After a yearlong self-study and review process, the University of Notre Dame received unconditional certification this week from the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification.p. Established in 1993 as part of the NCAA’s reform agenda, the committee oversees a certification program designed to ensure integrity in collegiate athletic operations and to assist departments in improving their programs. All 307 Division I members must complete the process by the end of 1998.p. Athletic departments receiving unconditional certification have shown they administer their programs in “substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.”p. Notre Dame’s certification process began in late 1995 when Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., president of the University, appointed a 47-member committee to examine all aspects of the athletic department, with particular emphasis on governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, fiscal integrity, and commitment to equity.p. Upon completion of the self-study, the committee submitted a report to a peer-review panel comprised of individuals from other Division I institutions. The panel evaluated the self-study and made recommendations to the Committee of Athletics Certification, which this week announced its decision to certify Notre Dame unconditionally.p. The University’s self-study committee was chaired by Nathan O. Hatch, provost and professor of history. Subcommittees on governance, academic integrity, fiscal integrity and equity were chaired, respectively, by Patricia O’Hara, vice president for student affairs and professor of law; A. James McAdams, associate professor of government; William Nichols, associate dean for MBA programs and professor of accountancy; and Carol Kaesebier, vice president and general counsel.
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