BENEFITS OF DIVISION II MEMBERSHIP
FACTS & FIGURES
Division II is a collection of more than 300 NCAA colleges and universities that provide thousands of student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level athletically while excelling in the classroom and fully engaging in the broader campus experience.
WHAT MAKES DIVISION II PROGRAMS UNIQUE?
- Traditional rivalries with regional institutions dominate schedules of many Division II programs
- Division II teams usually feature a number of local or in-state student-athletes
- Many Division II student-athletes pay for school through a combination of scholarship money, grants, student loans and employment earnings
- Many Division II programs are financed in the institution's budget like other academic departments on campus
- Division II Institutions: 307 total members - 51% private institutions, 49% public institutions
- Average Total Undergraduate Enrollment by Gender: Men - 44%; Women - 56%
- Average Participation by Gender: Men - 59%; Women - 41%
- Average Number of Student-Athletes per Division II Institution (without football): Men - 137; Women - 130; Total - 267
NCAA DIVISION II STRATEGIC POSITIONING PLATFORM
The NCAA Division II membership has defined the Division II experience through a six prong strategic positioning platform that aims to differentiate the Division II experience from that of Division I and III member institutions.
Learning: Student-athletes participate in athletics to enhance their lives. A Davenport University education will provide student-athletes with knowledge, understanding, and the ability to be lifelong learners. Student-athletes are constantly learning and being educated; in the classroom, in the community, at their jobs, in everyday tasks, and also on the field, court, track, etc. Student-athletes learn about themselves and others continuously. They learn how to deal with their emotions; how to motivate themselves and stay motivated when goals are not obtained.
Balance: Student-athletes must maintain balance in their everyday lives to achieve success academically, athletically, and socially. Student-athletes must serve in each of their roles effectively all while balancing time and energy between them. Student-athletes that over emphasize any aspect of life could have a negative impact on themselves and those around them. Balance is the key to any student-athletes success in academics, social life, and athletics.
Resourcefulness: In Division II student-athletes rarely receive full athletic scholarships and coaches rarely have large budgets to operate. Many student-athletes, coaches, and administrators in Division II hold other jobs outside of the College. Student-athletes, coaches, and administrators alike must be creative with the resources they have in order to be successful. This is especially beneficial for the growth of student-athletes as productive members of society. They must use their energy, talent, organizational skills, and all resources available to them such as tutors, faculty coaches and staff to achieve their academic and athletic goals alike. Working directly with coaches, faculty, and administrators has helped Davenport student-athletes learn the skills to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
Sportsmanship: Davenport Athletics is committed to the principles and ideals of sportsmanship. Student-athletes shall win with humility and suffer losses with dignity. Student-athletes must be respectful to their opponents, officials, and fans at all times. Student-athletes shall do nothing in a contest that is contrary to what we would want others to do to us. “Treat others as you want to be treated.” Sportsmanship must be exhibited at all times if we are to serve as role models and to create a family-friendly atmosphere at every event that Davenport University hosts.
Passion: Student-athletes, coaches, and administrators should care about and have an appreciation for all things in life. Live life and play, coach, or supervise intercollegiate sports with passion. Without passion individuals are incapable of achieving great things. Passion shall motivate all.
Service: Davenport Athletics representatives (student-athletes, coaches, staff, administrators) shall offer service to Davenport University, to Davenport Athletics, and to the community because individuals in such positions are privileged, have the opportunity to serve, and are likely to make a positive impact on those in the community. Serving others in the community makes Davenport University, Davenport Athletics, and our community a better place. Serving others is also an excellent way to enhance lives of those involved. All student-athletes participate in community service initiatives; either with their respective teams, and/or with SAAC.
