The Augustana University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a number of initiatives as part of president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s AU: Vision 2030 plan, among them a transition for Vikings athletics to a Division I intercollegiate conference, according to an email obtained by the Argus Leader.

While the letter, written by Board of Trustees chair Tom Davis and addressed to faculty, staff and students, makes no mention of a timetable, Augustana needs to notify its current conference, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) by the end of the year if they intend to leave the conference to begin the transition.

A source told the Argus Leader that Augustana called an impromptu all-coaches meeting Thursday night to inform them of the decision.

The NSIC sent an email Thursday night addressing Augustana's decision, and it mentioned the Vikings' goal was to find a conference by the 2021-22 academic year.

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Augustana has been a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference since 2008.

“Augustana has been a pivotal contributor to the success of the NSIC over the past decade. They have represented the NSIC well in competition, in the classroom, and in their community. We wish all the student-athletes, coaches, administrators and fans the best in the future,” said NSIC Commissioner Erin Lind in a news release.

NCAA rules stipulate that a school must have acceptance into a conference before they can officially begin a transition to Division I. While the email to staff and students makes no mention of the Summit League or any other conference, it’s widely assumed the Summit League is willing to add the Vikings.

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Presumably, the Vikings will begin the transition when they get an invite.

The Vikings were conference rivals with a handful of Summit League members for years in the Division II North Central Conference. South Dakota State, North Dakota State, North Dakota, South Dakota and Omaha were all in the NCC, as was Northern Colorado, which is now in the Big Sky.

Assuming the Summit would extend Augustana an invitation, the first two years of the transition are spent developing a strategic plan for Division I athletics, and a self-study is conducted in year three. In the fourth and final year of the transition an NCAA review team visits the university to evaluate its athletic programs.

Teams are not eligible for NCAA postseason action during that four-year limbo, though in year two they can begin conference play.

The Vikings struggled to compete in most men’s sports in the Division II era, but have become a regular contender in the last decade, winning national championships in men’s basketball, baseball and women’s cross country, while making NCAA tournament appearances in virtually every sport they offer.

Here’s the full text of the email:

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

When President Herseth Sandlin joined us in 2017, the Board of Trustees charged her with developing bold and inspiring goals to build upon Augustana’s reputation for academic excellence and position the university for the future. As you know, our mission is inspired by the liberal arts in which we challenge students to become servant leaders who explore, create, innovate and discover what’s possible. The vision for 2030 that the president has proposed compels the university to do the same — to dream big, be dynamic and adapt to change.

The president and her cabinet began the AU: Vision 2030 process last spring, concluding with an impressive set of campus and community forums conducted this fall. The process provided an opportunity for the campus community and alumni to share ideas and provide input regarding a set of aspirational goals. For those who participated, the board sincerely thanks you for your time, feedback and suggestions.

Based on our review, feedback provided, the president’s recommendations, and extensive discussion among trustees, the board voted unanimously and enthusiastically to support AU: Vision 2030. We believe the outlined goals to be both appropriate and critical for Augustana and its future:

Change the academic structure of the university to most effectively support the liberal arts and new graduate degree programs, grow the performing and visual arts, and establish a professional school.

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Grow total enrollment to 3,000 students.

Establish strategic academic scholarships that enhance affordability and diversity.

Transition to a Division I intercollegiate athletics conference.

Make dramatic improvements to the physical campus and IT infrastructure.

Increase substantially the university’s endowment and other financial resources to achieve these goals.

The board is confident that, under President Herseth Sandlin’s leadership, Augustana’s future holds great promise. As she and her leadership team continue to collaborate with the campus community and undertake the first phase of planning toward these long-term goals, we ask that you continue to engage and contribute your talent and energy to the process.

Over three years ago, Augustana changed its name from college to university to better reflect how we provide our students with different academic, research, service, and leadership opportunities. The AU: Vision 2030 is part of fulfilling that promise as well as becoming a top regional university in the Midwest. As we celebrate our 100 years in Sioux Falls — a growing and dynamic city — it is an ideal time to consider our legacy and plan our future.

Stephanie and I will be hosting an informal gathering tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 14, from 9–10 a.m. in the 3-in-1 Room, Morrison Commons. We welcome you to join us over coffee and light breakfast to discuss this exciting news and to answer questions you may have. Thank you again for partnering with us to support this inspiring vision as Augustana University continues to fulfill its mission for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.

A proud alumnus,

Tom Davis, Chair

Augustana University Board of Trustees