Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Our Commitment - Supporting You Through This Transition
We're Here For You
A message from our President, Father Malachi Van Tassell
Questions and Support
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. Contact athletics@francis.edu, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
General Information
Your Questions Answered
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Why did SFU decide to move to Division III?
Rather than fighting against the headwinds and logistics that make being a small school in the NCAA Division I unsustainable, our Board of Trustees made the bold move to place our students’ academic success and well-being first. By moving to Division III, we can create an environment where students can come to Saint Francis to focus on academics and athletics while immersing themselves in our rich campus culture.
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Is the decision to move to Division III final?
Yes. The University's Board of Trustees ratified the decision in March and authorized the Administration to begin the steps required to transition to Division III as outlined in the projected transition timeline.
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What conference in Division III will Saint Francis University compete in?
Saint Francis University has accepted an invitation to join the Presidents' Athletics Conference (PAC). Joining the PAC aligns us with institutions that share our values and offers an opportunity to strengthen the high-quality athletics experience at SFU. With all conference institutions within a three-hour drive, our student-athletes will have more time to train, study, and build meaningful relationships to maintain a healthy balance between academics, athletics, and spiritual growth.
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How will reduced travel distance impact students' well-being?
Currently as part of the NEC, the average driving time to compete is almost 6 hours. The farthest competitor is located over 8 hours away.
For the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), the average driving time falls to slightly over 2 hours. The farthest competitor is located under 3 and a half hours away. With the PAC schedule, our student-athletes will have increased time on campus to focus on their courses and connect with campus life in ways that have not been possible for them in the NEC.
Moving to the PAC will mean travel for all competitions in every sport could be a day trip. Teams can depart from Loretto the day of the competition and return the same day. Gone will be the days of staying one or two nights in hotels, having fast food meals, and arriving back to campus early in the morning the day after a competition with the expectation that they attend class.
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How is Division III different than Division I?
Division I institutions are typically large campuses that award athletic scholarships for student-athletes. Division III institutions tend to be smaller and prioritize balancing academics and athletics. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, yet many provide significant academic and need-based aid packages to make college more affordable.
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What will Division III athletics look and feel like at Saint Francis?
This move sets the stage for Saint Francis to be a powerhouse in Division III, where student-athletes can compete in intercollegiate athletics, earn championships, immerse themselves in a faith and ethics-based campus community, and an immersive learning experience. As part of our new strategic plan, we are launching a capital campaign to upgrade facilities for athletes, and renovating our residence halls and recreation spaces to create an environment where the entire student body can thrive.
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What will happen to our historic achievements and records?
All of our Division I athletics achievements will continue to be celebrated. We are proud of our athletics history, beginning with the legacy of Maurice Stokes, who ushered Saint Francis into the Division I era.
Rather than fighting against the headwinds and logistics that make being a small school in the NCAA Division I unsustainable, our Board of Trustees made the bold move to place our students’ academic success and well-being first. By moving to Division III, we can create an environment where students can come to Saint Francis to focus on academics and athletics while immersing themselves in our rich campus culture.
Yes. The University's Board of Trustees ratified the decision in March and authorized the Administration to begin the steps required to transition to Division III as outlined in the projected transition timeline.
Saint Francis University has accepted an invitation to join the Presidents' Athletics Conference (PAC). Joining the PAC aligns us with institutions that share our values and offers an opportunity to strengthen the high-quality athletics experience at SFU. With all conference institutions within a three-hour drive, our student-athletes will have more time to train, study, and build meaningful relationships to maintain a healthy balance between academics, athletics, and spiritual growth.
Currently as part of the NEC, the average driving time to compete is almost 6 hours. The farthest competitor is located over 8 hours away.
For the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), the average driving time falls to slightly over 2 hours. The farthest competitor is located under 3 and a half hours away. With the PAC schedule, our student-athletes will have increased time on campus to focus on their courses and connect with campus life in ways that have not been possible for them in the NEC.
Moving to the PAC will mean travel for all competitions in every sport could be a day trip. Teams can depart from Loretto the day of the competition and return the same day. Gone will be the days of staying one or two nights in hotels, having fast food meals, and arriving back to campus early in the morning the day after a competition with the expectation that they attend class.
Division I institutions are typically large campuses that award athletic scholarships for student-athletes. Division III institutions tend to be smaller and prioritize balancing academics and athletics. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, yet many provide significant academic and need-based aid packages to make college more affordable.
