The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association voted October 2 to reinstate Winston-Salem State as a member once the school completes its reclassification to Division II. 

Winston-Salem State, formerly a member of the CIAA until the school began a reclassification to Division I in 2004, announced it was seeking reinstatement within Division II last month. Winston-Salem State will continue to compete in the Division I Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference through 2009-10.

“The CIAA has a great history with WSSU and we are excited about their return,” said Commissioner Leon Kerry. “Even when the initial decision was made to leave the CIAA, we continued to treat WSSU alumni as a part of the CIAA family because once you are a part of the CIAA, you are CIAA for life.”

Winston-Salem State plans to compete at the Division II level effective with the 2010-11 season. The school currently sponsors 15 sports.

In a letter to the CIAA, Winston-Salem State Chancellor Donald Julian Reeves said, “We would certainly welcome the opportunity to reconnect with the rich tradition and legacy of the CIAA and will work aggressively and strategically to ensure that all NCAA Division II requirements are met by the fall of 2010.”

Earlier this year, the Division II Membership Committee agreed to consider a “return path” for institutions in these situations that would exempt them from the candidacy/provisional period that is required for institutions new to the division.

That path would require a written plan regarding Division II legislative, scheduling, sport-sponsorship and financial aid requirements, among others. It also may involve a “reorientation” visit to review recent Division II initiatives, such as community engagement, game environment and strategic planning.