Feb. 27, 2003

INDIANAPOLIS, IN ... The NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification announced today George Mason University has completed the second cycle of athletics certification.

The second round of athletics certifications is being completed on a 10-year cycle rather than the five-year cycle used during the initial certification process. All 325 Division I members that are active division members must participate in the certification process, and a designation of certified means that an institution operates its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Division I membership.

"I'd like to thank all members of the George Mason university community who served on the athletics certification committee," said Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Tom O'Connor. "Their exhaustive and thorough review allowed us to meet these requirements and maintain our high standing at the NCAA Division I level."

The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. Legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993.

The certification process, which involves a self-study process led by a school's chief executive officer, includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, fiscal integrity, equity, welfare and sportsmanship.

The certification process is separate from the NCAA's enforcement program, which investigates allegations of rules violations by NCAA member institutions. A decision of certified does not exempt an institution from concurrent or subsequent enforcement proceedings.