In the past weeks, Collegiate Consulting has been retained to perform three multi-divisional compliance reviews for Division II colleges with sport(s) programs that compete within Division I intercollegiate athletics. The institutions are Bentley University (men’s ice hockey); Ferris State University (men’s ice hockey) and Augusta University (men’s and women’s golf).To meet compliance standards, institutions must adhere to NCAA Bylaw Article 20.6.4, “At least once every four years, an active multi-divisional institution must engage in a compliance review conducted by an authority outside the athletics department (e.g., Division I multi-sport conference, outside consultant).”
The review is an extensive process, involving a comprehensive assessment of the following: academic support, organizational structure, institutional control, rules, education, eligibility and student-athlete certification, financial aid, recruitment and monitoring of student-athletes, administration of camps and clinics, extra benefits and amateurism, playing and practice seasons and student-athlete welfare.
Successful athletic departments have always been able to vacillate between long-term planning for continued programs’ successes and reacting swiftly to shifts in policies and protocol.
When directors, coaches and support staff look to the future, they designate time and energy for recruiting, extended budgetary needs and scheduling, but the changes seen in the last four years demand rapid adaptability. For example, tidal changes in NIL, congressional involvement in roster limits and expanded interest in emerging sports have necessitated progressive
flexibility.
Not the be taken for granted, there are the student-athlete experience intangibles like injuries, needed increased mental health resources, student support/game attendance and the one every coach wishes they could bottle: team chemistry – on and off the field. As rules are revised and, in some cases, created, the schools and conferences that demonstrate accelerated evolution have a shorter path to victory.
While some teams near their pre-set season goals, others are finding areas for much-needed improvement. Alterations in conferences and divisions have highlighted new obstacles like the effects of travel changes in schedules, changes in the quality of play and early detection that a department audit may be in order.
Collegiate Consulting specializes in aiding such discoveries and has the tools to provide an in-depth approach to expedite that process. As we continue to partner with institutions of varying size and conference competition level, we are excited to explore opportunities for each new and existing clients. There are several moving pieces to research and analyze that give our university partners an expanded perspective for potential excellence.
We thrive on connection with our college athletic community, and we seek to champion their notable actions and achievements. Please follow us so we can celebrate and elevate each other together.
