University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota submits NCAA certification self-study
4/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
As part of its NCAA Division I athletics certification, the University of Minnesota has conducted a yearlong, campus-wide study of its athletics programs. After receiving public comment on the self-study, it was submitted to the NCAA on April 24.
"This self-study process has been a very positive exercise for the university community," said university Auditor Gail Klatt, who is chairing the committee responsible for the study. "It shows that over the last decade, we've made a great deal of progress in rules compliance, academic integrity, the well-being of student athletes and equity. But just as important, it has identified for us additional steps that need to be taken to ensure strong athletic programs in the future."
Certification programs are common in colleges and universities, but this is the only one that focuses solely on athletics. This will be the university's second certification. The first was completed in February 2001. Its purpose is to ensure the institution's commitment to integrity in athletics by opening athletics to the entire university community and the public. It is also an opportunity to review the alignment and integration of athletics with university mission.
The specific areas examined in the self-study include academic integrity, governance, commitment to rules compliance, equity and student-athlete well being. A broad cross-section of university administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, student-athletes and community members were involved in the process.
The final self-study report submitted to the NCAA can be viewed at https://www.myu.umn.edu/metadot/index.pl?iid=3114248
The next step in the process is a peer review visit to campus in October and a final decision by the NCAA Certification Committee in February 2009.
