Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to Study Athletics Program
 
TexasA&MUniversityis conducting a year-long, campus-wide effort to study its athletics program as part of the NCAA Division I athletics certification program. The study will cover academic and fiscal integrity, governance, rules compliance, commitment to equity, student athlete welfare, sportsmanship and how the activities of the athletic program relate to the mission and purpose of the institution.

The NCAA certification study is similar to the academic accreditation process the University regularly undergoes, but this program focuses solely on certification of athletics programs.
 
“This certification is required for all Division I athletic programs,” said Ray Hayes, vice-president for finance and administration. “This is the first time we go through it, and it will assure that our program is in compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.”  Division I membership requires the self study once every 10 years, along with a five-year interim status report.
 
The year-long study, which includes faculty, students and the community, will culminate with a four-day evaluation by an external review team in October or November. The reviewers, who are peers from other colleges, universities or conference offices, will report to the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification, another independent group. The committee will then determine the institution’s certification status and announce the decision.
 
Within each area to be studied by the committee, the program has standards, called operating principles, which were adopted by the Association to place a “measuring stick” by which all Division I members are evaluated. The three options of certification status include certified; certified with conditions; and not certified. Institutions have the opportunity to correct deficient areas, but those that do not take corrective actions may be ruled ineligible for NCAA championships.

The committee responsible for the study will include President Robert R. Furgason; Hayes, who chairs the steering committee; various members of the university faculty and staff; and athletics department personnel.