UW-Madison receives athletics recertification

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received athletics recertification from the NCAA for another 10 years.

In preparation for recertification, UW–Madison conducted a self-study assessment to evaluate athletics in key areas: governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, and gender/diversity and student-athlete well-being.

“This is a significant accomplishment, and one in which we take pride,” says Chancellor Biddy Martin. “The NCAA’s recertification validates ongoing efforts to deliver excellence in sports, in students’ academic experience, and in other significant aspects of athletics. The process was thorough and afforded an opportunity to take a top-to-bottom look at our program to ensure it meeds our own expectations, fulfills NCAA requirements and meets the standards of the people of Wisconsin.”

Darrell Bazzell, vice chancellor for administration, chaired the campus recertification steering committee.

“I am pleased that UW–Madison and our athletic program are being recognized for operating in accordance with the NCAA’s highest standards and values,” Bazzell says. “My thanks go out to everyone across campus who participated in this process and helped tell the story of how athletics supports the institution’s mission.”

The steering committee monitored the progress of the subcommittees and presented conclusions and recommendations.

The three subcommittees were responsible for collecting and reviewing information pertinent to their respective criteria, and submitting recommendations to the steering committee.

Each subcommittee was chaired by a faculty member of the Athletic Board and included representatives across campus.

“The NCAA certification process involves a thorough examination of our athletic department and I’m very pleased to receive the good news that we have been certified,” says athletics director Barry Alvarez.

The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution’s athletic program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments, according to the NCAA.

Athletics certification originated at the Division I 1993 convention, and was a central component of the NCAA’s reform agenda. UW–Madison was first certified in 1994 and again in 2000.

For more information on the campus’ recertification process, visit: http://ncaacertification.wisc.edu/