INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Virginia’s College at Wise will begin the NCAA Division II membership process this fall after the NCAA Division II membership committee officially accepted their application on Friday afternoon.

 

“The G-MAC is excited to learn of UVa-Wise’s acceptance in to NCAA Division II Candidacy,” said G-MAC Commissioner Tom Daeger. “UVa-Wise is well prepared to make the transition to NCAA Division II and we look forward to assisting them in this process.” 

UVa-Wise immediately becomes a full member of the G-MAC and will enter the first year of candidacy, while continuing to compete in the NAIA for the 2012-13 athletic year. The second year of candidacy will cover the 2013-14 academic calendar, and will include UVa-Wise leaving the NAIA and the Mid-South Conference to compete as a full member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. 

“With UVa-Wise now entering the membership process, the G-MAC is pleased to welcome them as a Full Member,” said Daeger. “Our membership is enhanced by the strong profile their institution brings to the league and shares their focus of providing a complete student-athlete experience. Their admittance into the candidacy process strengthens our league and reinforces our resolve of becoming a model NCAA Division II conference.” 

The NCAA Division II membership committee reviews all institutions currently in the process each year. The third year is the provisional year and will run for the 2014-15 academic year.  

The provisional year is the final evaluation for an institution to show it is ready to become an active member of NCAA Division II. Recently, G-MAC member schools Cedarville, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Ursuline College all received positive reviews and moved forward in their individual processes. Cedarville moved out of its provisional year into active status, while Ursuline moved into its provisional year and Trevecca moved into year-two of its candidacy.

READ UVA-WISE'S OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE