NCAA D-III Presidents Council Approves Eligibility Waiver Pilot Program

During its virtual meeting this week, the Division III Presidents Council approved an eligibility waiver pilot program. The program would permit Division III student-athletes, pursuant to specific criteria, to continue to represent their school in intercollegiate competition while enrolled at another institution that has a formal academic agreement with their college or university and does not sponsor varsity athletics.   

This pilot program will offer expanded pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic objectives and complete their participation opportunity. Institutions may now submit waiver requests (through Requests/Self-Reports Online) for the 2025-26 academic year.  

"This program intends to address the changing, dynamic higher education environment we find ourselves in right now," said Jim Troha, president of Juniata and chair of the Presidents Council. "It recognizes existing academic programs and provides flexibility to expand participation opportunities for our student-athletes. The council also wants to be exceedingly clear: We have only approved a pilot program. We will assess this program over the course of this next year and decide its future." 

The Presidents Council also discussed several additional topics: 

Sports betting 

The council supported the Management Council's noncontroversial legislation deregulating the prohibition on betting on professional sports.   

Additionally, the council supported the directive to develop concepts for the appropriate Division III committees regarding a safe harbor, limited immunities or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in prohibited sports betting but seek help for problem gambling. 

Cooperative Purchasing Project 

The council discussed amplified efforts to inform members about potential cost savings through E&I Cooperative Services. 

E&I helps schools procure athletics supplies and services by assisting them in making informed, analytics-driven decisions to spend and optimize their education dollars. Enrollment in the program is free, and there is no commitment required to use contracts. 

The NCAA cooperative purchasing pilot program has been successful. Of the schools that provided data, an average cost savings of 34% was seen across athletics equipment products. Additionally, schools realized an average of savings of 12% in athletic training supplies, including bandages, athletic tape, heat packs and braces. 

Mental Health First Aid program   

The Presidents Council discussed amplified efforts to inform the membership about the recent agreement with Mental Health First Aid. 

At the 2025 Convention, the Division III Presidents and Management Councils approved a mental health program to directly deliver Mental Health First Aid training to all NCAA Division III schools, with a focus on head coaches and athletic trainers. 

The approved program with Mental Health First Aid equips participants with the skills to recognize, understand and respond to mental health challenges or crises among student-athletes. The program helps reduce stigma, encourages early intervention and supports the creation of a positive, mentally healthy team culture.