The LSU Board of Supervisors is letting the University of New Orleans notify the Sun Belt Conference that it intends to withdraw.
The move is the first step for UNO's athletics department to drop its NCAA Division I program to Division III.
University Chancellor Tim Ryan says the school has seen declining attendance and shrinking revenue since Hurricane Katrina. He also cites the costs to maintain the school's status in Division I.
The LSU board needs to approve the move to Division III before UNO can make the switch. A decision will be made by May.
Friday's voice vote means UNO can notify the Sun Belt Conference, in the hopes of avoiding a $500,000 penalty for leaving.
