The Great South Athletic Conference office announces Salem College as the conference's eighth member. The presidents and athletic directors of the GSAC voted unanimously to accept Salem with full membership status becomes effective when the 2009-10 academic year begins.

Salem is a women's institution located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The school, founded in 1772, is the oldest educational institution for women in the United States. The Spirits compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball. As part of its membership acceptance, Salem will provide a written commitment and an accompanying timetable for the sponsorship of softball as a varsity sport.

Current member institutions will adjust individual sports schedules to include Salem during the 2009-10 season. Qualification for postseason play will depend on the scheduling criteria of individual sports and, in some cases, may have to be delayed until the following year.