EIU Media Relations

Third-Cycle Recertification Process Begins for EIU Athletics

Eastern Illinois University President Bill Perry has announced the start of the National Collegiate Athletic Association third-cycle recertification process for the university's department of athletics.

The campus received its second certification by the NCAA in 2001.

The most recent certification process will evaluate the athletic department's commitment to three operating principles outlined by the NCAA:

1. Governance and commitment to rules.
2. Academic integrity.
3. Gender/diversity issues and student-athlete well being.

In preparation for this recertification process, Perry appointed a steering committee which will lead a comprehensive and transparent self-study evaluating the integration of these principles within the governance and day-to-day operations of Eastern's athletic department. Jill Owen, professor and chair of the institution's kinesiology and sport studies department, will serve as the steering committee chair.

Reflecting the broad-based nature of the self-study, the steering committee has representation from governance, faculty, staff, student-athletes, alumni and community supporters.

Along with the steering committee, the president has appointed three subcommittees that will work in collaboration with the steering committee to complete a thorough self-study.

"The certification process is an opportunity for us to evaluate our entire program," said EIU Athletic Director Barbara Burke. "Having this diverse group of individuals review our processes will allow us to improve our program for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans."

Work on this project began in September 2009 and will continue through February 2011 when the final decision is delivered to the president by the NCAA. Eastern is scheduled to deliver a report to the NCAA in April 2010; an on-campus visit by a peer review team will take place in October 2010.

A tentative written plan outlines the details of the self-study process, including objectives and goals, and provides a complete timeline of events. That plan, in addition to other information, can be found at http://www.eiu.edu/ncaa/.