The University of North Dakota, land of fast Division II swimming, intense hockey, and a nickname deemed offensive by the NCAA has begun the move to Division I.

UND President Charles Kupchella says the university will start formally exploring the idea during the 2007-08 academic year with the formal switch to come in 2008-09. The Fighting Sioux currently field a Division I hockey program.

The move will require UND to increase funding. Kupchella says the move will add another two million dollars a year on U-N-D's athletics budget.

Following the announcement, the University of South Dakota announced announced the formation of a committee to review division and conference options. The Coyote swimming programs narrowly avoided elimination two years ago, but rid themselves of longtime-coach Ron Allen in the process.

"USD has maintained its commitment to Division II and the North Central Conference for 85 years," said USD President James Abbott. "Our first preference is to maintain a strong North Central Conference. That being said, we can’t ignore the ever-changing external landscape in intercollegiate athletics."

Two years ago South Dakota State University left Division II to enter Division I.