PISCATAWAY, NJ - The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced today that the Rutgers University athletics program is one of 19 programs nationally to achieve certification after undergoing the Association's second cycle of athletics certification. A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.
The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. NCAA legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993. The certification process, which involves a self-study led by an institution's president or chancellor, includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and student-athlete well-being.
'We are pleased that the certification process has affirmed that our program operates in compliance with NCAA guidelines and standards,' said Rutgers President Dr. Richard L. McCormick. 'Our entire university has benefited from this process.'
The second round of athletics certifications is being completed on a 10-year cycle rather than the five-year cycle used during the initial certification process. All 326 active Division I members participate in the certification process. This was the second certification affirmation for the Rutgers athletics program since the initiative was adopted by the NCAA in 1993.
The Division I Committee on Athletics Certification preliminarily reviews an institution's certification materials and provides a list of issues identified during the evaluation. The university then hosts a visit by peer reviewers who file a report regarding the institution's resolution of those issues before a final certification decision is rendered. An institution's failure to satisfactorily respond to the committee may negatively impact certification status.
'Achieving certification is a significant confirmation for our program and all of the components that comprise it,' said Director of Athletics Robert E. Mulcahy III. 'I'd especially like to thank Dr. McCormick and the members of the Self Study Committee for their diligent and thorough review of our program.'
The certification process is separate from the NCAA's enforcement program, which investigates allegations of rules violations by NCAA member institutions. A decision of certified does not exempt an institution from concurrent or subsequent enforcement proceedings.
Rutgers is a member of the Big East Conference, with 30 men's and women's teams competing at the NCAA Division I-A level.
