Elon University’s 16-sport intercollegiate athletics program has received certification from the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification. This is the university’s first certification since Elon’s membership at the Division I level became official during the 1999-2000 academic year. Certification confirms that Elon operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by Division I member institutions.
“We are extremely pleased to have received NCAA Division I certification,” said Alan White, director of athletics. “It is a tribute to the dedication, integrity and industrious work of our coaches, support staff and university administrators. I want to express my appreciation to all university personnel, trustees and friends of the program who were so thoroughly engaged in the self-study preparation. Their work was vital to this successful certification. This is a proud moment for the athletics department and yet another indicator of the quality institution that is Elon.”
The certification process, which was adopted in 1993, helps all 325 NCAA Division I institutions ensure integrity in their athletics programs. As part of the process, Elon completed a self-study led by President Leo M. Lambert that included a review of primary components such as academic integrity, fiscal integrity, commitment to rules compliance, equity and sportsmanship.
The certification committee, composed of 15 administrators from Division I institutions, reviews the self-study and helps universities identify issues that should be addressed. The university has approximately one year to respond to those issues before a final certification decision is reached.
Elon’s athletics program will undergo an interim review in 2008, with recertification scheduled for 2013.
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