Ohio Valley University to close at the end of the fall 2021 semester
VIENNA, W.Va. – River States Conference member Ohio Valley (W.Va.) University will close at the end of the fall 2021 semester. The trustees at the university in Vienna, W.Va., reached the decision by a vote on December 7, and the campus community was notified shortly thereafter. According to the OVU academic calendar, classes will end on December 10, and finals are slated to conclude on December 15th.
Ohio Valley was accepted into the RSC for the 2021-22 school year after previously being a member of NCAA Division II. The school was named a provisional member of the RSC in February 2021 and gained full membership with acceptance into the NAIA in July 2021.
Students participating in Men's and Women's Basketball having played less than 50% of the regular season schedule shall not be charged a season of competition, provided the students are eligible at the time the sport was discontinued.
NAIA recruiting rules have been waived by Ohio Valley University (updated). Coaches or staff from other schools may now contact OVU student-athletes directly. When contacted by a student-athlete, schools no longer need to provide notification of the contact prior to any discussions,
The NAIA 16-week residency requirement is waived for these student-athletes, provided they transfer within one calendar year from the discontinuance of the institution. The River States Conference transfer policy and sit-out requirement are also waived.
RSC Commissioner Michael Schell commented that "We are very saddened for the Faculty, Staff and Students at Ohio Valley University. In admitting OVU as a member, we knew they had challenges and had hoped they would be able to work through those items. We endeavor to provide what support we can in this difficult time."
Most questions will need to be directed to Ohio Valley University. If there are questions related to the River States Conference, Commissioner Michael Schell can be reached at commissioner@riverstatesconference.com.