May 21, 2004

Columbia, SC –

The NCAA Division 1 Committee on Athletics Certification announced this week that the University of South Carolina has successfully undergone the Association’s second cycle of athletics certification and has been officially certified by the NCAA.

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, which is a self-study led by an institution’s chief executive officer, includes a review of several primary components, including governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; fiscal integrity; equity; welfare; and sportsmanship. A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division 1 membership.

The following universities received certification notice this week: Belmont University, Coastal Carolina University, Kansas State University, Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus, Manhattan College, Mercer University, Niagara University, University of Notre Dame, San Jose State University, University of South Carolina.