BULLS NEWS

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced on Thursday that the University at Buffalo has received a status of certified following a long and comprehensive self-study process. A designation of certified means "an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership."

The purpose of athletics certification is "to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments." The certification process is a self-study, led by an institution's chief executive officer, that includes a review of four primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; equity; and welfare.

Bill Maher

"We are pleased that the NCAA has validated our self-study process with this fully certified status," said Bill Maher, Interim Director of Athletics. "This certification is the culmination of two years of work by many members of the UB community and we are grateful for their effort and assistance. As we continue to move the Division of Athletics toward our goal of winning Mid-American Conference championships, this decision reaffirms the emphasis the University places in operating an intercollegiate athletics program in compliance with the principles of the NCAA."

A total of 18 schools were granted certified status after undergoing the NCAA's second cycle of athletics certification. The second round of athletics certifications is being completed on a 10-year cycle rather than a five-year cycle used during the initial certification process after NCAA legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993. All 326 active NCAA Division I members participate in the certification process.