School makes decision to transition from NCAA Division I athletics to Division III
The University of Hartford is dropping down a few levels with its NCAA athletics programs.
Friday, the school announced that it plans to transition from NCAA Division I to NCAA Division III. In a statement, Hartford said it plans to file the intent in January 2022 and, if it’s approved, will then work with the NCAA on the reclassification process.
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Hartford plans to be an active member of the Division III level of the NCAA no later than Sept. 1, 2025.
The news comes after Hartford made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the end of the 2020-21 season. The Hawks earned a No. 16 seed in March Madness and was defeated by top-seed Baylor, which went on to win the national championship.
“Intercollegiate athletics has long been an integral part of the University of Hartford student experience and that will not change,” said University of Hartford Board of Regents chair David Gordon. “At the same time, a move to Division III will allow the University to further strengthen the academic, co-curricular, and wellness experience for all students. While we know this decision will disappoint some members of our community, we remain confident that this shift is in the best long-term interests of the institution and all its students.”
In the statement, Hartford also stated that during the process, all scholarships and coaches contracts will be honored.