CHARGE

· To examine and articulate the educational values of the academic and athletics experiences and their application within Division III and explore options related to legislative and organizational changes.

· Address the following areas: budget priorities and limitations; championships access, qualification and structure; financial aid requirements and policies; playing and practice seasons (number of contests, length of seasons, nontraditional seasons); recruiting (including related admissions issues and off-campus recruiting); eligibility (redshirting, graduate student participation); and membership (sports sponsorship, institutional self-selection and the possible impact on existing conference structures).

· Create mechanisms for input from the governance structure and the general membership including member conferences and independent institutions. Knowledge and appreciation of the diversity of the Division III membership (size, type, constituent groups) should be a priority in the creation of these mechanisms.

· Provide periodic updates to the membership, a formal presentation at the 2003 NCAA Convention, and develop proposed legislation for consideration at the 2004 NCAA Convention.

· Focus deliberations on the Division III philosophy. The highest priority should be placed on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs, as well as seeking to maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the educational experience.