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For inquiries, email:
NEWMACtransition@anselm.edu
Tradition with an Eye to the Future
Questions and Support
In transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division III, Saint Anselm College has evaluated the appropriate alignment between athletics and its academic mission to ensure institutional stability and provide a balanced student-athlete experience. This FAQ addresses the most common questions for student-athletes, coaches, faculty, alumni, and parents. If you have questions that are not answered in the FAQ section below, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to providing the support and information you need.
Student, Family, & General Inquiries:NEWMACtransition@anselm.edu
Press/Media Inquiries:ppronovost@anselm.edu
General Questions
Given the shrinking number of NCAA Division II schools in the Northeast region and the uncertainty surrounding the Northeast 10 Conference, our Board of Trustees has made a strategic decision to put our students’ academic success and overall well-being above all else. Transitioning to Division III will allow us to foster an environment at Saint Anselm where students can truly prioritize both their studies and athletics, while fully engaging in the energy and life of our campus community.
Yes. The College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to support the transition and authorized the Administration to begin the steps required to transition to Division III as outlined in the projected transition timeline.
Saint Anselm College is excited to announce that we have accepted an invitation after applying to join the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). Becoming a part of the NEWMAC connects us with like-minded institutions and allows us to further enhance the outstanding athletic experience we offer at Saint Anselm. With every conference school located within a three-hour drive, our student-athletes will benefit from more time to train, study, and form meaningful connections while helping them maintain a healthy balance between academics, athletics, and their spiritual development.
This transition positions Saint Anselm to become a leader in Division III, giving our student-athletes the chance to compete for championships while being fully part of a campus community rooted in faith and ethical values. Here, students can fully engage in both academic and athletic pursuits, supported by a truly immersive learning environment.
All of our Division II athletics achievements will continue to be celebrated. We are proud of our athletics history and look forward to our future success.
For Student-Athletes
The Saint Anselm leadership team wants you to know that you’re not alone—we’re here to support you, answer your questions, and connect you with helpful resources. Please use the information below as a starting point, and remember that our professional staff in Athletics, Financial Aid, and other departments across campus are always available to assist. If your question isn’t addressed here, feel free to reach out to us directly at NEWMACtransition@anselm.edu.
No matter what year you are at Saint Anselm, we will keep you informed about any updates to team schedules, eligibility requirements, and expectations for student-athletes. As a reminder, starting in Fall 2027, Saint Anselm College will begin its transition as a Division III reclassifying member institution, which means we won’t be eligible for conference or NCAA championships during this two-year time period. In other words, most teams will not be eligible for postseason competition, however, for sport-specific questions regarding championship opportunities, please discuss with your coach or administrator.
You will have more time for academics, labs, and campus involvement due to reduced travel and a greater focus on the student experience.
Yes. You may be eligible for academic or need-based financial aid. All Saint Anselm student-athletes are encouraged to complete the FAFSA form.
In year one, yes. During the first year of this process, Saint Anselm Athletics will continue to compete in the Northeast 10 Conference and NCAA Division II postseason play. Student-athletes are ineligible for NCAA post-season competition during the remaining reclassifying years in Division III. Full eligibility resumes once Saint Anselm achieves active NCAA Division III membership.
Not in the first year of the process as Saint Anselm Athletics will remain NCAA Division II and Northeast 10 members. During this time of shrinking Division II membership in the Northeast, the new Division III schedule will shift to emphasize regional play and competition against other DIII institutions, reducing travel and time away from campus which limits missed class time.
You must follow NCAA transfer portal procedures. If you transfer to a Division II or Division I school, you may be eligible for athletic scholarships there, but not at Division III institutions.
To submit a request to transfer, have questions answered about the transfer portal, or request information about the portal’s applicable windows for specific sports, please contact:
Sagemarie George
Saint Anselm Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Team Logistics
603-641-7803
sgeorge@anselm.edu
Andrea Bruneau
Saint Anselm Athletics Compliance Coordinator
603-641-7815
abruneau@anselm.edu
Courtney Palardy
Saint Anselm Athletics Director of Business Operations
603-641-7816
cpalardy@anselm.edu
If you are currently a first-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2025-2026 academic year and plan to return for the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Your athletics scholarship will remain in effect for the 2026-27 academic year through 2027-28 academic year.
- Beginning with the 2028-29 academic year, you are no longer eligible to receive your athletic scholarship UNLESS you elect to forgo your remaining eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Saint Anselm College.
If you are currently a second-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2025-2026 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Your athletics scholarship will remain in effect for the 2026-27 academic year through 2027-28 academic year.
- Beginning with the 2028-29 academic year, you are no longer eligible to receive your athletic scholarship UNLESS you elect to forgo your remaining eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Saint Anselm College.
If you are currently a third-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2025-2026 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2026-2027 academic year:
- Your athletics scholarship will remain in effect for the 2026-27.
As a team-rostered student-athlete who does not receive an athletic scholarship, you are welcome to continue competing with your team. We will keep you updated on any changes to team schedules, eligibility requirements, or expectations for student-athletes. Starting in Fall 2027, Saint Anselm College will be entering its transition as a Division III reclassifying member, which means we won’t be eligible for conference or NCAA championships during this time. However, some individual team sports may still have the chance to compete for conference championships.
