Grambling, LA – The Grambling State University athletics program is one of seven Division I programs to receive certification from the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), as released by the national office.
The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. NCAA legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993.
The certification process, which involves a self-study led by an institution's president or chancellor, includes a review of three primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; gender/ diversity issues; academic integrity; and student-athlete well-being.
“We are not surprised by this outcome as we have worked hard to develop a quality athletic program,” noted GSU Athletic Director J. Lin Dawson. “With the top all-sports program in the Southwest Athletic Conference this past year, we were always confident that we would be successful. Our goal now is to continue to compete at the top of our game and to provide our students with the best education possible,” he added.
A designation of “certified” means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership. Grambling State is one of five universities which were certified with no conditions. The list includes:
- Alabama State University
- Grambling State University
- Texas Southern University
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
In addition, two Division I institutions have been certified with conditions. Those are:
- Idaho State University
- University of Wyoming
“Certified with conditions” means that the institution is considered to be operating its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the NCAA's Division I membership. However, problems identified during the course of the institution's self-study and the peer-review team's evaluation were considered serious enough by the Committee on Athletics Certification to cause it to withhold full certification until those problems have been corrected.
All 335 active Division I members participate in the athletics certification process.
GSU President Frank G. Pogue stated, “We are always excited when one of our programs is recertified. Our core mission is academics but athletic opportunities provide some of our students with a chance for an education they may not have otherwise. We will celebrate this achievement and look forward to many others.”
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GSU Public Relations & NCAA Public and Media Relations contributed on release.
