SUNY Delhi Explores NCAA Membership

DELHI, NY (03/17/2017) (readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi has been approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to begin an exploratory year for NCAA Division III membership.

SUNY Delhi currently has 17 intercollegiate athletic teams in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). NCAA Division III membership would bring Delhi's athletic programs into alignment with 444 other institutions in Division III across the country, including 63 in New York.

"This is an exciting opportunity to continue to grow SUNY Delhi athletics," said Athletic Director Robert Backus. "The exploratory process will bring a valuable outside assessment of all aspects of our athletics programs, from facilities to academic support."

During the exploratory year, 2017-2018, SUNY Delhi will work with a consultant and NCAA staff to ensure that SUNY Delhi has or adopts guidelines and procedures that meet NCAA's eligibility requirements in terms of athletics, academics, facilities and support services. Throughout the process, SUNY Delhi will continue to compete in the USCAA and NAIA, including all post-season competitions.

"I am extremely pleased the NCAA has accepted our exploratory application," said SUNY Delhi President Michael R. Laliberte. "It reflects the continuing evolution of SUNY Delhi as an undergraduate- and graduate-degree granting institution committed to providing opportunities for student success in the classroom and beyond."

If accepted in January of 2018, SUNY Delhi would become a provisional member of NCAA. During that time, Delhi would compete in NCAA Division III during the regular season but would not be eligible for post-season competition. The college would still be eligible for USCAA post-season events.

The NCAA is a non-profit membership organization that regulates athletics at 1,281 institutions across the country. Division III is the largest of its three divisions with more than 170,000 student-athletes. The NCAA aims to safeguard the well-being of the student-athlete with an emphasis on a healthy balance between academics and athletics. Its guidelines support student-athletes with shorter practice and playing seasons to help ensure that academic success comes first.