Division I Reclassification Process
As of June 1, 2007 formally entered into the “reclassification” process for an all-sports return to Division I, as a non-football member (formally 1-AAA).
Reclassification is the track for current NCAA member institutions moving up to Division I. Reclassification is a four year process* culminating in an institution receiving the distinction of “full active status,” which is defined as having voting rights and the ability to qualify for Division I NCAA championships.
Beginning June 1 of 2008, Seattle U will enter Year One of Reclassification. During this year, Seattle U teams will play a hybrid Division I schedule and will begin to apply all Division I compliance rules. At this same time certain team sports, including Volleyball and Men’s and Women’s Soccer, will play a full Division I schedule^ and are slated to count in their respective Division I RPI. Others sports will play or compete in a mixed Division I schedule.
Men’s and women’s soccer, per allowable by NCAA rules, will be on a “fast-tracked” timeline to full active status. These two programs will be “multidivisional” sports and will be eligible for Division I NCAA championships in fall 2010*.
Beginning fall 2009 (Year Two), all Seattle U sports will be regarded as full Division I counters for all scheduling purposes including RPI, sport sponsorship minimums, and season record. In addition, Seattle U teams (where applicable) will be eligible to qualify for pre or post-season NIT bids.
Seattle U will play as a Division I Independent during the reclassification period, and conference affiliation will be assessed at the appropriate time. Seattle U is not affected by the four-year moratorium issued in August 2007.
As Seattle U progresses through the reclassification process, documents and updates will be available through this web page. Questions can be directed to Eric Guerra, Associate Athletic Director, at 206.296.6027 or guerrae@seattleu.edu.
* Assuming all Reclassification requirements are met (NCAA Division I Membership)
^ Per the Division I scheduling requirement rule
Archived files on Division I