SAAC COMPOSITION LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL
The Council will sponsor an amendment at the 2018 NCAA Convention that would create more interaction between the 23 members of the National SAAC and representatives from all other Division III conferences without increasing the committee's overall size. The proposal would provide funding for SAAC representatives from all conferences (and the group of independents) to attend a summer meeting and play a more active role with National SAAC members throughout the year. The Council agreed to oppose the membership proposal that would grow the size of the SAAC to 43 members, one from each conference.
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GRADUATION RATES
The Council encouraged the Division III Diversity and Inclusion Working Group to explore crafting a proposal for the 2019 Convention regarding mandatory student-athlete graduation rate reporting. The working group has been evaluating the viability and value of mandatory student-athlete graduation data collection because the graduation rates of African-Americans and football players has been considerably lower than other groups and sports for eight consecutive years. Mandatory data collection would provide more valid and reliable data to support evidenced-based policies, enhance the NCAA Institutional Performance Program, and enable the division to
more clearly articulate its overall success and commitment to academics. Two hundred Division III-member schools voluntarily reported student-athlete graduation rates during the 2017 reporting cycle.
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MEMBERSHIP SURVEY
The Council provided feedback on the fourth NCAA Division III Membership Survey, slated for release in February 2018. The survey has provided Division III institutions and conferences an opportunity to express their opinions concerning current and future policies and priorities of the division, and served as an important source of direction for the Council and the rest of the division's governance structure.
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CONVENTION SCHEDULE
The 2018 NCAA Convention will take place in Indianapolis from January 17-20. Click here for a presidential NCAA delegates schedule. For a chart detailing the 2018 legislative proposals, including sponsor(s), intent statements and effective date, click here.
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ALCOHOL CHAMPIONSHIPS POLICY
In August, the NCAA's Board of Governors approved the third year of a pilot program that permits the sale of alcohol at certain NCAA championships. For the second consecutive year, alcohol will be sold at the Division III men's lacrosse championship as part of a joint championship that occurs with Division I and II. In the spring, the Council will review and discuss whether Division III should allow the sale of alcohol at Division III championships following the end of the pilot in the spring of 2018. Each division can determine this issue separately through its legislative process. To date, the Council has noted some concerns and has asked for more
research and data be provided at a future meeting. |
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NOMINATIONS
The Presidents Council approved the reappointments of Teresa Amott, Knox College, and Stuart Dorsey, Texas Lutheran University, effective January 2018 for four-year terms. The Council approved the appointment of Kathleen Murray, Whitman College, effective immediately. The Council also approved the nominations of Tiffany Franks, Averett University; Fayneese Miller, Hamline University; and Kent Trachte, Lycoming College, effective January 2018 for four-year terms, pending approval by the division's presidents via e-mail ballot.
Additionally, the Council approved the appointment of Sue Henderson, New Jersey City University, as vice chair elect, effective January 2018, extending her term for an additional year (until January 2020).
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PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY GROUP (PAG)
The Council discussed how it could collaborate with conference commissioners to better explain the PAG's role and expectations. The Council noted the importance of intentionally engaging chancellors and presidents and providing opportunities for their input and feedback on significant Division III topics. The Council discussed ways to collaborate with commissioners on selecting future PAG members, and instructed staff to discuss concepts with the leadership of the commissioner's association. |
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CONCLUSION
It is our hope that the quarterly update provides the necessary and critical information you need in the oversight of Division III athletics on your campus. You can find the Summary of Actions, which highlights all recent Council actions, by clicking here. I welcome any comments or questions. |
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