The Division I Issues/Legislative Forum will have a new look at the 2009 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C., though the membership will still have the opportunity to learn more about the top issues facing the division.

In the past, the Issues Forum provided information to delegates about the hot-button topics within the division, with academic reform and baseball issues highlighted in recent years. The Legislative Forum provided the membership with information about key proposals in the current cycle, gave delegates an opportunity to comment on legislation and served as a “business session” during which members cast override votes.

While that vote will still come during the business session at the close of the afternoon forum, the two sessions will be organized a bit differently this year, in part to highlight the work of the reorganized governance structure and enhance communication between the structure and the membership.

The Issues Forum, set for 9:30-11:30 a.m. January 16, will give the Board of Directors, Leadership Council and Legislative Council representatives the opportunity to discuss issues on their agenda.

Board Chair Jim Barker, president of Clemson, will help set the tone by discussing the priorities of the Division I Board. The chairs of the Committee on Academic Performance, working groups studying academic performance of men’s basketball and football student-athletes and a group examining issues associated with academic risk will all provide updates on their efforts.

Leadership Council Chair Damon Evans, athletics director at Georgia, will talk about that group’s priorities, including membership standards and enhancing diversity within the governance structure.

Finally, Legislative Council Chair Joe D’Antonio, associate commissioner of the Big East, will provide a recap of the work of that group, including the Council’s recommendations to the Board about key proposals in the legislative cycle. This session will provide the membership with an opportunity to comment on the different proposals.

At the Legislative Forum January 16 from 1-3 p.m., the chairs of each of the six Division I cabinets will review important issues, answer questions and seek input about future priorities. The Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also will present, followed by the Division I business session and scheduled override vote at 3 p.m.

“The new format should enhance communication both with the membership and within the governance structure,” said NCAA Director of Division I Beth DeBauche. “We expect the sessions to be informative and interactive, as well as provide an opportunity for a conversation about where the division is headed.”