May 5, 2006
INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced that UCF received full certification during the recently completed second cycle of athletics certification. UCF President John Hitt was informed of the committee's decision in a letter dated May 1.
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.
"Because the certification process is so extensive and the review of our self-study by the committee was so thorough, we take certification to be a very positive stamp of approval," Hitt said. "That designation shows that we have a strong foundation and a good infrastructure in place with which to operate a quality Division I athletics program."
A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.
"We strive to provide a meaningful and rewarding athletics experience for all of our student-athletes within the guidelines adopted by the NCAA's membership," UCF Director of Athletics Steve Orsini said. "It is very gratifying to be judged by your peers to be operating in a manner consistent with those tenets."
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.
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.