The Division II FAR Fellows Institute provides an intense developmental opportunity for a core group of experienced faculty athletics representatives (FARs) to enhance their ability to perform the critical functions of Division II FARs. Through networking with other Division II FAR leaders, enhancing skills as leaders and engaging in case studies, FARs are both inspired and challenged to enrich the Division II student-athlete intercollegiate athletics experience and strengthen their impact within institutional and conference governance.
Participants gain
- Deeper understanding of the critical functions and responsibilities of the Division II FAR role.
- Enhanced leadership, communication and collaboration skills to support student-athletes and campus partners.
- Opportunities to engage in case studies and practical scenarios focused on Division II issues.
- Stronger connections with a network of FAR colleagues across Division II.
- Strategies to enrich the Division II student-athlete experience on campus and within conferences.
Program Structure
The Division II FAR Fellows Institute is a multi-day, in-person program held in the fall at the NCAA national office in Indianapolis. The Institute uses an intensive and interactive format that includes presentations, small-group discussions and case studies focused on the FAR’s role in supporting student-athlete well-being, academic integrity and institutional control.
FAR Fellows are expected to complete pre-Institute assignments, including readings and assessments, and to come prepared to engage in dialogue about current issues affecting Division II athletics. Institutional support is an important component of the program so that participants can carry forward their FAR Fellows Institute action plans after returning to campus.
Eligibility
Each NCAA Division II conference office can nominate two FAR candidates to be considered as nominees for the Division II FAR Fellows Institute. In addition, FARs at independent institutions may self-nominate for the Institute. To qualify, candidates must:
- Have served in the position of FAR at an NCAA institution for a minimum of one year.
- Be enthusiastic and interested in enhancing the role of the FAR.
- Be committed to student-athlete well-being.
- Be willing to attend the fall Fellows Institute.
- Participate in pre-Institute assignments (readings and assessments).
- Complete all pre-Institute assignments by assigned deadlines.
- Have institutional support for attending the FARA and NCAA Convention meetings and for carrying out FAR Fellows Institute action plans.
- Be interested in and willing to mentor other FARs.
Additionally, it is expected that FARs selected as FAR Fellows will remain in their position for some period of time after the Institute in order to effectively carry out the objectives of this special joint initiative of FARA and Division II.
How to Apply
For each Institute, Division II conference offices are requested to nominate two FAR candidates for consideration. FARs at independent institutions may self-nominate. Nominations are submitted through the Division II FAR Fellows Institute nomination process and should reflect candidates who meet the eligibility expectations listed above.
Nominations for the 2025 Division II FAR Fellows Institute closed on March 5, 2025. Information about future Institute dates and nomination timelines will be shared with Division II conference offices and updated on this page as it becomes available.
Please contact Ann Martin at amartin@ncaa.org with questions about the Division II FAR Fellows Institute or the nominations process.
