LU eyes transfer to NCAA Division II
Matt Korn
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: News
Lindenwood University is one meeting away from possibly applying to join the ranks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Athletic Director John Creer said the university has been considering the move since last summer.
It now belongs to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
"We've looked into it for some time now, and we've talked to other schools that have gone through the process," Creer said.
"Now we have to see if the [board of directors] thinks this is a good idea and proceed with our application, or if the system we're in now is something we need to stay with. It all comes down to what is best for Lindenwood."
Creer said the university would apply as a Division II school.
"Division III is something that just isn't an option for us," Creer said.
If the proposal is approved at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 12, the athletic department would then have to fill out an application for admission into the NCAA before the June 1 deadline.
NCAA officials would contact the university about their decision sometime in July.
"This committee has been revamping their procedures, making the criteria to become affiliated with the NCAA harder," Creer said. "Last summer 15 schools applied for the NCAA Division II membership, and of those 15, only seven or eight made it. They've become very selective."
Creer added that because the NCAA committee is retooling its procedures and requirements before the 2010 application season, it's not clear how much money it would cost Lindenwood annually to be a member of the NCAA.
"We don't have total figures as of now, but we do expect to have an idea by the first part of the year when they release their new information," Creer said.
Lindenwood President Dr. James D. Evans said the Athletic Department pays an estimated $17,500 in annual dues to the NAIA.
If Lindenwood were to be granted NCAA membership, the university would go through a two-year "exploratory term" in which it would still be a part of the NAIA but could also play NCAA teams.
Athletic Director John Creer said the university has been considering the move since last summer.
It now belongs to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
"We've looked into it for some time now, and we've talked to other schools that have gone through the process," Creer said.
"Now we have to see if the [board of directors] thinks this is a good idea and proceed with our application, or if the system we're in now is something we need to stay with. It all comes down to what is best for Lindenwood."
Creer said the university would apply as a Division II school.
"Division III is something that just isn't an option for us," Creer said.
If the proposal is approved at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 12, the athletic department would then have to fill out an application for admission into the NCAA before the June 1 deadline.
NCAA officials would contact the university about their decision sometime in July.
"This committee has been revamping their procedures, making the criteria to become affiliated with the NCAA harder," Creer said. "Last summer 15 schools applied for the NCAA Division II membership, and of those 15, only seven or eight made it. They've become very selective."
Creer added that because the NCAA committee is retooling its procedures and requirements before the 2010 application season, it's not clear how much money it would cost Lindenwood annually to be a member of the NCAA.
"We don't have total figures as of now, but we do expect to have an idea by the first part of the year when they release their new information," Creer said.
Lindenwood President Dr. James D. Evans said the Athletic Department pays an estimated $17,500 in annual dues to the NAIA.
If Lindenwood were to be granted NCAA membership, the university would go through a two-year "exploratory term" in which it would still be a part of the NAIA but could also play NCAA teams.
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