A vital component of UHart’s community, Hartford Athletics is completing a transition to an NCAA Division III model. Currently fielding 17 NCAA sports, the University plans to add tennis, field hockey, and ice hockey in coming years. A new track and field was recently announced.
In May 2021, the University’s Board determined that Division III’s approach to intercollegiate athletics better aligns with the University’s mission and goals of creating exceptional academic, co-curricular, and wellness experiences for all students. In their decision, the Board recognized the many ways in which generations of student-athletes and athletics alumni represent the University in and out of uniform and acknowledged the significant positive impact they have had on our institution.
The NCAA approved the transition of UHart's athletics program to Division III in March 2022 and the University announced its acceptance into the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) as its new athletics conference, beginning in the 2023-24 academic year. The CCC is an NCAA Division III athletics conference with 10 member institutions throughout the New England region.
Timeline
The transition to DIII is a complex, multi-year administrative process. This high-level timeline shares key milestones in that process and will be updated as we continue through the NCAA process.
Academic Year 2021–22—Complete
University of Hartford remains Division I.
February 2022: The University of Hartford submitted a formal request to the NCAA for reclassification from Division I to Division III.
March 2022: The NCAA approved the transition of UHart's athletics program to Division III. UHart will formally move forward in the NCAA reclassification process in preparation for active membership no later than September 1, 2025.
June 2022: The University announced its acceptance into the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) as its new athletics conference, beginning in the 2023-24 academic year. The CCC is an NCAA Division III athletics conference with 10 member institutions throughout the New England region.
Tennis, ice hockey, and field hockey are just a few of the possibilities. The construction of a new track and field for our student-athletes and the entire campus community is planned for 2023.
Academic Year 2022–23—Complete
The University of Hartford remains Division I, but will not offer new athletic scholarships to incoming student-athletes. The existing athletic scholarships for all returning sophomores, juniors, seniors and grad students will be honored. The University may pursue additional competition opportunities.
March 2023: The University of Hartford revealed new track and field designs with strong support from donors.
Academic Year 2023–24
The University of Hartford will begin competing in the Commonwealth Coast Conference . The existing athletic scholarships for all returning juniors, seniors, and graduate students will be honored.
At the end of this academic year, any student-athlete planning to enroll the following year (2024–25) will be asked to elect if they wish to continue to compete. If so, they will be repackaged on academic and need based aid. Depending on the student, this may be the same or similar packaging. However, if a student chooses to retain their full or partial athletic scholarship, they are able to do so, but will not be able to compete the following year under NCAA rules.
Academic Year 2024–25
The University of Hartford administers its athletics program consistent with all NCAA DIII policies and procedures. All students will have been transitioned off of athletic scholarships, if competing, per NCAA rules.
New programs for men's and women's tennis and field hockey are beginning Fall 2024. Field hockey will be launched as a club sport for 2024.
September 2025: The University of Hartford begins active membership in DIII.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that many members of our community may have questions about how this impacts them. Below is a list of FAQs that will be updated throughout this transition.
2024:
You can compete as a Hawk and your existing athletic scholarship will be honored. Teams will not be eligible for NCAA postseason play but can qualify for ECAC postseason events.
2025:
You can compete as a Hawk and your existing athletic scholarship will be honored. Teams will not be eligible for NCAA postseason play but can qualify for ECAC postseason events. For the 2024-25 academic year, you will be asked to elect if you wish to continue to compete. If so, your athletic scholarship will be repackaged as academic and need-based aid. Depending on your individual situation, this may be the same or similar packaging. However, you can also choose to retain a full or partial athletic scholarship, but you will not be able to compete the following year under NCAA rules.
The University’s Board has engaged for more than a year in thoughtful and strategic conversations about providing an exceptional academic and campus experience for all students, of which our intercollegiate athletics is an integral part. Our Board and leadership recognize the need to continue to make intentional investments in our students and in areas like access and affordability, in-demand academic programs, residential life facilities and experiences, athletics, student support services, health and wellness, and career preparation. All of our students and many of their families are investing in their future and we take that investment to heart.
With this in mind, we believe the mission of Division III athletics is the best path to reach our academic, campus experience, and athletics goals. DIII bridges the academic and sport opportunities that are hallmarks of higher education and stresses that our student-athletes are–first and foremost–members of our campus community pursuing academic degrees while enriching themselves and our community through athletic competition.
Yes. The transition to DIII is a complex, multi-year administrative process that includes approvals from the NCAA and involves our current and future conferences. As of March 2022, the University received approval from the NCAA to transition to DIII. In June 2022, UHart announced its acceptance into the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) as its new athletics conference, beginning in the 2023-24 academic year. The CCC is an NCAA Division III athletics conference with 10 member institutions throughout the New England region.
Should you choose to consider transferring to another institution, the NCAA has procedures in place that govern that process. You may wish to start this process by speaking with your current coach or a member of the athletics compliance staff. You can also find information on the NCAA website.
Athletics is a vital part of the University’s dynamic and inclusive community. The competition is fierce and our dedicated student-athletes are committed to their sport and success in the classroom.
To learn more about joining the University of Hartford as a DIII student athlete, contact representatives within our Office of Admission and Student Financial Aid.
For the 2024-25 academic year, you will be asked to elect if you wish to continue to compete. If so, your athletic scholarship will be repackaged as academic and need-based aid. Depending on your individual situation, this may be the same or similar packaging. However, you can also choose to retain a full or partial athletic scholarship, but you will not be able to compete the following year under NCAA rules.
In June 2022, the University announced its acceptance into the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) as its new athletics conference, beginning in the 2023-24 academic year. The CCC is an NCAA Division III athletics conference with 10 member institutions throughout the New England region. UHart will become the 11th core conference member.
The move to DIII is a multi-year process that will include a comprehensive strategic planning process that will address all aspects of the Hawks athletics program, including individual teams. UHart currently fields 17 NCAA sports and has recently announced its intent to add tennis, field hockey, and ice hockey in coming years. A successful Esports program continues to gain momentum and the construction of a new track and field is planned for 2023.
Each division of NCAA intercollegiate athletics is different and, in this case, the approach associated with DIII best meets the mission and goals of UHart’s offerings for all students.
The philosophy statement of NCAA DIII is: Colleges and universities in Division III place the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete’s educational experience, and an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletics staff.
Please note: all information is subject to NCAA policies and procedures throughout the transition process.