INDIANAPOLIS—The National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Management Council has announced that Sarah Lawrence College has been approved to enter its fourth and final year of provisional membership, effective Sept. 1, 2014. The decision affirms a June vote by the Division III Membership Committee recommending SLC's advancement toward full NCAA membership.

"We have proven our commitment to providing top-quality athletic programs that complement the rigors of the SLC academic experience," explains Director of Athletics and Physical Education Kristin Maile. "We are thrilled that the NCAA has recognized the continued efforts and dedication of our student-athletes, administrators, faculty and staff."

SLC completed Year Two of the provisional process in 2013-14. While the provisional phase is normally a four-year process, SLC applied for and was granted a waiver to consolidate Year Three and Year Four of the transition.

SLC's waiver was approved on the basis of "compelling evidence" that the College is meeting the expectations of the NCAA. In addition to meeting objective requirements such as minimums for sport sponsorship and season length, Sarah Lawrence College has demonstrated progress in establishing and enforcing policies regarding amateurism, academic progress, gender equality and student-athlete well-being.

The NCAA membership process formally began in 2011-12, when the College completed its Exploratory Year of membership. In its first two years as a provisional member, SLC has ramped up its athletic offerings, expanding schedules and adding women's soccer as its newest varsity sport. Also, department staff members have engaged in increased participation in regional and national rules-education programs.

In 2013-14, more than 150 SLC student-athletes participated on the Gryphons' 15 varsity programs. Women's soccer debuted as the department's 15th varsity program, and women's swimming won its fifth-straight HVIAC Invitational title. Twelve teams will begin competing in the Skyline Conference in 2014-15.

The College will be considered for full membership in July 2015 and is on-pace to be eligible for full membership benefits starting in the 2015-16 academic year. As a full member, the College would gain voting rights for NCAA legislative matters and eligibility for national championships. Further, the department of athletics will have access to apply for numerous NCAA grants, including funds for diversity initiatives, for professional development and for postgraduate scholarships awarded to student-athletes.

Maile added, "Membership in the NCAA and the Skyline Conference will provide our current and future student-athletes with competitive athletic opportunities that are in line with the unique pedagogy of the College. We look forward to an exciting future for SLC athletics."