The DI Transformation Committee has delivered its wide-ranging final report to the DI Board of Directors ahead of next week's NCAA Convention. On the topic of "Elevating support for student-athletes' mental, physical, and academic wellbeing," the committee's extensive recommendations include requiring a minimum of two years of medical coverage following graduation or completing one's athletic experience for athletic-related injuries, a requirement for a "direct pathway for full-time clinical services of a licensed mental health professional exclusively dedicated to serving student-athletes," provide 10 years of graduation completion funds for full scholarship student-athletes, a new DI governance structure with greater student-athlete participation and more. Related to enhancing the championship experience, the committee is recommending to "Accommodate access for 25% of active Division I members in good standing in team sports sponsored by more than 200 schools," and alter the DI revenue distribution model to "reflect contemporary Division I values and account for athletic performance in more sports than men’s basketball," among other recommendations. Finally on "Building a faster, fairer, and more equitable Division I," the committee is recommending the BoD be the highest governing body in the NCAA and consider revising its composition while maintaining its size, and eliminate the volunteer coach designation and alter official and unofficial visits and much more. Tons more. (link)
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