The Seattle University Board of Trustees voted unanimously May 10 to begin the NCAA-regulated process to return its intercollegiate athletic programs to Division I status.

The decision was made after a nine-month study conducted by the university's Athletic Alignment Study Task Force, an extensive review by members of SU's executive team and a recommendation by Stephen Sundborg, S.J., Seattle University president.

"I welcome this decision and see it, essentially, as the determination that the intercollegiate athletic aspect of Seattle University should be on a par and consistent with the quality of the rest of our university, said Father Sundborg. "The return to Division I is the best decision for Seattle University's future - for our campus community, alumni and friends, and for our competitive edge as the leading independent university in the Northwest."

Seattle University was a Division I athletic institution until 1980 when a change is its athletic affiliation was made. During the 50's, 60's and 70's Seattle University enjoyed great success in men's basketball and other sports. Currently Seattle University participates as an NCAA Division II institution in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). The SU's Athletic Alignment Study Task Force has been engaged in the formal review of its athletic conference affiliation since October 2006.

During the one-year exploratory period of the NCAA process, the university will examine all aspects of its athletic program, while continuing to play in the GNAC. Intercollegiate competition for Seattle University at the Division I level could begin in the 2009-2010 season.

The move is due in part to the success of Spokane's Gonzaga University.  Gonzaga has developed into a consistent top-twenty Division I basketball team and garnered considerable NCAA tournament revenue as a result.  This past year the Seattle men earned their first-ever top ten finish at the Division II meet and finished third in the Pacific Coast Swimming Conference, a collection of Division I, II, III and NAIA institutions.

Among other institutions, Cal State-Bakersfield is currently undergoing the reclassification process.