University of Connecticut Certified By NCAA

STORRS, Conn. (April 25, 2008) --- The University of Connecticut has been re-certified by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), affirmation that the institution operates its athletics program in conformity with the operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.

Similar to the University’s reaccreditation process for its academic operation, NCAA certifications are conducted on 10-year cycles. UConn last went through the process and was certified in 1998.  Also similar to reaccreditation, the certification follows a comprehensive, year-long self study of the division’s operations, a site visit by a peer review team, a NCAA certification committee’s review of the self-study, and a report by the peer review team.

The self-study includes a review of these primary components:  governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity and student-athlete well-being.

Ronald Schurin, an associate professor of political science and former executive special assistant to then-President Philip E. Austin who chaired the self-study committee, said the division – and the University – did well virtually across the board.

“We’re blessed in that we’ve been successful on the field while operating a program that is integrated into the mission of the University,” Schurin says. “We have winning teams and we do well in all the important areas. This is a tribute to both the institution’s commitment to the integrity of the program, and the dedication of an exceptional staff and outstanding student-athletes.”

Schurin made particular mention of the University’s academic support for student-athletes.

“The site visit team and the NCAA itself had real praise for the academic support provided through the Counseling Program for Intercollegiate Athletics (CPIA),” Schurin said. “In fact, the NCAA asked if they could share with other schools the report compiled on the CPIA’s activities.

“We’re also doing well with equity, where we’ve been a national leader in promoting access. And to our gratification, the self-study team found that the institution goes the extra mile in assuring that our student-athletes receive appropriate educational support. We’re very mindful that the emphasis in the phrase ‘student-athlete’ is on the first word of that configuration.”

Schurin said the self-study committee and several sub-committees, which comprised about 60 volunteers, also found conformity to NCAA rules and regulations “in every important area.”

The University has 650 student-athletes participating in 24 intercollegiate sports at the Division I level, the highest level of athletics in the collegiate ranks.

“I’m very pleased to learn today that the University of Connecticut has been certified by the NCAA following a full review of our entire athletics program, as part of the NCAA’s ongoing, mandatory, certification process,” UConn President Michael Hogan says. “I’m very proud of our athletics administration and coaches, our student-athletes and the many staff members who do so well representing UConn in intercollegiate athletic competition. The NCAA’s certification is a testament to the quality of our program and the principles that we seek to cultivate.”

“The NCAA certification is a testimony to the commitment of our entire University,” added UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway. “The operating principals that the NCAA requires each member school to follow are a priority to our institution and all who are part of the greater University community.  I want to publicly thank the many Division staff members, UConn faculty/staff, campus administrators and friends of the University who participated in this important process.  I also wish to recognize our student-athletes and coaches who represent the University each and every day.  Their passion and dedication has allowed us to be successful academically, athletically and in the development of outstanding leaders in our communities.”