ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Southern Oregon University athletic department is exploring a move from the NAIA level to NCAA Division II.
The Mail Tribune newspaper reports the plan follows a four-month study and would not occur for another five to seven years.
SOU President Mary Cullinan and her cabinet approved a recommendation that involves a set of benchmarks and criteria necessary for making such a move. She says the short-term goal is to strive for “excellence” at the NAIA level before attempting a jump in classification.
SOU’s athletic programs use a scholarship budget that is just over $400,000. To reach the NCAA Division II median, the school’s scholarship funding would need to increase to roughly $1.3 million.