Important Dates

Current Invoices

Drug education invoicing was emailed to athletics directors on August 14 and is due September 13, 2023. If your institution did not receive an invoice, please contact accounting@naia.org.
Invoicing for statistical products will be emailed to athletics directors and sports information directors on August 28 and will be due September 27, 2023.

September 1, 2023

Summer transcripts required for fall 2023 eligibility. Please see Eligibility Edge for details.

September 15, 2023

Deadline for Collegiate Student-Athlete of Character nomination. (See details below.)

News

National Administrative Council Update

The National Administrative Council (NAC) met on August 16 for their first quarterly meeting of the 2023-24 academic year. Discussion items included:

2023-24 Qualification Plans
NAIA Championship Cold Weather Policy
Ratings Task Force Changes
Sport Rule Changes

Details can be found in the full NAC Summary.

Champions of Character^® Five-Star Award Winners

Each year, NAIA schools use the Champions of Character scorecard to measure the pursuit of character-driven athletics. Schools scoring a minimum of 60 out of 100 points earn the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award. This year, 171 NAIA institutions earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award.

Conferences earn the Five-Star Conference Award based in part on at least 50% of their schools being named Five-Star Institution Award winners. The conference must also have a Champions of Character Committee and a Conduct in Competition Oversight Committee. This year, 18 NAIA conferences earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Conference Award.

Character Driven Coaching Course Moving to New Platform

Individuals who have started, but not completed, the Character-Driven Coaching Course will need to do so by August 30, 2023. Those who are unable to complete the course by that date will lose all progress and must start the training over. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Sara Eckinger. The new platform will go live on September 1 with details and instructions to follow.

NAIA Connect: New Technology Platform Coming Spring 2024

We are excited to announce that the NAIA is moving from NAIAHelp to NAIA Connect as our primary technology platform over the next 12 months. While NAIAHelp has served the association well for 17 years, that technology will no longer be available and NAIA Connect, which is supported by Salesforce, will be a more modern and functional platform.

We understand that change can be challenging, especially when it comes to technology. But rest assured, there will be extensive training opportunities and resources for members. From in-person training at the 2024 National Convention to videos to individual process documents, we will make sure you are comfortable using NAIA Connect to conduct business with the NAIA. We will continue to send more details as we progress through the implementation process.

Collegiate Student-Athlete of Character Nomination

The NAIA is seeking nominations for the Collegiate Student-Athlete of Character Award. This award recognizes a student-athlete for a specific of act of character displayed during competition or practice which reflects at least one of the five Champions of Character® core values. Teams are eligible to be nominated for this award. One overall winner will be chosen and recognized at the 2023 Champions of Character Foundation Luncheon in November. The deadline submission is September 15.

Nomination Form

Championships

Facility Certification Deadlines

If your institution would like to host an Opening Round, make sure you have submitted a facility certification by the deadline listed below:

Legislative Services

New Articles Available Online

Outside Competitive Experience Form & Unattached Update has been added to the Summer 2023 Rules Update. This article includes key components of how to conduct pre-interview questions to determine who needs an outside competitive experience evaluation through ECP. This article also covers the new unattached bylaw amendment that addresses wrestling and track and field unattached competitions.

A separate article addressing implications to student-athletes accepting prize money during the school year has been added to the Interp Library.

Return on Athletics^®

Did You Know?

Did you know that athletics departments with at least one JV program had a slightly higher retention rate than the overall rate at NAIA institutions? We examine the relationship between JV programs and retention rates in our latest research brief. Questions? Contact Director of ROA Alan Grosbach.

ROA Data Collection

Data collection for the ROA year-end report is open for submissions. Resources are available both inside the ROA Insights tool and on NAIA.org. Annual submissions are due December 1.

Are you new to ROA data collection, need a refresh, or just have a question? Schedule a one-on-one demo or call with ROA Director Alan Grosbach.

NAIA RISE

SWL Lunch and Learn Save the Date

Topic: How to Develop A Successful ASA Program on Your Campus

When: Wednesday, September 13 at Noon (CT)

Presenters: Rob Cashell, Cascade Collegiate Conference Commissioner and Sara Eckinger, NAIA Director of Student-Athlete Experience and Development

Join: Meeting Link

Minority Opportunities in Athletics Association

The Minority Opportunities in Athletics Association (MOAA) provides opportunities to exchange ideas, as well as advocate for increased participation and administrative opportunities for minorities in athletics. The MOAA also promotes generating a sports culture that supports the values necessary to teach and learn respect for self and others. Not a MOAA Member? Join today!

Partners

Henry Schein is here for all your

Medical Supply Needs

As the Official Sports Medicine Partner of the NAIA, Henry Schein is continuing to provide supplies at our 2023-24 championships free of charge. But did you know Henry Schein offers one of the best inventory of medical supplies for athletic departments and trainers at some of the most competitive pricing? Connect with your regional rep here to find out more on different items and packages you can purchase.

Eligibility

August Eligibility Edge

Check out the most recent issue of the Eligibility Edge, a newsletter dedicated exclusively to NAIA eligibility topics. For questions regarding newsletter distribution or to add someone to the email list before the September issue, please contact Jen Saab.