AVÌìÌÃÍø

AVÌìÌÃÍø is reclassifying to NCAA Division I status to provide its student-athletes the unique opportunity to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics. The transition will also showcase the University to a broader audience and enhance the experience of the Charger community.

This move represents the culmination of many deliberate steps and evaluations to determine the University’s readiness. In 2023, the Peterson Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility that mirrors what is provided at the Division I level, opened. The University is also planning a significant renovation to the Hazell Athletics Center on North Campus. Additional donor philanthropy is also expected to support this transition and the continued success of Charger Athletics. Upon receiving interest from the Northeast Conference, the AVÌìÌÃÍø determined that the time was right to pursue Division I membership.

The Northeast Conference features schools across six states. New Haven will be the tenth full member. The NEC has members in three of the United States' top 10 media markets: New York City (No. 1), Chicago (No. 3), and Boston (No. 8).

AVÌìÌÃÍø will compete in the Northeast-10 Conference, remaining eligible for NE10 and NCAA Division II postseason play, for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. Effective July 1, 2025, the University will formally begin its reclassification process to become a Division I institution. As of Fall 2025, student-athletes will begin competition in the Northeast Conference.

This decision aligns with the University’s strategic goals of maximizing ROI and graduates’ outcomes, enhancing the student experience, and strengthening the institution’s visibility regionally and nationally.

By competing at the Division I level, the University will elevate its national profile and reputation, experience opportunities for future enrollment growth, foster renewed energy and spirit around campus, enhance alumni pride and support, and so much more.

As part of this transition, the University expects to realize many revenue-generating opportunities, including:

• Expanded and transformational fundraising efforts that will focus on securing major gifts from high-capacity alumni and corporate partners and growing the annual donor base through increased participation.
• Participation in the NCAA Division I Revenue Sharing Model.
• Receipt of NCAA Division I grants to support academic and mental health initiatives for AVÌìÌÃÍø student-athletes.
• New opportunities for the AVÌìÌÃÍø to compete against NCAA Division I opponents nationwide, including flagship public research universities, while gaining increased media exposure through these matchups.

Academic excellence has always been paramount for the AVÌìÌÃÍø, and the move to Division I will positively impact the University’s academic profile and enrollment. Division I academic standards ensure student-athletes take appropriate steps to earn their degrees and include everything from grade point average to credit hour requirements.

The University is supported by a dedicated group of donors committed to a seamless and successful transition to Division I, effective immediately. Athletics is expanding its donor base and will generate additional revenue through guaranteed games. Increased ticket sales, enhanced student retention, and expanded corporate sponsorships will sustain this move.

You do not need to do anything at this time. The Athletic Compliance Office will initiate the academic and certification reviews and notify any student-athlete requiring further action. The Director of Athletics Compliance will oversee this process.

All athletic scholarships already in place for the 2025–2026 academic year will remain unchanged and will not be affected by the transition to Division I.

AVÌìÌÃÍø will not be limiting its rosters. All student-athletes will remain on their respective teams, provided they maintain good academic standing and meet the standard expectations set by their head coach, which is consistent with any collegiate program.

Director of Compliance Tony Hernandez at thernandez@newhaven.edu.