Important Dates & Reminders
JUNE 15: Deadline to submit Champions of Character® Scorecard through NAIAHelp.

JULY 15: 2022-23 catastrophic insurance enrollment form and payment due. More information can be found here.
News
NEW: One-Stop-Shop Phone Line Exclusively for Members

In an effort to improve customer service for our members, the NAIA has revamped the membership phone line at (816) 595-8304. This will become a one-stop-shop phone line, exclusively for members, that allows callers to connect directly with three NAIA departments – the eligibility center, legislative services, and InCred. Existing phone lines for these departments will still be active for use. The new phone line will be active by June 1, 2022.
NEW: ROA Research and Thought Leadership

In an effort to expand into new research areas, the NAIA partnered with researchers Dr. Adam Cocco and Anthony Montanaro. In addition to updating the four research briefs that were released last fall, the team also reviewed the following new areas:
  • The relationship between sport specific spending, student-athlete retention, and competitive success.
  • Factors that influence first-generation student-athlete retention.
  • The impact of JV programs on net return and sport program retention.
 
Initial findings were presented during an ROA workshop at NAIA National Convention. The full versions of the updated and new research briefs will be published on NAIA.org starting in late May.  
NEW: Guide to New Bylaw Changes

Legislative Services has published a guide of the new bylaw changes and updates. Please visit the legislative services homepage to access the document, or the full document can be downloaded here.
 
Key components of the packet include:
  • Frequency of play start dates
  • Outside competitive experience criteria
  • Eligibility changes to the Progress Rule & Initial Eligibility
NEW: Open Positions on NAIA Committees

Several NAIA standing committees have open positions and are seeking interested candidates. Nominate yourself or someone else for openings on the NAIA RISE Committee, Competitive Experience Committee, or National Conduct and Ethics Committee. 
NEW: Champions of Character® Scorecard Available on NAIAHelp

Campus character liaisons can now log into naiahelp.org and begin entering data for submission of the AY2022 Champions of Character Scorecard. The Champions of Character Advisory Committee extended an institution’s ability to declare that the pandemic adversely impacted their ability to have off-campus service opportunities for another year. The deadline for Scorecard submission is June 15. Please contact Robert Greim with any questions.   
NEW: 50th Anniversary of Title IX

The NAIA will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX by honoring women in athletics during the month of June. We would like to hear your stories. How are you celebrating Title IX on your campus? Do any of your student-athlete alumnae have stories about how Title IX impacted their collegiate career?
 
Please email your stories about how Title IX has made an impact on either an individual or campus level to Paige Salveter.
NEW: Speaker Series Presentations Available Online

The inaugural year of the NAIA Partner Speaker Series featured campus and industry experts discussing issues vital to the student-athlete experience and campus initiatives. Each session was recorded and is available to member institutions on the NAIA website.

The sessions specific to administrators and coaches can be found here.

The sessions specific to student-athletes can be found here.
2022 National Convention Summary

The full summary of the 2022 National Convention is now available, including the complete results of this year's proposed legislation. To view the convention recap video, click here.
Contacting Athletes Within NCAA Portal

At this year's national convention, the National Eligibility Committee provided an interpretation to Article II, Section D in regards to student-athletes who are in the NCAA Transfer Portal. The interpretation determines that an NAIA coach may directly contact student-athletes in the NCAA portal concerning their intent to transfer. You can find the complete interpretation here.
DEI Resources Available

As part of the NAIA's new strategic plan, supporting our members in their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is a primary focus. To that end, the NAIA RISE committee has created new diversity, equity and inclusion resources that are now available online for our members. If you have incorporated DEI on your campus and would be willing to share your stories or resources, please email Paige Salveter.
Championships
NEW: Host an NAIA National Championship

National championship bids are due June 1, 2022 for the following sports:

  • 2023-2024 Football National Championship
  • 2023-2024 Men’s Soccer National Championship
  • 2024-2025 Competitive Cheer & Dance
  • 2024 Men’s Golf National Championship
  • 2024-2025 Women’s Beach Volleyball Invitational

The deadline for 2024-25 men's wrestling national championship is July 1, 2022.

All information regarding bids can be found here.


NEW: 2022 Beach Volleyball Invitational

Corban University (Ore.) defeated Vanguard University (Calif.) 3-2 to take home the first ever NAIA Women’s Beach Volleyball National Invitational title April 23 in Panama City Beach, Florida. 
Eligibility
NEW: Directory of Competition Updated
Entries in the Directory of Competition have been updated to reflect their new chargeability status under the updated bylaw that went into effect on May 1st. Please click here for details on this bylaw change. 
 
NEW: Final High School Transcripts Now Required
Students graduating high school in 2022 must have a final high school transcript uploaded through the high school portal, in order to receive an eligibility decision for the fall 2022 term. 
 
NEW: Cancellations Occur June 1
On June 1, 2022, cancellations will occur for students with 2021-22 PlayNAIA applications who are not yet in line for review. Students whose applications are cancelled and need an eligibility decision in a subsequent term will need to have their NAIA school start a new application on their behalf. Please encourage your student-athletes to complete all active tasks as soon as possible.

PlayNAIA Webinar
The NAIA Eligibility Center is hosting a webinar for new members, new campus staff and those wanting a refresher on the EC on Thursday, May 5, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (CT). Attendees will learn about PlayNAIA processes and navigating the website including: student registration, how to navigate student eligibility, using the NAIA Registrar Portal, and more. All members are welcome. Click here to register.
Partnerships
NEW: NAIA Partners with Sun Mountain Sports

The NAIA has signed a partnership with Sun Mountain Sports to become the ‘Official Golf Bag of the NAIA.’ The newly inked deal will run through June of 2025.
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