The University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees, after careful review and consideration, gave approval for the University to make formal application to the NCAA for reclassification from Division II to Division I athletics. The vote was unanimous, 9-0.
The move is aligned with the University’s strategic plan goals of promoting USI to a national stage. “This move is directly tied to one of our stated strategic plan goals of elevating the University’s visibility and reputation,” said USI President Ronald S. Rochon.
The next step will be for the University to be invited by an NCAA Division I conference. The University will be finalizing discussions with a potential conference partner in the coming days and a public announcement will be made. After a conference partner is determined, the University will then a make a formal bid for reclassification within the NCAA prior to a June 1 deadline. Upon acceptance, the transition process takes four years to complete. USI would begin competing in a Division I conference at the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year.
Supporting information about the University’s exploration of the move to Division I can be found at www.USI.edu/explore-DI.
