The Division I Leadership Council will continue to discuss membership standards and diversity within the governance structure at its January 15 meeting at the NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. The group will also meet with the Collegiate Commissioners Association to communicate the division’s priorities.

The Council will continue the preliminary discussion it began in November of membership standards. Prompted by the Board of Directors-implemented moratorium on Division I membership and movement within the subdivisions, the Council discussions will balance the desire to allow access to the division with a need to provide full services and consistent competitive opportunities to members.

Also at its November meeting, the group heard from NCAA Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Charlotte Westerhaus, who provided demographics for Division I athletics as a whole and within the newly reorganized governance structure. The group was challenged to employ an expansive strategy that would influence diversity throughout the administrative ranks, not just within those selected to serve on NCAA Councils, cabinets and committees. Discussions on the topic are expected to continue in January.

The joint meeting with the CCA is designed to enhance collaboration and communication among the Leadership Council, the conference commissioners and the membership as a whole.

The Council also will receive an update and proposed timeline for membership vetting of recommendations from the Men’s Basketball Academic Enhancement Working Group.

Council members will also discuss relevant legislation in the 2008-09 cycle and hear from individual cabinet chairs regarding initiatives in the substructure.