Simon Fraser to Become First Canadian University in NCAA

If all goes according to plan, Simon Fraser University, in British Columbia, will be the first Canadian member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Last week, the Division II Membership Committee accepted its application, kicking off a two-year candidacy period during which the institution must compete at least one year under provisional status before being accepted as a full member. At the earliest, Simon Fraser could gain full membership by the fall of 2012. To receive NCAA membership, Canadian institutions must be accredited by an American regional accrediting agency. Earlier this year, Division II officials said Simon Fraser was one of a handful of Canadian institutions that either were going through the process or were considering it, solely to qualify for NCAA membership. Stephen M. Jordan, chair of the Division II Presidents Council and president of Metropolitan State College of Denver, also hinted earlier this year that the University of British Columbia might be the next Canadian institution to join Division II.