Division I Football – Division I has two subdivisions Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Formerly Division I-A. Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Formerly Division I-AA. This is the Football designation that UNA is seeking All Other Sports – No Subdivisions

Current Top 20 – DI FCS

UNA Football: 2010-2015 Regular Season Average: 10,000+ FCS Attendance UNA Football: 2010-2015 Regular Season Average: 10,000+

Credit: Flor-Ala

A-SUN Conference Update Sept. 13, 2016 – Atlantic Sun announce agreement with the Big South Conference to provide opportunity for scholarship football members in the ASUN Ted Gumbart, ASUN Commissioner, has been very successful in assisting institutions making the move from Division II to Division I UNA Made decision in 2011 by the UNA Board of Trustees to pursue DI classification. This was supported by a 2012 resolution and the 2014 Strategic Plan of the University. ASUN was in the geographic footprint of UNA, but did not have a football option for us to consider UNA had to ‘get out of no-man’s land’ due to staff and donor fatigue, along with losing influence within the ranks of Division II

Increase of Brand Awareness in ASUN/Big South Markets Capture Major Markets – DI Conferences Options Nashville, TN Atlanta, GA Jacksonville, FL Ft. Myers, FL Newark, NJ Charlotte, NC New York, NY Increase brand awareness in major markets with potential new students for UNA

Google Trends of FCS vs FBS game & DII National Championship Run JSU v. Auburn - Football FCS Championship D2 National Championship (Red Line)

DI March Madness v. SEC Football Opponent Google Trends comparing Division I Basketball success & FCS vs FBS game DI March Madness v. SEC Football Opponent FCGU Sweet 16 (BB) JSU v. Auburn (FB)

Athletics Earned Media Dec. 2015 – Jan. 9, 2106 July 2015 – June 2016

Enrollment Growth The 2011 report showed an average of 11% growth in enrollment for the last 20 institutions that made the transition. Notable, JSU experienced a 20% growth. The 2016 report shows an average of 13% growth in enrollment for those who made transition after 2011. Special Note: Non-metropolitan institutions show a greater enrollment growth when transitioning to DI. (+14.75%)

Campus and Community Impact An increased enrollment of 800 new students would generate an additional ~$6.5M in tuition. Other revenues for the University would be realized from housing and meal plans, which would assist academics departments. The University of North Alabama is a stable economic engine for our region. A 2012 economic impact study showed UNA provided $280,000,000 per year to the local economies. An 11% enrollment increase (an additional 800 students) would provide an additional $30.8 M per year to the region.

Changing Landscape Of Division II in our Region UNA has been a pillar for D2 and the GSC. Hosted D2 Championships, D2 Football Hall of Fame, D2 Harlon Hill Award, National Championships New Challenges – 40 Years at DII 1976 Basketball Schedule – 70% DI in 2016 (18/26) 1976 Football Schedule – 70% DI in 2016 (7/10) Individuals who were kids in 1976, are beginning to reach their earning potential. Excitement/Atmosphere of older rivals have departed. Athletics has been left behind by our peers of 1976.

Red – Last 3 members added to Division II and Gulf South Conference D2 Institutions

DI Institutions