Virginia Athletics Department Certified By NCAA

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July 31, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The University of Virginia’s Department of Athletics has been certified by the NCAA as part of the national association’s second cycle of certification. The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced decisions on Monday (July 31) concerning the certification status of 19 Division I member institutions.

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.

“To have successfully completed the NCAA self-study is a good thing for the Department of Athletics and the University,” said UVa Director of Athletics Craig Littlepage. “With the “certification” classification, all constituencies can rest assured we are operating our athletics programs in a manner that is consistent with the guiding principles of NCAA Division I membership. I appreciate the hard work put in by faculty, administrators, department staff and student-athletes during this process.”

A designation of certified means an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.

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.