CSUSM Athletics NCAA Division II Transition FAQs
Why is CSUSM Athletics making this transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II?In 2002, CSUSM formed a Task Force that began the process of evaluating the Athletic Department and its vision for the future. The Task Force was comprised of students, staff, faculty, coaches, and administrators. The recommendation to President by the Task Force included the transition of the Department of Athletics into the NCAA as a Division II institution.. The NCAA represents the highest level of intercollegiate athletics competition and commitment to academic success, which is at the core of CSUSM's mission. CSUSM's transition into the NCAA not only increases the presence and viability of our Athletic Department, but does so for the institution as a whole.Which sports will be making the transition? Will there be any changes with which sports are offered?
All intercollegiate sports that CSUSM currently offers including baseball, softball, men's/women's basketball, men's/women's track and field, men's/women's cross-country, men's/women's golf, men's/women's soccer, indoor women's track & field and women's volleyball will all be making the transition. Currently, there are no immediate plans to add new programs.What conference will CSUSM join?
CSUSM has been accepted into the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) which is one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences in the nation. The conference consists entirely of public California universities, including 11 California State Universities (12 including CSUSM) and one University of California campus. CCAA institutions have won a total of 152 national championships, which is more than any other Division II conference. CSUSM Athletics will begin playing a CCAA schedule during the 2015-2016 academic year.What does being accepted into the NCAA candidacy period mean for competition this year?
Despite beginning the NCAA candidacy period on September 1, 2014, all teams will be competing for Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) conference championships and NAIA National Championships during the 2014-15 academic year.What is the timeline for the NCAA transition? - - 2014-15 (Year One of Candidacy): Implementation of NCAA legislation. Will play a full NAIA and A.I.I. schedule and are eligible for NAIA
- postseason play.
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- - 2015-16 (Year Two of Candidacy): CCAA Conference Schedule, but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason play.
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- - 2016-17 (Year Three of Candidacy): CCAA Conference Schedule, but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason play.
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- - 2017-18: Full NCAA member; eligible for postseason competition.
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Note: Each year, the NCAA will evaluate CSUSM and must give their approval to move on to the next year.
Does CSUSM have athletic scholarships?
Yes; CSUSM does have athletic scholarships. CSUSM exceeds the minimum criteria for athletic scholarships. Currently, CSUSM maintains the fourth highest scholarship allocation in the CCAA.
What are the facility plans for CSUSM?
CSUSM will break ground on a new Sports Center March 1, 2015. The Sports Center will be completed for the fall 2016 season. This facility will act as the home for CSUSM Athletics and will allow us to bring our court sports to compete on campus.