This move sets the stage for Saint Francis to be a powerhouse in Division III, where student-athletes can compete in intercollegiate athletics, earn championships, immerse themselves in a faith and ethics-based campus community, and an immersive learning experience. As part of our new strategic plan, we are launching a capital campaign to upgrade facilities for athletes, and renovating our residence halls and recreation spaces to create an environment where the entire student body can thrive.
All of our Division I athletics achievements will continue to be celebrated. We are proud of our athletics history, beginning with the legacy of Maurice Stokes, who ushered Saint Francis into the Division I era.
Current Student-Athletes and Parents
Navigating the Shift
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What does this mean for me, as a student-athlete receiving an athletics scholarship who is scheduled to graduate in 1, 2, or 3 years?
The SFU leadership team wants you to know you are not alone, and we are here to answer questions and provide resources to you. Please use the information below as a guide, and know that the professional staff in Athletics, Financial Aid and others on campus are available to help. Key resources may also be found in the ‘Resources’ section found on this webpage. If you don’t see your question answered below, send it to athletics@francis.edu.
Regardless of your year at SFU, information will be shared on any changes to team schedules, eligibility requirements, and student-athlete expectations. Beginning in the Fall of 2026, Saint Francis University will be a Division III reclassifying member institution and, therefore, ineligible for conference/NCAA championships. Some individual team sports may be eligible for conference championships.
If you are currently a first-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Your athletics scholarship will remain in effect for the 2025-26 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 Francis University.
- Please review the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
If you are currently a second-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Your athletic scholarship will remain in effect for the 2025-26 academic year through the 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 Francis University.
- Please refer to the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
If you are currently a third-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Your athletic scholarship will remain in effect for the 2025-26 academic year through the 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 Francis University.
- Please refer to the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
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What does this mean for me, as a student-athlete receiving no athletic scholarship but on a roster who is scheduled to graduate in 1, 2, or 3 years?
As a team-rostered student-athlete receiving no athletic scholarship, you can continue to compete on your team. Information will be shared on any changes to team schedules, eligibility requirements, and student-athlete expectations. Beginning in the Fall of 2026, Saint Francis University will be a Division III reclassifying member institution and therefore ineligible for conference/NCAA championships. Some individual team sports may be eligible for conference championships.
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What does this mean for me as a current student-athlete if I want to remain at SFU, and elect not to play a sport?
If you remain at SFU but elect not to play a sport, your athletic scholarship will no longer be awarded to you. As with all Saint Francis University students, the Office of Financial Aid professional staff can discuss your options for available financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid may be contacted at finaid@francis.edu or 814-472-3010.
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What does this mean for me if I want to continue participating in athletics at SFU?
Saint Francis University will remain a Division I institution competing in the Northeast Conference for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, SFU will be a Division III Reclassifying Institution and will operate under the policies of the Division III membership model. We would be honored to have you continue your academic journey at Saint Francis and your student-athlete experience in Loretto. We advise you to express your intent to continue at SFU to your coaches and Athletic Department staff so they can work with you through this transition.
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What do I need to know if I am considering transferring to another institution, and when could I enter the transfer portal?
NCAA transfer portal resources are available online:
NCAA General Transfer Information
NCAA Transfer Windows
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:
Shane Tay
Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations
814-472-2782, stay@francis.edu or
Kayla Daniels
Assistant Director of Compliance & Student-Athlete Support Services
814-472-2831, kdaniels@francis.edu
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Will all sports teams continue to play during the 2025-2026 academic year?
Saint Francis University will remain an NCAA Division I institution and is scheduled to compete in the Northeast Conference for the 2025-26 academic year and will continue to sponsor all 22 athletic teams.
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Women’s Water Polo and Field Hockey are not in the PAC. What does this Division change mean for those teams?
Saint Francis University has received affiliate membership offers for both teams and is currently working to secure additional affiliate membership opportunities 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.
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Are student-athletes eligible for championship play during the transition?
Here’s a simple summary of how the transition affects Saint Francis University students’ ability to compete in championships:
2025–26
SFU is still participating in Division I. All teams and athletes can compete in conference (NEC) and NCAA Division I championships.
2026–27 to 2028–29 (3-year transition to Division III)
- Team sports cannot compete for conference (PAC) championships.
- Some individual sports (cross country, golf, track & field, and women’s swimming) can compete for individual conference honors, but not team titles.
- No athletes or teams can compete in NCAA championships (Division I or III).
2029–30
SFU becomes a full Division III member. All teams and athletes are fully eligible for both PAC and NCAA Division III championships.
