Misericordia President Opposes Five-Year Division III Eligibility

Misericordia University President Daniel J. Myers is urging NCAA Division III to reject a proposed five-year eligibility model, warning that the change could increase student costs, disrupt rosters and undermine the division’s emphasis on academics.

In Monday’s op-ed for Inside Higher Ed, Myers argued that Division III should resist following Divisions I and II, which have adopted eligibility policies allowing student-athletes up to five years to compete.

The proposal, which would establish an age-based, five-year eligibility model across Division III athletics, is expected to be considered at the NCAA Convention in January. The Division III Management Council has recommended that the Presidents Council oppose it, citing the need to evaluate its effects in the other divisions.

Division III Eligibility Costs & Concerns

Myers, a former member of the Division III President’s Advisory Group, outlined several concerns about extending eligibility beyond four years.

Without athletic scholarships, Division III athletes could face higher tuition costs and debt if they stay enrolled to compete. Myers also questioned whether an extra year would encourage some students to pursue coursework or graduate programs primarily to maintain their eligibility.

He warned that schools with extensive graduate offerings could gain a recruiting advantage over institutions with fewer graduate programs, creating an uneven competitive landscape.

Myers acknowledged that Misericordia University, which offers graduate programs, could benefit from such a change. However, he argued that the potential advantages for individual institutions would come at the expense of D3 athletics as a whole.

The proposal could also limit opportunities for younger individuals, Myers wrote, with fifth-year student-athletes occupying starting roles and playing time that underclassmen might otherwise receive.

Eligibility Extensions Offer Warning

Myers cited the COVID-19 pandemic eligibility waivers as an example of the potential consequences. He said Division III experienced roster congestion, fewer opportunities for younger athletes and competitive advantages associated with graduate transfers from Division I.

He argued that adopting a permanent five-year model could reproduce those problems across the division.

Division III’s philosophy statement emphasizes intercollegiate athletics as primarily a four-year undergraduate experience. Myers noted that a proposal to change that language was defeated in a divisionwide vote at the 2024 NCAA Convention.

He urged leaders across D3 athletics to preserve a model in which athletics complements education rather than dictates students’ academic timelines.