCAA Convention, Division III Issues Forum, January 25
NCAA Convention, Division III Business Session, January 26

KEY UPDATES FOR FEBRUARY THROUGH APRIL
 
2019
Dates Meeting/Championships Location 
Feb. 5-6    Championships Committee Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 11-12 Interpretations and Legislative Committee  Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 11-12 Financial Aid Committee Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 20-21 Membership Committee Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 26 Nominating Committee Indianapolis, IN 
Feb. 27 Administrative Committee Jersey City, NJ
Mar. 8-9 Wrestling Championship Roanoke, VA
Mar. 8-9 Men and Women's Indoor Track Championship Boston, MA
Mar. 15-16 Women's Ice Hockey Championship TBD
Mar. 15-16 Men's Basketball Championship Fort Wayne, IN
Mar. 15-16 Women's Basketball Championship Salem, VA
Mar. 20-23 Men and Women's Swimming and Diving Championship Greensboro, NC
Mar. 22-23 Men's Ice Hockey Championship TBD
Apr. 13-14 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Indianapolis, IN
Apr. 15-16 Management Council Meeting Indianapolis, IN
Apr. 24-25 Committee on Women's Athletics Atlanta, GA
Apr. 24-25 Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee Atlanta, GA
Apr. 26-27 Men's Volleyball Championship Union, NJ
Apr. 30 - May 1 Presidents Council Meeting Indianapolis, IN

 

 
This email was sent to all Division III presidents and chancellors that serve on Division III committees, directors of athletics, athletics direct report, faculty athletics representatives, senior woman administrators, sports information directors, compliance officers, commissioners, assistant/associate commissioners, provisional/reclass/exploratory members, National SAAC and selected NCAA staff members.

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