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Staff can help navigate certification roadmap

Athletics certification ensures the NCAA’s fundamental commitment to integrity in Division I athletics. That was the message NCAA Director of Academic and Membership Affairs Troy Arthur delivered Friday at an educational session designed to provide an overview of the certification program.

Arthur was joined by Committee on Athletics Certification member Judy Van Horn, senior associate athletics director at South Carolina; and NCAA staff members Mira Colman and Charnele Kemper, who work closely with the committee.

The group emphasized ways to make the certification process work most smoothly, including using the NCAA staff expertise throughout the process.

“The NCAA staff is here to help you. This can be a complex process. It behooves you to call periodically and make sure you are on track,” Van Horn said. “There’s nothing worse than going through four months of meetings and work and then realizing in some important area you missed it … The staff is available to help.”

Arthur agreed, and said the staff also pledged to continually improve athletics certification for institutions and the student-athletes who ultimately benefit from the program.

“Not only is our staff committed to helping you, we are also committed to improving the process,” Arthur said. To that end, he asked those present to help him answer some questions:

• How do we continue to improve the student-athlete experience as it relates to the athletics certification program? What can be added to enhance the student-athlete experience?
• How can we reduce the administrative burden on campus as it relates to the athletics certification program while still maintaining the integrity of certification?

Arthur asked for suggestions at tarthur@ncaa.org