SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- South Dakota State University will take a hard look at whether to switch to NCAA Division I athletics now that North Dakota State is moving up.

NDSU officials said Friday that the school plans to move up to Division I sports, beginning a full schedule in the 2004-05 season.

Fred Oien, athletic director at SDSU, said he expected NDSU to follow through with its plans.

"We were not surprised given the mission of their university,'' said Oien.

Northern Colorado also has announced its intention to leave the North Central Conference and move to Division I.

With NDSU and Northern Colorado both switching, SDSU must now take a hard look at its options, said Oien.

Meetings are planned when students and faulty return to campus, with a goal of making a recommendation sometime this fall, he said.

Whether the university stays in the NCC or moves, the school must make sure it will be happy with its decision 20-30 years down the road, said Oien.

"We're committed to making sure we are part of a strong competitive conference,'' he said.

The NCC had its first shift in membership in nearly 20 years when Morningside College announced it would move to Division III after the 2001-02 season.

Other NCC members are Augustana, Nebraska-Omaha, Minnesota State-Mankato, St. Cloud State, the University of South Dakota and the University of North Dakota.