The University of New Haven announced plans Tuesday to join the NCAA Division I as the 10th member of the Northeast Conference (NEC) for the 2025-26 academic year.
The West Haven-based school said it had “accepted a full membership invitation” from the NEC Council of Presidents and will officially join the league on July 1.
The announcement was made Tuesday by NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris and University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen.
“We are thrilled about this opportunity for the University of New Haven,” Frederiksen said. “Athletics has been and continues to be a vital driver of enrollment and brand recognition for the University. This move to the Northeast Conference and Division I positions the University for an exciting future – one consistent with the overall strategic focus on academic, professional and global return on investment.”
University of New Haven’s teams, known as The Chargers, will attain full Division I membership in 2028-29 following the NCAA-mandated reclassification period.
The Chargers will join Fairleigh Dickinson University, Long Island University, Saint Francis University, Wagner College, Central Connecticut State University, Stonehill College, Le Moyne College, Chicago State University and Mercyhurst University in the NEC.
The Chargers will field NEC teams in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track & field (indoor and outdoor) and women’s volleyball.
The football team’s schedule for being added to the conference is still being determined.
The Chargers will become eligible for NCAA Championship competition in 2028-29, upon successful completion of their reclassification period.
The University of New Haven is a private institution founded in 1920. It offers more than 105 majors and has earned acclaim for its forensic science program. It also has top national rankings in homeland security, law enforcement and firefighting.