If you remain at Saint Anselm but elect not to play a sport, your athletic scholarship will no longer be awarded to you. As with all Saint Anselm College students, the Office of Financial Aid professional staff is available to discuss your options for available financial assistance.
Saint Anselm College will continue to compete as a Division II school in the Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. Starting with the 2027-28 academic year, Saint Anselm will begin its transition as a Division III reclassifying institution and will follow Division III membership policies. We will support you as you continue your academic journey and your experience as a student-athlete here on the Hilltop. Please be sure to communicate your intent to stay at Saint Anselm with your coaches and the Athletic Department staff as they are here to help guide you through this transition.
Saint Anselm College will remain an NCAA Division II institution and is scheduled to compete in the Northeast 10 Conference for the 2026-27 academic year, women’s ice hockey will remain in the NEWHA and women’s bowling will compete in the East Coast Conference.
Saint Anselm College will explore affiliate membership offers for both hockey and golf teams and is currently working to secure additional affiliate membership opportunities for women’s bowling to enable these programs to compete in the best opportunity available. Campus leadership expects to announce a decision regarding membership for these sports in the near future. Please check back soon for updates and additional details.
2026–27
Saint Anselm is still participating in Division II. All teams and athletes can compete in conference (NE10, NEWHA, ECC) and NCAA Division II championships.
2027–28 to 2028–29 (2-year transition to Division III)
Team sports cannot compete for conference (NEWMAC) championships. Some individual sports (cross country, golf, track & field) can compete for individual conference honors, but not team titles. No athletes or teams can compete in NCAA championships (Division II or III).
2029–30
Saint Anselm becomes a full Division III member. All teams and athletes are fully eligible for both NEWMAC and NCAA Division III championships.
For Prospective Student-Athletes (Fall 2026 enrollees)
Your athletic scholarship agreement will remain in place for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years. Beginning with the 2028-29 academic year, Saint Anselm will enter its transition as a Division III reclassifying institution and will follow Division III membership policies. This means your athletic scholarship agreement will no longer be in effect at that time, unless you choose to give up your remaining eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Saint Anselm.
If you decide to continue competing as a Division III student-athlete here, our dedicated financial aid staff is available to work with you and your family to explore other financial aid options.
We are committed to providing all information necessary for our student-athletes to be better informed in order to confirm their decision.
Per NCAA rules, if a student-athlete has signed an athletic scholarship agreement and wishes to explore other opportunities, they must first request a release from that commitment. Incoming student-athletes with questions about this process should contact Sagemarie George to initiate this process.
Sagemarie George
Saint Anselm Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Team Logistics
603-641-7803
sgeorge@anselm.edu
If you choose to enroll without participating in athletics, our dedicated team of professional financial aid staff is available to assist you. They can provide guidance and discuss financial aid options tailored to your needs. To connect with the Office of Financial Aid, please call 603-641-7110 or email Financial_Aid@anselm.edu.
For Coaches
With less travel, you can focus more on skill development, mentorship, and collaboration with faculty, supporting student-athlete academic success while improving work-life balance.
Coaches must attend NCAA Regional Rules Seminars, utilize the NCAA Learning Portal, and ensure all activities align with Division III regulations.
All recruiting must comply with Division III rules, which prohibit athletic scholarships and emphasize academic and character fit.
Yes, in the first year of the process as a Division II member. Teams are then ineligible for NCAA Division III post-season competition during the transition period but may be eligible for conference tournament play.
No, athletics staff at reclassifying institutions cannot serve on Division III committees during the transition.
For Faculty
The move to Division III reduces travel, giving student-athletes more time for classes, labs, and advising, and supports a balanced academic-athletic experience.
The College will continue to compete in the Northeast 10 Division II athletics for the 2026-2027 academic year. When moving to NEWMAC, changes in competition schedules and eligibility, faculty may consider increased coordination with Athletics to support student-athlete success.
FARs should participate in professional development, support compliance with NCAA educational resources, and help ensure student-athlete academic progress.
For Alumni Athletes
The College will celebrate and preserve the Division II/NE10 era traditions, maintain alumni engagement, and continue to honor the legacy of past teams and athletes.
Stay informed through College communications, participate in alumni events, and engage with coaches and the athletics department . We encourage our alumni to come out and cheer on the Hawks at home and on the road. Watch for alumni-specific events and socials.
Competition remains at an elite level in Division III, but will be more mission-aligned, focusing on academic and character development while participating in some of the finest facilities in the country.
For Parents
Your child will benefit from a more balanced college experience, with less travel, more time for academics, and a focus on wellbeing and holistic development.
Yes in year one of the process as Division II student-athletes. Athletics aid is phased out during the reclassifying years for participating student-athletes. Alternative academic and need-based aid is then made available. Those current student-athletes that continue to enroll at Saint Anselm will have their athletic aid honored but will not be eligible for intercollegiate competition at the Division III level.
Parents can access information through the NCAA Learning Portal and institutional updates. The college will provide guidance on financial aid and the reclassification process.
Yes, reclassifying institutions remain eligible for NCAA catastrophic-injury insurance during the transition.
Additional Resources
For information specific to your class year, visit our For Student-Athletes page. For additional resources and helpful links, please visit the following:
Student, Family, & General Inquiries:NEWMACtransition@anselm.edu
Press/Media Inquiries:ppronovost@anselm.edu