The SFU leadership team wants you to know you are not alone, and we are here to answer questions and provide resources to you. Please use the information below as a guide, and know that the professional staff in Athletics, Financial Aid and others on campus are available to help. Key resources may also be found in the ‘Resources’ section found on this webpage. If you don’t see your question answered below, send it to athletics@francis.edu.
Regardless of your year at SFU, information will be shared on any changes to team schedules, eligibility requirements, and student-athlete expectations. Beginning in the Fall of 2026, Saint Francis University will be a Division III reclassifying member institution and, therefore, ineligible for conference/NCAA championships. Some individual team sports may be eligible for conference championships.
If you are currently a first-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Your athletics scholarship will remain in effect for the 2025-26 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 Francis University.
- Please review the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
If you are currently a second-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Your athletic scholarship will remain in effect for the 2025-26 academic year through the 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 Francis University.
- Please refer to the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
If you are currently a third-year student receiving an athletic scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year and you are planning to return for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Your athletic scholarship will remain in effect for the 2025-26 academic year through the 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 Francis University.
- Please refer to the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
As a team-rostered student-athlete receiving no athletic scholarship, you can continue to compete on your team. Information will be shared on any changes to team schedules, eligibility requirements, and student-athlete expectations. Beginning in the Fall of 2026, Saint Francis University will be a Division III reclassifying member institution and therefore ineligible for conference/NCAA championships. Some individual team sports may be eligible for conference championships.
If you remain at SFU but elect not to play a sport, your athletic scholarship will no longer be awarded to you. As with all Saint Francis University students, the Office of Financial Aid professional staff can discuss your options for available financial assistance. The Office of Financial Aid may be contacted at finaid@francis.edu or 814-472-3010.
Saint Francis University will remain a Division I institution competing in the Northeast Conference for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, SFU will be a Division III Reclassifying Institution and will operate under the policies of the Division III membership model. We would be honored to have you continue your academic journey at Saint Francis and your student-athlete experience in Loretto. We advise you to express your intent to continue at SFU to your coaches and Athletic Department staff so they can work with you through this transition.
NCAA transfer portal resources are available online:
NCAA General Transfer Information
NCAA Transfer Windows
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:
Shane Tay
Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations
814-472-2782, stay@francis.edu or
Kayla Daniels
Assistant Director of Compliance & Student-Athlete Support Services
814-472-2831, kdaniels@francis.edu
Saint Francis University will remain an NCAA Division I institution and is scheduled to compete in the Northeast Conference for the 2025-26 academic year and will continue to sponsor all 22 athletic teams.
Saint Francis University has received affiliate membership offers for both teams and is currently working to secure additional affiliate membership opportunities 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.
Here’s a simple summary of how the transition affects Saint Francis University students’ ability to compete in championships:
2025–26
SFU is still participating in Division I. All teams and athletes can compete in conference (NEC) and NCAA Division I championships.
2026–27 to 2028–29 (3-year transition to Division III)
- Team sports cannot compete for conference (PAC) championships.
- Some individual sports (cross country, golf, track & field, and women’s swimming) can compete for individual conference honors, but not team titles.
- No athletes or teams can compete in NCAA championships (Division I or III).
2029–30
SFU becomes a full Division III member. All teams and athletes are fully eligible for both PAC and NCAA Division III championships.
Prospective Student-Athletes (Fall 2025 enrollees)
Embracing Change Together
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What does this mean for me if I have signed an athletic scholarship agreement for the Class of 2025?
Your athletic scholarship agreement for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years remains in effect. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, SFU will be considered a Division III Reclassifying Institution and will operate under the policies of the Division III membership model, therefore at this point, your athletics scholarship agreement will not be in effect UNLESS you elect to forgo your remaining eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Saint Francis University. Please refer to the SFU Athletics Transition Chart.
If you elect to participate in Division III athletics at Saint Francis University, our professional financial aid staff members are available to all students and parents to discuss financial aid options.
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Can incoming student-athletes who have signed an athletic scholarship agreement talk to other schools and/or coaches?
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 Mr. Shane Tay in Athletics Compliance at stay@francis.edu to initiate this process.
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If I elect not to participate in athletics and still enroll at SFU, what does this mean for me?
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 814-472-3010 or email finaid@francis.edu.
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Are student-athletes eligible for championship play during the transition?
Here’s a simple summary of how the transition affects Saint Francis University students’ ability to compete in championships:
2025–26
SFU is still participating in Division I. All teams and athletes can compete in conference (NEC) and NCAA Division I championships.
2026–27 to 2028–29 (3-year transition to Division III)
- Team sports cannot compete for conference (PAC) championships.
- Some individual sports (cross country, golf, track & field, and women’s swimming) can compete for individual conference honors, but not team titles.
