FLORENCE — The University of North Alabama’s move from Division II up to Division I athletics moved one step closer to reality Monday when the subcommittee appointed to study the transition recommended to the board of trustees the university make the move.

While the recommendation does not mean the move will happen, it makes the process easier. An official vote on the move will likely occur at the next meeting, which will take place in June.

The move has been opposed by students, who will shoulder some of the costs associated with Division I athletics through an increase in the school’s athletic fee. All students have to pay the fee, and many students are not in favor of the increase because of the recent tuition increases.

Last month 1,774 students voted on the issue with 58 percent of participants opposed to the move and 70 percent saying they did not want to pay for the move.

The subcommittee’s recommendation was not unanimous. For the move to become final, it will take a majority vote by the entire board of trustees.