Urbana Accepted for NCAA D-II Exploratory Status
Blue Knights Take First Step Towards NCAA Division II Membership Complete Release in pdf format
URBANA, Ohio (July 19, 2007) – Urbana University is in the early stages of shifting its affiliation from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Urbana Director of Athletics Doug Young received a letter from NCAA officials to inform him that the University has been accepted into the exploratory phase of the process to achieve NCAA Division II status.

“We are very excited about our new direction,” said Young. “I feel that it is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to better achieve their goals, both athletically and academically, during their time at Urbana University.”

The minimum requirements for schools obtaining NCAA D-II membership are: undergoing two years of exploratory status and one year of provisional status before becoming a full-fledged, active member. The Blue Knights will begin their first year of exploratory status in 2007-08. The third year (2009-2010) is a provisional year during which the Blue Knights will compete as an NCAA member but will not eligible for championships. The fourth year (2010-2011), Urbana would be a full active member of the NCAA and able to compete for championships.

Previously, potential D-II members had to undergo one year of exploratory status and four years of provisional status before becoming an active member. The NCAA’s governing body voted during its January 2007 convention in Orlando, Fla., to restructure the process.

In March, Urbana University President Dr. Robert Head announced that the University would seek D-II membership and end its affiliation with the NAIA.

"Urbana University has a long history with the NAIA. Nevertheless, our desire to affiliate with the NCAA is congruent with our strategic initiatives,” said Dr. Head. “The NCAA is more widely recognized among our students and within our region, and through our affiliation, I strongly believe that we will enhance the experiences of our community and our student-athletes."

The Blue Knights will continue to compete at the NAIA level, which includes competing in the American Mideast Conference and Mid-States Football Association, during its first exploratory year. During this exploratory period Urbana will begin making additional necessary administrative changes, as well as adding further sports. Urbana has plans to add men’s and women’s cross country, as well as men’s and women’s swimming and begin competing in these sports in 2008-09.

“Our campus is continually growing and prospering, due in large part to the terrific leadership of our administration,” said Young. “I am very proud that athletics is able to play such a vital role in that process.”