Aug. 3, 2005
The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is currently taking part in the NCAA certification process. This initiative, directed by the NCAA, is complete by all NCAA Division 1A institutions every 10 years. NCAA Certification is a joint project completed by the institution with NCAA review.
Each Division 1A athletics program takes part in the certification process in an effort to improve all operations including compliance. The mission of the certification process is educational for the institution, the department of athletics, the institution's student-athletes and its external constituencies, including all boosters.
As required by federal law, any information related to specific student-athletes may not be publicly released. The finalized report is due on October 15, 2005 with final results expected sometime in 2006.
"This communication is part of the comprehensive efforts of the department to inform and educate people who have the potential to interact with Mizzou's student-athletes including faculty and staff, donors, merchants and retail establishments. We believe this is the appropriate approach to take to adhere to NCAA rules and provide proactive prevention," stated Director of Athletics Mike Alden. "Our communications related to NCAA rules compliance are not sent out as a warning as a result of specific instances. They are sent to educate and inform."
"As part of its proactive, preventive educational efforts with regard to NCAA rules compliance, the athletics department regularly communicates with boosters and friends of the program. No particular activity or entity is targeted by these letters, rather, they serve to advise the various constituencies of NCAA rules and is part of the overall mission of educating institutional staff, coaches and student-athletes," said Dr. Michael Devaney, Chair of the University of Missouri's certification committee.
Mizzou last completed a full NCAA certification in 1997. At that time, the institution was fully certified. The University began its current process in 2004.
"I regard the periodic certification review by the NCAA as a very healthy process, as does the leadership of our Athletic Department," University of Missouri-Columbia Chancellor Brady Deaton commented." While the review is far from complete this year and any comment on it premature, we use this process to better serve our student-athletes, help assure complete compliance with regulations and strengthen our entire program."
"This is part of a routine process which takes place once a decade. The NCAA certification process is one in which all institutions participate," stated Big 12 Conference commissioner Kevin Weiberg. "It is a normal part of the education process to share information with boosters and other friends of the program and this is a common component."