CHICAGO, Ill. - Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) announced today that it has been voted into full membership by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Membership Committee, beginning with the 2018-19 academic year. The result of a five-year process, membership allows access to NCAA championships, post-graduate education opportunities for student-athletes, conference and national student-athlete leadership development, seminars and workshops for athletic department personnel, and other benefits.

“We are thrilled that our athletes will have the opportunity to compete at the Division III level for the first time in school history this fall,” said Illinois Tech President Alan W. Cramb. “Division III athletics is an excellent complement to the world-class education our students receive.”

“This vote comes as a result of the hard work of many members of the Illinois Tech campus community,” said Director of Athletics Joe Hakes. “The process allows the institution to really explore the importance of intercollegiate athletics and the long-term benefits it can provide student-athletes in their personal and professional development.”

Division III is the largest division in the NCAA with more than 180,000 student-athletes competing from 450 institutions. Approximately 80 percent of Division III members are private institutions.

Illinois Tech is also joining the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) this fall. Conferences provide the pathway for regional and national ranking and access to championships. Formed in 2006, the conference consists of 13 members located in Illinois and Wisconsin. The NACC sponsors championships in 19 sports, including men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and volleyball. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and volleyball.