The NCAA's Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced
Thursday its unconditional certification of the ULM Department of Athletics program, following its approval of
materials submitted by the university.
ULM joins 35 other Division I institutions across the nation earning the designation.
The
classification designates ULM as an institution that is operating its
program “in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by
the Association's Division I membership,” according to the NCAA's
findings.
"We are extremely pleased that the
Department of Athletics has received full NCAA certification," ULM President James Cofer said. "This certification assures our conformity
to the NCAA's high standards and demonstrates that ULM is committed to
the success of our student-athletes.”
“The
certification validates the commitment the university has to the
governance of rules compliance, academic integrity and the equity and
well-being of its student-athletes,” ULM Athletic Director Bobby
Staub said.
Several ULM campus committee members
devoted more than a year to preparing the materials for submission,
said ULM Associate Dean and Committee Chair Dr. Benny L. Blaylock.
“Receipt
of full NCAA accreditation without conditions is the culmination of
significant effort by a large group of dedicated faculty and staff who
contributed to the preparation of the accreditation document,” Blaylock said.
“As chair of the accreditation
committee, I would like to thank Drs. Wayne Brumfield, Luke Thomas and
Edwin Adams, sub-committee chairs, and their committee members for
their outstanding efforts on behalf of ULM's student-athletes," he said.
Dr.
Brumfield called the certification “a testament to the integrity of
athletics at ULM and the quality support staff who work diligently to
ensure compliance” and he congratulated Staub and his staff for their
hard work.
Blaylock said the process started
with the preparation of a self-study document. ULM hosted a peer review
selected by the NCAA in September 2008 to elicit feedback and address
any areas of suggested improvements.
