University completes self study for NCAA certification program
Virginia Tech has completed a year-long, comprehensive self study as part of the NCAA Division I Athletics Certification program, which is required of all NCAA member schools to ensure integrity in the operation of athletics programs at the university.
Virginia Tech currently maintains a fully-certified Division I status. The university last completed the certification process in 1997-98.
The self study focused on three areas: governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, and equity and student-athlete well-being. NCAA standards (called “Operating Principles”) for each area allow universities to measure themselves compared to these standards.
The Virginia Tech certification team included President Charles W. Steger, Athletics Director Jim Weaver, and other Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff. The steering committee was chaired by Minnis Ridenour, senior fellow for resource development.
The certification team included three subcommittees. The subcommittee on governance and commitment to rules compliance was chaired by Joe Tront, professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering; the subcommittee on academic integrity was chaired by David Ford, vice provost for academic affairs; and the subcommittee on equity and student-athlete well-being was chaired by Zenobia Hikes, vice president of student affairs.
Each subcommittee submitted a report to the steering committee for review and comment. The steering committee issued a summary draft report in April for a public review and input process. The final report is being submitted to the NCAA today.
An external team of reviewers from other Division I schools will conduct an evaluation visit based on the university’s report at the university in November. The review team will submit a report to the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification who will then make the final determination of certification status.
More information on the NCAA Division I Athletics Certification process is available at www.ncaacert.vt.edu.