- No athletes or teams can compete in NCAA championships (Division I or III).
2029–30
SFU becomes a full Division III member. All teams and athletes are fully eligible for both PAC and NCAA Division III championships.
If you elect to participate in Division III athletics at Saint Francis University, our professional financial aid staff members are available to all students and parents to discuss financial aid options.
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 Mr. Shane Tay in Athletics Compliance at stay@francis.edu to initiate this process.
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 814-472-3010 or email finaid@francis.edu.
Here’s a simple summary of how the transition affects Saint Francis University students’ ability to compete in championships:
2025–26
SFU is still participating in Division I. All teams and athletes can compete in conference (NEC) and NCAA Division I championships.
2026–27 to 2028–29 (3-year transition to Division III)
- Team sports cannot compete for conference (PAC) championships.
- Some individual sports (cross country, golf, track & field, and women’s swimming) can compete for individual conference honors, but not team titles.
- No athletes or teams can compete in NCAA championships (Division I or III).
2029–30
SFU becomes a full Division III member. All teams and athletes are fully eligible for both PAC and NCAA Division III championships.
Saint Francis Employees
Moving Forward as One
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What does this mean for me as an SFU staff member?
This change is specific to the classification of our intercollegiate athletics program. All current Athletics personnel will retain their employment contracts and, at this time, no employees are being released.
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What does this mean for me as an SFU faculty member?
This announcement is specific to athletics.
This change is specific to the classification of our intercollegiate athletics program. All current Athletics personnel will retain their employment contracts and, at this time, no employees are being released.
This announcement is specific to athletics.
SFU Alumni
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
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What will happen to alumni engagement at Athletic events?
We encourage our alumni to come out and cheer on the Red Flash at home and on the road. Watch for alumni-specific events and socials.
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As an alum, how can I support SFU during this transition?
Keep in your prayers our student-athletes and their coaches, who have committed their careers and hearts to creating a stellar Division I experience. Attend games and continue to cheer on the Red Flash as we move from Division I to Division III. We also invite you to invest in building our future. We will be launching a capital campaign to benefit the entire student body and student experience.
We encourage our alumni to come out and cheer on the Red Flash at home and on the road. Watch for alumni-specific events and socials.
Keep in your prayers our student-athletes and their coaches, who have committed their careers and hearts to creating a stellar Division I experience. Attend games and continue to cheer on the Red Flash as we move from Division I to Division III. We also invite you to invest in building our future. We will be launching a capital campaign to benefit the entire student body and student experience.
Press & Media Inquiries
Sharing the SFU Story
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Where can journalists find information on the Divison III transition?
Here are a few helpful links for journalists covering this decision:
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Who do I contact for further information or to schedule interviews?
If you are a reporter seeking to speak with a spokesperson on this topic, please contact the Office of Communications & Marketing by submitting an inquiry form or calling 814-471-1283.
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Where can journalists find background infomation about SFU?
About the University
Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of faith, generosity, respect, discovery, and joy. Saint Francis University offers traditional campus-based learning and competitive online and graduate degree offerings.
Helpful Links
- General Campus Photos and B-roll Video:
https://saintfrancisuniversity.smugmug.com/Press-Kit - Logo Files:
https://saintfrancisuniversity.smugmug.com/University-Logos/PNG-Logos - Style & Identity Guide
https://issuu.com/saintfrancisuniversity/docs/style_identity_guide_2024 - Facts & Stats
https://www.francis.edu/about-us/facts-and-stats - News Blog
https://www.francis.edu/blog - Mission/Vision/History
https://www.francis.edu/about-us/mission-and-character
Here are a few helpful links for journalists covering this decision:
If you are a reporter seeking to speak with a spokesperson on this topic, please contact the Office of Communications & Marketing by submitting an inquiry form or calling 814-471-1283.
About the University
Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of faith, generosity, respect, discovery, and joy. Saint Francis University offers traditional campus-based learning and competitive online and graduate degree offerings.
Helpful Links
- General Campus Photos and B-roll Video:
https://saintfrancisuniversity.smugmug.com/Press-Kit - Logo Files:
https://saintfrancisuniversity.smugmug.com/University-Logos/PNG-Logos - Style & Identity Guide
https://issuu.com/saintfrancisuniversity/docs/style_identity_guide_2024 - Facts & Stats
https://www.francis.edu/about-us/facts-and-stats - News Blog
https://www.francis.edu/blog - Mission/Vision/History
https://www.francis.edu/about-us/mission-and-character
Additional Resources
For additional resources and helpful links, please visit the following: