The Big Ten Conference announced Monday afternoon that the University of Maryland will join the league beginning July 1, 2014.

The Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors unanimously approved the addition of Maryland, which will be leaving the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“Today is a watershed moment for the University of Maryland,” university president Dr. Wallace D. Loh said. “Membership in the Big Ten Conference is in the strategic interest of the University of Maryland. It will not only ensure the financial vitality of Maryland athletics for decades to come, but the extensive opportunities in the CIC for collaborations with our peer AAU and flagship universities in education, research, and innovation will boost the University of Maryland’s ascendancy in academic excellence.”

Maryland Athletic Director Kevin Anderson echoed those sentiments, adding “We are thrilled to join the Big Ten and look forward to beginning this next chapter if Maryland Athletics starting in 2014.”

Maryland had to submit a written application, which had to be approved by at least 70 percent of the Big Ten Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C). The formal application was submitted Monday morning and the COP/C approved it by conference call.

“The Big Ten Conference is excited to welcome the University of Maryland beginning with the 2014-15 academic year,” Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany said. “Maryland is a tradition-rich institution with a history of academic and athletic excellence. They’re a great fit and we look forward to a great future.”

Michigan State Athletics Director Mark Hollis is also happy to have the Terrapins joining the league.

“The Big Ten has continued to monitor the national landscape and the timing is right for expansion,” Hollis said. “Maryland has a longstanding history of academic and athletic success, so it’s a good fit. The addition of Maryland expands the Big Ten footprint to the East Coast and significantly increases the conference’s demographics.”

Maryland is a charter member of the ACC, which was founded in 1953.

Big East member Rutgers, is expected to also join the Big Ten no later than Tuesday. The addition of Rutgers would give the Big Ten 14 schools.

Rutgers may have to wait until 2015 to begin competition as the Big East has a 27-month notification period for schools wishing to leave on top of its $10 million exit fee.

The ACC voted following its addition of Notre Dame to all sports except football, to raise its exit fee to $50 million. Maryland was one of two schools that voted against the proposal.