NCAA Certification Self Study

Abstract

The NCAA began a program of certification for all Division 1 institutions in 1993 and now conducts certification reviews of each institution every ten years. The University of Minnesota was last certified in 1999 and is now beginning its second certification cycle. The NCAA certification process has three primary components: 1) a comprehensive self-study performed by the institution; 2) an external peer review conducted by representatives of peer institutions; and 3) the actual certification decision by the NCAA. The entire process takes 18 months to complete.

The NCAA views the certification process as a key component in demonstrating its fundamental commitment to integrity in intercollegiate athletics by:

* opening the affairs of athletics to the university community and the public; * setting standards for the operation of Division 1 programs; and * putting tough sanctions in place for institutions that fail to conduct a comprehensive self-study or to correct problems.

The University's self-study will assess our program in the areas of academic integrity, equity, student-athlete well being, and governance and rules compliance. Sub-committees have been established to complete the self-study in each of these respective areas. Our stated goals for this effort are to:

* Affirm the alignment of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics with the University of Minnesota's mission and its commitment to uncompromising integrity. * Affirm that the activities of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics are consistent with NCAA, Big Ten, and University principles, rules, and policies. * Inform the University and broader public communities about the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics' processes, goals, and purposes. * Provide a comprehensive, public, and transparent dialogue about the role of intercollegiate athletics in the University experience. * Identify opportunities to improve the operations of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, the University (where appropriate), and the overall experience of our student-athletes. * Develop specific action plans to act upon the opportunities identified. * Identify areas of excellence and best practices for broader adoption. * Receive an unconditional certification from the NCAA Certification Committee.