General | 11/19/2025 11:30:00 AM
NCAA Division III SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) voted in support of the Empire 8 sponsored proposed legislation to specify that a student-athlete would be charged with a season of eligibility if they compete at any point during the traditional season. Current policy dictates that eligibility is used once a student-athlete practices rather than competes. The Atlantic East Conference and Little East Conference are also sponsors of this legislative proposal.
Under this proposal, student-athletes will continue to have just four seasons of eligibility. This is a key next step for the goal of the proposal being supported by a membership vote at the 2026 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled National SAAC supports our eligibility proposal,” said Empire 8 Executive Director Chuck Mitrano. “This indicates Division III student-athletes want the ability to manage their athletic experience and we should be responsive to their needs. The modern-day student-athlete, and their collegiate experience, is far more complex than in 2004 when our current eligibility rules were implemented.”
The following is the rationale provided on the official proposal:
This proposal empowers student-athletes to control their collegiate athletic experience by offering flexibility in participation seasons. Transitioning to college is challenging academically and mentally, and this policy supports well-being at a personalized pace. It allows struggling students to acclimate without the pressure of using a season of eligibility while still being engaged with their team which is also important for retention efforts in this challenging time in higher education. This proposal greatly enhances their opportunity to successfully navigate their challenges rather than be compelled to make a decision between the appropriate experience for their needs and leaving the team to save eligibility.
The current policy, adopted in 2004, is outdated and does not reflect the modern college student or the evolution of higher education. Many students now need more than four years to complete their degree, and graduate programs are more common. This proposal does
NOT grant student-athletes five years of competition. They still have four years to compete but the flexibility to determine those years based on their unique circumstances. Student-athletes should have the same opportunity as non-athletes to maximize their collegiate experience, including athletics. It's time for our division to evolve and give student-athletes more control over their experience.
The Division III National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a representative body composed of 43 student-athletes from across the country who serve as the national voice for their peers within NCAA Division III. This committee plays a critical role in shaping the student-athlete experience by offering feedback on proposed legislation, engaging in meaningful dialogue with NCAA leadership, and participating in governance processes. Through regular meetings and active involvement in subcommittees and association-wide initiatives, Division III SAAC members advocate for positive change, foster education, and build a supportive and inclusive athletic community.