University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Senate

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AB.00.01
December 6, 1999

Memo
To: University of Illinois Senate
From: Ron Guenther
Date: 11/17/99
Re: Status of NCAA Certification

This summary report is submitted to provide an update on the status of the NCAA Certification Program conducted at the University of Illinois on May 10th through May 13th, 1999.

In November of 1997, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics reported to the Senate its plans to participate in the NCAA Certification Program during the 1998-99 academic year. As explained in the report, the NCAA Certification Program is a mandatory institutional self-study. The self-study is verified and evaluated by an external committee (Peer Review Team) comprised of individuals from other Division I institution and is required ever 10 years in order to insure that the institutions is operating within the principles set by the NCAA.

We are pleased to report that the letter received by Chancellor Aiken from the NCAA Membership Services Representative suggests that we are in substantial compliance in all areas with recommendations. A summary of the review process and the findings and recommendations of the Self-Study Review and the peer Review Team are included in this report.

Summary of Review Process Findings

During the November 1997 meeting of the Senate, a self-study written plan was presented to the Senate, outlining the schedule for the self study plan; the statement of the goals of the Certification Program and its relevant components; and a timetable for activities leading up to the Peer Review Team's official visit. The goals of the Certification Program as listed in the report were:

· To complete and accurate and comprehensive review of the intercollegiate athletic program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

· To provide a comprehensive historic overview of the intercollegiate athletic program at the University of Illinois which demonstrates its history particularly related to the inclusion and support of women's sports.

· To involve key campus and off-campus constituencies in the review process through broad based membership on the Steering Committee and the four sub committees-Governance, Academic Integrity, Fiscal Integrity, and Gender Equity.

· To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current intercollegiate athletic program.

· To assess whether the NCAA operating principles are being met.

· To identifies a five-year plan and strategies for improvement.

· To provide a comprehensive budgetary plan to ensure compliance with Gender Equity and Title IX.

· To share findings and suggestions with the campus community and seek input.

In accordance with these goals, the University initiated the Certification Program.

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics conducted a Self -Study Review to respond to the required self study items provided by the NCAA. A Steering Committee with four subcommittees were formed to review, evaluate and make recommendations in the following four areas:

A. Governance and Commitment to Rules Compliance
B. Academic Integrity
C. Fiscal Integrity
D. Equity and student welfare

As a result of the review, a comprehensive self-study report was submitted to the NCAA and to the Peer Review Team.

The subcommittee made several recommendations, which the Peer Review Team concurred. Those recommendations were:

A. Link athletics mission statement and "The Basis for Institutional Control at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign" to Fighting Illini.com.
B. Adopt special presentation for all booster groups
C. Complete and distribute compliance manual.
D. Stagger Athletic Audit Review Committee (AARC) terms
E. Department head orientation include information about student-athletes
F. Coaches education about academic potential of prospects.
G. Publicize achievements of teams.
H. Academic Progress and Eligibility Committee consider proposing to senate that drop deadline be extended by two to four weeks.
I. Academic Progress and Eligibility Committee consider proposing review of cumulative GPA computing.

Of the recommendations above, several were put in place before the arrival of the peer Review Team, and the others are currently in progress.

In addition to responding to the subcommittees, the Peer Review Team made two recommendations. They were:

The peer-review team recommends that the institution consolidate the current gender plan, the Balance 2000 Plan, the Update 2000-2005 Plan, and other elements identified in the self-study into a gender-equity plan for the athletics department.

The peer-review team recommends that institution consolidate the current minority opportunities plan, the Balance 2000 Plan, the Update 2000_2005 Plan, and other elements identified in the self-study into a minority opportunities plan for the athletics department.

Both of these recommendations have been completed and submitted to the Peer Review Team. Consequently, the Peer Review Team has received all of the required information necessary for them to complete and provide their final report.