Copy by John Maguire, University RelationsMACOMB, Ill. - The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced Western Illinois University has obtained certified status after having undergone the Association?s cycle of athletics certification.?The committee?s decision to certify Western?s athletics program recognizes the outstanding work of our athletic administration, staff and coaches in the operation of our program and in providing a quality experience for our student athletes,? said Western President Al Goldfarb. ?The University?s NCAA self-study committee and the entire campus should be commended for this effort.? 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 is a self-study led by an institution?s chief executive officer, includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and student athlete welfare.A designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership. The NCAA committee views the certification process as a way to educate individuals across the campus about the goals and purposes on the intercollegiate athletics program, reveal aspects of the program that are worthy or praise and provide an opportunity to improve the program.The University?s NCAA certification process began in January 2004 with the establishment of a steering committee of campus and community members responsible for completing the self-study document for presentation to an NCAA review team. A three-member NCAA visit team met with University representatives in February to discuss Western?s self-study and issued a report to the Athletics Certification Committee.While academic accreditation is common in colleges and universities, this program focuses solely on certification of athletics programs. Following a pilot project, the Division I membership overwhelmingly supported the program and its standards at the 1993 NCAA convention. Western completed its first certification self-study in 1996-97 and received certified status. At the 1997 convention, the Division I membership voted to change the frequency of athletics certification from once every five years to once every 10 years and to require a five-year interim-status report. An interim report was submitted to the NCAA in May 2001, after which the University?s certified status was reaffirmed.Tim Van Alstine serves as director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The NCAA self-study committee was chaired by Vice President for Student Services Garry Johnson. Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Larry Mortier served as the institutional liaison to the NCAA. Committee members included faculty, staff, administrators, coaches, students and community representatives.The NCAA is a membership organization of colleges and universities that participate in intercollegiate athletics. The primary purpose of the Association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete is an integral part of the student body. Activities of the NCAA membership include formulating rules of play for NCAA sports, conducting national championships, adopting and enforcing standards of eligibility, and studying all phases of intercollegiate athletics.