CEDARVILLE, Ohio - Cedarville University received good news today from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The institution has been approved for the provisional year in the NCAA membership process.
The result moves the Yellow Jacket athletics program a step closer to becoming a full-fledged Division II member in time for the 2012-13 academic year.
The NCAA monitored the school's progress over the past 12 months before issuing a positive recommendation for the second year in a row.
University President Dr. Bill Brown, Provost Dr. John Gredy, and Athletic Director
Dr. Alan Geist took the phone call from the NCAA. As expected, the trio was elated with the school reaching another milestone in what is a rigorous three-year procedure.
"We are excited about the new opportunities available to us as provisional members of the NCAA," Brown stated. "Many in the CU community had a hand in getting us to this point. Thanks to each of them for their part in the membership process. We look forward to a successful year that will culminate in Cedarville University being approved into full membership next summer."
Basically, the provisional year in the NCAA membership process requires the University to function like a Division II institution. Besides maintaining the filing of necessary paperwork as it has up to this point, the athletic department faces an all-important compliance audit in the fall.
Cedarville put into action additional NCAA prerequisites during Candidacy Year 2 along with sustaining others initiated during the first year. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Detailed documentation of the membership process.
- Continued work on the Compliance Handbook.
- Assembling the Coaches' Handbook and the Student-Athlete Handbook.
- A two-day meeting with the NCAA Membership Committee.
- Continued effort to drop faculty loads for coaches.
- Hiring of additional athletics personnel.
The transition from one association to another is a demanding one, but Geist remains optimistic. "We have enjoyed the benefits of being members of the NAIA for decades, have greatly appreciated the relationships we have built, and the successes we have accomplished during that time.
“As we move into the NCAA, we hope to continue to grow as an athletic department and build on our past. Thanks to all of those who have played a part in our reaching this point."
As Cedarville moves forward, the University will retain its longtime membership with the National Christian College Athletic Association. The NCCAA affiliation will provide post-season opportunities for Yellow Jacket teams as the school pursues full NCAA membership and eventually settles in with a new athletic conference.
Cedarville University NCAA membership process time line:
- March 23, 2009 - Announcement made that CU will apply for NCAA membership.
- July 10, 2009 - Application approved for Candidacy Year 1.
- July 9, 2010 - Approval granted for Candidacy Year 2.
- July 8, 2011 - Approval granted for Provisional Year.
- July, 2012 - Potential announcement of full NCAA Division II membership.
Read more:
Around the country (Google: "Cedarville NCAA"):
