The College of Charleston Board of Trustees voted 12-5 to accept an invitation to join the Colonial Athletic Association, the school said Friday.

The board gave President George Benson permission to start contract negotiations with the CAA.

The Cougars are expected to leave for the 2013-14 season but would face a $600,000 exit fee for leaving with less than two years' notice.

The Southern Conference doesn't have a provision that would prevent the Cougars from playing in the conference championships, unlike the America East, CAA and Horizon League.