Just a few months after instituting a moratorium on new members into Division I, the Board of Directors took a step toward clearly defining the philosophy that applies to the division’s members.

The group introduced legislation into the 2007-08 cycle that replaces the clause in the Division I philosophy statement that encourages athletics to be self-sufficient with wording that requires institutions to retain control of athletics department budgets.

The proposal comes from the Oversight and Monitoring Group, which is the body charged with examining the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on the Future of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. The OMG is chaired by University of Memphis President Shirley Raines, who also is a Board member.

Many regard the measure as simply codifying a shift that already has taken place within the Division I membership. Clemson President Jim Barker, chair of the Board, said the change will more accurately reflect what is actually happening on campuses nationwide.

Barker said some universities used the self-sufficiency clause as a way to assert their independence from the university.

“I think that’s wrong-headed, and I think the Board would agree with that whole-heartedly,” he said.

Only a small number of athletics departments actually achieve self-sufficiency. Eliminating that as a goal could relieve pressure on institutions who struggle to balance their athletics budgets and provide them with an opportunity to view the university’s budget in its entirety, instead of parceling out the athletics department.

“Going into the future, it will help enable schools and athletics departments to work more collaboratively,” Barker said. “It is clear that the NCAA wants to encourage that type of collaboration and make sure athletics is an integral part of the university, and not a satellite around the mother ship. Universities have to see themselves whole, and as a university president, there are constantly responsibilities that have to see the budget whole.”

If approved, the legislation would take effect August 1, 2008.