NCAA Grants Urbana University Full Membership
URBANA, Ohio (July 9, 2010) - On Friday afternoon, Urbana University received word from the NCAA Membership Committee that their wait is finally over. Beginning this fall, the Blue Knight athletic teams will compete as full-fledged NCAA Division II members.
Athletic Director Doug Young and University President Stephen B. Jones received official notice of the school's approval from NCAA Assistant Director of Membership Affairs Jess Rigler via a conference call.
Immediately after the conference call, Young ended the anticipation with an enthusiastic, "WE DID IT!" The gathering crowd of coaches, staff and administrators cheered and the celebration began.
The good news ends an arduous process that began in March of 2007 when Urbana University first announced their intent to apply to become an NCAA Division II member. Since that time, Urbana underwent a mandatory two-year candidacy phase and a one-year provisional membership. Last year's provisional membership acted as a full "dress rehearsal," allowing the NCAA to closely monitor the schools' progress in several important criteria, including academic compliance, recruiting, and scholarship procedures amongst many others.
"We have spent the last three years proving without a doubt that Urbana University is a capable fit for Division II," Young confirmed. "Going forward, it is our goal to carry on the role of a quality NCAA Division II member."
At every step along the way, Urbana University received high praise for its ongoing progress and compliance with NCAA policies and procedures. Although Young has been at the forefront of the movement, he credits the entire University for this accomplishment.
"The University showed total commitment to the NCAA and Division II's 'Life in the Balance' model," explained Young. "We could not have accomplished this without a total team effort."
With the transition finally in its rearview mirror, the University can shift its focus to finding a conference home. In the meantime, the school begins an era that includes full NCAA membership as well as eligibility for post-season play.
The University is already planning a pre-season celebration on September 1st after the students have returned to campus for the fall semester. All of Urbana's fall athletic teams begin their first seasons as NCAA D-II members over the Labor Day holiday weekend.