At its meeting Wednesday during the 2022 NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, the Division III Management Council extended the 2021-22 academic year blanket waiver for the 2022-23 academic year, allowing student-athletes to participate while enrolled less than full time, under specific conditions.
"Providing flexibility for student-athletes to utilize their full athletics eligibility is more important than ever," said Jason Fein, chair of the Management Council and Bates College director of athletics. "The committee recognizes the ongoing challenges of learning and competing during the COVID pandemic, and extending this blanket waiver provides student-athletes with another important option in terms of eligibility."
As it did last year, the waiver allows:
- If student-athletes have graduated prior to the 2022-23 academic year, they must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours each term.
- If student-athletes will graduate during the 2022-23 academic year, they must enroll in the classes necessary to complete their degree per the final term exception for one term and at least six hours of credit in the other terms.
While providing this important accommodation, the Management Council clarified the blanket waiver is available for student-athletes who did not use it during the 2021-22 academic year. Going forward, council members think future enrollment waivers should be addressed on a case-by-case basis as opposed to extending the blanket relief for a third year.
Membership survey
The Management Council reviewed a draft survey that will be sent to the entire Division III membership in early February and provided feedback on the scope of the survey and specific areas in which to seek membership input.
Legislative slate
The Management Council reviewed the legislative slate for Division III, along with the associated question-and-answer document. It did not amend any of its previous positions.
Final meeting for six members
This meeting was the last for six Management Council members whose terms will expire with the conclusion of the NCAA Convention:
- Madeira Alexander, Salisbury, SAAC representative and softball athlete.
- Gerard Bryant, John Jay, faculty athletics representative.
- Jason Fein, Bates, director of athletics.
- Lori Mazza, Western Connecticut State, director of athletics.
- Jack Mulvihill, St. John Fisher, SAAC representative and lacrosse athlete.
- Dennis Shields, Wisconsin-Platteville, chancellor.