BROOKINGS, S.D. -- South Dakota State University will move up to NCAA Division I athletics but still seeks conference affiliations, Fred Oien, the school's athletic director, said Friday.

"As of yesterday, South Dakota was the only state in the union that did not have Division I athletics. We're glad that is over," Oien told reporters.

Oien said the school's current Division II home, the North Central Conference, has been told of SDSU's intent to withdraw as of next July 1.

"In addition, the university has filed a petition for division change with the NCAA," he said.

The matter has been studied for four years by the school, students, athletes, faculty, boosters and others, Oien said. The Board of Regents approved the move in December.

SDSU does not have any Division I conference affiliations yet. But Oien said it should be easier now that the school has announced its official intention.

He said SDSU should be able to keep all 20 of its sports.

SDSU will remain in Division II in the upcoming season, but starting in 2004-2005, the Jackrabbits will compete in Division 1-AA in football and Division 1 in all other sports.

Oien said it's critical that fellow land-grant school North Dakota State, which already has gone Division I, and SDSU proceed together. Both schools are "like-minded" and have the same agenda in athletics, he said.

Oien said the process has been difficult but fun. He said people at SDSU are committed "to do the right thing."

"I'm not smart enough to make decisions on my own," Oien said, adding that he depended on the counsel of others.