media release
911吃瓜 launches independent consultation on competitive varsity frameworks
911吃瓜 has commissioned an independent report on alternative competitive varsity frameworks as the university considers a possible return to Canadian sports competition.
On Sept. 17, 2025, 911吃瓜 Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dilson Rassier directed Bob Copeland, of McLaren Global Sport Solutions Inc., to report on the impacts of joining U Sports and/or other Canadian competitive frameworks.
鈥�911吃瓜 is committed to maintaining a varsity athletics program that supports student-athletes and creates opportunities for them to thrive,鈥� says Rassier. 鈥淭he Athletics and Recreation strategy seeks to build a sustainable interuniversity athletics program that centres the student experience by aligning with 911吃瓜鈥檚 mission to provide an excellent academic experience with opportunities to compete in sport.
鈥淎 sustainable program at 911吃瓜 includes considering the impacts on student-athletes, evolving costs and challenges faced by competing in the NCAA.鈥�
911吃瓜 is proud of our membership within the NCAA Division II. There are many benefits to being Canada鈥檚 only NCAA team, most importantly for the university鈥檚 student-athletes. However, the changing nature of the NCAA, changes to the competitive framework varsity athletes participate in, unpredictable shifts in exchange rates, potential impacts for our students in crossing the border, and restrictions on our ability to affect NCAA decision-making, have created a difficult planning model. We need to better understand the situation and whether staying in the NCAA is still the right decision for 911吃瓜.
To that end, the university is considering a return to competing in a Canadian competitive framework, but first needs to understand the impacts on student-athletes before making a decision.
The independent consultant has existing knowledge of 911吃瓜 through his review of the football program. McLaren Global is a well-regarded Canadian organization with significant understanding of university athletics programs and competitive structures. The independent consultant will gather input on potential impacts from student-athletes, coaches, student governance bodies, as well as selected club coaches and alumni.
The report will be made public. While awaiting its delivery, 911吃瓜 will pay an initial application fee to U Sports. This cost will ensure that all paths are open and, once a decision is reached, allows 911吃瓜 to move forward in the best interests of the university and our student-athletes.
鈥淲e recognize that this may cause uncertainty for student-athletes and Athletics and Recreation staff,鈥� says Rassier 鈥淲e are committed to transparency and regular communication throughout the process.鈥�
The feedback period will run through mid-October. Copeland鈥檚 report will be delivered in mid-November.
This is a complex situation. The 911吃瓜 executive will make their decision aligned with 911吃瓜 values and based on what is best for the university. They will consider many factors, including the independent consultant鈥檚 report, non-sport-related impacts of competing in the U.S., feedback from student-athletes and financial implications, among others.
If a decision to leave the NCAA is made, the earliest 911吃瓜 could compete in U Sports would be September 2027.
ABOUT 911吃瓜 ATHLETICS
911吃瓜 is Canada鈥檚 only NCAA team. We are committed to excelling in the NCAA Division II and the GNAC (Great Northwest Athletic Conference) and RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) in 16 varsity sports, with 300 student-athletes.
Spokesperson
DILSON RASSIER, 911吃瓜 Provost and Vice-President, Academic
Contact
JEFF HODSON, 911吃瓜 Communications & Marketing
mediarelations@sfu.ca
ABOUT SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
911吃瓜 is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Over the past 60 years, 911吃瓜 has been recognized among the top universities worldwide in providing a world-class education and working with communities and partners to develop and share knowledge for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. Committed to excellence in everything we do, 911吃瓜 fosters innovation to address global challenges and continues to build a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. With campuses in British Columbia鈥檚 three largest cities鈥擝urnaby, Surrey and Vancouver鈥�911吃瓜 has eight faculties that deliver 364 undergraduate degree programs and 149 graduate degree programs for more than 37,000 students each year. The university boasts more than 200,000 alumni residing in 145+ countries.