Saluki Athletics passes 10-Year NCAA Certification review
04/22/2008 | 12:00:00 | General
April 22, 2008
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University has passed its 10-year NCAA certification review, the national governing body for intercollegiate athletics announced recently. Every NCAA member institution is required to complete an in-depth self-study of its athletic programs. SIU was last certified by the NCAA in 1998.
"This is similar to receiving a 10-year clean bill of health from the doctor," said director of athletics Mario Moccia. "I'd like to personally thank the 34 individuals on the various committees, who volunteered countless hours to see this important study through to completion."
SIU Chancellor Dr. Sam Goldman said he was grateful for the thoroughness and professionalism of those who served the University during this process.
"Certification sends a clear message that the University and the athletics department adhere to the highest standards of intercollegiate athletics," he said.
The areas of emphasis of the 159-page self-study, which is posted on the Athletics website (www.SIUSalukis.com), are academic integrity, governance and commitment to rules compliance, and equity and student-athlete well-being.
The self-study examined an athletic enterprise at SIU which operates on an $11.7 million budget, employs 82 people and comprises 388 student-athletes. The process involved a steering committee, led by Law School Dean Peter Alexander, and three subcommittees. Associate AD Kathy Jones, who was the campus liaison with the NCAA, said the study was a very detailed exercise of gathering data and drafting documents.
"Certification is an opportunity for the athletics department to involve the rest of the University in an examination of how we do business," Jones said. "Thoughtful questions were asked and have given us direction as we move forward. Through this process, we make ourselves better."
Dr. Pat Manfredi, associate professor of philosophy, co-chaired one of the subcommittees, and said participating in the process opened his eyes to the range of issues that impact student-athlete welfare.
"I learned that our athletics program values the academic success of their athletes as highly as they value their athletic success," he said. "The process is valuable for three reasons: first, with respect to our compliance with NCAA regulations, it identifies areas where we excel and areas where improvement is still possible; second, it informs the University community about the high quality of all aspects of our athletic program; third, and most importantly, it guarantees that we are doing the best we can for all of our athletes in furthering their growth and well-being in all areas of their lives."
The majority of committee participants were not involved with athletics at SIU.
"I want to thank all the people who gave of their time to participate in the self-study process," Jones said. "In particular, the subcommittee co-chairs and athletics department liaisons spent innumerable hours in gathering data and drafting. I would also like to thank my assistant, Tammy Pugh, who staffed this whole process and without whose help we wouldn't have been nearly so organized."
