USI to begin exploration into feasibility of move to Division I Athletics

Note: The following letter was sent to USI students, faculty, staff and retirees on Monday, September 27.

USI family,

As you know, the University of Southern Indiana is a proud and longtime member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) and Division II athletics with many outstanding achievements, including 10 individual and four team national championships.

Looking to our institution's future and the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan: Accelerating Impact, I am announcing an exploration into the feasibility of a move to Division I play. The feasibility review will consider a variety of elements including fiscal and facilities requirements and internal and external community support.

The review will not take football into consideration, as this would require investment and facilities that are out of scope at this time.

I want to acknowledge recent reports of announced moves by several Division I schools to other conferences. I am not presently at liberty to discuss what, if any, impact those transitions may have on USI.

This potential move is not one to be taken lightly. There is much to consider. We will be engaging an outside consultant who specializes in these evaluations, undergoing substantial review of the financial requirements and forming a University committee in the coming days. Information gathered will be provided to the USI Board of Trustees for review during their November meeting.

USI has a tradition of being a daring athletic competitor and now is the time to consider where we go from here.

Sincerely,

Ronald S. Rochon, PhD

President