REPORT OF THE
NCAA DIVISION I COMMITTEE ON ATHLETICS CERTIFICATION
FEBRUARY 21-22, 2007, MEETING
ACTION
ITEMS.
1.
Legislative Action Items.
·
None.
2.
Nonlegislative Action Items.
·
None.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.
1. Consideration of Athletics Certification Requirements for Multi-Divisional Institutions. The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification received an update from the ad hoc group of committee members and representatives from the NCAA Division I Management Council Membership Subcommittee on its discussions regarding a possible athletics certification process for multi-divisional institutions that sponsor an NCAA Division I sport(s). The Committee on Athletics Certification was informed that during its January meeting that the NCAA Division I Management Council approved the Membership Subcommittee’s recommendation that multi-divisional institutions who sponsor a Division I sport(s) in which the NCAA conducts a championship be required to complete a compliance review at least once every four years as part of its membership requirements. As a result, multi-divisional institutions will not be required to undergo athletics certification. The Committee on Athletics Certification noted this requirement is in response to concerns expressed regarding compliance with Division I legislation for multi-divisional institutions.
2. NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification Educational Outreach Subcommittee – Third-Cycle Plan and Timeline. The Committee on Athletics Certification received an update from the Educational Outreach Subcommittee regarding third-cycle educational outreach efforts. The Educational Outreach Subcommittee discussed the various activities that will be undertaken to educate the membership regarding third-cycle initiatives.
3. Updates From Third-Cycle Ad Hoc Groups. The committee received an update from the ad hoc groups reviewing each operating principle in preparation for the third cycle. Each group presented a draft of measurable standards and program areas, if applicable. The ad hoc groups will continue developing the items in each area and will provide an update at the committee's April meeting.
4. NCAA Presidential Task Force on the Future
of Division I Intercollegiate Athletics. The committee heard a summary of the
discussion by the Presidential Task Force related to the athletics
certification program. It was noted
the committee has already considered many of the recommendations of the
Presidential Task Force during third cycle planning. The committee was informed that the NCAA
Division I Board of Directors will be reviewing all recommendations in the
Presidential Task Force report at a future meeting.
The committee will continue to engage in discussions related to governing boards, presidential leadership and academic reform issues at its next meeting.
5. Academic Support Services Review. The committee confirmed that an athletics board or subcommittee of an athletics board is an appropriate entity to conduct an academic support services review, provided the subcommittee is comprised of individuals who do not work in the athletics department and who do not have day-to-day responsibilities in the academic services area(s) under review. In addition, the committee agreed an athletics board may be an appropriate entity to review and approve the academic support services review. The committee suggested that language be added to the measurable standards to provide examples of appropriate entities or groups that can conduct the review.
The committee determined institutions may use a survey as a mechanism for conducting the academic support services review provided the results are reviewed and approved by an appropriate entity and the institution can demonstrate the survey ensured a comprehensive review of the academic services provided.
6. Broad-Based Participation Requirement. The committee determined institutions must demonstrate that broad-based participation and review was used in the development of all responses and revisions throughout the athletics certification process, including those submitted subsequent to the original submission of the self-study report. This will be effective with class-nine schools.
7. Second-Cycle Certification Decisions. The committee engaged in deliberations regarding the second-cycle athletics certification status of 51 institutions.
Committee chair: Leo
M. Lambert,