The UW Athletics Recertification Forum Tuesday began the discussion of results from the university's NCAA athletics certification self-study.
""Obviously this was initiated in response to a requirement by the NCAA that as a member institution we meet their objectives,"" Academic Integrity Subcommittee Chair Dale Bjorling said. ""At the same time, I think this can be looked at as an opportunity to review the programs we have within the Athletic Department and determine are there areas we could be doing better.""
According to Darrell Bazzell, NCAA Certification Steering Committee chair, the purpose of the study is to secure the NCAA's commitment to integrity in intercollegiate athletics.
""I think it's critical with a large athletic department ... It's really important to make sure that we're in full compliance with the operating principles that are set forth by the NCAA,"" he said.
The Steering Committee conducted the report over an eight-month period. For closer analysis, the committee divided into three subcommittees focusing on governance and commitment to rule compliance; academic integrity; and gender, diversity and student-athlete well-being.
Bjorling said the group's main goal is to treat athletes and others equally.
""The first operating principle within the area of academic integrity relates to the student-athlete, their role in the university and actually how they are treated as a student,"" he said.
The committee plans to maintain this principle by admitting student-athletes who have reasonable expectations of obtaining degrees and keeping academic standards consistent.
Sheila McGuirk, chair of the Gender, Diversity and Student-Athlete Well-Being Subcommittee, described the committee's main goals.
""Out first operating principle revolves around gender issues, and the athletic program shall conduct and promote its athletic program free from gender bias,"" she said.
McGuirk said it is important to support women in athletics with scholarships, updated equipment and locker rooms just as much as men.
If the report is passed by an NCAA committee, the chancellor would be assigned responsibility for the operation and the UW System Board of Regents would provide oversight. The university's response to the NCAA's analysis is due December 2009.
The NCAA Convention approved the university's first certification self-study in 1993 after a five-year cycle.
