Division III

Colleges and universities in Division III place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete’s educational experience. They also seek to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletic staff.

What does Division III have to offer?

• Division III athletics offers student-athletes the opportunity to become well-rounded individuals who successfully integrate athletics and academics. Student-athletes are integrated into the student body, and they experience the full range of college life.
• Division III athletic departments place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators. The student-athlete’s experience is of paramount concern.
• Division III athletics features athletes who receive no financial aid related to their athletic skills and athletic departments that are staffed and funded like any other department in the university. Division III athletics encourages the development of sportsmanship and positive social attitudes. Coaches and players treat each other with respect, and administrators work to foster a positive competitive environment.
• Division III athletics is committed to providing equitable athletic opportunities for both genders and gives equal emphasis to men’s and women’s sports.
• Division III athletics encourages participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletic opportunities available to student-athletes, placing primary emphasis on regional in-season and conference competition.

How is Division III governed?

Division III has two governing groups: the policy-setting Presidents Council and the Management Council. As its name implies, the 15-member Presidents Council is made up of Presidents from member colleges and universities. This group oversees the Management Council, which consists of 19 Presidents, athletic administrators, faculty representatives and student-athletes.

Below these two bodies is a committee structure that focuses on issues relating specifically to Division III. Legislation in Division III is considered and approved through a traditional one-school, one-vote process at an annual convention. In this way, Division III institutions make their own rules, independent of the other two divisions.