INDIANAPOLIS — In an important step towards having its first Canadian member school, the NCAA has accepted Simon Fraser University’s application for Division II membership. Simon Fraser is the first school north of the United States to apply for membership. The institution will be part of a 10-year pilot program approved at the 2008 NCAA Convention.
Simon Fraser, located in Burnaby, British Columbia, was one of 15 schools and the only Canadian university applying for Division II membership for the 2009-2010 academic year. Simon Fraser will now enter a two-year candidacy period and must complete at least one provisional year before achieving active status.
“We’re excited to have Simon Fraser working toward joining a unique group of institutions that have strong values and are continuously working to enhance what it means to be a Division II member,” said Mike Racy, NCAA vice president of Division II. “We’re looking forward to new competition for our Northwest institutions as Division II continues to be a membership destination for colleges and universities.”
The university met a set of minimum expectations set by the Division II Membership Committee to ensure applicants are adequately prepared to enter and progress through the membership process effectively. Among others, these requirements include minimum sports sponsorship, adequate commitment of personnel and resources, as well as a strategic vision for the intercollegiate athletics program.
In January 2008, Division II members voted in an overwhelming majority to adopt NCAA legislation to allow Canadian colleges and universities to explore the possibility of becoming an Association member. Division II currently is the only NCAA division with rules in place that would allow Canadian colleges and universities to become members. The pilot program permits the NCAA and interested Canadian schools to explore the logistical and practical challenges and opportunities for Division II membership.
Division II places strong value in learning, service, balance, passion, resourcefulness and sportsmanship. The division revamped its platform in 2007 and continues with the goal of enhancing the experience that is unique to Division II student-athletes. An integral part of this identity platform for the division includes fostering a positive game environment among its members. It also includes the community-engagement initiative which intends for Division II institutions and their communities to mutually elevate their support of one another.
NCAA Division II is one of three membership divisions at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, a volunteer organization comprising more than 1,200 institutions, conferences and affiliated organizations. Division II is a group of institutions, conferences and affiliated organizations that serves more than 75,000 student-athletes nationwide, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The emphasis for the student-athlete experience in Division II is a comprehensive program of learning and development. The Division II approach provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletic competition and the development of societal attitudes in service to the community. The balance and integration of these different areas of learning provide Division II student-athletes with a path to graduation while cultivating a variety of skills and knowledge for life ahead.
For additional information on Division II efforts, visit www.ncaa.org.
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