RIVERSIDE (July 12, 2013)--- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) notified California Baptist University today that it has completed the three-year membership process and is now an active Division II member.

The NCAA called CBU Director of Athletics Dr. Micah Parker with the news.

"I'm very thankful for all the people who helped us get through this process," said Parker. "This really is a campus wide achievement, not simply an athletic department achievement. It has been a tremendous learning opportunity for everyone involved and we are thrilled to be a part of the NCAA."

CBU formally applied for Division II membership in the summer of 2010 and today's phone call brings a successful completion to the standard three-year membership process. CBU progressed through each of the last three years, meeting all of the necessary standards set forth by the NCAA to achieve active status.

"We are pleased to receive notification that CBU has been granted active membership at the NCAA Division II level, and we feel good about our ability to carry the banner proudly," said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, university president.

Active member status gives CBU the ability to compete for NCAA Championships beginning this fall. The Lancers have competed in the Pacific West Conference the last two seasons of its transition, winning nine conference championships as well as the PacWest Commissioner's Cup, given annually to the top athletic program in the conference, in its first year in 2011-12.

In 2013, there were 315 Division II members. Division II prides itself on six main attributes—learning, service, passion, sportsmanship, resourcefulness and balance. The NCAA sponsors championships in 25 Division II sports.

CBU currently sponsors 20 sports and won 30 national championships, all since 1999, in its previous association with the NAIA and the NCCAA.

CBU's NCAA Membership Process Timeline:
July 12, 2010 - Application approved for Candidacy Year 1
July 12, 2011 - Approval granted for Candidacy Year 2
July 12, 2012 - Approval granted for Provisional Year
July 12, 2013 - Approval granted for Active Membership