Indianapolis, IN | The National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Membership Committee has validated the College of Staten Island's third year of Division II provisional status and has approved the College for full membership status in NCAA Division II. The approval by the NCAA is based on a series of reports submitted by CSI to the NCAA, outlining the measures put in place parallel to the move, and after a site visit by an NCAA consulting group that met with CSI Interim President Dr. Timothy G. Lynch and many other members of CSI administration and the Athletics team. Fellow ECC member D'Youville University was also elevated to year three of provisional today. 
 
"Today's decision by the NCAA is reflective of the great work our campus has done during the provisional window in preparation for our full entry into Division II," said Dr. Lynch. "Not only am I proud of the great advancements we have made, but I am even more excited for our student-athletes to get the postseason opportunities and the full breadth of the Division II experience this upcoming year and in the years to come. We stand aligned with Division II's commitment to academic excellence, persistence toward graduation, and providing a great competitive landscape for our Dolphins to achieve." 
 
"This is a monumental day for the history and future of our program," said Interim Director of Athletics T.J. Tibbs. "All Dolphins, both former and present have played a role in the strides we have made to get to this point. Our recognition as a full member of Division II is a strong nod to our illustrious history. Because of the commitment made by all former student-athletes, coaches, admin, and support staff, we have been able to continue to build to be a desirable program for both Division II and the East Coast Conference." 
 
Acceptance to NCAA Division II came with a three-year provisional window, whereby the College met thresholds for success after each academic year. In Year One of the provisional period, CSI implemented its model for awarding athletic-related aid in time for the 2020-21 academic year. The institution also abided by all Division II compliance measures regarding academic eligibility. Of course, the initial year did not come without its share of challenges, namely the COVID pandemic and its effect on the entire NCAA landscape which derailed the spring sports season as CSI: Baseball, Softball, and Outdoor Track & Field programs, as well as the non-traditional Men's & Women's Soccer seasons. Still, CSI was able to meet sport-sponsorship thresholds in 2019-20. 
 
Tibbs went on to say, "I want to first thank and recognize our former President, Dr. William J. Fritz, who started us on this journey based on his vision and his belief in our abilities to execute. I also want to thank Charles Gomes, my predecessor, who led us through uncertain circumstances as if he had navigated them many times before. He laid the foundation for any future success that we will have as a Division II member after thoroughly innovating and improving every aspect of our operation as a member of Division III. Without his contributions and continued care and support for this program, we wouldn't be able to see this day. I also want to recognize former Associate AD and current Interim Director of Communications for the College, David Pizzuto. Nobody is more representative of an historic achievement in CSI Athletics than Dave." Tibbs continued. "His consistent work and support of the student-athletes has always been immeasurable. Finally, we wouldn't be here without the most supportive F.A.R in the entire NCAA Dr. Christine Flynn Saulnier. Dr. Saulnier has been the consummate teammate and liaison between our department and the faculty. She has been our strong voice when representing the incredible academic pursuits of our student-athletes."
 
Year Two for CSI saw the institution under full immersion into the NCAA Division II landscape in terms of governance, compliance, and of course, competitive schedule. While most of the on-the-field action was wiped away due to COVID-19, CSI did get spring sports back on the field, and teams adopted a full Division II schedule, most of it conference play within the East Coast Conference. Even for those teams who did not play in 2020-21, CSI complied with sport-sponsorship and with the official launch of scholarship awards to deserving student-athletes. The NCAA noted that CSI continued to successfully measure proper progress towards degree checkmarks, as well as financial aid and admissions protocols.
 
Year Three for CSI saw a more robust offering of Division II activities and operations, including the return of a full travel schedule, the institution of a more expansive scholarship model, and the return of revenue-generation efforts post-COVID. The program is looking forward to being a full NCAA Division II member in more ways the one. The Dolphins are now eligible to make East Coast Conference postseasons in respective sports, and NCAA Championships should they qualify.
 
"There are not enough thanks that can go out to our entire staff here in the athletic department. Our Associate AD/SWA Erin Van Nostrand led the charge throughout this process to get us all up to speed on the new rules." Tibbs continued, "Erin also worked diligently on all documents that represented our policies and processes both currently and in the future. These submissions played a central role in allowing us to see this day today. Our assistant AD's John Tardy, Alberto Sanchez, Michael Ackalitis and Alyson Ocasio consistently took on roles outside of their realm to step up and support the department. This group were ultimate collaborators, especially during the toughest of times as we worked to establish ourselves during this transition. Our Head and Assistant coaches continued to represent us with pride and class as they became the face of our move. As the most visible part of our operation, a lot of the groundwork fell to them to adjust their overall program operations and continue to fight to compete at a new level. Our athletics support staff, our trainers, communications staff, gameday staff, building workers and many alike, all contributed by striving to be the best in their role and elevating the experience for our student-athletes. Last but not least our student-athletes deserve the most credit. Today is certainly their day as they can take advantage of the benefits of full Division II membership, most notably being able to compete for conference and national championships. Playoff competition is always the highlight of a team's season and I know our student-athletes can't wait to take their talents to the postseason."
 
CSI will officially introduce the 2022-23 athletic year in mid-August, with preseason practices getting underway for Men's & Women's Soccer and Men's & Women's Cross-Country. CSI's first official contest is scheduled for August 26, as the CSI Women's Soccer team will open up play on the road against Franklin Pierce University.
 
For more information on the NCAA Statement, click here