NCAA DIII Convention Actions

Transfer Portal

The NCAA Transfer Portal is currently optional for Division III schools.

However, starting in August 2026, the Transfer Portal will become mandatory for all D3 member universities.

Until then, D3 athletes must follow their school’s chosen process:

• Transfer Portal notification method or the
• “Permission to Contact” method.

The option of a D3 athlete’s opportunity to utilize a “self-release” will remain permissible if they are interested in contacting coaches at another D3 program.

Schedule a confidential Transfer Consultation to talk through your athlete’s unique situation, understand available options, and receive guidance on navigating the transfer process.

Season of Eligibility

A proposal that would have charged Division III athletes with a season of eligibility only if they competed in a contest during the season was defeated.

This means Division III athletes will continue to be charged with one of their four permissible seasons of participation even if their involvement during a season is limited to practicing with the team and they never appear in a game.

This also means that if a D3 athlete wants to have an additional season of eligibility, it will be even more important to manage their season by

• Stepping away from the team before the season begins or
• Having a clear understanding of the rules and guidelines for a Medical Hardship Waiver to possibly get a season “over again” if they are injured or become ill during a season.

Schedule an Eligibility Consultation online or reach out at rick@informedathlete.com or 913-766-1235 for guidance on how your athlete’s season of eligibility will be counted.