Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Division III Week

What is Division III Week?

Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement.

When Will it be Celebrated?

2024 Division III Week runs April 1 through April 7, 2024.

What Kind of Outcomes Should We Expect From Division III Week?

The specific charge is to conduct and promote at least one academic, athletic, co-curricular or extracurricular activity. On the macro-level, each institution will be encouraged to report its activity to the national office so the collective impact of our division can be shared on a broader scale. Ultimately, through both local and national activation, the goal is to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.

Who Should Be Involved in Division III Week?

The true essence of Division III athletics is the full integration of our student-athletes into the campus culture. Therefore, in addition to primary participation and organization by the athletics administration and student-athletes, Division III Week could involve the president, faculty, student body, admissions, student affairs or alumni.

Where Can I Share About A Division III Week Activity?

We want to hear what you are doing to celebrate Division III Week! Click here to share your story or report your activity.

Will This Be an Annual Event?

Yes! The NCAA national office will continue to solicit feedback from the membership to determine the frequency and timing for future celebrations.

How Did Division III Week Come to Be?

The event is part of Division III’s Identity Initiative, which was introduced in 2010 to sharpen the division’s identity and to enable schools and conferences to more effectively explain why they prefer to compete in Division III. The initiative has been guided by a strategic-positioning platform, describing Division III as a place where student-athletes can “follow your passions and develop your potential,” within an approach that combines rigorous academics, competitive sports and an opportunity to pursue other interests.

Additional NCAA Division III Week Resources

2023 Winner: SUNY Oneonta  

Division III Week Video Content Rules and Information

Join the Conversation

   

#D3Week, #NCAAD3, #whyD3, #myD3

Tweets about #WhyD3 OR #NCAAD3 OR #myD3 OR #D3Week

ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENT:

In Division III, we realize that the classroom is the primary setting for preparing student-athletes. However, Division III also understands that academics are more than just GPAs, test scores and majors; it is a comprehensive learning experience that develops successful leaders and professionals. Work with your FAR and faculty to highlight the academic success of your student-athletes.

ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE:

Passion and sportsmanship are attributes of the “athlete” in the Division III “student-athlete” paradigm. The “athlete” plays for the love of the game, strives for excellence in all facets of life and perseveres through adversity. So, during Division III Week, celebrate the athletic component of our identity – a true homage to the symbiotic relationship of athletics and higher education- by hosting a banquet for your student-athletes or a clinic for local youth teams.

LEADERSHIP/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 

Citizenship and responsibility are Division III attributes. Student-athletes “giving back” not only adds to the comprehensive learning component of Division III, but also provides a venue for passion and service. While Division III institutions are encouraged to engage in a Special Olympics activity during Division III Week, other possible activations include: organizing a leadership symposium; scheduling a motivational speaker; or engaging with another community service partner or charity.