University completes NCAA self-study

The university has finished a comprehensive review of intercollegiate athletics on campus as part of a year-long certification process by the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

All Division I institutions must go through the certification process, says Robert Haveman, professor of economics and public affairs and chair of UW–Madison’s NCAA Certification Steering Committee.

Related resource: NCAA self-study report (3550K PDF file)

UW–Madison participated in the study in preparation for a review by NCAA officials. The study examines critical areas including governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; fiscal integrity; and commitment to equity, welfare and sportsmanship.

Next, the NCAA will examine the self-study and send a peer review team for a site visit this summer. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics should receive notice of certification this fall, wrapping up a process that began in February 1999.

Haveman says the certification process is like a thorough check-up: The goal of certification is to make sure each Division 1 institution has the proper policies and procedures in place.

“This is a systematic way to take preventive measures that help athletic programs avoid problems such as violations of stringent NCAA rules,” Haveman says. “I appreciate the cooperation the committee has received from the athletics department as it has conducted this exhaustive review. We have also been assisted by a large number of people interested in the intercollegiate athletics program at Wisconsin, including students, faculty, and staff of the university, alumni, and members of the community more generally.”

Copies of the report and its numerous attachments are available for review at the Welcome Center of Camp Randall Stadium, Madison Public Library Information Desk, Helen C. White College Library, and the reference desks at Engineering, Steenbock and Memorial libraries.

In addition, the university invites public comment on the self-study at two upcoming forums, Wednesday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 18, at 7 p.m. Both meetings are planned in the W Club, Camp Randall Stadium.

UW–Madison provides opportunities for men and women to compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. Women’s sports include basketball, crew, cross country, diving, golf, hockey, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball. Men’s sports include basketball, crew, cross country, diving, football, golf, hockey, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field and wrestling.

In addition to Haveman, members of the Steering Committee include: Chancellor David Ward; Athletic Director Pat Richter; Professor James Hoyt, chair of the Athletic Board; Melany Newby, vice chancellor for legal and executive affairs; Kathy Brasier, student member, Athletic Board; Dennis Dresang, James Johannes, Jane Piliavin, Suzanne Pingree, members, Athletic Board; Al Fish, Cheryl Marra, senior woman administrator; Michael Moss, Jamie Pollard, associate athletic directors.