The University of California, Irvine is seeking its 10-year recertification for the campus's Division I status with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, announced Robert Chichester, director of athletics and campus recreation.
UCI received its NCAA Division I certification in 1999. Certification means that UCI's athletics program meets specific NCAA standards designed to ensure academic and financial integrity, rules compliance and a commitment to equity, and that the university is eligible to continue participating in NCAA championships. To be recertified in 2008, during the months ahead the university will work with the NCAA to conclude a comprehensive review.
"We are proud of our intercollegiate athletics programs and welcome the opportunity to seek recertification with the NCAA," said Chichester. "Maintaining our certification is a demonstration of our wholehearted commitment to the principles of the NCAA, which include rule compliance, academic integrity, equity and student-athlete well-being."
The UCI committee responsible for conducting the internal review is chaired by Manuel Gómez, vice chancellor of student affairs. Gómez leads a 17-member steering committee composed of faculty, staff, administrative and community representatives.
UCI will complete an internal study by spring 2007; then in fall 2007 an NCAA external peer-review team will visit the campus and provide an independent report to the association. When the external report is complete, the NCAA will make an initial determination of the university's certification status. The NCAA has three options for certification status: "certified," "certified with conditions" and "not certified." If needed, institutions are provided time to correct deficient areas prior to being decertified.
The NCAA is a voluntary organization devoted to the sound administration of intercollegiate athletics. The association's active members are separated into three membership divisions based upon the relative emphasis and support they wish to devote to athletics within the academic context. Athletics certification was approved for Division I institutions in 1993.
UCI sponsors 23 intercollegiate athletic teams: 11 men's teams, 11 women's teams and one co-ed sailing program. Its intercollegiate athletics program is committed to the welfare of student-athletes and staff and promotes excellence in athletic and academic performance, sportsmanship, diversity and gender equity. The program also supports the University of California's mission of public service and generates a unifying spirit among students, faculty, staff and alumni that transcends communities, cultures and generations.
UCI moved up to NCAA Division I status in 1977. Since 1969, UCI has won 24 national team championships in eight different sports and has had 63 individual national champions. More than 400 UCI student-athletes have earned All-America distinction, and university teams have captured 54 conference championships. Since 1984, 2,731 UCI student-athletes have earned conference scholar-athlete awards.
About the University of California, Irvine: The University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students and about 1,400 faculty members. The second-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3.3 billion. For more UCI news, visit www.today.uci.edu.
Television: UCI has a broadcast studio available for live or taped interviews. For more information, visit www.today.uci.edu/broadcast.
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