NCAA Certification
April 16, 2009
Celebrating a big win.....
NCAA Recertifies ISU Athletics for Maximum 10 Years
Indiana State University's intercollegiate athletics program has been granted recertification for a full 10 years by the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification.
Similar to accreditation of academic programs, certification is intended to ensure integrity in a college or university’s athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments.
Indiana State is among 35 colleges and universities whose recertification was announced by the NCAA today (April 16).
“It is indeed a significant achievement to be recertified by the NCAA as a Division I program,” said ISU President Daniel J. Bradley. “This action is just one more indication of Indiana State’s commitment to excellence in athletics as well as academics. We can all be proud of this achievement.”
The certification process involved a self-study led by an institution’s president or chancellor and a campus visit by a peer review team. It included a review of governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and the well-being of student-athletes. Certification means an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the NCAA Division I membership.
“I am pleased, but certainly not surprised, to learn the NCAA has granted Indiana State its highest level of certification. The people we have in our university and athletics department that worked diligently to research and prepare the evidence for this certification are outstanding,” said Athletics Director Ron Prettyman.
“During the past 10 years, since our last certification, Indiana State University has operated the athletics program with pride and excellence. Those qualities were recognized by the NCAA. I want to thank the many faculty, staff, students and community members for a job well done throughout the certification process.”
Indiana State’s 117-page self-study report demonstrated the university’s commitment to recruiting student-athletes with the ability to excel in the classroom as well as in athletic competition.
During the reporting period used in the recertification process, graduation success rates at Indiana State exceeded the national rate for all Division I athletes, with four sports – baseball, softball, men’s tennis and women’s soccer – achieving rates of 100 percent. ISU players have frequently been recognized for their academic achievements by the Missouri Valley Conference and national organizations.
The self-study also reviewed Indiana State’s compliance with NCAA rules, and contains plans for ongoing improvement in the areas of equity and student-athlete welfare.
A 16-member steering committee chaired by David Wright, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, oversaw the self-study portion of the process. The committee included faculty, staff and student representatives as well as community members and a member of the Board of Trustees.
The NCAA launched its certification process in 1993. The second round of athletics certifications is being completed on a 10-year cycle rather than the five-year cycle used during initial certification. All 326 active Division I members participate in the NCAA certification process.