Aug. 18, 2011

CHICAGO - Following a comprehensive campus self-study and review by the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification, the UIC intercollegiate athletics program received certification today by the NCAA, the organization announced at its Indianapolis headquarters.

An institution that is certified is considered to be operating its athletics program in compliance with operating principles adopted by the Association's Division I membership. In preparation for recertification, UIC conducted a self-study to evaluate athletics in the key areas of governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, and gender/diversity and student-athlete well-being. The self-study was then submitted, along with corroborating data, to the NCAA.

"We're thrilled to be able to announce that our athletic department is fully certified," said UIC Athletic Director Jim Schmidt. "This process involved an 18-month self-examination of our athletic department, and includes a lengthy look at elements that date back nearly five years. It took a lot of hard work by some very dedicated people, and we're extremely pleased with the results. I'm grateful for the leadership of our steering committee and the sub-committee chairs who worked very hard to make our athletic program better for the future."

The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletic program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments, according to the NCAA. Athletics certification originated at the Division I 1993 convention, and was a central component of the NCAA's reform agenda.

Each NCAA member institution is to complete a self-study at least once every 10 years. However, no active members will begin the certification until Aug. 1, 2013 because of the suspension of the certification program.