Division II and III institutions are required to conduct a comprehensive self-study and evaluation of their intercollegiate athletics programs at least once every five years using the Institutional Self-Study Guide (ISSG).
A completed ISSG is to be retained on file with the institution and made available for examination upon request by authorized representatives of the Association.
Conference Self-Study Guide (CSSG)
Division III conferences are required to conduct a comprehensive self-study and evaluation of their athletics programs at least once every five years, using the Conference Self-Study Guide (CSSG).
The completed CSSG is to be retained on file with the conference office and make available for examination on request by authorized representatives of the Association.
The Programs Purpose
One of the initial purposes of the self-study is to sensitize conference and institutional administrators and key campus constituencies to questions and areas of concern within athletics programs. In this role, the self-study serves not only as an information-gathering tool, but also as a checklist to help ensure a comprehensive review.
The self-study also has been designed to help pinpoint specific areas where policies, procedures or practices (or lack thereof) may represent areas for enhancement. For this use, it is essential that the self-study be completed as accurately as possible by conference and campus constituencies that are widely representative of different viewpoints regarding the athletics program.
Cycle for Completion
ISSG
The ISSG must be completed at least once every five years for a Division II or III institution to meet the self-study requirements of Constitution 6.3.1 An institution may choose to complete the ISSG at any time within its five-year cycle. For example, as changes in institutional or athletics leadership occur, the ISSG may be a helpful tool in familiarizing key administrators (e.g. CEO, faculty athletics representative, director of athletics) with their jobs and/or provide the institution with a current evaluation of its athletics program.
CSSG
The CSSG must be completed at least once every five years for a Division III conference to meet the self-study requirements of Constitution 3.3.4.6. A conference may choose to complete the CSSG at any time within its five-year cycle. This legislation was made effective August 1, 2006 to begin the two-year window for completion of the first self-study making the initial CSSG due no later than August 1, 2008.
More Information
For more information regarding the CSSG and/or ISSG process, please contact the membership services department at the NCAA national office (317/917-6222).
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