Under the leadership of Larry Stephan, athletics director at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Diane St. Denis, associate athletics director at Simon Fraser University, the Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) was incorporated in July 2008 in the state of Missouri. The A.I.I. received tax-exempt status from the IRS in January 2009. Its Federal Employer Identification Number is 26-3044251.

Stephan and St. Denis hired the A.I.I.'s first commissioner, Ted Breidenthal, president of Sports Association Management, Inc., in March 2008.

The purpose of the Association of Independent Institutions is to promote the education, development and welfare of student-athletes through their various experiences and participation in NAIA intercollegiate athletics.

The A.I.I.

• facilitates effective and active participation in the NAIA legislative process and governance structure;
• seeks equitable opportunities for participation by student-athletes in NAIA championships, and other educational opportunities for student-athletes;
• oversees and administers A.I.I. postseason championships competition in sports where NAIA direct qualification berths are at stake;
• isolates problems common to all independent institutions and organizes to study and achieve solutions to these problems;
• oversees the certification of eligibility for its student-athletes and provides a mechanism for review of exception requests, violations and appeals;
• and provides weekly, monthly and annual recognition programs for student-athletes from all A.I.I. member institutions.
  

A.I.I. programs, events and initiatives take place mainly during the academic calendar year (August-May). Planning for events, initiatives and programs for the coming year is emphasized during the summer months. Postseason A.I.I. championship competition will take place throughout the U.S. Host sites for A.I.I. Tournaments are approved by the A.I.I.'s Administrative Committee. Activities will be funded by annual membership dues of the member schools.

The term "independent" refers to an NAIA member institution that does not belong to an NAIA-affiliated conference. Independent member institutions that join the A.I.I. are required to pay annual dues and per-sport dues as established by the Administrative Committee. Membership dues are $1,500 per school. Each school also pays $150 for each sport that it sponsors. Dues are payable annually not later than September 1. Institutions whose dues are not postmarked by September 1 shall not be eligible to participate in A.I.I. postseason competition for the school year pending review by the Administrative Committee.

In 2011-12, the A.I.I. will host championship qualifying tournaments in 12 sports:

• Men's and Women's Cross Country
• Men's and Women's Soccer
• Volleyball
• Div. I Men's Basketball
• Div. II Men's and Women's Basketball
• Baseball
• Softball
• Men's and Women's Golf
  

2011-12 A.I.I. membership includes 29 NAIA member schools, two associate members and two provisional members:

Allen University (SC)
Arizona Christian University
British Columbia, University of
California State University, San Marcos
Dakota State University (SD)
Delhi (N.Y.), State University College of Technology at
Dickinson State University (ND)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (AZ)
Houston-Victoria (TX), University of
Indiana University Northwest
Jamestown College (ND)
Johnson & Wales University (CO)
La Sierra University (CA)
Life University (GA)
Louisiana State University at Alexandria
Marygrove College (MI)
Marymount College (CA)
Mayville State College (ND)
Morris College (SC)
Northern New Mexico College
Patten University (CA)
SCAD Atlanta
Soka University of America (CA)
Thomas University (GA)
Valley City State University (ND)
Victoria (British Columbia), University of
Voorhees College (SC)
Walla Walla University (WA)
Warren Wilson College (NC)

Kentucky Christian University (associate member)
Lawrence Technological University (first-year provisional member)
Rochester College (first-year provisional member)
Southern Virginia University (associate member)

Mountain State University (Div. I Men's Basketball member only)