Marketing & Communications
Division of University Relations and Development
News Release
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NCAA Certifies San Diego State University Athletics Program Contact: Jason Foster SAN DIEGO – (Thursday, May 25, 2006)– The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced today that it has certified the integrity of San Diego State University’s intercollegiate athletics program as part of its ongoing review of college athletics programs around the country. The certification process reviewed issues such as governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, equity and student-athlete well-being. The "certified" designation means that SDSU operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership. "We are pleased and gratified that San Diego State has been fully certified by the NCAA. This is the ultimate barometer of success in Division I Athletics operations. The areas covered – governance and rules compliance, academic integrity, and student-athlete well-being – are at the core of our values. We will continue to make these our priorities as we move forward," said SDSU Athletics Director Jeff Schemmel. SDSU completed a comprehensive athletics self-study report as part of the certification process in the fall of 2005. President Stephen L. Weber appointed Vice President of Student Affairs James Kitchen to lead the steering committee that compiled the report. The committee included faculty, staff, administrators, student-athletes, members of the University Senate, and members of the community. "I would like to thank our university committee members, who worked countless hours during this process," Schemmel said. "That includes President Weber, Dr. James Kitchen, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Sally Roush, Associate Athletic Director Jenny Bramer, head softball coach Kathy Van Wyk, and all of the committee chairs, faculty and staff who participated and worked diligently throughout the certification process. They can take great pride in their efforts and the results." Kitchen said, "We did a thorough and thoughtful self-analysis, and also sought public input. The certification is a tribute to the hard work we are doing at SDSU to put forth a quality athletic program and to comply with NCAA regulations." An external team of reviewers – peers from other universities, colleges, or conference offices – also conducted an on-campus evaluation visit in the spring of 2006. NCAA legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993. The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in an institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. The NCAA is in its second round of athletics certifications. 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 San Diego State University Athletics program includes 18 sports and more than 500 student athletes. The Aztecs enjoyed one of their most successful athletic campaigns in school history this past academic year, with seven sports – men's basketball, men's golf, men's soccer, softball, men's tennis, women's tennis and women's track and field – either advancing or sending individuals to compete in NCAA championships. In addition, six SDSU athletic programs - men's golf, men's soccer, softball, men's tennis, women's tennis and water polo - were nationally ranked during 2005-06. SDSU is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 72 and doctorates in 16. SDSU’s nearly 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct faculty contact and an increasingly international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu. ### |
