Volume 3, No. 31 August 1, 2003
SCAD awaits NAIA team visit By Michael MacEachern The Savannah College of Art and Design athletics department is in the process of switching athletics organization membership for its 19-sport intercollegiate program from National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The NAIA, which is based in Olathe, Kansas, was founded in 1937 as a men’s basketball tournament for colleges and universities. The association has evolved into an intercollegiate governing body encompassing 23 national championships for over 300 member institutions. Throughout its 65-year history, the NAIA, where private institutions make up 82 percent of the membership, has consistently focused on the education and development of the student-athlete. Member institutions, although varied and diverse, share a common commitment to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the educational process. SCAD applied to the NAIA in mid-June and now awaits a visit by the Regional Membership Evaluation Team Aug. 22. “It’s a time of education for us,” said Athletics Director Jud Damon. “It’s a time for them to evaluate our institution and our compatibility with the NAIA.” According to Damon, the four-person RMET will visit SCAD that day and meet with the different areas involved with athletics including school administration, members of the athletics department, and the registrar. “The administration has showed an unwavering commitment to the success of SCAD athletics throughout this process,” said Damon. “(Executive Vice President) Brian Murphy and (President) Paula Wallace have clearly displayed their belief in the importance of maintaining a quality athletics program which is greatly appreciated by the entire athletic department, coaches and student-athletes.” The committee will then recommend to the NAIA Council of Presidents whether SCAD should be admitted to the NAIA. If SCAD is recommended, the Council of Presidents, which is made up of 35 college NAIA presidents, will consider SCAD’s application at the next meeting, which is Sept. 29. Once the Bees officially join the NAIA, SCAD wouldn’t be eligible for any championships during the 2003-04 season as part of its one-year provisional status. Damon said that SCAD has applied for an exemption to this regulation based on the Bees having been members of the NAIA previously from 1987-1992; however, he’s not sure when he will hear back on the exemption. If the exemption is approved, the Bees will become eligible for NAIA championships immediately as an independent institution. With the move to the NAIA, SCAD hopes join a conference for the first time in the history of the athletics program. By joining a conference, SCAD will be able to compete for conference and regional titles as well as national titles. In the NAIA, the winner from each conference automatically qualifies for regional or national play in all 14 team sports. In addition, SCAD student-athletes for the first time will be able to earn all-conference honors. According to Damon, the Bees hope to join either the Florida Sun Conference or the Georgia- Alabama-Carolina Conference. “We feel that either conference would be a good fit for us and I think we would be compatible with either one,” said Damon. “Each is a fine conference.” The Florida Sun Conference is a seven-team league made up of private institutions from the state of Florida. Schools in the FSC include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Flagler College and St. Thomas University. The Georgia-Alabama-Carolina conference is made up of 11 private and state-assisted institutions from Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Schools in the GACC include Brewton-Parker College, North Georgia College & State University, Shorter College and Auburn University at Montgomery. Damon said it’s possible that SCAD will apply for membership in both conferences. “There are great benefits to each conference,” said Damon. “We hope to know which conference (SCAD will join) as soon as possible. Ultimately, it’s the conference’s decision.” Some of the differences between being an NAIA institution versus being NCAA Division III include the ability to offer grant-in-aids, the playing and practice seasons for most teams are more extensive, the requirement of a minimum grade point average and the certification of student-athletes after each quarter. The feedback that Damon has received from coaches and student-athletes has been very favorable. “I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from our coaches and student-athletes,” said Damon. “There is a genuine excitement and enthusiasm from our coaches and I’m sure that will spill over to the student-athletes.” MacEachern is the SCAD sports information director.
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