•         The 110 presidents of Division III institutions who attended the Convention showed support for the Division III Presidents Council’s “white papers” initiative, which is establishing as priorities steps to reshape presidents’ leadership role and to renew support for the division’s philosophy statement and promote its identity. Council officers discussed the papers with the presidents during a luncheon/issues forum, then reported on the project during the Division III business session.

•         Delegates made quick work of this year’s legislative agenda at the Convention, taking only about an hour to dispose of 12 legislative proposals. They adopted eight proposals – including six that were approved with more than 400 votes – but defeated a proposal to establish a uniform start date for preseason practice in fall sports other than football.

•         Panelists responded to a New York Times series about the value and availability of athletics scholarships by pitching Division III’s nonscholarship approach as an enticing alternative.

•         Another panel discussion focused on the growing influence of athletics recruiting  in Division III, noting it has become a year-round activity that plays an important role in increasing enrollment and contributing to an institution’s diversity.

•         About 50 institutional vice presidents and other senior administrators who oversee athletics attended the Convention, calling more attention to the importance of “direct reports”  in Division III athletics.